Creamy Mushroom Chicken and Wild Rice Soup—5 Cozy Wins

If you’ve been craving a bowl of something cozy, nourishing, and just a teensy bit indulgent after a long day, this Creamy Mushroom Chicken and Wild Rice Soup is about to become your new weeknight hero. As someone who lives for simple, magical chicken dishes, trust me—this recipe brings the kind of comfort that feels like a warm hug on a chilly afternoon.

Made with earthy mushrooms, tender chicken, and hearty wild rice, it’s the kind of soup that makes your kitchen smell like you’ve been cooking for hours… even though you absolutely haven’t. And for all my busy women juggling work, kids, and the daily “what’s for dinner?” scramble—this one’s especially for you.

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

Where do I even begin? This soup checks every box:

• It’s creamy without being heavy.
• It’s hearty without weighing you down.
• It’s easy to make yet tastes like something you’d order at a charming little café on a rainy day.
• It reheats beautifully—because leftovers matter.

Plus, it uses wholesome ingredients like wild rice, sweet potatoes, mushrooms, and lean chicken breast. You get comfort and nutrition all in one bowl… a win-win for any household with picky eaters or constant snackers.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s everything you’ll pull together to make this cozy pot of goodness.

Wild Rice

• 1 cup wild rice (I used Lundberg wild rice blend)
• 3 cups water

Mushrooms

• 6 oz mushrooms, sliced (cremini recommended)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• ¼ teaspoon salt

Chicken

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 pound chicken breast (or 2 smaller breasts), boneless & skinless
• 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon pepper

Vegetables & Broth

• 1 large sweet potato, peeled & chopped
• 6 oz mushrooms, sliced
• 5 cloves garlic, minced
• ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
• ½ teaspoon paprika
• ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes
• ½ teaspoon salt (I used Morton table salt)
• 5 cups chicken broth (or vegetable broth, or water)
• 1 cup heavy cream
• Fresh thyme, for topping

How to Make This Creamy Mushroom Chicken and Wild Rice Soup

Let’s break this down step-by-step so you can go from raw ingredients to comfort-filled bowls with confidence. As always, I’ve kept things simple, practical, and friendly—because cooking shouldn’t feel like a test.

1. Cook the Wild Rice

Rinse your wild rice thoroughly under cold water—about 1 minute is perfect.

Bring 3 cups of water to a boil, add the rice, and cook according to the package instructions. For most blends like Lundberg, this means simmering for 45–60 minutes until tender and beautifully chewy.

Pro tip: You can cook the wild rice ahead of time. It holds extremely well and cuts your prep in half on a busy weeknight.

2. Sauté the Mushrooms

We’ll be using a total of 12 oz mushrooms in this recipe—half now, half later.

Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large stockpot or braiser over medium heat. Add the first 6 oz of sliced mushrooms and sprinkle generously with salt.

Let them cook without stirring for 3–5 minutes to get that gorgeous golden color. Once they release their juices, give a quick stir, cook another minute, then transfer them to a plate. These are your “pretty” mushrooms you’ll use for topping at the end.

3. Sear the Chicken

In the same pot, add another tablespoon of olive oil.

Season your chicken breasts with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Sear for 1–2 minutes on each side. Don’t worry—they’re not supposed to be cooked through yet. We’re just building flavor.

4. Build the Broth

Add the chopped sweet potato, the remaining 6 oz of mushrooms, and minced garlic.

Season with Italian seasoning, paprika, red pepper flakes, and salt. Pour in your chicken broth (or veggie broth, or water if you want a lighter flavor).

Bring everything to a boil, then reduce to a gentle simmer. Let it bubble away for 15–20 minutes, until the chicken is cooked through and the sweet potatoes are soft.

Your kitchen will officially smell amazing at this point.

5. Shred, Mix, and Creamify

Remove the cooked chicken and shred or slice it finely. Add it back into the pot along with the cooked wild rice.

Adjust seasoning as needed (salt, red pepper flakes—go wild).

Remove from heat and stir in the heavy cream. Adding the cream off the heat keeps it silky and smooth… no curdling surprises here.

6. Time to Serve

Ladle into bowls, top with those gorgeous sautéed mushrooms you set aside earlier, and finish with fresh thyme.

Then take a moment. Inhale. Smile. You’ve earned this.

Helpful Tips for Making the Creamy Mushroom Chicken and Wild Rice Soup

Here come the kitchen secrets that keep things fun and stress-free:

• Don’t panic about lumpy cream. Add it off heat and it blends beautifully.
• Wild rice takes longer than white rice—this is normal! It’s naturally firm and hearty.
• Use cremini mushrooms if you can. They have a richer flavor than white button mushrooms.
• Short on time? Cook the wild rice a day ahead.
• Want it thicker? Let the soup sit off heat for 10 minutes. Wild rice loves to soak up flavor.

When I first made this soup, my kids kept wandering into the kitchen asking, “What smells so good?” That’s how I knew I had something special. Now it’s one of my go-to recipes for family get-togethers—and it disappears fast.

FAQs About Creamy Mushroom Chicken and Wild Rice Soup

Bringing It All Together

This Creamy Mushroom Chicken and Wild Rice Soup is comfort at its finest—perfect for busy nights, slow Sundays, or anytime you need something warm and soothing without spending forever in the kitchen. With its rich flavors, tender chicken, and earthy mushrooms, it’s the kind of recipe you’ll keep coming back to again and again.

Whether you’re cooking for your family, meal prepping for the week, or simply treating yourself to a cozy homemade meal, this soup brings all the magic you need. And yes, I say “magic” with full confidence—because if there’s one thing I’ve learned cooking chicken dishes for years, it’s that the simplest recipes often have the most heart.

Enjoy every spoonful!

More Cozy Recipes You’ll Love

If this Creamy Mushroom Chicken and Wild Rice Soup brought some much-needed warmth to your day, you’re going to love these comforting favorites too. Each one is packed with flavor, easy to make, and perfect for those nights when you just want something cozy and delicious.

• If you’re a mushroom fan, you have to try the rich and velvety Hungarian Mushroom Soup.
• Craving a creamy bowl with a Tex-Mex twist? Dive into the bold and comforting Creamy Chicken Enchilada Soup.
• Prefer something a little lighter and brothier? The classic Chicken and Wild Rice Soup is always a cozy win.
• And if sweet-meets-savory is your love language, don’t miss the caramelized goodness of Maple Glazed Chicken with Sweet Potatoes.

Save your favorites and come back hungry—there’s always another delicious bowl waiting for you!

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