Chicken Rice Cream of Mushroom Soup: What It Really Is

Chicken rice cream of mushroom soup isn't a single standardized dish but refers to a comforting soup made by combining cooked chicken, rice, and cream of mushroom soup as the base. This easy one-pot meal typically uses canned cream of mushroom soup as a creamy foundation, enhanced with shredded chicken and cooked rice for a hearty, satisfying meal ready in under 30 minutes.

Many home cooks search for chicken rice cream of mushroom soup when looking for a quick, comforting meal that transforms pantry staples into a satisfying dinner. This dish represents a practical approach to soup-making that leverages the convenience of canned soup while adding protein and texture with chicken and rice.

Understanding This Comfort Food Classic

The term chicken rice cream of mushroom soup describes a hybrid recipe rather than a traditional culinary creation. Home cooks have long used condensed cream of mushroom soup as a flavor base for countless dishes, from casseroles to pot pies. When combined with cooked chicken and rice, it creates a creamy, hearty soup that's particularly popular during colder months or when seeking comfort food.

This approach offers several advantages for home cooking:

• Significantly reduces preparation time compared to making mushroom soup from scratch
• Provides consistent flavor and texture
• Creates a creamy base without requiring heavy cream or roux
• Works well with leftover chicken or rotisserie chicken

Essential Components of Chicken Rice Cream of Mushroom Soup

Creating the perfect version of this easy chicken and rice soup with cream of mushroom requires understanding each component's role. The magic happens when these elements combine properly.

Ingredient	Function	Recommended Quantity
Cream of mushroom soup (condensed)	Provides mushroom flavor and creamy base	1-2 cans (10.5 oz each)
Chicken broth or water	Thins the soup to proper consistency	1-1.5 cups
Cooked chicken	Protein component	2-3 cups shredded
Cooked rice	Texture and heartiness	1-2 cups
Aromatics (onion, garlic)	Flavor foundation	To taste

Step-by-Step Preparation Guide

Creating a delicious homemade chicken rice soup using canned mushroom soup follows a straightforward process that yields impressive results with minimal effort.

Basic Recipe for Creamy Chicken Rice Mushroom Soup

Prep time: 10 minutes | Cook time: 15 minutes | Total time: 25 minutes | Servings: 4-6

Ingredients

• 1-2 cans (10.5 oz each) condensed cream of mushroom soup
• 1-1.5 cups chicken broth or water
• 2-3 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced
• 1-2 cups cooked rice (white or brown)
• 1/2 cup finely diced onion (optional)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced (optional)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1/4 cup milk or half-and-half (optional, for extra creaminess)
• Fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions

1. Sauté aromatics (optional): For enhanced flavor, sauté onions and garlic in a small amount of butter or oil until softened.
2. Combine base ingredients: In a medium saucepan, whisk together the cream of mushroom soup and chicken broth or water until smooth.
3. Heat gently: Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally.
4. Add chicken and rice: Stir in the cooked chicken and rice, heating through until everything is warmed (about 5-7 minutes).
5. Adjust consistency: If the soup seems too thick, add additional broth or water, 1/4 cup at a time.
6. Finish and serve: Stir in milk if using, season with salt and pepper, and garnish with fresh parsley.

Popular Variations for Your Chicken and Rice Soup

One reason this quick chicken and rice soup using cream of mushroom soup remains popular is its versatility. Consider these adaptations:

• Creamier version: Add 1/4-1/2 cup heavy cream or half-and-half at the end of cooking
• Veggie boost: Stir in 1 cup frozen peas, carrots, or mixed vegetables during the last 5 minutes
• Herb infusion: Add 1 teaspoon dried thyme or rosemary while heating the soup base
• Extra mushroom: Sauté 4-6 ounces sliced fresh mushrooms with the onions for deeper flavor
• Gluten-free option: Use a gluten-free cream of mushroom soup and ensure all other ingredients are GF

Serving Suggestions and Pairings

This versatile creamy chicken rice mushroom soup recipe pairs beautifully with several accompaniments:

• Crusty bread or dinner rolls for dipping
• Simple green salad with vinaigrette dressing
• Grilled cheese sandwiches for a classic comfort meal combination
• Crackers or oyster crackers sprinkled on top for added texture

Storage and Reheating Tips

Proper storage ensures your chicken rice cream of mushroom soup maintains quality:

• Refrigeration: Store in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days
• Freezing: Freeze for up to 2 months (note: rice may become slightly mushy when thawed)
• Reheating: Warm gently on the stove over medium-low heat, adding a splash of broth if needed
• Reviving texture: If the soup thickens too much upon standing, stir in additional broth or water

Why This Recipe Works So Well

The success of this how to make chicken soup with rice and cream of mushroom approach lies in its balance of convenience and customization. The condensed soup provides consistent mushroom flavor and creamy texture without requiring specialized skills, while the addition of quality chicken and properly cooked rice transforms it from a basic canned soup into a satisfying meal.

Professional chefs often use similar techniques, building dishes on quality prepared components rather than creating every element from scratch. This approach respects both time constraints and flavor development, making it a smart strategy for weeknight cooking.

Is chicken rice cream of mushroom soup a traditional dish?

No, chicken rice cream of mushroom soup isn't a traditional standardized dish. It's a practical home cooking approach that combines cooked chicken, rice, and canned cream of mushroom soup to create a quick, comforting meal.

Can I make this soup without canned cream of mushroom soup?

Yes, you can make a version from scratch by sautéing mushrooms with onions and garlic, creating a roux with butter and flour, then adding chicken broth and cream. However, using canned soup significantly reduces preparation time while still delivering good flavor.

What's the best type of rice to use in this soup?

Leftover cooked white rice works best as it holds its shape well. Avoid using instant rice as it becomes mushy. Brown rice can be used but may make the soup slightly grainier. For best results, use rice that's been cooked separately and cooled before adding to the soup.

How can I prevent the soup from becoming too thick?

To prevent thickness, gradually add additional chicken broth or water while heating the soup. Remember that condensed cream of mushroom soup is designed to be diluted, so follow the can's instructions for proper liquid ratios. The soup will also thicken slightly as it sits, so it should be slightly thinner than your desired final consistency when serving.

Can I use leftover rotisserie chicken for this recipe?

Yes, rotisserie chicken works perfectly for this recipe. Simply remove the skin and bones, then shred or dice the meat. Rotisserie chicken adds excellent flavor and saves preparation time, making this already quick recipe even faster to prepare.