Warm, hearty, and filled with rich, savory flavor, this Garlic Parmesan Mushroom Chicken and Rice Soup is everything you want in a cozy dinner. It combines tender chicken, nutty wild rice, earthy mushrooms, and a creamy garlic parmesan broth that’ll warm you from the inside out.
Perfect for fall and winter nights—or anytime you’re craving serious comfort—this soup is satisfying enough to stand on its own and elegant enough to serve to guests. With one pot and simple ingredients, this soul-soothing bowl is a must-make.
Ingredients
- 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon salt (plus more to taste)
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup sliced mushrooms (cremini or white button)
- ¾ cup uncooked wild rice blend
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1½ cups milk
- ½ cup heavy cream
- ¾ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch (optional, for thickening)
- Fresh chopped parsley or thyme for garnish
Preparation
Step 1: Sauté Aromatics
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add diced onion and sauté for 3–4 minutes. Stir in garlic and cook another 30 seconds until fragrant.
Step 2: Add Chicken & Mushrooms
- Add chicken to the pot along with sliced mushrooms. Season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Cook for 4–5 minutes, just until the chicken is lightly browned.
Step 3: Add Broth & Rice
- Pour in the chicken broth and stir in the wild rice blend. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for 35–40 minutes or until the rice is tender and chicken is fully cooked.
Step 4: Shred Chicken
- Remove the chicken from the pot, shred with two forks, and return it to the soup. Stir to combine.
Step 5: Make It Creamy
- Stir in milk, heavy cream, and Parmesan cheese. If you prefer a thicker soup, dissolve cornstarch in 2 tablespoons cold water and stir it in now.
Step 6: Simmer & Serve
- Simmer uncovered for 5–10 more minutes to thicken slightly. Taste and adjust seasoning. Garnish with fresh herbs and serve hot.
Variation
- Vegetarian Version: Replace chicken with white beans or tofu and use vegetable broth
- Extra Veggies: Add chopped carrots, celery, or spinach during cooking
- Spicy Kick: Add red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce
- Low-Carb Swap: Use cauliflower rice in place of wild rice
- Make It Cheesy: Stir in shredded mozzarella for extra meltiness
Cooking Note
Wild rice takes longer to cook than white rice—don’t rush it. For quicker prep, use a pre-cooked wild rice blend or cook the rice separately and stir it in at the end. Parmesan cheese adds salt, so taste before adding extra.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve with garlic bread, sourdough, or cheesy biscuits
- Add a light green salad on the side for balance
- Sprinkle extra parmesan and cracked pepper on top
- Pair with a crisp white wine or hot herbal tea
- Serve in bread bowls for an elevated presentation
Tips
- Use rotisserie chicken for a shortcut—just stir it in after rice is cooked
- Freshly grated Parmesan melts better than pre-shredded
- Leftovers thicken in the fridge—add broth or milk when reheating
- Freeze without the cream/milk and add them fresh after thawing
- Store in the fridge up to 4 days for easy lunches or dinners
Time Overview
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour
Nutritional Info (Per Serving – Approx. 6 servings)
- Calories: ~420
- Protein: ~30g
- Carbohydrates: ~28g
- Fat: ~22g
- Fiber: ~2g
- Sodium: ~780mg
Note: Nutrition values will vary based on rice blend and cheese type.
FAQs
Can I use pre-cooked rice?
- Yes! Stir in pre-cooked wild rice during the last 10 minutes of cooking to warm through.
Is this soup freezer-friendly?
- Yes, but for best results, freeze it before adding the cream. Add cream after reheating.
Can I use other types of mushrooms?
- Absolutely. Try shiitake, oyster, or portobello for extra flavor depth.
What can I use instead of Parmesan?
- Grated Asiago, Romano, or even sharp white cheddar are great substitutes.
How can I make this dairy-free?
- Use full-fat coconut milk instead of cream, and omit the cheese or use a dairy-free version.
Conclusion
Garlic Parmesan Creamy Mushroom Chicken and Wild Rice Soup is the kind of cozy, satisfying recipe you’ll want to curl up with again and again. With deep, savory flavors, tender chicken, and a silky parmesan-laced broth, every spoonful feels like a warm hug.
Whether you’re cooking for the family or meal-prepping for the week, this soup brings bold flavor and hearty comfort all in one pot. Try it once—and it might just become your new cold-weather go-to!