If you’re looking for a cozy bowl of comfort that somehow feels both indulgent and nourishing, the Creamy Wild Rice Chicken Soup with Roasted Mushrooms Recipe is going to be your new best friend. This soup wonderfully balances tender chicken, nutty wild rice, and vibrant veggies with a luscious, creamy broth, all crowned by the deep, earthy flavor of roasted mushrooms. Every spoonful delivers warmth and richness, perfect for chilly evenings or anytime you crave a homemade hug in a bowl.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Inside a dark pot, there are several layers of ingredients starting with a base of mixed grains including wild rice and other seeds with different colors and textures. On top of the grains are chopped celery pieces, light green and crisp, scattered around. Next, a layer of thick, round carrot slices, bright orange in color, covers most of the celery. To one side, there is a raw piece of pale pink chicken surrounded by fresh green herbs and small white chopped onions. The ingredients are sprinkled with black pepper and other spices, all resting inside the pot against a dark interior. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The beauty of this recipe is in its simplicity—each ingredient is straightforward but plays a crucial role. Together, they create layers of flavor, varied textures, and vibrant colors that make this soup truly irresistible.

Boneless, skinless chicken breasts (1 pound): The lean protein base that shreds beautifully and soaks up all the flavors.
Dry wild rice blend (1 1/2 cups): Adds a nutty, chewy texture that makes this soup hearty and satisfying.
Carrots (6, chopped): Bring a hint of sweetness and vibrant orange color.
Celery (3 stalks, chopped): Adds subtle aromatic crunch and depth.
Shallots (2 medium, chopped): Offer a mild, sophisticated onion flavor.
Low-sodium chicken broth (6 cups): The flavorful liquid that ties everything together without overpowering.
Fresh thyme (2 tablespoons) or dried (2 teaspoons): Infuses the soup with an earthy herbal note.
Fresh sage (1 tablespoon) or dried (1 teaspoon): Offers a warm, aromatic touch.
Crushed red pepper flakes (1/2 teaspoon): Adds just the right amount of gentle heat.
Fresh baby spinach or kale (2 cups): For a pop of green and extra nutrients.
Chopped fresh parsley (2 tablespoons): Brightens and freshens the soup at the end.
Heavy cream or whole milk (1 cup): Makes the soup silky and indulgent.
Grated Parmesan (1/2 cup plus more for serving): Adds umami richness and depth.
Kosher salt and black pepper: Essential for seasoning and balance.
Salted butter (6 tablespoons, melted): Used for roasting mushrooms to golden perfection.
Mixed mushrooms (2 pounds, roughly torn): The star of the roasted topping, bringing earthiness and texture.
Fresh rosemary (2 sprigs): Aromatic and fragrant, complements the mushrooms beautifully.
Garlic cloves (4, smashed): Roasted to soften their pungency into mellow sweetness.
Lemon zest (from 1 lemon): Adds a bright lift to the mushrooms and soup.

How to Make Creamy Wild Rice Chicken Soup with Roasted Mushrooms Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Soup Base

Start by combining the rice, chicken breasts, veggies, herbs, spices, and broth in your slow cooker, instant pot, or a large pot on the stove. This layering of ingredients allows the flavors to meld beautifully. Depending on your cooking method, the rice will become tender and the chicken tender enough to shred apart, creating the hearty base of the soup.

Step 2: Shred the Chicken and Add the Cream

Once the cooking time is up, shred the chicken directly in the pot using two forks. This creates those comforting little chunks we all love in chicken soup. Next, stir in the heavy cream (or whole milk for a lighter touch), Parmesan, and fresh greens like spinach or kale. This step transforms the broth from a simple savory base into a rich, creamy delight.

Step 3: Roast the Mushrooms

While the soup simmers, prepare your mushrooms. Toss the roughly torn mushrooms with melted butter, smashed garlic, fresh rosemary, lemon zest, salt, and pepper. Roast them in a hot oven until they turn golden and crispy at the edges. This roasting process concentrates their earthy flavors and adds a lovely caramelized texture that contrasts wonderfully with the soup.

Step 4: Combine and Finish

Mash the roasted garlic and stir it along with the mushrooms and any leftover butter into the soup. This deepens the garlic’s mellow sweetness and infuses the soup with those rich roasting juices. Give everything a good stir to combine all those flavors before serving.

How to Serve Creamy Wild Rice Chicken Soup with Roasted Mushrooms Recipe

A white bowl filled with creamy mushroom soup showing at least three layers: the base creamy broth with small bits of vegetables and rice, a middle layer with whole and sliced brown mushrooms that are soft and darkened from cooking, and a top layer of scattered rosemary sprigs giving a green contrast. The soup has a rich texture with small bubbles on the surface. A silver spoon rests on the right side inside the bowl. The bowl is placed on a dark wooden table with a white marbled texture background visible near the top edge. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

A sprinkle of extra Parmesan cheese adds a salty, nutty finish that melts slightly into the steaming soup. A few fresh rosemary leaves on top amplify the woodsy aroma, making each bite delightful. A fresh twist of lemon zest can also add a little zing, brightening the creamy richness.

Side Dishes

This soup stands beautifully on its own but also shines alongside crusty bread or warm, buttery rolls for dipping. A crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette can balance the creaminess, and roasted root vegetables make a lovely hearty companion on colder days.

Creative Ways to Present

For an impressive presentation, ladle the soup into deep bowls, then artfully pile the roasted mushrooms and herbs right in the center. Serve with a small bowl of Parmesan on the side for guests to sprinkle as they please. You can also drizzle a little truffle oil over the mushrooms for an extra special touch that elevates the dish.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Stored in an airtight container, this soup keeps wonderfully in the fridge for up to 4 days. The flavors continue to develop, making leftovers even more delicious. Just be sure to keep the roasted mushrooms separate if you want to preserve their texture.

Freezing

If you want to freeze the soup, do so before adding the cream and fresh greens to maintain the best texture. Freeze in portioned containers for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating and stirring in the cream, greens, and roasted mushrooms.

Reheating

Reheat gently on the stove over medium-low heat, stirring often to prevent scorching. If the soup has thickened too much, simply add a splash of broth or water to loosen it. Add the cream, greens, and roasted mushrooms towards the end, so they stay fresh and vibrant.

FAQs

Can I substitute the wild rice blend with another type of rice?

Absolutely! While wild rice gives a wonderful nutty flavor and chewy texture, you can use brown rice or even jasmine rice. Just keep in mind that cooking times and textures will vary slightly.

Is it possible to make this soup vegetarian?

Yes! You can swap the chicken broth for a rich vegetable broth and omit the chicken, or use a plant-based protein like tempeh or chickpeas. The roasted mushrooms will still provide that hearty, savory flavor.

Can I use dried mushrooms instead of fresh for roasting?

Fresh mushrooms work best for roasting since they develop that beautiful caramelization. If you only have dried mushrooms, rehydrate them first and consider sautéing instead, as they won’t roast the same way.

How can I make this soup dairy-free?

Replace the cream with full-fat coconut milk or another creamy plant-based milk, and use nutritional yeast in place of Parmesan to keep that savory depth without dairy.

What’s the best way to shred the chicken?

After the chicken is cooked and cooled slightly, use two forks pulled in opposite directions to shred it. Alternatively, you can use a stand mixer with a paddle attachment on low speed for a quick shredding method.

Final Thoughts

This Creamy Wild Rice Chicken Soup with Roasted Mushrooms Recipe is truly a treasure for anyone who appreciates food that warms both the body and soul. Its rich creaminess, layered textures, and earthy mushroom magic make it a dish you’ll want to make again and again. I can’t wait for you to try it and make it your own cozy go-to! Happy cooking and savor every delicious spoonful.

Creamy Wild Rice Chicken Soup with Roasted Mushrooms Recipe