Parmesan Mushroom Chicken Wild Rice Soup (Printable version)

Creamy comfort soup combining tender chicken, earthy mushrooms, wild rice, and Parmesan cheese for satisfying, warming bowls.

# Needed ingredients:

→ Proteins

01 - 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 14 oz), diced

→ Vegetables

02 - 8.8 oz cremini or white mushrooms, sliced
03 - 1 medium onion, diced
04 - 2 medium carrots, diced
05 - 2 celery stalks, diced
06 - 3 cloves garlic, minced

→ Grains

07 - 1 cup wild rice, rinsed

→ Liquids

08 - 6 cups chicken broth, preferably low sodium
09 - 1 cup whole milk or half-and-half

→ Dairy

10 - 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese, plus extra for serving

→ Fats

11 - 3 tablespoons unsalted butter

→ Thickeners

12 - 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour or gluten-free flour blend

→ Herbs & Seasonings

13 - 1 teaspoon dried thyme
14 - 1 bay leaf
15 - 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
16 - Salt, to taste

→ Garnish

17 - Chopped fresh parsley, optional

# How to make it:

01 - Melt 2 tablespoons butter in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add diced chicken and cook for 5-6 minutes until lightly browned and cooked through. Transfer to a plate and set aside.
02 - Add remaining 1 tablespoon butter to the pot. Sauté onion, carrots, and celery for 4-5 minutes until softened. Stir in mushrooms and garlic; cook for 4 additional minutes until mushrooms release moisture and begin to brown.
03 - Sprinkle flour over vegetables and stir constantly for 1 minute to eliminate raw flour taste.
04 - Gradually pour chicken broth into the pot while stirring to prevent lumps. Add wild rice, thyme, bay leaf, black pepper, and a pinch of salt.
05 - Bring soup to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for 35-40 minutes, stirring occasionally, until rice becomes tender.
06 - Return cooked chicken to the pot. Stir in milk and Parmesan cheese. Cook for 3-4 minutes until heated through and slightly thickened. Remove bay leaf and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
07 - Ladle soup into bowls and garnish with additional Parmesan cheese and chopped parsley if desired. Serve immediately while hot.

# Expert Suggestions:

01 -
  • The combination of wild rice and Parmesan creates a sophisticated, nutty flavor profile.
  • It is a well-balanced, one-pot meal containing protein, grains, and plenty of vegetables.
  • Perfect for meal prep, as the flavors often deepen and improve the following day.
02 -
  • Ensure you rinse the wild rice thoroughly before adding it to the pot to ensure a clean flavor.
  • Using freshly grated Parmesan rather than pre-shredded cheese ensures it melts perfectly into the broth.
  • Always check ingredient labels for allergens, especially when choosing your flour blend or broth.
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