Creamy Mushroom Chicken and Wild Rice Soup – Cozy, Hearty, and Comforting
There’s nothing quite like a bowl of Creamy Mushroom Chicken and Wild Rice Soup on a chilly evening. It’s thick, savory, and bursting with deep, earthy flavors from the mushrooms, tender chunks of chicken, and the nutty texture of wild rice. Each spoonful delivers a perfect balance of creamy richness and rustic comfort — the kind of meal that warms you from the inside out.
This homemade soup is the perfect combination of satisfying and nourishing. It’s simple enough for a weeknight dinner but elegant enough to serve guests. The creamy base, aromatic herbs, and wholesome ingredients come together to make a hearty, restaurant-quality soup that feels like a hug in a bowl.
Why You’ll Love This Creamy Mushroom Chicken and Wild Rice Soup
- Cozy and filling. A full meal in one bowl, thanks to the protein-rich chicken and hearty rice.
- Rich, creamy texture. The perfect combination of milk, broth, and flour gives the soup body without heaviness.
- Deep mushroom flavor. Sautéed mushrooms add a rich, earthy depth that pairs beautifully with chicken.
- Make-ahead friendly. Like most creamy soups, the flavor deepens after a night in the fridge.
- Comfort food perfection. Ideal for cozy nights, meal prep, or when you want something nourishing and homemade.
Ingredients
For the Soup:
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 carrots, peeled and diced
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 8 ounces mushrooms, sliced (baby bella or cremini work best)
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley
- ½ teaspoon rosemary
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ cup all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour blend)
- 6 cups chicken broth
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or cubed
- 1 cup wild rice, cooked
- 1 cup milk (whole or 2%)
- ½ cup heavy cream (optional for extra richness)
Optional Garnishes:
- Fresh parsley
- Cracked black pepper
- A drizzle of cream or olive oil
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Sauté the Vegetables
In a large soup pot or Dutch oven, heat butter and olive oil over medium heat. Add onion, carrots, and celery, and sauté for about 5 minutes until softened.
Add garlic and mushrooms, and continue cooking for another 5–7 minutes, until the mushrooms release their moisture and start to brown slightly.
Step 2: Add the Seasonings
Stir in thyme, parsley, rosemary, salt, and pepper. Cook for 1 minute to bloom the herbs and deepen the flavor.
Step 3: Make the Roux
Sprinkle flour over the cooked vegetables and stir well to coat. Cook for 1–2 minutes, stirring constantly. This will help thicken the soup later.
Step 4: Add Broth and Chicken
Gradually whisk in the chicken broth to avoid lumps, stirring until smooth. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low. Add the cooked chicken and simmer for 10–15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
Step 5: Add the Rice and Cream
Stir in the cooked wild rice, milk, and cream. Simmer for another 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the soup thickens slightly and becomes rich and creamy.
Taste and adjust seasoning as needed — a pinch more salt or a dash of pepper can make all the difference.
Step 6: Serve
Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with chopped parsley and cracked black pepper. Serve with warm bread, biscuits, or a side salad for a complete meal.
Tips for the Perfect Creamy Mushroom Chicken and Wild Rice Soup
- Cook the rice separately. Wild rice takes longer to cook and can soak up too much liquid if added raw. Cooking it ahead keeps the soup creamy instead of starchy.
- Use dark meat chicken. Thigh meat adds extra flavor and tenderness.
- Add the cream at the end. This prevents curdling and keeps the soup silky.
- Don’t skip the mushrooms. They add an earthy depth that defines the flavor of this dish.
- For extra richness, stir in a spoonful of cream cheese or a pat of butter right before serving.
Flavor Variations
Herb Lovers: Add extra rosemary and thyme for a more aromatic soup.
Vegetarian Option: Skip the chicken and use vegetable broth. Add extra mushrooms or white beans for protein.
Dairy-Free: Replace milk and cream with coconut milk or almond milk for a lighter but creamy alternative.
Add Greens: Stir in a handful of baby spinach or kale just before serving for added color and nutrients.
Smoky Twist: Add a sprinkle of smoked paprika or a few cooked bacon bits for a deeper flavor.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this Creamy Mushroom Chicken and Wild Rice Soup with:
- Crusty French bread or sourdough slices
- Garlic butter biscuits
- A light side salad with lemon vinaigrette
- Roasted vegetables or baked sweet potatoes for a fuller meal
How to Store and Reheat
Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freeze: Cool completely, then freeze in portions for up to 2 months. (Leave out the milk and cream before freezing for the best texture — add them when reheating.)
Reheat: Warm gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring frequently. Add a splash of milk or broth if the soup thickens too much.
Troubleshooting
- Soup too thick? Add more broth or milk to reach your desired consistency.
- Too thin? Simmer uncovered for a few extra minutes to reduce slightly.
- Mushrooms watery? Sauté them longer in Step 1 to cook off moisture.
- Rice absorbed too much liquid? Stir in extra broth before serving.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use rotisserie chicken?
Yes! It’s an easy shortcut that adds great flavor and saves time.
What kind of mushrooms work best?
Cremini or baby bella mushrooms add a rich, meaty flavor, but white button mushrooms also work fine.
Can I make this in a slow cooker?
Yes. Add all ingredients except milk, cream, and rice to the slow cooker. Cook on low for 6 hours, then stir in cooked rice and cream before serving.
Can I make it gluten-free?
Yes — just use a gluten-free flour blend to thicken the soup.
Nutrition Information (Per Serving, Approximate)
- Calories: 370
- Protein: 26g
- Fat: 18g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 3g
This Creamy Mushroom Chicken and Wild Rice Soup is everything you want in a cozy homemade meal — creamy, hearty, flavorful, and deeply satisfying. With tender chicken, wild rice, and earthy mushrooms in every bite, it’s the kind of soup that turns a regular dinner into pure comfort. Perfect for slow evenings, meal prep, or any time you’re craving a warm bowl of love.
