Creamy Mushroom Chicken and Wild Rice Soup: A Comforting One-Pot Recipe

There’s nothing quite like a warm bowl of hearty soup to comfort you on a chilly day. This Weight Watchers Creamy Mushroom Chicken and Wild Rice Soup combines tender chicken, earthy mushrooms, and nutty wild rice in a creamy yet Weight Watchers-friendly broth. It’s filling, flavorful, and perfect for meal prep or a cozy dinner with family.

Ingredients:

For the Soup Base:

• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast, diced or shredded
• 1 cup wild rice, uncooked
• 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
• 2 cups water
• 1 cup unsweetened almond milk (or fat-free milk)
• 1/2 cup plain non-fat Greek yogurt (for creaminess)

For the Vegetables:

• 2 cups mushrooms, sliced (button or cremini)
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 stalks celery, diced
• 2 medium carrots, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced

Seasonings:

• 1 tsp dried thyme
• 1/2 tsp dried rosemary
• 1 bay leaf
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Optional: a pinch of red pepper flakes for a subtle kick

For Thickening:

• 2 tbsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tbsp water (slurry)

Instructions:

1. Cook the Chicken and Vegetables

In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat a small amount of non-stick cooking spray over medium heat. Add the diced chicken and cook until lightly browned and cooked through. Remove and set aside.

In the same pot, add the onions, celery, carrots, and mushrooms. Sauté for 5-7 minutes, until softened and fragrant. Add the garlic and cook for another minute.

2. Add Broth and Seasonings

Pour in the chicken broth and water. Stir in the wild rice, thyme, rosemary, bay leaf, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for 35-40 minutes, or until the rice is tender.

3. Return the Chicken

Once the rice is cooked, return the chicken to the pot. Stir well and allow the flavors to meld together for 5 minutes.

4. Make it Creamy

In a small bowl, whisk together the almond milk and Greek yogurt. Slowly stir this mixture into the soup to add creaminess without the extra calories. If the soup is too thin, add the cornstarch slurry, stirring constantly until the soup thickens slightly.

5. Adjust and Serve

Remove the bay leaf, taste, and adjust seasonings as needed. Serve the soup hot, garnished with fresh parsley or a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese, if desired.

Nutritional Information (per serving, based on 6 servings):

• Calories: 220-250
• WW Points: 4-6 points per serving (depending on specific brands used)
• Fat: 4g
• Carbs: 24g
• Protein: 20g

Why You’ll Love This Recipe:

1. Comfort Food Made Healthy: This soup has all the richness and flavor of a creamy wild rice soup but is significantly lower in fat and calories, thanks to Greek yogurt and almond milk.
2. Protein-Packed and Filling: With lean chicken and wild rice, this soup keeps you full and satisfied without straying from your Weight Watchers goals.
3. Perfect for Meal Prep: Make a big batch and enjoy it throughout the week. The flavors only get better as the soup sits.
4. Customizable: Add more veggies like spinach or kale, or swap the chicken for turkey or tofu for a twist.

Pro Tips:

• Make It Dairy-Free: Substitute the Greek yogurt with a dairy-free alternative like unsweetened coconut yogurt.
• Add More Vegetables: Boost the nutrition by adding diced zucchini, spinach, or kale during the last 10 minutes of cooking.
• Storage: This soup stores well in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. For longer storage, freeze it in individual portions. Reheat gently to preserve the creamy texture.
• Thicker Soup: If you prefer a thicker soup, use an immersion blender to puree a small portion of the soup before stirring it back into the pot.

This Weight Watchers Creamy Mushroom Chicken and Wild Rice Soup is the ultimate comforting and satisfying dish, perfect for any time of year. Packed with wholesome ingredients and plenty of flavor, it’s a healthy twist on a classic favorite that doesn’t compromise on taste. Serve it with a side of crusty whole-grain bread or a simple salad for a complete and balanced meal. Try this recipe today, and enjoy a bowl of comfort that’s as nutritious as it is delicious!