There’s nothing quite like the comfort of a warm bowl of soup on a chilly day — and this Cozy Mushroom Chicken & Wild Rice Soup delivers everything you could want in a single spoonful. It’s hearty yet soothing, creamy yet light, and packed with wholesome ingredients that make you feel nourished and satisfied.
Imagine tender bites of chicken, nutty wild rice, and earthy mushrooms all simmered together in a creamy, herb-kissed broth. The flavors blend beautifully, creating a soup that’s rustic, comforting, and full of depth. It’s the kind of meal that makes your kitchen smell incredible and your day instantly better.
This is the perfect recipe for cozy weeknights, make-ahead lunches, or whenever you crave something that warms you from the inside out.
Why You’ll Love This Cozy Mushroom Chicken & Wild Rice Soup
- Creamy, hearty, and full of deep, comforting flavor.
- Loaded with protein and fiber — healthy and filling.
- One-pot recipe with easy cleanup.
- Perfect for meal prep or freezing.
- Tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld.
Why You Should Try This Recipe
Unlike your average chicken soup, this version brings texture and richness with wild rice and mushrooms, turning a simple bowl of soup into a full, satisfying meal. The wild rice adds a nutty bite, while the mushrooms deepen the flavor for a restaurant-quality dish made right at home.
The creamy base ties everything together — it’s luxurious without being heavy. You can use leftover chicken, rotisserie meat, or freshly cooked breast — making it as convenient as it is delicious. Once you make it, it’ll become a staple in your cold-weather comfort menu.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Soup:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 carrots, peeled and diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 8 ounces mushrooms, sliced (cremini, baby bella, or white)
- 1 cup wild rice, rinsed
- 6 cups chicken broth (low-sodium)
- 2 cups cooked chicken (shredded or cubed)
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- ½ teaspoon dried rosemary
- ½ teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
For the Creamy Base:
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 3 tablespoons flour
- 1 ½ cups milk or half-and-half
- ½ cup heavy cream (optional for extra richness)
For Garnish:
- Fresh parsley or thyme
- Cracked black pepper
How to Make Cozy Mushroom Chicken & Wild Rice Soup (Step by Step)
Step 1: Sauté the vegetables
In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat olive oil and butter over medium heat. Add onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté for 5–6 minutes until softened and fragrant.
Step 2: Add garlic and mushrooms
Stir in garlic and sliced mushrooms. Cook for another 5 minutes, allowing the mushrooms to release their moisture and develop a rich, golden color.
Step 3: Add rice and herbs
Add the wild rice, thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper. Stir to coat the rice and vegetables in the flavors.
Step 4: Pour in the broth
Add chicken broth and bring to a gentle boil. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 40–45 minutes, or until the rice is tender.
Step 5: Add chicken
Stir in the cooked chicken and continue to simmer for 5–10 minutes to let the flavors blend.
Step 6: Make the creamy base
In a small saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook for 1 minute, then slowly whisk in milk. Cook until thickened — about 3–4 minutes. Stir in the cream, if using.
Step 7: Combine and serve
Pour the creamy mixture into the soup pot and stir well to combine. Adjust seasoning to taste. Let simmer another 5 minutes to thicken slightly. Serve warm, garnished with fresh herbs and cracked pepper.
Tips for the Best Mushroom Chicken & Wild Rice Soup
- Use real wild rice – Not a blend — it gives the best texture and nutty flavor.
- Sauté mushrooms until golden – This step adds rich umami flavor.
- Cook rice separately if short on time – You can add pre-cooked rice to save 20 minutes.
- Use rotisserie chicken – A quick shortcut for flavor and convenience.
- Don’t boil after adding cream – It can curdle; keep it at a gentle simmer.
- Season in layers – Taste after adding rice, chicken, and cream for balance.
- Add greens – A handful of spinach or kale adds color and nutrients.
- Make it dairy-free – Use coconut milk or cashew cream for a smooth finish.
- Thicken to your liking – Add more flour for a thicker texture or more broth for lighter soup.
- Let it rest before serving – It thickens beautifully as it sits.
Variations & Substitutions
- Vegetarian Version: Skip the chicken and use vegetable broth — add white beans for protein.
- Instant Pot Method: Cook all ingredients (except cream base) on high pressure for 25 minutes, then stir in the creamy mixture afterward.
- Add Bacon: Stir in crispy bacon for smoky flavor.
- Extra Veggies: Add diced zucchini, spinach, or peas.
- Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of cayenne or smoked paprika.
- Cheesy Twist: Stir in shredded Parmesan or Gruyère for richness.
- Rice Swap: Use brown rice or quinoa for variation.
- Lighter Version: Use milk instead of cream and less butter.
- Herb Lovers: Fresh sage or parsley adds a nice herbal depth.
- Mushroom Upgrade: Try a mix of cremini, shiitake, and oyster mushrooms.
What to Serve With Mushroom Chicken & Wild Rice Soup
- Crusty bread or garlic butter rolls for dipping
- Simple green salad with lemon vinaigrette
- Roasted vegetables like carrots or Brussels sprouts
- A glass of Chardonnay or Pinot Noir
- Pumpkin or apple crisp for a cozy dessert pairing
Storage & Reheating Tips
To Store:
Cool completely and refrigerate in airtight containers for up to 4 days.
To Reheat:
Warm on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of milk or broth to loosen as the rice absorbs liquid.
To Freeze:
Freeze before adding the cream base for up to 2 months. Add the creamy mixture fresh when reheating for the best texture.
Recipe FAQs
Can I use wild rice blend?
Yes, but note that cooking times may vary — check the package for directions.
Can I use leftover chicken?
Absolutely! Rotisserie or shredded leftover chicken works perfectly.
Can I make it without cream?
Yes — it’s still delicious as a broth-based soup.
Can I use another grain?
Brown rice, quinoa, or barley are great substitutes.
How do I keep the cream from curdling?
Don’t boil the soup after adding dairy — keep it on a low simmer.
Can I make this in the slow cooker?
Yes! Add all the ingredients except the creamy base (butter, flour, milk, and cream) to your slow cooker. Cook on LOW for 6–7 hours or HIGH for 3–4 hours, until the rice is tender and the chicken is cooked through. About 20 minutes before serving, prepare the creamy mixture on the stove and stir it into the soup to finish.
Can I use leftover Thanksgiving turkey instead of chicken?
Absolutely — it’s a fantastic way to use up leftover turkey. Just stir it in during the last few minutes of simmering so it doesn’t overcook.
Can I make it ahead?
Yes! This soup actually tastes better the next day because the flavors deepen overnight. Just thin it with a little broth when reheating since the rice continues to absorb liquid.
Can I make it dairy-free?
Yes — use olive oil instead of butter and full-fat coconut milk or almond milk for the creamy base. The texture will still be smooth and satisfying.
Can I skip the flour?
You can thicken with cornstarch instead. Mix 1 tablespoon cornstarch with 2 tablespoons water and stir it in during the final simmer.
What type of mushrooms work best?
Baby bella or cremini mushrooms are ideal, but a mix of wild mushrooms like shiitake, oyster, or chanterelles adds amazing depth.
Can I add extra protein?
Yes — add more shredded chicken, turkey, or even white beans for a heartier meal.
How can I make it extra creamy?
Stir in 2 tablespoons of cream cheese or a splash of half-and-half right before serving.
How can I make it gluten-free?
Use a gluten-free flour blend or cornstarch in place of flour for the creamy base.
How can I make it more flavorful?
Finish with a squeeze of lemon juice or a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese right before serving — it brightens the flavors beautifully.
This Cozy Mushroom Chicken & Wild Rice Soup is the definition of comfort — creamy, wholesome, and filled with the earthy aroma of mushrooms and herbs. It’s the kind of meal that soothes you after a long day, pairs perfectly with a slice of crusty bread, and makes leftovers something to look forward to.
Whether you’re curling up on the couch with a blanket or feeding your family a hearty homemade dinner, this soup promises warmth, flavor, and pure satisfaction in every bowl. It’s comfort food made simple — rustic, cozy, and unforgettable.