If you’re craving a cozy, comforting bowl that feels like a warm hug, you’re going to love this Creamy Wild Rice Chicken Soup with Roasted Mushrooms Recipe. It’s packed with tender chicken, hearty wild rice, and those deeply flavorful mushrooms roasted to perfection—everything melded together in a rich, creamy broth that’s simply irresistible.
Why You Should Make This Recipe
Ultimate comfort food: This soup combines creamy goodness with wholesome ingredients, making it feel indulgent yet nourishing.
Versatile cooking methods: Whether you prefer slow cooker, Instant Pot, or stove-top, this recipe adapts to your kitchen style.
Nutrient-rich and satisfying: With wild rice, fresh veggies, herbs, and protein-packed chicken, it’s a meal that truly fills you up.
Roasted mushrooms add a gourmet touch: Their caramelized, savory flavor brings an earthy depth that elevates every spoonful.
Ingredients & Substitutions
This recipe relies on simple yet carefully chosen ingredients that work in harmony to create layers of flavor and texture. From the nutty wild rice to fresh herbs and creamy Parmesan, each element plays a key role in making this soup truly special.
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts: Easy to shred and absorbs all those cozy soup flavors.
- Wild rice blend: Offers a wonderful chewy bite and loads of earthy character.
- Carrots, celery, and shallots: Classic mirepoix veggies adding sweetness and aromatic depth.
- Fresh herbs (thyme, sage, parsley): Bring brightness and fragrant layers to the broth.
- Heavy cream or whole milk: Creates that dreamy silky texture we all crave in creamy soups.
- Mixed mushrooms: Roasted to golden perfection for an irresistible umami punch.
- Parmesan: Adds tangy richness and a subtle salty kick.
- Butter and garlic: Essential for roasting mushrooms and deepening flavor complexity.
How to Make Creamy Wild Rice Chicken Soup with Roasted Mushrooms Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Base
Start by combining the key ingredients—wild rice, chicken, carrots, celery, shallots, broth, and fresh herbs—in your choice of cooking vessel. This mix sets the foundation, slowly melding flavors as the rice cooks to tender perfection and the chicken becomes wonderfully shred-worthy.
Step 2: Shred and Enrich
Once the chicken is cooked through, shred it right in the pot using two forks. Stir in the cream, Parmesan cheese, and fresh spinach—this transforms the broth into a luxuriously creamy soup poppin’ with vibrant color and luscious texture.
Step 3: Roast the Mushrooms
While the soup simmers, roast your mushrooms tossed in melted butter, garlic, rosemary, and lemon zest until they turn golden and irresistibly crispy. This step adds a fantastic burst of earthiness and texture, making your soup unforgettable.
Step 4: Combine and Finish
Mash the roasted garlic, then stir it along with the mushrooms and their buttery goodness into the soup. This final flourish infuses the broth with deep mushroom flavor and garlic warmth. Serve with an extra sprinkle of Parmesan and a sprig of rosemary for flair.
How to Serve Creamy Wild Rice Chicken Soup with Roasted Mushrooms Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh herbs like chopped parsley or rosemary sprigs add a lovely pop of green and aroma. A generous grating of Parmesan or a drizzle of truffle oil can elevate the earthy mushroom notes delightfully.
Side Dishes
Pair this soup with crusty bread or fresh sourdough for dunking, a crisp green salad for balance, or even a savory cheese biscuit for an indulgent twist. These sides all complement the creamy wild rice chicken soup beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve the soup in rustic bread bowls for a fun presentation or layer the ingredients in a clear glass bowl so the colors and textures shine. You can also garnish each bowl with a small mushroom bouquet or a swirl of cream for that café-worthy look.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This soup keeps beautifully in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just note that the wild rice tends to absorb some broth overnight, so the texture thickens pleasantly but may need loosening with a splash of broth before reheating.
Freezing
You can freeze this soup, but it’s best to do so without the cream and spinach. Freeze the base in a sealed container for up to 2 months, then stir in the cream and greens fresh when reheating to keep everything tasting vibrant and fresh.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stove over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. If the soup feels too thick, add a bit of chicken broth or water to get it back to that perfect creamy consistency. Avoid boiling once cream is added to prevent curdling.
FAQs
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Can I use other types of rice instead of wild rice?
Absolutely! While wild rice adds a lovely chew and nuttiness, you can substitute it with brown rice or a wild rice and white rice blend. Just keep cooking times in mind, as they may vary slightly.
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Do I have to roast the mushrooms separately?
Roasting the mushrooms separately deepens their flavor and texture, giving that signature umami hit and golden crispness that sets this soup apart. You could sauté them instead, but roasting is worth the extra step!
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Can I make this soup dairy-free?
Yes! Swap out the heavy cream for canned coconut milk or a creamy plant-based milk, and use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan to keep the savory depth without dairy.
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How long does the soup take to cook in the slow cooker?
Cooking on low heat takes about 5-6 hours, while the high setting shortens it to 2-3 hours. Keep an eye on the texture of the rice near the end to ensure it doesn’t get mushy.
Final Thoughts
If you’re searching for a bowl that warms your soul and fills your belly with wholesome goodness, this Creamy Wild Rice Chicken Soup with Roasted Mushrooms Recipe is pure magic. Give it a try—you’ll find it’s that perfect blend of hearty and elegant, creamy yet fresh, and simply too delicious to keep to yourself.
Print
Creamy Wild Rice Chicken Soup with Roasted Mushrooms Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Soup
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Creamy Wild Rice Chicken Soup with Roasted Mushrooms is a comforting and hearty dish perfect for a cozy meal. It features tender shredded chicken, nutritious wild rice, fresh vegetables, and aromatic herbs simmered in a creamy broth, topped with golden roasted mushrooms infused with garlic, rosemary, and lemon zest. Suitable for multiple cooking methods including slow cooker, instant pot, or stove-top, it offers flexibility and rich flavors in every bowl.
Ingredients
Soup Ingredients
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 1/2 cups dry wild rice blend
- 6 carrots, chopped
- 3 stalks celery, chopped
- 2 medium shallots, chopped
- 6 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh thyme or 2 teaspoons dried
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh sage or 1 teaspoon dried
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- 2 cups fresh baby spinach or kale
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
- 1 cup heavy cream or whole milk
- 1/2 cup grated parmesan, plus more for serving
- Kosher salt and black pepper, to taste
Roasted Mushrooms Ingredients
- 6 tablespoons salted butter, melted
- 2 pounds mixed mushrooms, roughly torn
- 2 sprigs fresh rosemary
- 4 cloves garlic, smashed
- Zest from 1 lemon
- Pinch of kosher salt and black pepper
Instructions
- Prepare the Soup Base: For slow cooker: combine rice, chicken, carrots, celery, shallots, chicken broth, thyme, sage, crushed red pepper, salt, pepper, and 1/2 cup water in slow cooker bowl. Cover and cook on low for 5-6 hours or high for 2-3 hours. For Instant Pot: add the same ingredients to the inner pot, seal and cook on high pressure for 15 minutes, then quick release steam. For stove-top: melt 2 tablespoons butter in large pot, add carrots, celery, shallots, salt and pepper and cook until fragrant and caramelized, about 3-5 minutes. Add broth, chicken, rice, herbs, and seasonings. Bring to boil over high heat, cover and reduce heat to low, simmer 35-45 minutes until rice is tender.
- Shred Chicken and Add Creamy Elements: Once chicken is cooked, shred it with two forks directly in the pot. Stir in the heavy cream (or whole milk), parmesan cheese, and spinach. Cook on medium heat until warmed through, about 10 minutes (Instant Pot and stove-top); for slow cooker cook an additional 30 minutes until heated through. Stir in fresh parsley. If the soup is too thick, add up to an additional 1/2 cup water or broth to adjust consistency.
- Roast the Mushrooms: Preheat oven to 425°F. On a baking sheet, combine melted butter, mushrooms, smashed garlic, rosemary sprigs, lemon zest, salt, and pepper. Roast in oven for 25-30 minutes, stirring halfway through, until mushrooms are golden and crisp.
- Incorporate Roasted Mushrooms and Garlic: Mash the roasted garlic cloves with a fork and stir them along with the mushrooms and any remaining butter from the baking sheet back into the soup. This enriches the flavor and adds texture.
- Serve and Garnish: Divide the soup into bowls, garnish with fresh rosemary sprigs and additional grated parmesan cheese to taste. Serve hot and enjoy the comforting flavors.
Notes
- Leftovers: The rice will absorb liquid over time, thickening the soup. Reheat with extra broth if you prefer a thinner soup consistency, or enjoy as a thick stew.
- Slow Cooker Tip: Because slow cooker heat intensity varies, check the rice for doneness around 5 hours on low to avoid mushiness. Add water if the soup becomes too thick.
- Milk Substitute: Heavy cream can be substituted with whole milk for a lighter version.
- Mushroom Variations: Use a variety of mushrooms like cremini, shiitake, and oyster for complex flavor.