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Creamy Chicken and Wild Rice Soup with Mushrooms Recipe

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★★★★★

5 from 97 reviews

This creamy chicken and wild rice soup with mushrooms is a comforting and hearty dish perfect for chilly days. Featuring tender chicken breasts, earthy wild rice, creamy broth enriched with heavy cream, and a medley of sautéed mushrooms and sweet potatoes, this soup offers a satisfying balance of flavors and textures. Seasoned with Italian herbs, paprika, and red pepper flakes, the soup has a gentle kick and rich aroma, making it an ideal warming meal.

Ingredients

Scale

Wild Rice

  • 1 cup wild rice blend (Lundberg brand)
  • 3 cups water (for cooking rice)

Mushrooms and Cooking

  • 6 oz cremini mushrooms (sliced)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil (for cooking mushrooms)
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt

Chicken and Broth

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil (for searing chicken)
  • 1 pound skinless boneless chicken breasts (about 2 breasts)
  • 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 large sweet potato (peeled and chopped)
  • 6 oz cremini mushrooms (sliced)
  • 5 cloves garlic (minced)
  • 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 1/2 teaspoon paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
  • 1/2 teaspoon Morton table salt (or regular salt)
  • 5 cups chicken broth (or vegetable broth or water)
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • Fresh thyme (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Cook wild rice: Rinse the wild rice thoroughly under cold water for about 1 minute to remove excess starch. Bring a large pot of water to a boil and add the wild rice. Cook according to package instructions, typically about 45 minutes to 1 hour until the rice is tender. Drain and set aside.
  2. Cook mushrooms (first half): In a large, high-sided stockpot or braiser, heat 1 tablespoon olive oil over medium heat. Add 6 oz sliced cremini mushrooms and season generously with 1/4 teaspoon salt. Allow mushrooms to cook undisturbed for 3 to 5 minutes until they release their juices and begin to brown. Stir gently and cook for an additional minute on low-medium heat. Remove cooked mushrooms to a plate and set aside.
  3. Sear chicken: Using the same stockpot, add another tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat. Season the chicken breasts with 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning, 1/4 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper. Sear the chicken for 1 to 2 minutes per side until golden brown but not fully cooked. This step locks in flavor; the chicken will cook through later in the broth.
  4. Make broth and cook vegetables: To the pot with seared chicken, add the peeled and chopped sweet potato, the remaining 6 oz of sliced mushrooms, and minced garlic. Season with 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning, 1/2 teaspoon paprika, 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes, and 1/2 teaspoon salt. Pour in 5 cups chicken broth (or vegetable broth or water). Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce heat to a low simmer. Let it cook for 15 to 20 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and the sweet potatoes are tender.
  5. Assemble soup: Remove the chicken breasts from the broth and shred or finely slice them. Return the shredded chicken back into the soup pot. Add the cooked wild rice and adjust seasoning with additional salt or red pepper flakes if desired. Reheat the soup gently on low heat.
  6. Finish with cream and serve: Remove the soup from heat and stir in 1 cup heavy cream to achieve a rich, creamy texture. Ladle the soup into bowls and top each bowl with the reserved cooked mushrooms and a sprig of fresh thyme for garnish. Serve immediately and enjoy.

Notes

  • Using wild rice blend reduces cooking time compared to pure wild rice.
  • Searing the chicken before simmering adds depth of flavor but it is finished in the broth to stay tender.
  • You may substitute chicken broth with vegetable broth or water, but broth enhances soup richness.
  • Adjust red pepper flakes to control spiciness to suit your taste.
  • This soup keeps well refrigerated up to 3 days and can be gently reheated.
  • For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or coconut milk.

Keywords: creamy chicken soup, wild rice soup, mushroom soup, hearty chicken soup, comfort food, one pot meal

Find it online: https://yumwithmia.com/creamy-chicken-and-wild-rice-soup-with-mushrooms-recipe/