Description
Hearty, comforting creamy mushroom chicken and wild rice soup blends earthy mushrooms with tender chicken in a rich, velvety broth. Warm bowls of this classic soup promise comfort and satisfaction for hungry diners seeking a nourishing meal.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb (1 pound) mushrooms, sliced
- 6 cups (1.4 L) chicken broth
- 1 cup (200 g) wild rice (or a blend of rice including wild rice)
- 1 ½ cups (225 g) chicken, cooked and diced or shredded
- 1 cup (240 mL) milk or cream
- 1 cup (100 g) parmigiano reggiano (parmesan), grated
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 carrots, diced
- 2 stalks celery, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, chopped
- 1 tsp (5 mL) thyme, chopped
- 3 tbsps (45 mL) butter
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Mushroom Preparation: Caramelize mushrooms in butter over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally until they release and reabsorb their natural moisture, developing a deep, rich flavor profile, about 10-15 minutes.
- Aromatic Base: In the same pan, sauté onions, carrots, and celery until they become tender and translucent, then introduce minced garlic and thyme, allowing the aromatics to bloom and release their essential oils for about 1 minute.
- Liquid Integration: Pour chicken broth into the pan, adding wild rice, pre-cooked chicken, and prepared mushrooms. Bring to a rolling boil, then reduce heat and simmer gently, covered, until wild rice reaches a perfectly tender consistency, approximately 20-30 minutes.
- Creamy Finish: Gently stir in whole milk and freshly grated cheese, ensuring continuous mixing until the cheese completely melts and integrates, creating a velvety smooth texture.
- Final Seasoning: Taste and refine the flavor profile with salt and freshly ground black pepper, adjusting to achieve a harmonious and balanced result.
Notes
- Mushroom Caramelization Technique: Patience is key when sautéing mushrooms; wait until they release and reabsorb their moisture to develop a deep, rich flavor and achieve a beautiful golden-brown color.
- Aromatic Base Building: Sweating vegetables slowly develops a foundational flavor that transforms the entire soup’s depth and complexity, so avoid rushing this crucial step.
- Rice Cooking Precision: Wild rice requires longer cooking time compared to other rice varieties; ensure it’s fully tender but not mushy by monitoring liquid levels and cooking time carefully.
- Cheese Melting Secret: Add cheese off direct heat and stir continuously to prevent clumping, creating a silky smooth texture that perfectly blends throughout the soup.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Lunch, Snacks
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 7
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 850 mg
- Fat: 14 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 20 g
- Cholesterol: 60 mg