FIRST STEP: COOK THE CHICKEN

1. Prepare the Chicken: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Season the chicken breasts or thighs with salt and pepper. Once the oil is hot, add the chicken and cook until golden on both sides, about 5-7 minutes per side. If using chicken breasts, make sure they are fully cooked through. Remove the chicken from the pot and set aside to rest for a few minutes. Once cooled slightly, shred the chicken using two forks and set aside.

SECOND STEP: SAUTÉ THE VEGETABLES

1. Sauté the Aromatics: In the same pot, add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil and heat over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and garlic and sauté for about 2-3 minutes until they are softened and fragrant.
2. Add the Carrots and Celery: Stir in the diced carrots and celery and sauté for another 4-5 minutes until they begin to soften. This will help bring out their sweetness and develop the base flavors of the soup.
3. Add the Mushrooms: Next, add the sliced mushrooms to the pot and cook for 5-7 minutes until they release their moisture and become tender.

THIRD STEP: COOK THE WILD RICE

1. Add the Wild Rice: Stir in the wild rice and let it toast slightly with the vegetables for 1-2 minutes. This step helps to deepen the flavor of the rice.
2. Pour in the Broth: Add the chicken broth to the pot and bring the mixture to a boil. Once it reaches a boil, reduce the heat to low and cover the pot. Let the soup simmer for 40-45 minutes, or until the rice is fully cooked and tender. Check the rice occasionally to ensure it has enough liquid, adding more broth or water if necessary.

FOURTH STEP: MAKE IT CREAMY

1. Add the Cream: Once the rice is cooked, stir in the whole milk or heavy cream. Bring the soup to a simmer and cook for an additional 5-7 minutes. The soup should thicken up and become creamy. If you prefer a thinner soup, you can add more broth or milk at this stage.
2. Season the Soup: Stir in the dried thyme, rosemary, and salt and pepper to taste. Adjust the seasoning as needed to balance the flavors.

FIFTH STEP: FINISHING TOUCHES

1. Add the Shredded Chicken: Stir the shredded chicken back into the soup and let it heat through for a couple of minutes. The chicken will absorb some of the creamy broth, adding flavor and richness to the soup.
2. Garnish: If desired, garnish the soup with freshly chopped parsley or thyme. You can also add a drizzle of lemon juice or a sprinkle of lemon zest for a burst of brightness.
3. Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls and serve immediately. Pair it with crusty bread or crackers for the perfect comfort meal.