If you’re craving a warm, hearty, and ultra-creamy bowl of soup, this Creamy Mushroom Chicken and Wild Rice Soup is exactly what you need. 🍲 Packed with tender chicken, earthy mushrooms, nutty wild rice, and a velvety broth, this dish is the perfect balance of comfort and flavor.
It’s easy to make, great for meal prep, and just as good reheated the next day. Whether you’re curled up on the couch or serving this for a cozy family dinner, it’s guaranteed to hit the spot!
🛒 Ingredients for Creamy Mushroom Chicken and Wild Rice Soup
For the Soup Base:
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 8 ounces mushrooms, sliced (cremini or button work great)
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- ½ teaspoon dried rosemary
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
For the Chicken & Rice:
- 1 large chicken breast, cooked and shredded (or 1 ½ cups shredded rotisserie chicken)
- ½ cup wild rice blend, uncooked
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup water
For the Creamy Finish:
- 1 cup heavy cream (or half & half for a lighter version)
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour (to thicken)
- ½ cup milk
Optional Add-ins:
- ½ cup chopped carrots (for a touch of sweetness)
- ½ cup chopped celery (adds crunch and depth)
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice (for brightness)
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (if you like a bit of heat)
🔥 How to Make Creamy Mushroom Chicken and Wild Rice Soup
Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics
- Heat butter and olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
- Add onion, garlic, and mushrooms. Sauté for 5-6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the mushrooms are golden brown and the onions are soft.
- Stir in the thyme, rosemary, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
Step 2: Cook the Wild Rice
- Add the wild rice blend, chicken broth, and water to the pot.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and let it simmer for 35-40 minutes, or until the rice is tender.
Step 3: Add the Chicken
- Stir in the shredded chicken and let it cook for another 5 minutes to absorb the flavors.
Step 4: Make It Creamy
- In a small bowl, whisk together flour and milk until smooth (this prevents clumps).
- Stir the mixture into the soup and cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly, until it starts to thicken.
- Pour in the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese, stirring until melted and creamy.
Step 5: Adjust & Serve
- Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. If you’re using lemon juice or red pepper flakes, stir them in now.
- Serve hot, garnished with extra Parmesan, fresh herbs, or a drizzle of cream.
⏳ Serving Size & Timing
- Servings: 4-6
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: ~55 minutes
🔄 Variations & Substitutions
1. Make It Dairy-Free
- Swap heavy cream for coconut milk and omit the Parmesan.
2. Add More Veggies
- Throw in spinach, kale, or peas for extra nutrients.
3. Make It Low-Carb
- Skip the rice and add cauliflower rice instead.
4. Vegetarian Option
- Omit the chicken and use vegetable broth.
🏆 How to Store & Reheat Creamy Mushroom Chicken and Wild Rice Soup
Storage:
- Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freezer: Freeze for up to 3 months (leave out the cream until reheating).
Reheating:
- Stovetop: Heat over low, stirring frequently. Add extra broth or cream if needed.
- Microwave: Warm in 30-second intervals, stirring in between.
❓ FAQs About Creamy Mushroom Chicken and Wild Rice Soup
1. Can I use pre-cooked rice?
Yes! Add 1 ½ cups cooked wild rice and reduce the broth by 1 cup.
2. What’s the best mushroom to use?
Cremini, baby bella, or shiitake add the most flavor!
3. Can I use a slow cooker?
Yep! Add everything except the cream and Parmesan and cook on LOW for 6-7 hours. Stir in the cream and cheese at the end.
4. How do I make it thicker?
Use an extra tablespoon of flour or let it simmer uncovered for a few minutes.
5. What if my soup is too thick?
Add more broth or milk until it reaches your desired consistency.
6. Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! It tastes even better the next day as the flavors develop.
7. Can I use rotisserie chicken?
Absolutely! It saves time and adds great flavor.
8. What goes well with this soup?
A crusty baguette, garlic bread, or a fresh salad pairs perfectly.
9. Can I add wine for extra flavor?
Yes! Add ¼ cup white wine when sautéing the mushrooms.
10. Can I use a different rice?
Brown rice works, but avoid white rice as it can get too soft.
🍽 Final Thoughts on Creamy Mushroom Chicken and Wild Rice Soup
This Creamy Mushroom Chicken and Wild Rice Soup is the perfect balance of comfort, heartiness, and flavor. Whether you’re meal-prepping or making a cozy dinner, this soup will be a new go-to favorite.
Try it out and let me know—will you go classic, add extra veggies, or spice it up? Either way, you can’t go wrong!
Want more easy soup recipes? Check out this collection of cozy soups for more inspiration! 🍲🔥