Imagine a steaming bowl of Chicken Shiitake and Wild Rice Soup, where tender chicken dances with earthy shiitake mushrooms in a savory broth. The aroma wafts through the air, inviting you to take that first comforting sip. comforting chicken and gravy It’s like a warm hug on a chilly day, perfect for cozy evenings or when you need a little pick-me-up. For more inspiration, check out this Chicken Spring Rolls recipe.
This delightful soup has a way of making any gathering feel special. I remember the first time I made it for my family; we laughed, shared stories, and found ourselves going back for seconds. It’s the kind of dish that brings people together, whether it’s a rainy afternoon or a festive celebration.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This Chicken Shiitake and Wild Rice Soup offers incredible flavor without complicated steps
- It’s visually appealing with its vibrant colors and textures
- Enjoy it as a hearty meal or a light starter—so versatile!
- Perfect for meal prep since it stores well and tastes even better the next day
I once served this soup at a dinner party, and my friends insisted I should open a restaurant. Talk about pressure!
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: About 3-4 breasts work well; adjust based on your crowd’s appetite.
- Sushi-Grade Shiitake Mushrooms: Fresh shiitakes add an intense umami flavor; dried can work too if rehydrated!
- Wild Rice Blend: A mix of wild rice adds texture and nuttiness; be sure to rinse before cooking.
- Carrots: Use tender baby carrots or chop regular ones—they bring sweetness and color.
- Celery Stalks: Fresh celery adds crunch; choose firm stalks for the best flavor.
- Garlic Cloves: Fresh garlic imparts an aromatic punch; don’t skimp on these little beauties!
- Onion: A medium yellow onion will sweeten as it cooks—essential for depth of flavor.
- Chicken Broth: Use low-sodium broth to control salt levels; homemade is always best if you have it!
- Dried Thyme and Bay Leaves: These herbs enhance the soup’s aroma; fresh thyme works too if you have it on hand.
- Lemon Juice: A splash brightens up all flavors beautifully—don’t skip this step!
- Pepper and Salt: Season to taste, but remember to go easy at first; you can always add more later.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make It Together
Prepare Your Ingredients: Start by chopping your vegetables into bite-sized pieces. Dice the chicken into cubes for even cooking.
Sauté Aromatics: In a large pot over medium heat, add olive oil and sauté onion until translucent, about 5 minutes. The sweet smell will make you smile.
Add Vegetables: Toss in garlic, carrots, and celery, stirring occasionally until they soften slightly. You’ll love how colorful everything looks!
Cook Chicken: Add chicken cubes to the pot, cooking until they turn golden brown on all sides—around 7-10 minutes will do.
Add Broth and Rice: Pour in chicken broth along with wild rice blend. Bring everything to a boil before reducing heat to low.
Add Shiitake Mushrooms: Stir in sliced shiitake mushrooms along with thyme and bay leaves. Let simmer uncovered for about 30-40 minutes until rice is tender.
Finish with Lemon Juice: Once cooked, remove from heat and squeeze fresh lemon juice into the soup for brightness. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Serve hot with crusty bread or on its own! Enjoy every spoonful of your home-cooked Chicken Shiitake and Wild Rice Soup that’s bound to impress! Cajun sausage and rice dish.
You Must Know
- This Chicken Shiitake and Wild Rice Soup is a comforting hug in a bowl
- It’s perfect for chilly evenings, and the earthy flavors of shiitake mushrooms elevate it to gourmet status
- Plus, it’s easy to make ahead and reheat, making weeknight dinners a breeze
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by sautéing the onions and garlic until fragrant, then add the chicken and shiitakes. This order builds layers of flavor as you cook.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap out wild rice for brown rice or add your favorite veggies like carrots or peas for extra color and nutrition.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days. Reheat on low heat to preserve flavors and texture.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- To ensure the best flavor, always use fresh shiitake mushrooms when available; dried ones can work too but change the texture slightly
- Make sure not to overcook the chicken; it should be tender yet juicy
- Use homemade broth for richer flavor!
Every time I make this soup, my friends ask for seconds, especially on rainy days. The cozy aroma wafts through my kitchen like a warm invitation that nobody can resist. cozy soup options.
FAQ
Can I use other types of mushrooms instead of shiitake?
Yes! Button or cremini mushrooms are great alternatives if shiitakes are unavailable.
How long does it take to cook wild rice?
Wild rice generally takes about 45-60 minutes to cook until tender but check package instructions.
Can I freeze Chicken Shiitake and Wild Rice Soup?
Absolutely! This soup freezes well; just ensure proper storage in airtight containers.
Chicken Shiitake and Wild Rice Soup
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: Serves 6
Description
Warm up with a bowl of Chicken Shiitake and Wild Rice Soup, a comforting dish where tender chicken meets earthy shiitake mushrooms in a savory broth. This nourishing soup is perfect for chilly evenings or gatherings, bringing warmth and flavor to your table. With simple ingredients and straightforward preparation, it’s an ideal choice for meal prep, making it easy to enjoy later.
Ingredients
- 3–4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 lb)
- 8 oz fresh sushi-grade shiitake mushrooms, sliced
- 1 cup wild rice blend, rinsed
- 2 medium carrots, chopped
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced
- 6 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 2 bay leaves
- Juice of 1 lemon
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Chop the vegetables into bite-sized pieces and dice the chicken.
- In a large pot over medium heat, sauté the onion in olive oil until translucent (about 5 minutes).
- Add garlic, carrots, and celery; stir occasionally until slightly softened.
- Add chicken cubes and cook until golden brown on all sides (about 7-10 minutes).
- Pour in chicken broth and add wild rice blend; bring to a boil before reducing heat to low.
- Stir in shiitake mushrooms, thyme, and bay leaves; simmer uncovered for about 30-40 minutes until rice is tender.
- Remove from heat and stir in fresh lemon juice; season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl (about 2 cups)
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
