If you are craving a warm, comforting meal that feels like a big hug in a bowl, the Crockpot Chicken & Wild Rice Soup Recipe is going to become your new go-to. This soup brings together tender chicken, nutty wild rice, and a medley of fresh vegetables, all simmered slowly to perfection in your crockpot. It’s creamy, flavorful, and effortlessly easy to make, perfect for busy days or cozy nights when you want a wholesome dish without the fuss. Whether you’re making dinner for your family or looking to impress guests with minimal effort, this recipe delivers on taste, texture, and heartwarming goodness every single time.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Simple ingredients often make the best meals, and this soup is no exception. Each item contributes to a balanced flavor and satisfying texture, while keeping prep quick and straightforward. From fresh veggies to creamy finishing touches, here’s what you’ll want to gather before you start cooking.
- 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts (or thighs): Tender protein that soaks up all the rich flavors from the broth and seasonings.
- 1 cup uncooked wild rice blend: Adds a hearty, slightly chewy texture and earthy taste that pairs beautifully with the chicken.
- 3 carrots (peeled and diced): Bring a subtle sweetness and vibrant color to brighten every spoonful.
- 2 celery stalks (diced): Give the soup a mild, aromatic crunch that balances the creaminess.
- 1 small onion (chopped): Provides a savory base that deepens the overall flavor profile.
- 3 cloves garlic (minced): Offers a perfect punch of warmth and depth without overpowering.
- 6 cups chicken broth: The foundation of the soup, infusing every ingredient with rich, savory goodness.
- 1 teaspoon salt: Essential for enhancing all the natural flavors in your soup.
- ½ teaspoon black pepper: Adds a gentle spiciness and complexity in each bite.
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme: Brings an herby, fragrant note that complements the chicken beautifully.
- 1 teaspoon poultry seasoning: The secret blend that ties the whole dish together with comforting familiarity.
- 1 cup half and half or heavy cream: Creates the luscious, silky richness that turns this soup into pure comfort.
- 2 tablespoons butter: Helps build a smooth, velvety texture when combined with flour and cream.
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour: Used to thicken the soup, giving it that perfect creamy consistency.
How to Make Crockpot Chicken & Wild Rice Soup Recipe
Step 1: Combine Ingredients in the Slow Cooker
Start by adding the chicken, uncooked wild rice, diced carrots, celery, onion, minced garlic, chicken broth, and all the seasonings into your crockpot. This mix of fresh and dried ingredients will marry together as it cooks, layering flavors that are both comforting and satisfying.
Step 2: Cook Low and Slow or Fast and Hot
Give everything a gentle stir to distribute the ingredients evenly. Cover the slow cooker and set it on LOW for 6 to 8 hours if you have time to let all the flavors develop slowly. Alternatively, use the HIGH setting for 3 to 4 hours if you’re a bit short on time—either way, the chicken will be tender and the rice perfectly cooked.
Step 3: Shred the Chicken
Once the cooking time is up, remove the chicken breasts and shred them using two forks. This step is key for giving you those bite-sized pieces of chicken that add texture and heartiness to the soup. Return the shredded chicken to the crockpot to mingle with the rest of the ingredients.
Step 4: Prepare the Creamy Thickener
In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat, then whisk in the flour to form a smooth paste. Slowly pour in the half and half or heavy cream while whisking continuously. This will create a rich, velvety sauce that will take the soup from broth-based to wonderfully creamy.
Step 5: Combine and Thicken the Soup
Pour the creamy mixture into the crockpot and stir well to blend. Let the soup cook on low for another 15 to 20 minutes, allowing the soup to thicken and soak up all that luscious creaminess.
Step 6: Final Taste and Season
Before serving, taste your Crockpot Chicken & Wild Rice Soup Recipe and adjust the seasoning if needed. A little extra salt or pepper can make all the difference and bring out the soup’s full potential.
How to Serve Crockpot Chicken & Wild Rice Soup Recipe
Garnishes
Simple garnishes like freshly chopped parsley or a sprinkle of shredded cheddar cheese can brighten the soup and add an extra layer of flavor. A dash of cracked black pepper or a squeeze of lemon juice can also provide that little zing for a delightful finishing touch.
Side Dishes
This soup pairs wonderfully with rustic crusty bread or warm, buttery dinner rolls. A fresh green salad with a light vinaigrette is a crisp, refreshing complement that balances the richness of the soup.
Creative Ways to Present
For a charming presentation, serve this soup in hollowed-out bread bowls or brightly colored bowls that highlight the soup’s beautiful hues. Top with a dollop of sour cream or crème fraîche for an elegant, creamy finishing touch perfect for dinner parties or family gatherings.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers, store the soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 4 days. The flavors often deepen over time, making your next meal just as delicious—if not better—than the first.
Freezing
This recipe freezes beautifully! Let the soup cool completely, then transfer it to freezer-safe containers or bags. It can be frozen for up to 3 months, making it a fantastic option for meal prep or saving for a busy week.
Reheating
To reheat, thaw frozen soup overnight in the fridge, then warm gently on the stovetop over medium heat. Stir frequently to prevent the cream from separating, warming just until heated through for the best taste and texture.
FAQs
Can I use brown rice instead of wild rice?
Absolutely! Brown rice can be swapped in, but keep in mind it may require a slight adjustment in cooking time since it cooks differently. Wild rice has a unique nutty texture that really enhances the dish, but brown rice offers a similar hearty feel.
Is it okay to use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes, chicken thighs work perfectly and add a bit more moisture and richness to the soup. They shred beautifully and hold up well in longer cooking times, making them a great alternative.
Can I make this soup without dairy?
You can! Substitute the half and half or heavy cream with a dairy-free alternative like coconut milk or a cashew cream. Just be mindful that this will change the flavor slightly but still keep it creamy and delicious.
How thick should the soup be?
The soup should be creamy but not overly thick—think velvety and smooth with a nice body from the wild rice and cream sauce. If it’s too thick, you can always thin it with a splash of chicken broth or water.
Can I prep this soup the night before?
Definitely! You can prep all the ingredients the night before, then simply start the crockpot in the morning. This makes mealtime even easier and lets those flavors develop all day long.
Final Thoughts
There’s something so satisfying about coming home to a warm bowl of the Crockpot Chicken & Wild Rice Soup Recipe after a busy day. It’s easy, nourishing, and packed full of comforting flavors that make every bite feel like a little celebration. I wholeheartedly encourage you to give this recipe a try—you might just find it becoming a permanent part of your family’s meal rotation!
Print
Crockpot Chicken & Wild Rice Soup Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 hours
- Total Time: 8 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This hearty Crockpot Chicken & Wild Rice Soup is a comforting and creamy slow-cooked meal perfect for chilly days. Tender chicken, nutty wild rice, and a flavorful medley of vegetables and seasonings are simmered together in a slow cooker, then enriched with a creamy sauce for a luscious finish. Easy to prepare and ideal for busy schedules, this soup offers great nutrition and satisfying flavor with minimal effort.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts (or thighs)
- 1 cup uncooked wild rice blend
- 3 carrots (peeled and diced)
- 2 celery stalks (diced)
- 1 small onion (chopped)
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 6 cups chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon poultry seasoning
Creamy Sauce
- 1 cup half and half or heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
Instructions
- Combine Ingredients: Add the chicken, wild rice, carrots, celery, onion, garlic, chicken broth, salt, pepper, dried thyme, and poultry seasoning to the slow cooker. Stir lightly to combine the ingredients evenly.
- Slow Cook: Cover the slow cooker and cook on LOW for 6 to 8 hours or on HIGH for 3 to 4 hours. Continue cooking until the wild rice is tender and the chicken is fully cooked through.
- Shred Chicken: Remove the chicken pieces from the slow cooker and shred them finely using two forks. Return the shredded chicken back into the slow cooker and stir to integrate.
- Make Cream Sauce: In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Whisk in the all-purpose flour to form a roux, cooking for 1 to 2 minutes. Slowly whisk in the half and half or heavy cream until the mixture thickens into a creamy sauce.
- Incorporate Sauce: Stir the thickened cream sauce into the soup in the slow cooker. Cover and cook for an additional 15 to 20 minutes to allow the soup to thicken and flavors to meld.
- Adjust and Serve: Taste the soup and adjust salt and pepper seasoning as needed before serving. Enjoy warm.
Notes
- You can substitute chicken breasts with thighs for a richer flavor and more tender meat.
- Wild rice blend often contains other types of rice or grains; ensure it is thoroughly cooked before serving.
- For a dairy-free option, use coconut cream instead of half and half or heavy cream and substitute butter with a plant-based alternative.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and often taste better the next day once flavors have melded further.
- If the soup thickens too much upon standing, stir in a little additional chicken broth or water to adjust the consistency.
