Ultimate Gluten-Free & Dairy-Free Chicken, Mushroom & Wild Rice Soup: Your New Favorite Comfort Food

There are some dishes that transcend mere meals and become true culinary hugs – a warm embrace on a chilly day, a soothing balm when you’re under the weather, or simply a delicious reward after a long week. For me, this Chicken, Mushroom & Wild Rice Soup is precisely that. It’s the one I daydream about, the one I crave at the first hint of a cold, and the ultimate comfort food I turn to again and again. Its silky, rich bone broth base, studded generously with tender chicken, earthy wild rice, savory mushrooms, and sweet carrots, is so profoundly satisfying that it almost makes me appreciate the colder months. Almost!

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The Unpredictable Charm of Soup Season

I know what you’re thinking – temperatures are finally rising in many parts of the world, signaling the arrival of spring and summer. But here in Utah, where I reside, Mother Nature keeps us on our toes! It’s not uncommon for a beautiful 65-degree day to be followed by a surprise snowfall. I vividly remember when my husband and I, fresh newlyweds, decided it was “safe enough” to get his scooter out for campus rides. We woke up the next morning to find it buried under inches of fluffy, white snow! So, while others might be switching to salads, I’m still clinging to my beloved soups with the same tenacity my children display when they want my undivided attention.

My passion for soup knows no bounds. During the winter months, it’s a staple at least twice a week. When the warmer weather forces me to put away my soup pot, I honestly mourn its absence. It feels like saying goodbye to a cherished family member for an extended period. Call me crazy, but a truly great soup is an essential part of my life!

My Winter Saving Grace: A Soup That Delivers Every Time

While I often lament the cold and continuously hope my husband’s next job takes us somewhere warm, this soup remains my saving grace throughout winter. I typically try to avoid repeating recipes too frequently – a personal quirk – but with this one, I find myself planning its return. “How soon,” I wonder, “can I make this soup again without the kids staging a riot?” It’s not just a weeknight meal; it’s a culinary treasure. The recipe yields enough that I always manage to freeze a portion, which is fantastic for those busy days when I need a quick, luscious lunch that feels gourmet.

This recipe holds a special place in my heart because it’s a reimagining of a beloved childhood favorite. My mom used to make a chicken and wild rice soup that was my absolute favorite growing up. I made it constantly when my husband and I were first married. However, that original recipe relied on canned cream-of-something soup and a boxed wild rice mix that contained wheat as a thickener – both no-gos for our gluten and dairy-free lifestyle. You can imagine my sheer delight – a few heel clicks and a silent offering of gratitude – when I finally perfected this Gluten-Free Chicken Wild Rice Soup. It captures all the comforting flavors I remember and love, but in an entirely allergy-friendly package.

Why This Soup Deserves a Spot in Your Kitchen

Usually, I simply share good recipes, hoping they’ll bring a little joy to someone, somewhere. But with this soup, I genuinely implore you to try it before the weather gets too warm. I know that my journey with blogging and food photography is still evolving – these pictures were taken on a day with less-than-ideal lighting, and I was so frustrated because I desperately wanted them to scream, “Make me!” so you could fully appreciate this incredible creation. While the photos may not capture its true essence, please take my word for it. From one soup-a-holic to another, this recipe is a game-changer!

What makes this soup so uniquely satisfying and truly allergy-friendly?

Rich, Silky Base: Unlike traditional creamy soups that rely on dairy, this recipe achieves its luxurious texture using a clever combination that’s both gluten and dairy-free. The bone broth provides a depth of flavor that can’t be beaten.
Hearty & Wholesome Ingredients: Loaded with tender chicken, nutrient-rich wild rice, savory mushrooms, and sweet carrots, it’s a balanced meal in a bowl.
Allergy-Friendly Assurance: Free from gluten, dairy, egg, peanuts, and tree nuts, it’s a safe and delicious option for many dietary needs without compromising on taste.
Effortless Comfort: Despite its gourmet taste, the preparation is straightforward, making it achievable for home cooks of all skill levels.

Tips for Making the Best Gluten-Free & Dairy-Free Soup

Choosing Your Ingredients Wisely

Chicken Broth: Always check labels carefully. Many brands contain hidden gluten or dairy. Opt for a bone broth for extra richness and nutritional benefits, or a high-quality chicken stock that explicitly states it’s gluten and dairy-free.
Wild Rice Mix: The original recipe I adapted used a boxed mix with wheat. I’ve been fortunate to find a wheat-free wild rice mix at my local Winco that includes seasonings. If you can’t find such a mix, plain wild rice works wonderfully. You can enhance the flavor by adding 1 tsp each of garlic powder, onion powder, and dried parsley.
Tofutti Cream Cheese: This is a fantastic dairy-free alternative that provides the creamy texture without the allergens. Ensure it’s the plain variety.
Chicken Bouillon: Again, vigilance is key. Many bouillons contain wheat. Look for certified gluten-free options to ensure your soup remains allergy-friendly.

Cooking for Optimal Flavor and Texture

Sautéing Aromatics: Don’t rush this step! Softening the onions, carrots, celery (if using), and garlic creates a flavorful foundation for your soup.
Simmering the Rice: Allow the wild rice sufficient time to soften. Wild rice can take longer to cook than white rice, so patience here ensures a perfect texture.
Achieving Creaminess: The cornstarch slurry is crucial for thickening. Bring the soup to a quick boil after adding it, then reduce heat to let it thicken without overcooking. Adding the Tofutti Cream Cheese at the end helps maintain its creamy consistency.
Taste and Adjust: Always taste your soup before serving and adjust salt and pepper as needed. A final sprinkle of fresh parsley or chives can brighten the flavors even more.

This soup isn’t just for cold days or sniffles; it’s a versatile meal that can be prepared in advance. Make a big batch on a Sunday and enjoy it throughout the week, or freeze individual portions for convenient, healthy lunches.

**If you’d like an instant pot version of this soup (along with a video to show you how to make it!) check out my Gluten & Dairy Free Instant Pot Chicken, Mushroom & Wild Rice.

Where can I find more gluten & dairy free soups?

All of my soups are free of gluten and dairy. If you love this soup, then you’ll love these allergy friendlysoup recipes as well:

Gluten & Dairy Free Instant Pot Loaded Potato Soup
Allergy Friendly Taco Soup (red meat free!)
Gluten & Dairy Free Thai Coconut Noodle Soup
Instant Pot Potato & Sausage Soup
Slow Cooker Chicken Enchilada Soup

Chicken, Mushroom & Wild Rice Soup (GF, DF, Egg, Peanut/Tree nut Free)

Yield:
4 servings

Prep Time:
15 minutes

Cook Time:
30 minutes

Total Time:
45 minutes

A quintessential comfort soup: a silky, bone broth studded with wild rice, chicken, carrots, and mushrooms all gluten and dairy free!

Ingredients

1 tbsp olive oil
1 small onion, diced finely
5 and 1/2 cups chicken broth (Be sure to read labels for your diet)
3 carrots
3 garlic cloves
2 celery stalks (we can’t do celery, so we omitted this)
1 tsp chicken bouillon (be sure it’s wheat free!)
2 chicken breasts, cooked and shredded
1 cup long grain rice & wild rice combo *see note
1 package of button mushrooms, sliced
2 tbsp Tofutti Cream Cheese
1/2 cup chicken broth + 1 Tablespoon cornstarch
salt and fresh pepper, to taste

Instructions

Put olive oil in a large pot on medium heat, add onion, carrots, celery, and garlic and saute until soft.
Add chicken broth, chicken bouillon, wild rice mix, and mushrooms and simmer on low, covered 25 minutes, stirring occasionally until the rice is softened. Bring to a quick boil and add in the slurry of chicken broth and cornstarch. Boil for one minute and then reduce heat back to low.
Add shredded chicken and Tofutti Cream Cheese. Adjust salt and pepper to taste if needed and serve.

Notes

* I’ve been lucky enough to find a wheat free wild rice mix that has seasonings already mixed in at my local Winco that does not have wheat in it. If you cannot find a mix, I’ve also made it with just plain wild rice. You could add 1 tsp of each of the following: garlic, onion, and parsley to make up for no seasonings, if you wish.

Nutrition Information:

Yield: 4
Serving Size: 1

Amount Per Serving:
Calories: 292Total Fat: 9gSaturated Fat: 3gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 5gCholesterol: 61mgSodium: 1062mgCarbohydrates: 29gFiber: 3gSugar: 4gProtein: 24g

*Tofutti generously provided free product in exchange for this post. However, all ideas and opinions expressed are entirely my own, and I had been making this soup exactly like this long before our collaboration.*

This Gluten Free Chicken Wild Rice Soup is adapted from: SkinnyTaste

We hope you enjoy this comforting and nutritious soup as much as we do. It’s more than just a recipe; it’s a bowl full of warmth, nostalgia, and thoughtful preparation for those with dietary needs. Happy cooking!