Description
Creamy mushroom chicken and wild rice soup brings hearty comfort from Northern kitchens, blending rich earthy flavors with tender chicken and nutty wild rice. Warmth fills each spoonful, inviting diners to savor this soul-soothing meal perfect for chilly evenings.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 1 pound mushrooms, sliced
- 6 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup wild rice (or a blend of rice including wild rice)
- 1 ½ cups chicken, cooked and diced or shredded
- 1 cup milk or cream
- 1 cup parmigiano reggiano (parmesan), grated
Aromatics and Vegetables:
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 carrots, diced
- 2 stalks celery, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, chopped
- 1 teaspoon thyme, chopped
Fats and Seasonings:
- 3 tablespoons butter
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Sauté mushrooms in butter over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally until they release and reabsorb their natural moisture, creating a rich, caramelized texture, approximately 10-15 minutes.
- In the same pan, introduce another tablespoon of butter and gently sweat the onions, carrots, and celery until they become tender and translucent, roughly 8-10 minutes.
- Introduce minced garlic and fragrant thyme, allowing the aromatics to bloom and release their essential oils for about 1 minute.
- Pour in chicken broth, then add wild rice, pre-cooked chicken pieces, and the previously prepared mushrooms. Bring the liquid to a vigorous boil, then reduce heat and allow the mixture to simmer gently, covered, until the wild rice reaches a perfectly tender consistency, approximately 20-30 minutes.
- Incorporate whole milk and freshly grated cheese, stirring continuously until the cheese completely melts and integrates into the soup, creating a smooth and creamy texture.
- Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and freshly ground black pepper, ensuring a balanced and harmonious flavor profile.
Notes
- Maximize mushroom flavor by cooking them until all liquid evaporates, concentrating their rich, earthy taste.
- Choose wild rice for added texture and nutty undertones that elevate the soup’s complexity.
- Prep vegetables in advance to ensure even cooking and save time during the recipe process.
- Use leftover cooked chicken to transform this soup into a quick and convenient meal option.
- Low and slow simmering helps develop deep, interconnected flavors while keeping the ingredients tender.
- Grate cheese fresh for superior melting and a more luxurious, creamy soup consistency.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Lunch, Snacks
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 341 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 580 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 25 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 23 g
- Cholesterol: 85 mg