Creamy Mushroom Chicken and Wild Rice Soup

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This warm and comforting soup is perfect for chilly days! Packed with tender chicken, earthy mushrooms, and hearty wild rice in a creamy, flavorful broth, it’s a dish that will satisfy and nourish.

Ingredients

For the Soup Base:

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 medium onion (finely diced)
  • 2 carrots (peeled and diced)
  • 2 celery stalks (diced)
  • 3 cloves garlic (minced)
  • 1 pound mushrooms (sliced, any variety)
  • 1 cup wild rice (uncooked)
  • 8 cups chicken broth
  • 2 cups cooked chicken (shredded or cubed)
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon salt (or to taste)

For the Creamy Component:

  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 1 1/2 cups milk (whole milk or half-and-half)
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream

Instructions

1. Prepare the Soup Base

  1. Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
  2. Add the onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté until softened, about 5–7 minutes.
  3. Stir in the garlic and mushrooms, cooking until the mushrooms are tender and slightly browned, about 5 minutes.

2. Add the Broth and Rice

  1. Add the wild rice to the pot, followed by the chicken broth, thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper.
  2. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and cover. Let it simmer for 40–45 minutes, or until the rice is tender.

3. Add the Chicken

  1. Stir in the cooked chicken and allow the soup to simmer for another 5–10 minutes to heat the chicken through.

4. Make the Creamy Base

  1. In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
  2. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1–2 minutes, until it forms a smooth paste (roux).
  3. Gradually whisk in the milk and cook until thickened, about 5 minutes. Stir in the heavy cream.

5. Combine and Serve

  1. Slowly stir the creamy mixture into the soup pot, mixing well until fully incorporated.
  2. Let the soup cook for another 5–10 minutes to meld the flavors, stirring occasionally.

Tips for Success

  • For extra flavor, add a splash of dry white wine while cooking the vegetables.
  • If you prefer a thicker soup, add an additional tablespoon of flour to the roux.
  • Substitute coconut milk for the dairy components for a dairy-free option.

Serving Suggestions

Serve your Creamy Mushroom Chicken and Wild Rice Soup with crusty bread or a side of fresh salad. Garnish with fresh parsley or grated Parmesan for a delightful finish.

Enjoy this cozy and satisfying dish! 🍲✨

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