🥣 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)
Instructions:
Cook the wild rice: In a pot, cook wild rice according to package instructions (usually 40–45 minutes). Set aside.
Sauté vegetables: In a large soup pot, heat olive oil and butter. Add onion, garlic, carrots, and celery. Cook 5–6 minutes until softened.
Add mushrooms: Stir in sliced mushrooms and cook until they release moisture and turn golden, about 6–8 minutes.
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.
Add chicken & rice: Stir in shredded chicken and cooked wild rice. Let it simmer for another 5 minutes.
Make it creamy: Lower the heat, stir in heavy cream and Parmesan cheese until smooth and creamy. Adjust seasoning.
Finish: Add fresh parsley and lemon juice. Remove bay leaf before serving.
Serve hot with crusty bread or a Mediterranean salad on the side.
❓ 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.
