🫒 Mediterranean Chicken, Mushroom & Wild Rice Soup
⏱️ Time
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Prep: 15 minutes
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Cook: 40–45 minutes
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Serves: 4–6
🧺 Ingredients
For the soup
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1 tbsp olive oil
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1 small onion, finely chopped
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3 cloves garlic, minced
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200–250 g mushrooms (button or cremini), sliced
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1 large carrot, diced
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1 celery stalk, diced
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400 g boneless chicken breast or thighs, cubed
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¾ cup wild rice (or wild rice blend)
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6 cups chicken broth (low sodium)
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1 tsp dried thyme
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1 tsp dried oregano
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½ tsp smoked paprika
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Salt & black pepper, to taste
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1 bay leaf
Mediterranean finish
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½ cup canned chickpeas (optional but lovely)
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1–2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
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2 tbsp fresh parsley or dill, chopped
👩🍳 Instructions
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Sauté the base
Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onion, carrot, and celery. Cook 4–5 minutes until soft. -
Add mushrooms & garlic
Stir in mushrooms and cook until they release moisture and lightly brown. Add garlic and cook 30 seconds. -
Chicken & spices
Add chicken, thyme, oregano, paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir until chicken turns white on the outside. -
Simmer
Add wild rice, bay leaf, and chicken broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce to low. Cover and simmer 35–40 minutes, until rice is tender and chicken is cooked. -
Finish Mediterranean-style
Stir in chickpeas (if using) and simmer 5 more minutes. Remove bay leaf. Add lemon juice and fresh herbs. -
Serve
Taste and adjust seasoning. Serve warm with crusty bread or pita.
🌿 Tips & Variations
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Creamy version: Add ½ cup coconut milk or light cream at the end.
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Extra greens: Stir in spinach or kale during the last 5 minutes.
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No wild rice? Brown rice works—just adjust cooking time.
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Meal prep friendly: Tastes even better the next day.
❓Quick Q&A
Q: Can I make this in a slow cooker?
Yes! Sauté veggies first, then add everything except lemon & herbs. Cook on LOW 6–7 hours.
Q: Is this soup freezer-friendly?
Absolutely. Freeze up to 2 months (leave out lemon, add after reheating).
Q: Is it healthy?
High protein, fiber-rich, and Mediterranean-diet approved ✔️