Description
Hearty wild rice and mushroom chicken soup blends comforting flavors from Northwest kitchens. Rich broth combines tender chicken, earthy mushrooms, and nutty rice for a satisfying meal complete with rustic charm.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb (450 g) chicken breasts or thighs, boneless, skinless
- 1 cup (200 g) wild rice
- 6 cups (1.5 L) chicken broth
- 2 cups (480 ml) milk
- 3 tbsps unsalted butter
- 2 tbsps olive oil
- 3 tbsps all-purpose flour
- ½ cup (120 ml) heavy cream
- 8 oz (225 g) mushrooms, sliced (white button or cremini)
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 carrots, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 tsp dried parsley
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp salt, or to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
- Grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
Instructions
- Aromatic Foundation: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium flame. Sauté onions, garlic, carrots, and celery until they become translucent and release their aromatic essence.
- Mushroom Integration: Add sliced mushrooms to the vegetable base, allowing them to caramelize and intensify their earthy flavor profile.
- Rice and Protein Layer: Introduce wild rice and whole chicken pieces into the pot, ensuring even distribution among the vegetables.
- Liquid and Seasoning Infusion: Pour chicken broth over the ingredients, incorporating fresh thyme, parsley, salt, and black pepper. Bring to a vigorous boil, then reduce to a gentle simmer.
- Flavor Development: Partially cover the pot, allowing the soup to slowly develop its complex flavors. Cook until chicken is thoroughly done and rice reaches optimal tenderness.
- Protein Preparation: Extract chicken from the soup, shred into delicate morsels using two forks, then return to the simmering liquid.
- Creamy Transformation: Create a roux by melting butter and whisking in flour until smooth. Gradually introduce milk, continuously whisking to prevent lumps.
- Cream Integration: Stir in heavy cream, blending seamlessly into the thickened base. Incorporate the creamy mixture into the soup, stirring thoroughly.
- Final Refinement: Simmer for an additional few minutes to marry flavors and achieve a luxurious, velvety consistency. Adjust seasoning to taste.
- Presentation: Serve in warmed bowls, crowned with a sprinkle of fresh parsley and a generous dusting of Parmesan cheese for an elevated culinary experience.
Notes
- Manage Mushroom Moisture: Pat mushrooms dry before slicing to prevent excess water diluting the soup’s rich flavor and ensure proper caramelization during sautéing.
- Control Rice Consistency: Wild rice takes longer to cook, so add it earlier and monitor liquid levels to prevent overcooking or creating a mushy texture.
- Create Smooth Cream Base: Whisk roux continuously and add milk slowly to prevent lumps, ensuring a silky, luxurious soup texture without grainy interruptions.
- Customize Dietary Needs: Swap heavy cream with coconut milk for dairy-free version, use gluten-free flour for roux, or replace chicken with plant-based protein for vegetarian adaptation.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Category: Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 5
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 800 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 36 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 24 g
- Cholesterol: 80 mg