Creamy Mushroom Chicken and Wild Rice Soup – The Ultimate Cozy Comfort Food

Published: March 11, 2025 | By Admin

When you crave a bowl of something warm, comforting, and nourishing, Creamy Mushroom Chicken and Wild Rice Soup hits every note. It’s rich, hearty, and full of flavor—from the earthiness of mushrooms to the nuttiness of wild rice, all simmered together with tender chicken in a creamy, cheesy broth. This soup is more than a meal—it’s an experience in a bowl.

Whether you’re warming up on a cold evening or meal-prepping for the week, this homemade wild rice soup is satisfying, comforting, and incredibly easy to make from scratch.

🍄 Why You’ll Love This Creamy Mushroom Chicken Soup

This soup is a perfect combination of:

Hearty protein from shredded or diced chicken
Wholesome vegetables like carrots, celery, and onion
Nutty wild rice that adds texture and depth
Umami-rich mushrooms for earthy flavor
Creamy broth enhanced with real Parmesan cheese

It’s everything you want in a cozy, nourishing dish:

✅ Perfect for chilly nights
✅ Packed with vegetables and lean protein
✅ Meal prep–friendly and freezer-safe
✅ Customizable for your pantry and preferences

🛒 Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s what goes into this soul-warming soup:

Main Ingredients

3 tablespoons butter, divided
1 lb mushrooms, sliced (cremini, baby bella, or a mix)
1 medium onion, diced
2 carrots, diced
2 celery stalks, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp fresh thyme (or ½ tsp dried thyme)
6 cups chicken broth (low-sodium preferred)
1 cup wild rice or a wild rice blend
1½ cups cooked chicken, diced or shredded
1 cup milk or cream (whole milk, half-and-half, or heavy cream)
1 cup grated Parmigiano Reggiano (or Parmesan)
Salt and black pepper, to taste

Optional Flavor Boosters

1 oz dried mushrooms, soaked in 1 cup hot water for 20 minutes (use soaking liquid for extra depth)
2 tbsp white miso paste for added umami richness
Bay leaf for subtle herbal aroma
Fresh parsley or chives, for garnish

Tip: Use rotisserie chicken or leftover roast chicken for quick prep.

🍲 How to Make Creamy Mushroom Chicken and Wild Rice Soup

1. Cook the Mushrooms

In a large soup pot or Dutch oven, melt 1 tablespoon butter over medium-high heat.
Add sliced mushrooms and sauté until deeply golden and caramelized (8–10 minutes).
Transfer mushrooms to a plate and set aside.

2. Sauté Aromatics

In the same pot, melt the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter.
Add onions, carrots, and celery, and cook until softened (about 5 minutes).
Stir in garlic and thyme, and cook for another 1–2 minutes until fragrant.

3. Add Broth and Rice

Pour in chicken broth (and mushroom soaking liquid if using).
Stir in wild rice and bring to a boil.
Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 40–45 minutes, or until rice is tender.

Note: Cooking times may vary based on the wild rice blend. Stir occasionally and check texture near the end.

4. Add Chicken and Mushrooms

Once the rice is tender, add the cooked chicken and sautéed mushrooms back into the pot.
Simmer for another 5–10 minutes to let the flavors meld.

5. Make It Creamy

Stir in the milk or cream and grated Parmesan cheese.
Taste and season with salt and black pepper.
Add miso paste at this stage if using, whisking until fully dissolved.

Don’t let the soup boil after adding dairy—simmer gently to avoid curdling.

🧑‍🍳 Pro Tips for the Best Wild Rice Soup

Use a mix of mushrooms (cremini, shiitake, oyster) for deeper flavor.
Sear the mushrooms separately so they don’t steam—this caramelization builds incredible taste.
Don’t rush the rice—wild rice needs a full simmer for a chewy, nutty texture.
Grate your own Parmesan—pre-shredded varieties don’t melt as smoothly.
Add a squeeze of lemon juice before serving for brightness.

🔄 Variations and Substitutions

Make this soup your own with these easy swaps:

Vegetarian: Skip the chicken and use veggie broth. Add extra mushrooms or white beans for protein.
Gluten-free: Naturally gluten-free if using certified GF broth and miso.
Dairy-free: Use full-fat coconut milk or unsweetened oat milk, and skip the cheese or use vegan Parmesan.
Low-carb: Swap wild rice for cauliflower rice (add it in the last 5 minutes of cooking).

🍽️ What to Serve with Mushroom Chicken Wild Rice Soup

This soup is hearty on its own, but pairs wonderfully with:

🥖 Crusty sourdough bread or a warm baguette
🥗 Simple green salad with vinaigrette
🍞 Cheddar biscuits or garlic bread
🧄 Roasted vegetables for an extra-nourishing meal

For dessert? Try a light treat like apple crisp, honey yogurt, or baked pears.

❄️ How to Store and Reheat

Storage

Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freezer: Let cool completely and freeze for up to 3 months. Leave space in container for expansion.

Reheating

Reheat on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally.
Add a splash of milk or broth to loosen if it thickens.
Avoid boiling after dairy is added—gentle simmering preserves the creamy texture.

🧾 Printable Recipe Card

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 50 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
Servings: 6–8

Ingredients

3 tbsp butter (divided)
1 lb mushrooms, sliced
1 onion, diced
2 carrots, diced
2 celery stalks, diced
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 tsp thyme
6 cups chicken broth
1 cup wild rice
1½ cups cooked chicken
1 cup milk or cream
1 cup grated Parmesan
Salt and pepper, to taste

Optional:

1 oz dried mushrooms, soaked
2 tbsp white miso paste

Instructions

Sauté mushrooms in 1 tbsp butter until golden; set aside.
Cook onion, carrot, celery in remaining butter until soft. Add garlic and thyme.
Add broth and rice. Simmer covered 40–45 minutes until rice is tender.
Stir in chicken and mushrooms. Cook 5–10 minutes more.
Add milk/cream and Parmesan. Season with salt and pepper. Serve warm.

✅ Final Thoughts

Creamy Mushroom Chicken and Wild Rice Soup is the kind of soup that feels like a warm hug. It’s earthy, comforting, and packed with bold flavors and textures. From the nutty wild rice to the umami-packed mushrooms and cheesy, velvety broth, this soup is perfect for chilly nights, meal prep, or just satisfying a craving for homemade comfort food.

Make a big batch—this is one soup you’ll want to eat again and again.