Wild Rice Chicken Soup with Roasted Mushrooms

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When comfort food calls, this Wild Rice Chicken Soup with Roasted Mushrooms answers with soul-warming flavor. It combines the earthy goodness of wild rice, the richness of roasted mushrooms, and the hearty presence of tender chicken in a creamy broth that’s soothing and satisfying. This isn’t just a soup; it’s a meal that fills the kitchen with mouthwatering aromas and leaves you wrapped in cozy contentment.

Perfect for cold evenings, lazy weekends, or when you’re just craving something deeply nourishing, this soup checks all the boxes. The roasted mushrooms bring a deep, almost meaty flavor that complements the light herbaceousness of thyme and the savory notes of garlic and onion. It’s the kind of dish that tastes even better the next day—if it lasts that long.

What Kind of Wild Rice Should I Use?

Opt for true wild rice if you can find it. It’s longer, darker, and has a chewier texture with a nutty flavor. However, a wild rice blend (often mixed with brown rice) will also work well and is easier to find in most grocery stores. Just keep an eye on cooking times as they can vary.

Ingredients for the Wild Rice Chicken Soup with Roasted Mushrooms

• 1 cup wild rice (or wild rice blend)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 pound cremini or baby bella mushrooms, sliced
• 1 small yellow onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 medium carrots, diced
• 2 celery stalks, diced
• 6 cups low-sodium chicken broth
• 2 cups cooked, shredded chicken (rotisserie chicken works great)
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• Salt to taste
• 1 cup heavy cream (or half and half)
• 2 tablespoons butter
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

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How To Make the Wild Rice Chicken Soup with Roasted Mushrooms

Step 1: Roast the Mushrooms

Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Toss sliced mushrooms with 1 tablespoon of olive oil, a pinch of salt, and pepper. Spread them on a baking sheet and roast for 20-25 minutes until golden and crisped on the edges.

Step 2: Cook the Rice

While the mushrooms roast, cook the wild rice according to package directions. This usually takes about 40-45 minutes. Set aside once cooked.

Step 3: Sauté the Base Veggies

In a large pot, heat the remaining olive oil and butter over medium heat. Add onions, carrots, and celery. Sauté until softened, about 6-8 minutes. Add garlic and thyme, cooking for another minute.

Step 4: Combine and Simmer

Pour in the chicken broth and bring it to a boil. Stir in the cooked wild rice, shredded chicken, salt, and pepper. Reduce heat and let it simmer for 10-15 minutes to allow flavors to meld.

Step 5: Finish with Cream and Mushrooms

Stir in the roasted mushrooms and heavy cream. Simmer for an additional 5 minutes. Taste and adjust seasonings. Serve hot, garnished with chopped parsley.

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Serving and Storing Your Wild Rice Chicken Soup

Serve this hearty soup with warm crusty bread or a side of garlic toast. It makes a comforting dinner on its own but also pairs beautifully with a light salad.

For storing, let the soup cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It keeps well in the fridge for up to 4 days. You can also freeze it for up to 2 months. Reheat on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally.

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I make this soup dairy-free?

Swap the heavy cream for full-fat coconut milk or a plain, unsweetened plant-based creamer.

Can I use other mushrooms?

Yes! Shiitake or a mix of wild mushrooms work wonderfully. Just keep the roasting time similar.

What if I don’t have cooked chicken on hand?

You can poach chicken breasts in the broth before adding the rice, or use canned chicken in a pinch.

Is this soup gluten-free?

It is naturally gluten-free, just double-check your broth and any store-bought ingredients.

Can I make this vegetarian?

Absolutely. Swap the chicken broth for vegetable broth and skip the chicken—you can add more mushrooms or chickpeas for protein.

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Want More Chicken Dinner Ideas?

If you loved this Wild Rice Chicken Soup with Roasted Mushrooms, you’ll definitely want to explore these other cozy chicken dinners:

• Creamy Garlic Chicken Breasts for bold flavor and minimal cleanup.
• One Pan Chicken with Buttered Noodles for a no-fuss comfort meal.
• Slow Cooker Creamy Ranch Chicken for a set-it-and-forget-it kind of night.
• Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken Rotini when pasta night needs an upgrade.
• Creamy Crockpot Chicken Spaghetti if you’re craving creamy goodness with a Southern twist.

Save This Pin + Share Your Results

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dinner board so you can come back to it any time.

And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you go for true wild rice or a blend? Did you try it with coconut milk?

I love seeing your kitchen wins, so feel free to tag me and share your bowls! You can also check out more of my daily cooking ideas on Pinterest – Nina Dishes.

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