Parmesan Mushroom Chicken Wild Rice Soup

This Parmesan Mushroom Chicken and Wild Rice Soup is the epitome of comfort in a bowl. It features a harmonious blend of tender diced chicken, earthy cremini mushrooms, and the distinct, nutty bite of wild rice, all brought together in a rich and savory broth. Infused with fresh thyme and finished with creamy Parmesan, it’s a deeply flavorful, umami-rich meal perfect for any cozy evening.

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The combination of classic aromatic vegetables like carrots, celery, and onions with the richness of heavy cream creates a velvet-like texture that makes every spoonful satisfying. Whether you're looking for a wholesome weeknight dinner or a sophisticated soup to serve guests, this dish delivers on both taste and texture.

Ingredients

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 400 g), diced
• 1 cup (100 g) freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/2 cup (120 ml) heavy cream
• 3/4 cup (140 g) wild rice, rinsed
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
• 1 large yellow onion, diced
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 3 medium carrots, peeled and sliced
• 3 celery stalks, sliced
• 300 g (10 oz) cremini or white mushrooms, sliced
• 2 teaspoons fresh thyme leaves (or 1 teaspoon dried)
• 1 bay leaf
• 1.5 liters (6 cups) low-sodium chicken broth
• 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 1 teaspoon salt (plus more to taste)
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)

Instructions

Step 1

Heat olive oil and butter in a large pot over medium heat. Add the onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté for 5 minutes until starting to soften.

Step 2

Add the mushrooms and garlic. Cook for an additional 6–8 minutes until mushrooms are tender and most liquid has evaporated.

Step 3

Stir in the diced chicken, wild rice, thyme, bay leaf, salt, and pepper. Cook for 2–3 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Step 4

Pour in the chicken broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for 40–45 minutes, or until wild rice is tender and chicken is cooked through.

Step 5

Remove the bay leaf. Stir in the heavy cream and grated Parmesan. Simmer uncovered for 5 minutes. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.

Step 6

Ladle into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan if desired.

Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung

For extra richness, add a splash more cream or a knob of butter before serving to enhance the velvety consistency of the soup.

Varianten und Anpassungen

Substitute rotisserie chicken for a faster option and add it in step 5. For a vegetarian version, omit the chicken and use vegetable broth, adding more mushrooms or white beans for extra protein.

Serviervorschläge

This soup pairs exceptionally well with crusty bread and a crisp white wine such as Sauvignon Blanc to balance the rich flavors.

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Savor the deep, savory aromas of this Parmesan Mushroom Chicken and Wild Rice Soup. It is a wholesome, delicious dish that brings warmth and a touch of gourmet flair to your dining table.

Recipe Questions & Answers

→ Can I use regular rice instead of wild rice?

Yes, you can substitute with brown rice or a wild rice blend. Adjust cooking time to 25-30 minutes for white or brown rice, as they cook faster than wild rice.

→ How do I store and reheat leftovers?

Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of broth or cream if the soup has thickened.

→ Can I make this soup in a slow cooker?

Absolutely. Sauté the vegetables first, then transfer everything except cream and Parmesan to the slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-7 hours. Stir in cream and cheese during the last 15 minutes.

→ What mushrooms work best for this soup?

Cremini mushrooms offer deep flavor, but white button, shiitake, or a mix of wild mushrooms also work beautifully. Avoid delicate varieties that break down too quickly.

→ Can I freeze this soup?

Yes, but freeze before adding cream and Parmesan, as dairy can separate when frozen. Thaw overnight in the fridge, reheat, then stir in cream and cheese fresh.

→ How can I make this dairy-free?

Replace heavy cream with coconut cream or cashew cream, and use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan for a cheesy flavor without dairy.