There’s something magical about a steaming bowl of Creamy Chicken & Wild Rice Soup with Mushrooms on a crisp evening. This comforting classic blends tender chicken, nutty wild rice, and savory mushrooms into a luxuriously creamy broth that soothes with every spoonful. Perfect for cozy dinners, this homemade Cream Of Chicken And Wild Rice Soup delivers depth and heartiness far beyond anything canned.
In this article, you’ll discover the ingredients, simple steps, and creative variations that make this Creamy Mushroom Chicken And Rice Soup irresistible—a true Chicken Wild Rice And Mushroom Soup you’ll crave all season long.
A Cozy Memory Behind Cream Of Chicken And Wild Rice Soup
It was one of those frosty winter evenings when the chill lingered longer than expected. Everyone had been busy all day, and the house felt quiet—until the pot of Cream Of Chicken And Wild Rice Soup began to simmer. The scent of sautéed mushrooms mingling with tender chicken drifted through the kitchen, inviting everyone to gather near the stove. Steam curled against the fogged windows as laughter returned to the room. That simple act of stirring and tasting transformed the night into something warm and memorable. Each ladle of that Creamy Mushroom Chicken And Rice Soup carried comfort straight to the table. Garnished with herbs, it wasn’t just dinner—it was connection, the kind only a hearty Chicken Wild Rice And Mushroom Soup can bring.
Comfort food has a way of wrapping you in calm, and this Cream Of Chicken And Wild Rice Soup is no exception. Its balance of textures—the chew of wild rice, the tenderness of shredded chicken, and the silky spoonfuls of cream—feels endlessly satisfying. The mushrooms add earthiness that deepens the flavor, while the creamy base ties everything together. This isn’t a complicated recipe; it’s one built on simple, honest ingredients. Over time, it’s become a family staple because it’s nourishing, filling, and full of homemade goodness. When you prepare it yourself, you capture that timeless comfort store-bought soups can’t match—proof that warmth and care can be stirred into every pot.
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Creamy Chicken & Wild Rice Soup with Mushrooms
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
This comforting stovetop soup combines tender chicken, nutty wild rice, and earthy mushrooms in a velvety broth. Perfect for chilly evenings, it delivers homemade warmth and depth beyond any canned variety.
Ingredients
Instructions
1. Heat olive oil and butter in a large pot over medium heat.
2. Add onion, carrots, and celery; cook 5–6 minutes until softened.
3. Stir in garlic and mushrooms; cook another 5 minutes until mushrooms are tender.
4. Sprinkle flour over vegetables and stir constantly for 1 minute to form a roux.
5. Gradually whisk in chicken broth to dissolve the flour.
6. Add wild rice, thyme, and bay leaf; bring to a boil, then reduce heat to a simmer.
7. Cover and cook 35–45 minutes until rice is tender, stirring occasionally.
8. Stir in shredded chicken and heavy cream; simmer uncovered for 10 minutes.
9. Season with salt and pepper and adjust consistency with extra broth if needed.
10. Remove bay leaf, ladle into bowls, and garnish with parsley.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Category: soup
- Method: stovetop
- Cuisine: american
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl (about 1 1/2 cups)
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 3
- Sodium: 600
- Fat: 18
- Saturated Fat: 10
- Unsaturated Fat: 6
- Trans Fat: 0
- Carbohydrates: 25
- Fiber: 2
- Protein: 20
- Cholesterol: 60
Keywords: cream of chicken and wild rice soup, creamy mushroom chicken and rice soup, how to make creamy chicken wild rice soup, chicken wild rice mushroom soup, wild rice soup, chicken soup, mushroom soup, comfort food
How To Make Creamy Chicken Wild Rice Soup at Home
Ingredients You’ll Need for Chicken, Mushrooms, and Wild Rice
The key to How To Make Creamy Chicken Wild Rice Soup that’s both flavorful and smooth lies in using fresh, quality ingredients. Each component brings unique depth and texture—tender chicken adds body, wild rice provides nuttiness, and mushrooms lend their earthy aroma. Cream and broth unify everything for a velvety finish.
| Ingredient | Purpose / Notes |
|---|---|
| Chicken breast or thighs (2 cups cooked & shredded) | Adds protein and hearty texture |
| Wild rice blend (1 cup, uncooked) | Provides nutty flavor and chewy bite |
| Mushrooms (8 oz, sliced—cremini, baby bella, or button) | Adds earthy depth and umami |
| Carrots (2, diced) | Sweetness and vibrant color |
| Celery (2 stalks, chopped) | Adds aromatic base flavor |
| Onion (1 medium, diced) | Builds the soup’s savory foundation |
| Garlic (3 cloves, minced) | Enhances flavor and aroma |
| Butter (3 tbsp) | Used for sautéing and forming the roux |
| All-purpose flour (3 tbsp) | Helps thicken the creamy broth |
| Chicken broth or stock (6 cups) | Forms the main liquid body |
| Heavy cream (1 cup) | Creates rich, creamy texture |
| Olive oil (1 tbsp) | For sautéing vegetables and chicken |
| Fresh or dried thyme (1 tsp) | Adds herbal note |
| Bay leaf (1) | Infuses subtle depth |
| Salt & pepper | To season to taste |
| Fresh parsley (for garnish) | Bright, fresh finishing touch |
When choosing your ingredients, freshness matters. Fresh mushrooms release fragrant steam when cooked, and wild rice expands beautifully for chewy texture. Opt for good-quality broth and real cream to achieve that perfect homemade taste.
Step-by-Step Method to Prepare Creamy Mushroom Chicken And Rice Soup
Learning How To Make Creamy Chicken Wild Rice Soup at home is simple, even for beginner cooks. The key is layering flavors in the right order so the finished Creamy Mushroom Chicken And Rice Soup tastes balanced and satisfying. Gather a large soup pot, cutting board, chef’s knife, spoon, whisk, and ladle before you begin.
- Sauté the aromatics. Heat olive oil and butter in a large pot over medium heat. Add onion, carrots, and celery. Stir for 5–6 minutes until softened. Add garlic and mushrooms, cooking another 5 minutes until tender and slightly browned. This forms the flavor base of your Chicken Wild Rice And Mushroom Soup.
- Make the roux. Sprinkle flour over the vegetables and stir constantly for one minute. This locks in flavor and helps thicken the broth later.
- Add broth and rice. Slowly whisk in the broth to dissolve the flour. Add the rice, thyme, and bay leaf. Simmer 35–45 minutes until the rice is tender, stirring occasionally.
- Add chicken and cream. Stir in shredded chicken and heavy cream. Simmer uncovered for 10 minutes. Season with salt and pepper.
- Adjust texture and finish. Add broth if too thick or cook a few minutes longer if too thin. Remove bay leaf and garnish with parsley before serving.
- For natural thickening, let the rice starch develop as it cooks to achieve a silky consistency.
- Mash a spoonful of cooked rice into the soup and stir back in for added body.
- Avoid boiling once cream is added to keep it smooth and rich.
Tips, Variations, and Serving Ideas
Simple Variations for Cream Of Wild Rice Soup
One of the best things about Creamy Mushroom Chicken And Rice Soup is its flexibility. Once you’ve mastered the base recipe, you can tailor it easily to your taste or pantry staples.
- Swap the protein. Use turkey instead of chicken for a post‑holiday Cream Of Wild Rice Soup.
- Experiment with mushrooms. Combine cremini and shiitake for depth, or porcini for a woodsy flavor.
- Lighten it up. Replace heavy cream with half‑and‑half or milk and Greek yogurt for a lighter finish.
- Go vegetarian. Use vegetable stock, skip meat, and double the mushrooms; add beans for protein.
- Make it gluten‑free. Substitute gluten‑free flour or cornstarch to thicken the soup perfectly.
This soup actually improves as it rests overnight. The rice continues to soak in flavor, producing a deeper, richer dish the next day—perfect for meal prep or cozy leftovers.
Serving and Storage Tips for Chicken Wild Rice and Mushroom Soup
Presentation and careful storage keep your Chicken Wild Rice And Mushroom Soup tasting fresh and looking beautiful.
- To serve: Warm bowls first to keep the soup hot. Garnish with parsley, thyme, black pepper, or roasted mushrooms.
- Pairings: Serve with crusty sourdough, garlic bread, or a bright lemony salad for contrast.
Storage:
- Refrigerate up to 4 days in airtight containers; flavors deepen overnight.
- Freeze up to 2 months without garnishes. Thaw overnight before reheating gently.
- Reheat slowly over low heat or 50% power in the microwave, stirring often; avoid boiling.
- Adjust consistency with a splash of broth or milk if it thickens in storage.
FAQs and Conclusion
FAQ
Can I use leftover cooked chicken? Yes, shredded rotisserie or leftover chicken works wonderfully. Stir it in near the end to warm through without drying.
What makes the soup creamy without heavy cream? Replace the cream with milk and flour slurry or half‑and‑half. Blending a small portion of soup and returning it to the pot naturally thickens it.
How long does Cream Of Chicken And Wild Rice Soup last in the fridge? Properly stored in a sealed container, it stays fresh 3–4 days and often tastes even better the day after.
Can I freeze Creamy Mushroom Chicken And Rice Soup? Yes. For best results, freeze before adding dairy, then stir in fresh cream after thawing and reheating gently.
What’s the best rice to use for Chicken Wild Rice and Mushroom Soup? Choose pure wild rice or a wild rice blend. Avoid quick‑cook rice—it can turn mushy. Wild rice keeps its firm texture after reheating or freezing.
A Bowl of Comfort Worth Making Again
There’s something timeless about a bowl of Cream Of Chicken And Wild Rice Soup. It’s more than food—it’s a ritual of warmth and calm that welcomes everyone to slow down and savor. The blend of wild rice, mushrooms, and tender chicken in a velvety base brings comfort that lingers long after the last spoonful.
Making this Creamy Mushroom Chicken And Rice Soup with Wild Rice fills your kitchen with rich aromas and genuine satisfaction. Each bite reminds you that simple, honest ingredients can turn into something truly special. Serve it with herbs and love, and this Chicken Wild Rice And Mushroom Soup will become a cherished recipe you’ll return to all year long.
