Garlic Parmesan Creamy Mushroom Chicken and Wild Rice Soup

1. Cook the Chicken

In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the cubed or shredded chicken and season with a little salt and pepper. Sauté until the chicken is cooked through and lightly browned, about 6-8 minutes. Remove the chicken from the pot and set aside.

2. Sauté the Vegetables

In the same pot, add the chopped onion and garlic. Cook for about 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onion becomes translucent and the garlic is fragrant. Add the sliced mushrooms to the pot and sauté for another 5-7 minutes until the mushrooms release their moisture and become tender.

3. Cook the Wild Rice

Stir in the wild rice and allow it to toast slightly with the vegetables for 2-3 minutes. The rice will absorb some of the flavors from the garlic, onions, and mushrooms.

4. Add Broth and Simmer

Pour in the chicken broth and bring the soup to a gentle simmer. Cover the pot and cook for 35-40 minutes, or until the wild rice is tender. You may want to check the rice a bit earlier to ensure it doesn’t overcook. Stir occasionally and add more broth or water if the soup gets too thick.

5. Make It Creamy

Once the wild rice is cooked, stir in the heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, and dried thyme and rosemary. Bring the soup back to a simmer and let it cook for another 5-10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and the soup to thicken slightly. Stir frequently, making sure the Parmesan cheese is fully melted and incorporated into the soup.

6. Add the Chicken Back In

Return the cooked chicken to the pot and stir to combine. Let everything heat through for another 5 minutes. Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with more salt, pepper, or a squeeze of lemon juice for a bit of brightness.

7. Serve and Garnish

Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with freshly chopped parsley and a sprinkle of extra Parmesan cheese, if desired. Serve hot and enjoy!

Tips for Making the Best Garlic Parmesan Creamy Mushroom Chicken and Wild Rice Soup

• Use Bone-In Chicken for Extra Flavor: If you have the time, you can use bone-in chicken thighs or breasts for extra flavor. Just make sure to remove the skin before cooking, and once the chicken is done, shred or chop it into bite-sized pieces.
• Adjust the Rice: Wild rice can take longer to cook than regular rice, so make sure to check the package instructions. If you’re using regular rice, it will cook faster, so adjust the cooking time accordingly.
• Add Extra Veggies: Feel free to add additional vegetables like carrots, celery, or even spinach for added nutrients and flavor. Just sauté them with the onions and garlic at the beginning for the best results.
• Make It Lighter: To lighten up the soup, you can substitute the heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk. Keep in mind that the soup may not be quite as rich and creamy, but it will still be delicious.
• Freeze for Later: This soup freezes wonderfully! Let it cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container or freezer-safe bag. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply thaw and reheat on the stove, adding a little extra broth or cream if needed to restore the texture.

What to Serve with Garlic Parmesan Creamy Mushroom Chicken and Wild Rice Soup

While this soup is filling on its own, you can pair it with a few sides to complete the meal:

• Crusty Bread or Rolls: Serve the soup with a loaf of crusty bread or some warm dinner rolls to soak up the creamy broth.
• Simple Green Salad: A fresh green salad with a light vinaigrette helps balance the richness of the soup.
• Grilled Cheese: For a fun twist, serve this soup with a classic grilled cheese sandwich for the ultimate comfort food combo.

Why You’ll Love This Garlic Parmesan Creamy Mushroom Chicken and Wild Rice Soup

This soup is the perfect example of comfort food taken to the next level. It’s creamy, savory, and filling, with just the right balance of flavors. The earthy mushrooms and hearty wild rice complement the tender chicken, while the Parmesan cheese and garlic create a depth of flavor that’s simply irresistible.

Whether you’re looking for a cozy weeknight dinner, something to serve at a family gathering, or a hearty soup to prep for the week, Garlic Parmesan Creamy Mushroom Chicken and Wild Rice Soup is the answer. It’s one of those dishes that’s sure to please everyone at the table, no matter the occasion.

Conclusion: A Comforting Classic with a Gourmet Twist

If you’re ready to add a new staple to your soup rotation, give this Garlic Parmesan Creamy Mushroom Chicken and Wild Rice Soup a try. It’s everything you love about comforting soup—rich, creamy, and packed with flavor—while also being hearty enough to satisfy your hunger. This recipe is sure to become a go-to for chilly evenings, and you’ll find yourself making it over and over again. So grab your spoon, curl up, and enjoy every cozy, flavorful bite!