🥣 Mediterranean Creamy Mushroom Chicken and Wild Rice Soup

Ingredients:

• 2 tbsp olive oil

• 1 tbsp unsalted butter

• 1 medium onion, finely chopped

• 2 garlic cloves, minced

• 2 medium carrots, diced

• 2 celery stalks, diced

• 8 oz (225 g) mushrooms, sliced (cremini or button)

• 1 ½ cups cooked chicken breast, shredded

• ¾ cup wild rice, uncooked

• 6 cups low-sodium chicken broth

• 1 tsp dried thyme

• 1 tsp dried oregano

• 1 tsp paprika

• Salt & black pepper, to taste

• 1 bay leaf

• ½ cup heavy cream (or half-and-half for lighter option)

• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese

• 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped

• Juice of ½ lemon (optional, for brightness)

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Instructions:

1. Cook the wild rice: In a pot, cook wild rice according to package instructions (usually 40–45 minutes). Set aside.

2. Sauté vegetables: In a large soup pot, heat olive oil and butter. Add onion, garlic, carrots, and celery. Cook 5–6 minutes until softened.

3. Add mushrooms: Stir in sliced mushrooms and cook until they release moisture and turn golden, about 6–8 minutes.

4. Season & simmer: Add thyme, oregano, paprika, salt, pepper, and bay leaf. Stir in chicken broth and bring to a boil. Reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 20 minutes.

5. Add chicken & rice: Stir in shredded chicken and cooked wild rice. Let it simmer for another 5 minutes.

6. Make it creamy: Lower the heat, stir in heavy cream and Parmesan cheese until smooth and creamy. Adjust seasoning.

7. Finish: Add fresh parsley and lemon juice. Remove bay leaf before serving.

8. Serve hot with crusty bread or a Mediterranean salad on the side.

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❓ Q&A

Q: Can I use leftover rotisserie chicken?
👉 Yes, it works perfectly and saves time. Just shred and add in Step 5.

Q: What can I substitute for wild rice?
👉 Brown rice, farro, or barley can work, but wild rice gives the best chewy texture.

Q: Can I make this dairy-free?
👉 Use coconut cream or cashew cream instead of heavy cream, and skip the Parmesan.

Q: Can I freeze this soup?
👉 Yes, but freeze without cream and cheese. Add them fresh when reheating to keep it creamy.

Q: How do I make it vegetarian?
👉 Swap chicken for chickpeas or cannellini beans and use vegetable broth.

Q: What herbs can I add for more Mediterranean flavor?
👉 Fresh basil, rosemary, or dill can give it extra depth.