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Ingredients
- 🍗 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced (rotisserie chicken works great)
- 🍄 2 cups mushrooms, sliced (button or cremini mushrooms work well)
- 🌾 1 cup wild rice, rinsed
- 🧅 1 medium onion, diced
- 🧄 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 🧈 2 tablespoons butter
- 🧑🍳 4 cups chicken broth
- 🥛 1 ½ cups half-and-half (or heavy cream for extra richness)
- 🧂 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 🧂 Salt and pepper, to taste
- 🧀 ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for extra flavor)
- 🌿 Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
How to Make Creamy Mushroom Chicken and Wild Rice Soup
Step 1: Cook the Wild Rice
1️⃣ Start by cooking the wild rice according to the package instructions (usually about 45 minutes). Set it aside once done.
Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables
2️⃣ In a large pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the onion and garlic and sauté for about 3-4 minutes, until softened.
3️⃣ Add the mushrooms to the pot and cook for another 5-6 minutes until they release their moisture and become tender.
Step 3: Add the Broth & Seasoning
4️⃣ Pour in the chicken broth and bring it to a simmer. Add the dried thyme, salt, and pepper. Let the soup simmer for 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
Step 4: Stir in the Cream and Chicken
5️⃣ Add the half-and-half (or heavy cream) and bring the soup back to a simmer.
6️⃣ Stir in the cooked chicken and Parmesan cheese (if using), and let the soup cook for another 5 minutes.
Step 5: Add the Wild Rice
7️⃣ Add the cooked wild rice to the soup, stirring to combine. Continue to simmer for another 5 minutes, allowing the rice to absorb the flavors of the soup.
Step 6: Adjust & Serve
8️⃣ Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed.
9️⃣ Ladle the soup into bowls, garnish with fresh parsley, and serve hot.
Tips & Variations
✅ Add Veggies – Feel free to add more vegetables like carrots, celery, or spinach for extra flavor and nutrition.
✅ Use Rotisserie Chicken – For an even quicker prep, use shredded rotisserie chicken instead of cooking fresh chicken.
✅ Make It Dairy-Free – Use coconut milk or cashew cream instead of the half-and-half and omit the Parmesan.
✅ Spice It Up – Add a pinch of red pepper flakes if you want a little heat.
✅ Use Brown Rice – If you prefer, you can use brown rice instead of wild rice, but note that the cooking time may vary.
Storing & Reheating
- Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Reheat: Reheat on the stovetop over low heat, adding a little extra broth or milk to adjust the consistency if needed.
- Freeze: This soup freezes well for up to 2 months. Let it cool completely before transferring to a freezer-safe container.
Final Thoughts
This Creamy Mushroom Chicken and Wild Rice Soup is the epitome of comfort food—a rich, creamy bowl that’s full of flavor and perfect for any season. Whether you’re serving it to friends and family or enjoying it as a cozy dinner for yourself, this soup is sure to become a staple in your recipe collection.
Try it today and enjoy the warmth and comfort it brings to your table! 🍲🍄🍗
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