The Comfort Bowl You’ve Been Missing
There’s something magical about a pot of soup simmering on the stove — especially when the kitchen is filled with the earthy scent of mushrooms and the rich aroma of chicken broth. It takes me right back to my grandmother’s kitchen in northern Italy, where rainy afternoons meant only one thing: mushroom chicken soup on the menu.
This mushroom chicken soup is everything you want in a dinner recipe: easy to make, nourishing, and the definition of comfort food. It’s creamy, hearty, and loaded with umami from a medley of mushrooms and savory shredded chicken. Whether you’re a busy parent juggling dinner between errands or a student hunting for an easy yet impressive meal, this soup checks all the boxes.
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In This Guide
What Is Mushroom Chicken Soup?
Think of this as the lovechild of a rustic mushroom stew and a creamy chicken chowder — rich, thick, and oh-so-satisfying. Our version pairs wild rice with a mix of mushrooms and shredded chicken in a silky, parmesan-spiked broth.
There are endless ways to make it your own: go low-carb by skipping the rice, try a dairy-free mushroom chicken soup by using coconut cream, or make it an instant pot mushroom chicken soup if you’re short on time.
Why You’ll Love It:
- Umami-Rich: Thanks to mushrooms and miso (if you dare).
- Protein-Packed: With shredded chicken or thighs.
- Adaptable: Go vegetarian, keto, or gluten-free.
- Meal-Prep Friendly: Keeps beautifully in the freezer.
Ingredients Breakdown
Ingredient | Quantity |
---|---|
Butter | 2 tbsp |
Cremini or mixed mushrooms | 3 cups, sliced |
Onion | 1, diced |
Carrots | 2, chopped |
Celery | 2 stalks, chopped |
Garlic | 4 cloves, minced |
Fresh thyme | 1 tsp (or ½ tsp dried) |
Chicken broth | 6 cups |
Wild rice | 1 cup (or blend) |
Cooked chicken (shredded or diced) | 2 cups |
Milk or heavy cream | 1 cup |
Parmesan cheese | ½ cup, grated |
Salt and pepper | To taste |
Nutmeg (optional) | Pinch |
Optional Add-Ins:
- 1 tbsp white miso paste
- Soaked dried mushrooms for depth
How to Make Mushroom Chicken Soup
This is a one-pot chicken mushroom soup wonder that brings maximum comfort with minimum effort:
- Sauté the Mushrooms
In a large pot, melt the butter and cook mushrooms over medium heat until browned and their liquid has evaporated (about 8-10 minutes). - Add Aromatics
Toss in the onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté for 5 minutes until softened, then stir in garlic and thyme. - Simmer with Broth & Rice
Pour in chicken broth and add the wild rice. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and let simmer until rice is tender (about 35-45 minutes depending on type). - Stir in Chicken
Add the pre-cooked chicken and let it warm through. - Finish with Cream and Cheese
Stir in the milk or cream and parmesan. Season with salt, pepper, and a pinch of nutmeg.
Tips & Variations
- Low Carb? Use cauliflower rice instead of wild rice.
- Dairy-Free? Swap cream for cashew milk or coconut cream.
- Go Vegetarian: Sub chicken with white beans and use veggie broth.
- Boost the Umami: Stir in miso paste or top with truffle oil.
- Make Ahead: Store in fridge for 3 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
- Reheat Like a Pro: Add broth or a splash of milk when reheating to restore the creamy consistency.
Serving Suggestions
This soup begs for a cozy pairing:
- Serve with crusty sourdough or warm garlic knots.
- Top with:
- A swirl of sour cream
- Shaved parmesan
- Chopped fresh parsley
- A drizzle of truffle oil (if you’re feeling fancy)
It’s ideal for family-style chicken soup nights, especially during the chilly months. Pair it with a light salad for a complete dinner.
Looking for more dinner magic? Find more inspiring dinner recipes on our ‘Dinner Magic’ board.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
- Calories: 350
- Protein: 22g
- Carbs: 30g
- Fat: 16g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 700mg
FAQs
Can I freeze mushroom chicken soup?
Yes! Let it cool completely, then store in airtight containers. It freezes well for up to 3 months.
How can I thicken it without using flour?
Simmer it longer to reduce the broth or add a bit of instant mashed potatoes as a gluten-free thickener.
What mushrooms are best for this soup?
A mix is ideal — think cremini, shiitake, or portobello. Oyster mushrooms add a delicate texture too!
Navigation and Related Content
Still hungry for more?
- Try this creamy chicken soup your family will love.
- Craving something slow and southern? Check out our slow-cooked classics like chicken and dumplings.
- Or explore our easy weeknight chicken dinner ideas for more quick meals!
Share Your Twist!
Did you sprinkle in some truffle oil? Add kale? Replace chicken with tofu? Let us know! We’d love to see your version of this mushroom chicken soup — tag us on Instagram or Facebook and share the comfort.
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Print
Mushroom Chicken Soup Recipe – Creamy, Hearty & Easy
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 6 servings
Description
Creamy, hearty, and full of umami, this mushroom chicken soup with wild rice is the cozy bowl of comfort you need this season.
Ingredients
- 2 tbsp butter
- 3 cups cremini or mixed mushrooms, sliced
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 carrots, chopped
- 2 stalks celery, chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp fresh thyme (or ½ tsp dried)
- 6 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup wild rice (or blend)
- 2 cups cooked chicken (shredded or diced)
- 1 cup milk or heavy cream
- ½ cup parmesan cheese, grated
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Pinch of nutmeg (optional)
- Optional: 1 tbsp white miso paste, soaked dried mushrooms
Instructions
- In a large pot, melt the butter and cook mushrooms over medium heat until browned and their liquid has evaporated (about 8-10 minutes).
- Add onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté for 5 minutes until softened.
- Stir in garlic and thyme.
- Pour in chicken broth and add wild rice. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer until rice is tender (about 35-45 minutes).
- Add the pre-cooked chicken and let it warm through.
- Stir in the milk or cream and parmesan cheese.
- Season with salt, pepper, and a pinch of nutmeg if using.
Notes
Make it low-carb with cauliflower rice, or dairy-free with coconut cream. Store leftovers in the fridge for 3 days or freeze up to 3 months.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 700mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 75mg