Comforting Chicken, Mushroom & Wild Rice Soup: Your New Favorite Recipe
Indulge in a hearty bowl of this incredibly flavorful Chicken, Mushroom & Wild Rice Soup. It’s the ultimate comfort food, guaranteed to warm your soul and satisfy your cravings with every single bite!
This delightful recipe post is proudly sponsored by Paisley Farm Organic Foods. Please know that all opinions expressed here are entirely my own, reflecting my genuine love for their products. Thank you for supporting the wonderful companies that make sharing recipes on An Affair from the Heart possible.
The Unrivaled Comfort of a Hearty Soup
There’s something uniquely comforting and deeply satisfying about a well-made bowl of soup. For me, it’s more than just a meal; it’s a warm hug in a bowl, a culinary escape that brings a sense of coziness and contentment, especially on a chilly day. I have an extensive collection of soup recipes that I cycle through throughout the year, and discovering new ones always fills me with joy. It’s truly one food I never grow tired of. Do you have a go-to comfort food that consistently brings a smile to your face?
This particular Chicken, Mushroom & Wild Rice Soup has quickly ascended to the top of my list. To say I was exceptionally thrilled with how this recipe turned out would be a massive understatement! It combines classic flavors with a rich, creamy texture and a wholesome heartiness that makes it perfect for a family dinner or a cozy night in.
Every spoonful of this soup is an experience. The tender pieces of chicken, the earthy wild rice, and the medley of fresh vegetables are all brought together by a creamy broth that’s bursting with flavor. But what truly elevates this soup to extraordinary status are the star ingredients that provide a depth of taste without adding extra work.
A Symphony of Flavors: What Makes This Soup Special?
Last month, I had the pleasure of sharing a recipe featuring Paisley Farm Organic Marinated Mushrooms – specifically, my Chicken & Mushroom Appetizer Skewers. Those skewers were undeniably delicious, and the exceptional flavor of the marinated mushrooms immediately sparked an idea: I absolutely had to try these little beauties in something warm and comforting, like a rich soup! And I’m so glad I did.
The Magic of Marinated Mushrooms
The best part about using these particular button mushrooms from Paisley Farm is their incredible pre-marination. They come infused with red pepper flakes, fragrant oregano, and savory garlic. This thoughtful blend of spices means they are already bursting with flavor, effectively taking away the work of adding any extra seasonings beyond a simple touch of black pepper. This convenience is a game-changer for busy home cooks who want to achieve gourmet taste without spending hours in the kitchen. When sautéed, these marinated mushrooms release their aromatic essence into the soup, forming a foundation of rich, savory notes that permeate every other ingredient.
Wholesome Vegetables for Depth and Texture
Beyond the fantastic mushrooms, this soup is packed with classic, nourishing vegetables. We start with julienned carrots, which add a touch of natural sweetness and vibrant color. Crisp celery contributes a fresh, slightly peppery note and a satisfying crunch, while chopped onion forms the aromatic base, slowly softening to release its sweet, pungent essence. This combination of vegetables creates a balanced flavor profile and adds wonderful textural variety to the soup. These aren’t just fillers; they are essential components that contribute significantly to the overall deliciousness.
Hearty Chicken and Wild Rice
Of course, no chicken soup is complete without tender chicken. Diced chicken breast provides lean protein and a substantial texture that makes this soup a truly satisfying meal. Once sautéed with the vegetables, the chicken absorbs all the wonderful flavors developing in the pot. The addition of wild rice, specifically Uncle Ben’s Long Grain and Wild Rice (the quick-cooking version for convenience), introduces an earthy, nutty flavor and a delightful chewiness that distinguishes this soup from simpler chicken and noodle varieties. It transforms the dish into a more gourmet and filling experience.
The combination of these carefully selected ingredients, especially the Paisley Farm Marinated Mushrooms, sets this recipe apart. Each component plays a crucial role in building layers of flavor, resulting in a soup that is both comforting and sophisticated.
Crafting Your Bowl of Bliss: Step-by-Step Guide
Making this soup is surprisingly straightforward, yet the results are incredibly impressive. The key lies in building flavor at each stage, and the pre-seasoned Paisley Farm mushrooms significantly simplify this process. Here’s a brief overview of how we bring this delicious soup to life, ensuring you’ll create a truly unforgettable meal that your family will ask for again and again.
Building the Flavor Base
We begin by melting a generous amount of butter in a large stock pot. This butter will not only help sauté our ingredients but also contribute to the soup’s rich mouthfeel. Into this golden butter, we add the diced chicken, chopped onion, and celery. Sautéing these together for about 10 minutes ensures the chicken is cooked through and lightly browned, and the vegetables begin to soften and release their aromatic compounds. This initial step is vital for developing the foundational flavors of the soup.
Adding Depth and Simmering to Perfection
Next, the julienned carrots join the mix, sautéing for a few minutes to mellow slightly before the star ingredient, the drained and sliced Paisley Farm Organic Marinated Mushrooms, are added. Their quick sauté allows their infused spices to bloom, adding an immediate burst of flavor. A sprinkle of black pepper and chicken bouillon, followed by ample chicken stock, transforms these individual ingredients into a cohesive liquid base. Bringing this mixture to a boil and then reducing it to a gentle simmer for 30 minutes allows all the flavors to meld beautifully, tenderizing the chicken and vegetables to their desired consistency.
The Creamy Finishing Touch
While the soup simmers, we prepare a simple yet essential roux. In a separate small pan, the remaining butter is melted, and flour is whisked in to create a smooth paste. This roux is then slowly combined with heavy cream (or half & half for a lighter option) until velvety smooth. Stirring this creamy mixture into the simmering soup thickens it perfectly, adding a luxurious, creamy texture that coats every ingredient and elevates the entire dish. This step is what gives the soup its comforting, rich body.
Finally, we add the quick-cooking Uncle Ben’s Long Grain and Wild Rice directly into the pot. Since it cooks in just 90 seconds, it’s easily warmed through with the soup. The convenience of this ingredient cannot be overstated, as it allows us to incorporate complex flavors and textures without the hassle of cooking wild rice from scratch.
The result is a thick, creamy, and incredibly satisfying soup that truly embodies the essence of comfort food. Trust me, you won’t walk away hungry from a bowl of this soup! It’s so rich and filling, it stands perfectly as a main course.
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Print Recipe
Chicken, Mushroom & Wild Rice Soup
Ingredients
- 4 Tablespoons butter divided
- 2 chicken breasts about 1 pound, diced
- 1 small onion chopped
- 3 stalks of celery chopped
- 1 1/2 cups Julianned carrots
- 2 cups Paisley Farm Organic Marinated Mushrooms drained and sliced
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 teaspoons chicken bouillon
- 6 cups chicken stock
- 2 8.8 ounce packages Uncle Ben’s Long Grain and Wild Rice (cooks in 90 second version
- 1/4 cup flour
- 1 cup heavy cream can substitute Half & Half
Instructions
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In a large stock pot, melt 2 Tablespoons of butter. Add the diced chicken, chopped onion, and celery. Sauté over medium heat until the chicken is cooked through and lightly browned, approximately 10 minutes. Stir occasionally to ensure even cooking.
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Add the julienned carrots to the chicken and vegetable mixture and continue to sauté for about 3 minutes. Next, add the drained and sliced Paisley Farm Organic Marinated Mushrooms and sauté for another couple of minutes, allowing their wonderful flavors to release. Stir in the black pepper and chicken bouillon, then pour in the chicken stock. Give everything a good stir, cover the pot, and bring it to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to a simmer and let it cook for about 30 minutes, or until the chicken and vegetables reach your desired tenderness.
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In a separate small pan, melt the remaining 2 Tablespoons of butter over medium-low heat. Sprinkle in the flour and whisk continuously for 1-2 minutes to create a smooth roux. Gradually whisk in the heavy cream (or Half & Half) until the mixture is completely smooth and thickened. Pour this creamy roux into the simmering soup, stirring well to combine and thicken the broth to a luxurious consistency. Add the quick-cooking Uncle Ben’s Long Grain and Wild Rice packages directly into the soup and stir until heated through.
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Serve your delicious Chicken, Mushroom & Wild Rice Soup hot, perhaps with a sprinkle of fresh parsley or a side of crusty bread for dipping. Enjoy this comforting and hearty meal!
Nutrition
The Paisley Farm Difference: Quality from Farm to Table
I am incredibly grateful to Paisley Farm for the opportunity to “play with food” and develop this wonderful recipe for them. They are truly a fantastic company, and their dedication to quality is evident in every product they offer. They pride themselves on bringing organic vegetables right to your table, making it easier for families to enjoy wholesome and flavorful meals without the fuss.
Their mission statement perfectly encapsulates their commitment:
“From Paisley Farm to Jar to Your Table: Times may have changed, but the taste for quality, flavorful convenient bean salads and marinated vegetables has remained as the bedrock for meals. Appetizers, side dishes, garnishes, and dips, make up the wonderful world of tastes that Paisley Farm brings to your kitchen pantry or table. Since 1945 we’ve been bringing the flavor, from farm to jar to you.”
This commitment to convenience and flavor truly shines through in their Organic Marinated Mushrooms, which were the star inspiration for this rich and satisfying soup. The pre-seasoned nature of these mushrooms simplifies the cooking process immensely, allowing you to achieve complex flavors with minimal effort. It’s this kind of quality and thoughtful preparation that makes Paisley Farm products a staple in my pantry.
If you’re looking to elevate your culinary creations with high-quality, pre-marinated vegetables, I highly recommend exploring Paisley Farm’s product line. You can easily find where to pick up delicious Paisley Farm Organic Marinated Mushrooms, or any of their other fabulous products, by visiting their website. While you’re there, be sure to also connect with them on social media to stay updated on new products, recipe ideas, and more!
More Culinary Inspiration with Paisley Farm
As mentioned earlier, the versatility of Paisley Farm’s marinated mushrooms extends far beyond just soup. These flavorful ingredients can be incorporated into a wide variety of dishes, adding a gourmet touch with minimal fuss. Last month, I showcased another fantastic way to utilize them:
These Italian Chicken & Mushroom Appetizer Skewers were a huge hit, proving that these marinated mushrooms are perfect for both warm, comforting main courses and light, zesty appetizers. The natural infusion of Italian herbs and spices in the mushrooms makes them a wonderful addition to any dish where you want a burst of Mediterranean flavor. So, whether you’re craving a hearty soup or a delightful party starter, Paisley Farm has you covered.
I hope you thoroughly enjoy preparing and savoring this incredible Chicken, Mushroom & Wild Rice Soup. It’s a recipe born from a passion for good food and quality ingredients, and I can’t wait for you to experience its comforting magic!