Let me take you to a cozy evening spent huddled up with a steaming bowl of creamy goodness. This Crockpot Chicken Wild Rice Soup isn’t just comfort food; it’s the hug you didn’t know you needed on a chilly day. Imagine the tender chicken mingling with vibrant carrots and crunchy celery, all swimming in a velvety broth that brightens even the grayest of days. What’s even better? With just a little prep work, this dish becomes a dump-and-go delight in your slow cooker, allowing you to savor those moments spent with loved ones. It’s perfect for meal prep too, as leftovers only get better with time. Ready to discover how to whip up this heartwarming soup? Let’s dive in! Why is this soup your new favorite? Comforting Warmth: On cold nights, there’s nothing better than a creamy bowl of soup that wraps you in warmth, making it an ultimate comfort food. Versatile Ingredients: Use rotisserie chicken for a quick prep or swap in quinoa for a gluten-free option to cater to your dietary needs. Crowd-Pleaser: Whether hosting a dinner or enjoying a quiet night in, this soup is sure to impress friends and family alike. High Flavor, Low Effort: With minimal effort and a dump-and-go approach, you’ll relish in the delicious results while spending more time relaxing. Pair it with some crusty bread, and it’s a meal ready to satisfy any craving! If you’re looking for more comforting recipes, check out this Curry Chicken Soup or explore the delightful flavors of Thai Chicken Soup. Crockpot Chicken Wild Rice Soup Ingredients • Get ready for cozy flavors! For the Soup Base Chicken Breasts – The star protein, you can easily substitute with rotisserie chicken for quick prep. Carrots – Add natural sweetness and color; slice them for even cooking. Celery – For crunch and a fresh aroma; use fresh stalks for the best flavor. Onion – Diced finely to introduce depth and savory flavor. Chicken Broth – The essential base for flavor; go for low sodium for a healthier choice. Wild Rice – The star grain; avoid instant rice to maintain a pleasing texture. Garlic Cloves – Fresh garlic gives the soup its aromatic charm. Bay Leaf – Enhances the herbal notes; remember to remove it before serving. Italian Seasoning – This spice blend deepens the flavor; individual herbs like oregano also work well. Thyme – Earthy goodness; dried thyme is a fine stand-in if fresh isn’t available. Parsley – A fresh touch to finish; feel free to omit it if you don’t have any on hand. For the Creamy Texture Flour – Acts as a thickening agent; gluten-free flour can be used for an alternative. Half and Half – Introduces richness and creaminess; can substitute with cream or almond milk. Whole Milk – Adds extra creaminess; any milk will work here. For Seasoning Sea Salt – Adjust to your taste for enhanced flavor. Cracked Pepper – Adds heat; tailor the amount to your preference. This Crockpot Chicken Wild Rice Soup promises to transform your chilly evenings into cozy, heartwarming experiences. Enjoy the cooking! Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Crockpot Chicken Wild Rice Soup Step 1: Prepare the Vegetables Start by dicing one onion and chopping two carrots and two stalks of celery into even pieces for consistent cooking. Mince two garlic cloves to infuse aromatic flavor into the soup. This step is crucial as these vegetables form the flavorful base of your Crockpot Chicken Wild Rice Soup, giving it richness and depth. Step 2: Set Up the Chicken Place two chicken breasts at the bottom of your slow cooker. Season them generously with the minced garlic, Italian seasoning, dried thyme, a sprinkle of sea salt, and cracked pepper. This combination of flavors will enhance the overall taste of the soup, ensuring your chicken stays juicy and delicious as it cooks over the next several hours. Step 3: Layer the Vegetables Carefully layer the diced onion, chopped carrots, and celery over the seasoned chicken in the slow cooker. The vegetables will soften beautifully and impart their flavors throughout the soup as it cooks. It’s all about building those comforting flavors that will meld together beautifully in the Crockpot Chicken Wild Rice Soup. Step 4: Add Liquid and Rice Pour in about 4 cups of low-sodium chicken broth, ensuring the vegetables and chicken are well-covered. Next, add 1 cup of wild rice along with a bay leaf, which will simmer to extract its herbal notes. Cover the slow cooker and set it to low to allow everything to cook gently for approximately 6-8 hours, until the rice is tender and the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. Step 5: Shred the Chicken After cooking, remove the chicken breasts from the slow cooker and shred them using two forks. Return the shredded chicken back into the pot, allowing it to mingle with the soup. This step adds heartiness to your Crockpot Chicken Wild Rice Soup, making it even more delightful as the flavors continue to develop. Step 6: Create Creaminess In a separate bowl, whisk together ¼ cup of flour, 1 cup of half and half, and 1 cup of whole milk until smooth. Gradually stir this mixture into the soup to introduce a rich, creamy texture. This is a key step to achieving the velvety consistency that makes this soup so comforting and satisfying. Step 7: Adjust and Serve If the soup feels too thick, you can adjust the consistency by adding more chicken broth until it reaches your desired texture. Once adjusted, serve your warm Crockpot Chicken Wild Rice Soup in bowls, garnished with fresh parsley if desired. Pair it with crusty bread for a complete and cozy meal! Make Ahead Options These Creamy Crockpot Chicken and Wild Rice Soup prep options make weeknight meals a breeze! You can chop all your vegetables, including onion, carrots, and celery, up to 24 hours in advance and store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. If you’re short on time, consider cooking the chicken and wild rice ahead of time, refrigerating them for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to enjoy your soup, simply combine the prepped ingredients in the slow cooker as outlined in the recipe, and let it work its magic. This way, you can have a comforting bowl of soup waiting for you, all without sacrificing flavor or quality! Expert Tips for Crockpot Chicken Wild Rice Soup Consistent Cutting: Chop your vegetables uniformly to ensure even cooking and texture in your Crockpot Chicken Wild Rice Soup. Flavor Savvy: For deeper flavors, consider sautéing the onions and garlic before adding them to the slow cooker. This small step can elevate your soup! Avoid Overcooking: Cooking on low yields a perfect texture; cooking on high can lead to mushy rice. Stick to the low setting for best results. Creamy Adjustment: If your soup is too thick after adding the creamy mixture, gradually add more broth until you reach the perfect consistency. Leftover Magic: The flavors of your soup will deepen overnight, making leftovers fantastic for meal prep. Enjoy them the next day without any fuss! Substitution Flexibility: Don’t hesitate to swap in different grains or vegetables based on what you have on hand. This soup is adaptable to many ingredients! Variations & Substitutions for Crockpot Chicken Wild Rice Soup Feel free to get creative and customize your soup for a delightful twist every time! Quick Prep: Use Rotisserie Chicken for faster preparation without sacrificing flavor; it saves time and still tastes homemade. Grain Swap: Try Brown Rice or Quinoa in place of wild rice for unique textures. Brown rice has a nutty flavor, while quinoa offers a protein boost. Vegetarian Option: Replace chicken with Chickpeas or Tofu for a plant-based twist without losing the heartiness. Each bite will bring a satisfying protein punch! Nutty Flavor: Add a splash of Coconut Milk instead of dairy for a creamy dairy-free version. It also brings a delightful sweetness that balances the savory notes. Extra Veggies: Toss in Spinach or Kale toward the end of cooking for added nutrients. They’ll wilt perfectly and enhance the soup’s color! Zesty Kick: Want some heat? Add a pinch of Cayenne Pepper or Red Pepper Flakes to spice things up; adjust based on your family’s taste. Flavored Broth: Use Homemade Chicken Broth or a Vegetable Broth infused with herbs for extra flavor depth. Your soup will be next-level delicious! For more comforting recipes, explore the delightful flavors of Thai Chicken Soup or enjoy a cozy bowl of delicious Curry Chicken Soup. How to Store and Freeze Crockpot Chicken Wild Rice Soup Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Make sure the soup has cooled down before sealing to maintain its freshness. Freezer: This soup can be frozen for up to 3 months. Portion it out in freezer-safe containers, leaving some space for expansion, and label each with the date. Reheating: When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of broth if needed to restore creaminess. Airtight Guidance: Always re-seal tightly after scooping out servings to prevent freezer burn and keep the flavors of your Crockpot Chicken Wild Rice Soup intact. What to Serve With Creamy Crockpot Chicken Wild Rice Soup Warm your hearts and create a delightful meal around this creamy concoction that embraces the essence of comfort food. Crusty Bread: The perfect companion, it soaks up that velvety broth, making each bite a warm hug for your taste buds. Garden Salad: Crisp greens with a light vinaigrette add a refreshing crunch that balances the soup’s creaminess. Roasted Vegetables: An earthy side of seasonal roasted vegetables complements the rich flavors of the soup and adds a delightful texture contrast. Garlic Bread: A buttery, toasty delight that enhances the cozy experience while bringing a savory aroma to the table. Cheesy Biscuits: Light and fluffy, these add a decadent twist that contrasts beautifully with the hearty and nourishing soup. Herbal Tea: A warm cup of chamomile or mint tea rounds out the meal, offering a calming finish to your comforting bowl of Crockpot Chicken Wild Rice Soup. Apple Pie: End on a sweet note with a slice of warm apple pie, enhancing the comfort food essence of your meal. The spices mirror those in the soup for a harmonious experience. Crockpot Chicken Wild Rice Soup Recipe FAQs How do I select the best chicken for this soup? Absolutely! For this soup, I recommend using fresh chicken breasts for the best texture and flavor. Look for chicken that has a pink hue and no dark spots. If you’re pressed for time, using a rotisserie chicken is a fantastic shortcut—just shred the meat and add it at the end! How should I store leftovers, and how long do they last? Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Make sure the soup has cooled to room temperature before sealing to keep it fresh. Just reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, and it’s ready for another cozy meal! Can I freeze this Crockpot Chicken Wild Rice Soup? Yes, you can freeze this soup for up to 3 months! To do this, let the soup cool completely, then portion it into freezer-safe containers, leaving room for expansion. When you’re ready to enjoy it, thaw it overnight in the fridge and reheat on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of broth if needed to restore creaminess. What if the soup turns out too thick? No need to worry! If your soup is thicker than you’d like after adding the creamy mixture, simply stir in more chicken broth gradually until you reach your desired consistency. This step is key to achieving that velvety smooth texture we all love, so feel free to adjust until it’s just right. Is this soup safe for people with allergies? It’s important to consider dietary restrictions! This soup can be made gluten-free by substituting the flour with a gluten-free alternative. For those with dairy allergies, you can use almond milk instead of half and half and whole milk. Always check labels on ingredients like broth to ensure they meet dietary needs. Creamy Crockpot Chicken Wild Rice Soup for Cozy Nights This Crockpot Chicken Wild Rice Soup is the ultimate comfort food, perfect for cozy evenings with loved ones. Print Recipe Pin Recipe Prep Time 15 minutes minsCook Time 8 hours hrsTotal Time 8 hours hrs 15 minutes mins Servings: 6 servingsCourse: DinnerCuisine: AmericanCalories: 350 Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes Ingredients 1x2x3x? For the Soup Base2 pieces Chicken Breasts Can substitute with rotisserie chicken for quick prep.2 pieces Carrots Sliced for even cooking.2 pieces Celery Stalks Use fresh for best flavor.1 piece Onion Finely diced.4 cups Low Sodium Chicken Broth1 cup Wild Rice Avoid instant rice.2 pieces Garlic Cloves Minced.1 leaf Bay Leaf Remove before serving.1 tablespoon Italian Seasoning1 teaspoon Thyme Dried thyme is fine.1 tablespoon Parsley Optional garnish.For the Creamy Texture1/4 cup Flour Gluten-free flour can be used.1 cup Half and Half Can substitute with cream or almond milk.1 cup Whole Milk Any milk will work.For Seasoningto taste Sea Saltto taste Cracked Pepper Equipment Crockpot Method Step-by-Step InstructionsStart by dicing one onion and chopping two carrots and two stalks of celery into even pieces for consistent cooking. Mince two garlic cloves.Place two chicken breasts at the bottom of your slow cooker. Season them with minced garlic, Italian seasoning, thyme, sea salt, and cracked pepper.Layer the diced onion, chopped carrots, and celery over the seasoned chicken.Pour in about 4 cups of low-sodium chicken broth and add 1 cup of wild rice along with a bay leaf. Cover and set to low for 6-8 hours.After cooking, remove the chicken breasts and shred them. Return shredded chicken to the pot.Whisk together 1/4 cup of flour, 1 cup of half and half, and 1 cup of whole milk, then stir into the soup.Adjust consistency by adding more broth if needed, then serve hot, garnished with parsley if desired. Nutrition Serving: 1bowlCalories: 350kcalCarbohydrates: 30gProtein: 25gFat: 15gSaturated Fat: 7gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 5gCholesterol: 70mgSodium: 600mgPotassium: 750mgFiber: 4gSugar: 3gVitamin A: 450IUVitamin C: 10mgCalcium: 150mgIron: 2mg NotesChop vegetables uniformly for even cooking. Sautéing onions and garlic before adding can elevate flavors. Avoid high heat as it may result in mushy rice. Leftovers enhance flavors overnight. Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
