Parmesan Mushroom Chicken Wild Rice Soup

A comforting, hearty soup blending tender chicken, earthy mushrooms, nutty wild rice, and savory Parmesan for a deeply flavorful, umami-rich meal. This Parmesan Mushroom Chicken and Wild Rice Soup is the ultimate soul-warming dish for chilly evenings, offering a sophisticated twist on a classic comfort favorite.

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Preparing this soup is a journey of aromas, starting with the sautéing of fresh mirepoix in butter and oil, followed by the earthy scent of cremini mushrooms. As the wild rice simmers in low-sodium chicken broth with fresh thyme and a bay leaf, the flavors meld into a rich and creamy masterpiece that is naturally gluten-free.

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 the best results, ensure the mushrooms are cooked until their liquid has evaporated to concentrate their flavor. Rinsing the wild rice before cooking is essential to remove any excess starch and ensure a clear, vibrant broth.

Varianten und Anpassungen

To save time, you can substitute the chicken breasts with rotisserie chicken; simply shred it and stir it in during the final step. For a vegetarian alternative, omit the chicken, use vegetable broth, and consider adding extra mushrooms or white beans for added texture.

Serviervorschläge

This soup pairs beautifully with a side of crusty bread and a crisp white wine such as Sauvignon Blanc. For an even more indulgent finish, stir in an extra splash of cream or a small knob of butter just before serving.

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With its perfect balance of savory protein and earthy grains, this Parmesan Mushroom Chicken and Wild Rice Soup is sure to become a favorite in your household. Ladle up a bowl and enjoy the deep, layered flavors of this medium-difficulty American classic.

Recipe FAQs

→ Can I use a different type of rice instead of wild rice?

While wild rice provides a distinctive nutty flavor and texture, you can substitute with brown rice or a wild rice blend. Adjust cooking time accordingly, as brown rice typically cooks faster than wild rice.

→ How can I make this soup vegetarian?

Simply omit the chicken and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. Add extra mushrooms, white beans, or chickpeas for additional protein and heartiness. All other ingredients remain the same.

→ Can I prepare this soup ahead of time?

Yes, this soup stores well in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Note that the wild rice will continue to absorb liquid, so you may need to add extra broth when reheating. The cream and Parmesan reheat beautifully.

→ What type of mushrooms work best for this soup?

Cremini or white button mushrooms are recommended, but you can also use a mix of varieties like shiitake, portobello, or oyster mushrooms for deeper, more complex earthy flavors.

→ Can I freeze leftovers of this soup?

You can freeze this soup for up to 3 months, though cream-based soups may separate slightly when thawed. Reheat gently and whisk to recombine. For best results, consider freezing before adding the cream and Parmesan, then stir those in when reheating.

→ How do I prevent the wild rice from becoming mushy?

Rinse the wild rice before cooking and monitor the cooking time carefully. Wild rice should be tender but still have a slight chew. Start checking for doneness around 40 minutes and remove from heat once it reaches your preferred texture.