Creamy Mushroom Chicken and Wild Rice Soup
This Mushroom Chicken and Wild Rice Soup is a hearty, rich, and creamy dish that’s ideal for cold days. This soup, which is simple to make and certain to please, delivers a warm, filling dinner with soft bits of chicken, aromatic mushrooms, and wild rice.
Preparation Time: 20-25 minutes
Cooking Time: 40-45 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
Ingredients:
1 tbsp olive oil
1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced
1 medium onion, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
8 oz mushrooms, sliced
1 cup wild rice
6 cups chicken broth
1 cup carrots, diced
1 cup celery, diced
1 tsp dried thyme
1 tsp dried rosemary
1 bay leaf
Salt and pepper to taste
1 cup heavy cream
2 tbsp all-purpose flour
Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions:
Cook the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large pot. Cook diced chicken until browned and set aside.
Sauté Vegetables: In the same pot, sauté onions, garlic, mushrooms, carrots, and celery until softened.
Simmer: Add wild rice, chicken broth, thyme, rosemary, and bay leaf. Bring to a boil, then simmer until rice is tender.
Add Cream: Whisk together flour and cream, then stir into the soup. Simmer until thickened.
Serve: Garnish with fresh parsley and serve.
The earthy mushrooms and tender chicken make this soup a standout, and the wild rice gives it texture and depth. It’s perfect for a hearty dinner that feels indulgent yet comforting.
Tips:
1. Use a variety of mushrooms: Experiment with different types of mushrooms, such as cremini, shiitake, and button, for a richer flavor.
2. Don’t overcook the rice: Wild rice can become mushy if overcooked. Cook it until it’s tender but still slightly crunchy.
3. Add aromatics: Saute onions, carrots, and celery before adding the mushrooms and chicken for added depth of flavor.
4. Use low-sodium broth: To control the salt content of the soup, use low-sodium chicken broth.
5. Add cream at the end: Stir in the heavy cream just before serving to preserve its creamy texture.
6. Experiment with spices: Add a pinch of nutmeg, dried thyme, or paprika to give the soup an extra boost of flavor.
Benefits:
1. High in protein: Chicken and wild rice provide a good source of protein, making this soup a satisfying and filling meal.
2. Rich in fiber: Wild rice, mushrooms, and vegetables are rich in dietary fiber, supporting healthy digestion and bowel function.
3. Antioxidant-rich: Mushrooms, especially, are rich in antioxidants, which help protect cells from damage and reduce inflammation.
4. Comforting and soothing: The creamy texture and warm, aromatic flavors of this soup make it a comforting and soothing meal for cold winter days.
5. Customizable: Feel free to customize the recipe to your taste by adding or substituting different vegetables, spices, or herbs.
6. Make-ahead friendly: This soup can be made ahead and refrigerated or frozen for later use, making it a convenient option for busy weeknights.
Per Serving (serves 6-8):
– Calories: 420-500
– Protein: 35-40g
– Fat: 25-30g
– Saturated Fat: 10-12g
– Carbohydrates: 30-35g
– Fiber: 2-3g
– Sugar: 5-6g
– Sodium: 600-700mg