Comforting creamy soup with tender chicken, earthy mushrooms, nutty wild rice, and savory Parmesan.
# What You'll Need:
→ Proteins
01 - 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts (about 14 ounces), diced
→ Vegetables
02 - 9 ounces cremini or white mushrooms, sliced
03 - 1 medium onion, diced
04 - 2 medium carrots, diced
05 - 2 celery stalks, diced
06 - 3 cloves garlic, minced
→ Grains
07 - 1 cup (6.3 ounces) wild rice, rinsed
→ Liquids
08 - 6 cups (48 ounces) chicken broth, preferably low sodium
09 - 1 cup whole milk or half-and-half
→ Dairy
10 - 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese, plus extra for serving
→ Fats
11 - 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
→ Thickeners
12 - 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour or gluten-free flour blend
→ Herbs & Seasonings
13 - 1 teaspoon dried thyme
14 - 1 bay leaf
15 - 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
16 - Salt, to taste
→ Garnish
17 - Chopped fresh parsley
# Method:
01 - Melt 2 tablespoons butter in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add diced chicken and cook until lightly browned and cooked through, approximately 5 to 6 minutes. Transfer to a plate and set aside.
02 - Add remaining butter to the pot. Cook onion, carrots, and celery for 4 to 5 minutes until softened. Add mushrooms and garlic; continue cooking for 4 minutes until mushrooms release moisture and begin to brown.
03 - Sprinkle flour evenly over vegetables while stirring constantly. Cook for 1 minute to eliminate raw flour taste and create a roux base.
04 - Gradually pour in chicken broth while stirring to prevent lumps. Add wild rice, thyme, bay leaf, black pepper, and pinch of salt. Bring mixture to a boil.
05 - Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 35 to 40 minutes, stirring occasionally. Continue until wild rice becomes tender and has fully bloomed.
06 - Return cooked chicken to pot. Stir in milk and Parmesan cheese. Cook for 3 to 4 minutes until heated through and slightly thickened. Adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper as needed.
07 - Remove and discard bay leaf. Ladle hot soup into bowls. Garnish with extra Parmesan and fresh parsley if desired. Serve immediately.
