Easy Crockpot Chicken Wild Rice Soup Recipe for Cozy Nights

My go-to comfort chicken wild rice soup recipe promises pure magic in a slow cooker.

Hearty ingredients simmer together, creating an irresistible blend of flavors and textures.

Creamy broth envelops tender chicken and nutty wild rice with delightful warmth.

Minimal prep work means maximum satisfaction for busy home cooks seeking nourishing meals.

Nutritious vegetables add depth and complexity to this soul-soothing dish.

Smooth and satisfying, each spoonful delivers a comforting embrace that feels like a culinary hug.

Grab your crockpot and let’s transform simple ingredients into an extraordinary meal that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Crockpot Chicken Wild Rice Soup Made Simple

• Simplify Weeknight Cooking: Toss ingredients into the crockpot and let it work its magic, transforming simple components into a hearty, comforting meal with minimal effort.
• Nutrition-Packed One-Pot Wonder: Loaded with protein from chicken, fiber-rich wild rice, and a medley of vegetables, this soup delivers a balanced, wholesome dinner that keeps your family satisfied.
• Customizable Comfort Food: Easily adjust seasonings, swap protein, or add extra vegetables to make this recipe uniquely yours, perfect for adapting to different tastes and dietary needs.
• Crowd-Pleasing Meal Solution: Ideal for family dinners, potlucks, or meal prep, this soup feeds a crowd without requiring complex cooking techniques or extensive kitchen time.

Ingredients To Prepare Crockpot Chicken Wild Rice Soup

• Chicken Breasts: The main protein that provides hearty and tender meat for the soup.
• Chicken Broth: Delivers rich flavor and liquid base for the soup's foundation.

• Onion, Carrots, Celery: These classic vegetables add depth, sweetness, and aromatic flavors to the soup.
• Garlic: Provides a robust and savory undertone to enhance overall taste.

• Italian Seasoning, Thyme, Parsley: These herbs contribute complex and fresh flavor profiles to the soup.
• Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings that balance and elevate the soup's taste.
• Bay Leaf: Adds subtle herbal notes and complexity to the broth.

• Wild Rice: A nutty and textured grain that provides heartiness and nutrition to the soup.
• Flour: Helps thicken the soup and create a smooth consistency.
• Half and Half, Whole Milk: Create a rich and creamy texture that makes the soup luxurious.

• Fresh Parsley: Adds a bright, fresh finish to the completed soup.

How To Make Crockpot Chicken Wild Rice Soup

Step 1: Prep the Flavor Makers

Dice the onion into small, uniform pieces. Chop the carrots and celery into bite-sized bits.

Mince the garlic to release its aromatic punch. These veggies will create a flavor foundation for your soup.

Step 2: Layer the Slow Cooker Magic

• Garlic
• Italian seasoning
• Thyme
• Parsley
• Salt
• Pepper

Scatter the prepared onions, carrots, and celery on top of the seasoned chicken.

Step 3: Liquid Gold and Grain Goodness

Pour chicken broth into the crockpot. Add wild rice and a bay leaf for depth of flavor.

Cover the slow cooker with its lid.

Step 4: Slow Cooking Transformation

For high setting: Cook for 4-6 hours.

For low setting: Cook for 6-8 hours.

The soup is perfectly done when wild rice turns tender and chicken reaches 165°F internally.

Step 5: Shred and Return

Pull chicken from the slow cooker. Using two forks, shred the meat into tender pieces.

Return the shredded chicken back to the pot.

Step 6: Create Creamy Comfort

• Flour
• Half and half
• Whole milk

Ensure the mixture is completely smooth.

Slowly pour into the soup, stirring continuously. Adjust broth if needed to reach desired thickness.

Step 7: Serve with Style

Ladle the soup into bowls. Sprinkle fresh parsley on top.

Serve alongside crusty bread for the ultimate comfort meal.

Tips To Perfect Crockpot Chicken Wild Rice Soup

• Monitor the wild rice carefully during cooking to avoid turning it mushy, as slow cookers can sometimes break down grains faster than traditional stovetop methods.
• Sauté onions, carrots, and garlic in a skillet before adding to the crockpot to develop a richer, more caramelized taste profile for the soup.
• Replace half and half with coconut milk or unsweetened almond milk for a creamy texture that works well for lactose-intolerant individuals.
• Swap chicken breasts with rotisserie chicken or turkey for a quick alternative, ensuring you add the shredded meat during the last 30 minutes of cooking.

Variations To Try On Crockpot Chicken Wild Rice Soup

• Vegetarian Wild Rice Soup: Replace chicken with firm tofu or plant-based chicken alternative, using vegetable broth for a meat-free version.
• Gluten-Free Adaptation: Swap wheat flour with cornstarch or arrowroot powder to thicken the soup, ensuring all ingredients are certified gluten-free.
• Dairy-Free Option: Use coconut milk or unsweetened almond milk instead of half and half, replacing whole milk with dairy-free alternatives like oat milk.
• Instant Pot Express: Convert the slow cooker recipe to an Instant Pot by reducing cooking time to 20-25 minutes on high pressure, following similar ingredient layering techniques.

Pairing Suggestions To Enjoy With Crockpot Chicken Wild Rice Soup

Pair this hearty chicken wild rice soup with a crisp Chardonnay or light Pinot Grigio to complement the creamy texture and enhance the delicate herb flavors.

Serve with a rustic sourdough or crusty French baguette to soak up the rich, velvety broth and add a delightful crunch to each spoonful.

Top the soup with fresh chopped parsley or chives to brighten the dish, adding a pop of color and a fresh herbal note that cuts through the soup’s richness.

Consider adding a side of roasted almonds or toasted pumpkin seeds for extra crunch and a nutty undertone that complements the wild rice and tender chicken.

Proper Storage To Keep Crockpot Chicken Wild Rice Soup Fresh

• Store leftover soup in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Cool completely before sealing to prevent bacterial growth.
• Pour soup into freezer-safe containers, leaving 1-inch space for expansion. Freeze for 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Transfer desired portion to a microwave-safe bowl. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval until heated through. Add a splash of chicken broth to restore original consistency.
• Pour soup into a saucepan. Warm over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. Add extra broth if soup seems too thick. Heat until steaming and reaching 165°F internal temperature.

FAQs

• What is wild rice, and how is it different from regular rice?

Wild rice is actually a type of grass seed native to North America, not a true rice. It’s darker, longer, and has a chewy texture with a nutty flavor, offering more protein, fiber, and nutrients compared to white rice.

• Can I use different types of chicken for this recipe?

Yes, you can use boneless, skinless chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts. They tend to be more flavorful and stay more tender during slow cooking, which can enhance the overall taste of the soup.

• Is wild rice gluten-free?

While wild rice itself is naturally gluten-free, always check the packaging to ensure no cross-contamination. For this recipe, you can substitute the flour with cornstarch or a gluten-free flour blend to make the entire dish gluten-free.

Crockpot Chicken Wild Rice Soup Recipe

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4.6 from 30 reviews

• Total Time: 4 hours 20 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Hearty chicken wild rice soup simmers with comforting Wisconsin flavors, blending tender chicken and nutty rice into a creamy, soul-warming bowl. Slow cooker magic brings together wholesome ingredients, promising a delightful meal that warms hearts and satisfies hungry families.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 1.5 pounds chicken breasts

Vegetables:

• 4 carrots, sliced
• 3 celery stalks, chopped
• 1 onion, diced
• 4 garlic cloves, minced

Liquid and Seasonings:

• 8–10 cups low-sodium chicken broth
• 1 cup wild rice
• 1 bay leaf
• 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
• 1 teaspoon thyme
• 1 teaspoon parsley
• 0.5 teaspoon sea salt
• 0.5 teaspoon cracked black pepper
• 0.25 cup flour (gluten-free works too)
• 0.5 cup half and half
• 0.5 cup whole milk

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Instructions

1. Prepare your cooking surface by gathering all ingredients and dicing onion, chopping carrots and celery, and mincing garlic for maximum flavor development.
2. Create a flavor foundation in the crockpot by positioning chicken breasts as the base layer, then generously season with garlic, Italian seasoning, thyme, parsley, salt, and pepper for robust taste profiles.
3. Arrange vegetable medley directly on top of seasoned chicken, strategically layering diced onions, sliced carrots, and chopped celery to distribute aromatics evenly.
4. Establish liquid foundation by pouring chicken broth over the ingredients, carefully sprinkling wild rice and tucking in a bay leaf to infuse additional depth.
5. Select cooking method: High setting requires 4-6 hours, while low setting demands 6-8 hours. Confirm doneness when wild rice softens and chicken reaches 165°F internal temperature.
6. Extract chicken from crockpot and meticulously shred using two forks, then return shredded meat to the soup, ensuring even distribution.
7. Transform soup’s texture by whisking flour, half and half, and whole milk into a silky smooth mixture, then gradually incorporate into soup while stirring continuously.
8. Adjust soup consistency by adding extra broth if needed, creating perfect viscosity for optimal eating experience.
9. Serve piping hot in individual bowls, garnishing with fresh parsley and accompanying with crusty bread for a complete, comforting meal.

Notes

• Chicken Versatility: Choose boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs for varied texture and flavor profiles.
• Rice Selection: Wild rice blend works best, but you can substitute with brown rice or quinoa for different nutritional benefits.
• Dairy-Free Adaptation: Replace half and half with coconut milk or almond milk cream for a lactose-free version.
• Meal Prep Magic: This soup freezes beautifully for up to 3 months, making it perfect for make-ahead lunches or quick weeknight dinners.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 4 hours (ot up to 8 hours)
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: Slow Cooking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 193 kcal
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 580 mg
• Fat: 5 g
• Saturated Fat: 3 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 2 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 15 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 18 g
• Cholesterol: 55 mg