Mediterranean Chicken, Mushroom & Wild Rice Soup

🍲 Mediterranean Chicken, Mushroom & Wild Rice Soup

Hearty • Comforting • Naturally Nourishing

This Mediterranean-inspired soup brings together tender chicken, earthy mushrooms, and nutty wild rice in a light, herb-scented broth. Finished with olive oil, garlic, and fresh herbs, it’s filling without being heavy—perfect for chilly evenings, meal prep, or a soothing family dinner.

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🛒 Ingredients (Serves 4–6)

• 1 lb (450 g) chicken breast or thighs, diced

• 1 cup wild rice (or wild rice blend)

• 2 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil

• 1 small onion, diced

• 2 carrots, sliced

• 2 celery stalks, chopped

• 2 cups mushrooms (button or cremini), sliced

• 4 garlic cloves, minced

• 1 tsp dried thyme

• 1 tsp dried oregano

• ½ tsp paprika

• ½ tsp black pepper

• Salt to taste

• 6 cups chicken broth

• 1 bay leaf

• Juice of ½ lemon

• Fresh parsley or dill, chopped (for garnish)

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👩‍🍳 Instructions

1. Sauté the base
   Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onion, carrots, and celery. Cook 5 minutes until softened.

2. Add mushrooms & garlic
   Stir in mushrooms and cook until lightly browned. Add garlic and cook 30 seconds.

3. Season & chicken
   Add chicken, thyme, oregano, paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook until chicken turns white on the outside.

4. Simmer
   Add wild rice, broth, and bay leaf. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer 40–45 minutes, until rice is tender.

5. Finish
   Remove bay leaf. Stir in lemon juice. Taste and adjust seasoning.

6. Serve
   Ladle into bowls and garnish with fresh herbs.

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🌿 Mediterranean Serving Ideas

• Serve with rustic olive oil bread

• Add a Greek-style salad on the side

• Finish with a drizzle of olive oil for extra richness

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❓ Q & A

Q: Can I use brown rice instead of wild rice?
Yes, but reduce cooking time to about 30 minutes.

Q: Can I make it creamy?
Absolutely—stir in ½ cup Greek yogurt or light cream at the end (off heat).

Q: Is this soup freezer-friendly?
Yes! Freeze for up to 2 months in airtight containers.

Q: Can I make it vegetarian?
Yes—replace chicken with chickpeas and use vegetable broth.

Q: How long does it keep in the fridge?
Up to 4 days when stored properly.