Parmesan Mushroom Chicken Wild Rice Soup (Printable)

Hearty soup with chicken, mushrooms, wild rice, and Parmesan. Comforting, rich, and deeply flavorful in every spoonful.

# What You'll Need:

→ Protein & Dairy

01 - 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 14 oz), diced
02 - 1 cup (3.5 oz) freshly grated Parmesan cheese
03 - 1/2 cup heavy cream

→ Grains

04 - 3/4 cup wild rice, rinsed

→ Vegetables

05 - 2 tablespoons olive oil
06 - 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
07 - 1 large yellow onion, diced
08 - 3 garlic cloves, minced
09 - 3 medium carrots, peeled and sliced
10 - 3 celery stalks, sliced
11 - 10 oz cremini or white mushrooms, sliced
12 - 2 teaspoons fresh thyme leaves (or 1 teaspoon dried)
13 - 1 bay leaf

→ Liquids

14 - 6 cups low-sodium chicken broth

→ Seasonings

15 - 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
16 - 1 teaspoon salt, plus more to taste
17 - 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley for garnish

# Step-by-Step Guide:

01 - Heat olive oil and butter in a large pot over medium heat. Add diced onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté for 5 minutes until vegetables begin to soften.
02 - Add sliced mushrooms and minced garlic. Cook for 6 to 8 minutes until mushrooms are tender and most liquid has evaporated.
03 - Stir in diced chicken, wild rice, thyme, bay leaf, salt, and pepper. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes while stirring occasionally.
04 - Pour in chicken broth and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 40 to 45 minutes until wild rice is tender and chicken is cooked through.
05 - Remove bay leaf. Stir in heavy cream and grated Parmesan. Simmer uncovered for 5 minutes. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
06 - Ladle into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley and additional Parmesan cheese if desired.

# Expert Suggestions:

01 -
  • Umami-Rich: The combination of cremini mushrooms and aged Parmesan creates an incredible depth of flavor.
  • Hearty Texture: Wild rice provides a satisfying, nutty chew that sets this apart from standard chicken soups.
  • Main Dish Ready: Packed with protein and vegetables, it is a complete and filling meal on its own.
  • Gluten-Free: Naturally gluten-free as long as you use a certified gluten-free chicken broth.
02 -
  • Extra Richness: Add a splash more cream or a small knob of butter right before serving for a luxurious finish.
  • Consistency Check: If the soup becomes too thick after sitting, stir in a little extra chicken broth when reheating to reach your desired consistency.
  • Herb Swap: Fresh rosemary can be used in place of thyme for a more pine-like, woodsy aroma.
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