Crockpot Chicken Wild Rice Soup is one of those recipes that feels like a warm hug on a chilly day. Seriously, there’s something magical about a slow cooker and the way it transforms simple ingredients into a deliciously comforting dish. Imagine walking into your home and being greeted by the mouthwatering aroma of savory chicken and wholesome vegetables. It’s pure cozy vibes, perfect for family dinners or meal prep for the week ahead. Plus, it’s really straightforward to make. Just toss everything in the crockpot and let it do the work for you.
So, whether you’re coming home from a long day or just need a quick weeknight meal, this soup is sure to hit the spot. It’s packed with tender chicken, earthy wild rice, and fresh veggies that come together to create a rich and creamy texture. You’ll want to make this soup again and again, and share it with friends, because who wouldn’t love a heartwarming bowl of soup? Now, let’s talk about why this recipe works so wonderfully.
Why This Recipe Works
Crockpot Chicken Wild Rice Soup is the epitome of comfort food, especially during the chilly months. The slow cooker allows the flavors to meld together beautifully, creating a rich and creamy texture that warms the soul. Utilizing wild rice instead of traditional white or brown rice adds an earthy flavor and chewy texture that sets this soup apart.
Why You’ll Love This Crockpot Chicken Wild Rice Soup
This easy-to-make Crockpot Chicken Wild Rice Soup not only fills your home with mouthwatering aromas, but it also provides a nourishing meal for the entire family. It’s perfect for busy weeknights—just dump your ingredients in the slow cooker and let it work its magic. With tender chicken, sweet carrots, and the robustness of wild rice, you’ll fall in love with every bite.
Ingredients
- 1 ½ lb chicken breasts
- 4 carrots, sliced
- 3 celery stalks, chopped
- 1 onion, diced
- 8-10 cups low sodium chicken broth
- 1 cup uncooked wild rice, rinsed
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 Tbsp Italian seasoning
- 1 tsp thyme
- 1 tsp parsley
- ¼ cup flour (gluten-free option available)
- ½ cup half and half
- ½ cup whole milk
- ½ tsp sea salt
- ½ tsp cracked black pepper
Preparing Your Soup Base
Layering Your Ingredients
Start by placing the chicken breasts at the bottom of the slow cooker. Season the chicken with minced garlic, Italian seasoning, thyme, parsley, sea salt, and cracked pepper. Feel free to be generous with the seasonings, as they’ll really bring the dish to life.
Adding Vegetables and Broth
Top the seasoned chicken with diced onion, chopped carrots, and celery. Pour in 8 cups of chicken broth, then add the rinsed wild rice and bay leaf for depth of flavor. Each of these ingredients adds not just taste but also a hearty texture to your soup.
Cooking Your Soup
Cover your slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours, or until the wild rice is cooked through and the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. Once the chicken is ready, remove it, shred it, and return it to the pot. This step makes sure the chicken blends seamlessly with the other ingredients, making it even more delicious.
Making It Creamy
Combining Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, half and half, and whole milk until fully blended. Gradually pour this mixture into the soup, stirring until creamy. This is the secret that will elevate your soup to a new level of comfort.
Adjusting Consistency
If the soup seems too thick, gradually add more broth until you achieve your desired consistency. Your goal should be a velvety texture that’s not too heavy but still satisfying.
Serving Suggestions
Serve your Crockpot Chicken Wild Rice Soup with a crusty loaf of bread or fresh salad for a well-rounded meal. Add a sprinkle of fresh parsley on top for a pop of color and flavor. This not only looks pretty but adds that little extra zing to each spoonful.
Tips for Success
- Choose Quality Ingredients: Fresh vegetables and high-quality chicken broth make a significant impact on flavor. Don’t skimp here!
- Don’t Rush the Cooking: Cooking on low allows the flavors to develop fully. Don’t be tempted to speed up the process!
- Adjust Seasonings: Feel free to add more spices according to your taste preferences. This soup is flexible and can be tailored to your family’s likes.
Variations
- Add Greens: Stir in some fresh spinach or kale towards the end of cooking for extra nutrients and color. This is a great way to sneak in some greens!
- Creamy Vegan Option: Substitute chicken with chickpeas and use plant-based milk and broth for a vegan version. It retains the hearty element while being fully plant-based.
- Spicy Kick: For those who like heat, add red pepper flakes for a little fiery addition that complements the rich flavors.
Storage Tips
Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to enjoy again, reheat on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth to revive its creamy texture. That’s the beauty of this soup—it only gets better with time!
Pairing Ideas
This soup pairs wonderfully with a fresh garden salad, buttery garlic bread, or even a side of soft cheese for an indulgent touch! Each pairing enhances the overall meal, making it even more satisfying.
FAQs
1. Can I use frozen chicken breasts?
Yes, frozen chicken works well; however, ensure to adjust the cooking time to ensure it reaches the proper temperature.
2. Can I make this soup ahead of time?
Absolutely! This soup stores well and often tastes even better the next day after flavors meld together. Perfect for meal prep!
3. How do I thicken the soup?
If you prefer a thicker consistency, simply mix a bit more flour or cornstarch with water and stir it into the soup while it’s cooking.
4. Is wild rice gluten-free?
Yes, wild rice is naturally gluten-free, making this soup a suitable option for gluten-sensitive individuals.
5. Can I use other types of rice?
While wild rice is ideal, you can substitute with brown rice or a mix if necessary—just adjust cooking times accordingly.
Crockpot Chicken Wild Rice Soup is a delightful blend of hearty ingredients that creates a comforting and flavorful dish, perfect for any time of year. With minimal effort and time, you’ll whip up a bowl of warmth that gathers family and friends together. So roll up your sleeves, grab your slow cooker, and enjoy the wholesome goodness of this classic soup!
Print
Crockpot Chicken Wild Rice Soup
Crockpot Chicken Wild Rice Soup is a cozy dish perfect for chilly days. With tender chicken, wild rice, and veggies, it’s a simple yet delicious meal for families.
- Total Time: 0 hours
- Yield: 6-8 servings 1x
Ingredients
- 1 ½ lb chicken breasts
- 4 carrots, sliced
- 3 celery stalks, chopped
- 1 onion, diced
- 8–10 cups low sodium chicken broth
- 1 cup uncooked wild rice, rinsed
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 Tbsp Italian seasoning
- 1 tsp thyme
- 1 tsp parsley
- ¼ cup flour (gluten-free option available)
- ½ cup half and half
- ½ cup whole milk
- ½ tsp sea salt
- ½ tsp cracked black pepper
Instructions
- Place chicken at the bottom of the slow cooker; season with garlic, Italian seasoning, thyme, parsley, sea salt, and pepper.
- Top with onion, carrots, celery, and add broth, wild rice, and bay leaf.
- Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours until chicken is ready; shred chicken and return to the pot.
- Whisk flour, half and half, and milk; gradually pour into the soup and stir until creamy.
- Adjust consistency with more broth if needed.
Last Step:
Please leave a rating and comment letting us know how you liked this recipe! This helps our business to thrive and continue providing free, high-quality recipes for you.Notes
Use high-quality chicken broth for the best flavor.
Cooking on low ensures full flavor development.
Feel free to add more spices to suit your taste.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6-8 hours
- Category: Soup
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
