If you are craving a cozy, hearty meal that feels like a warm hug on a chilly day, look no further than this Crockpot Chicken Wild Rice Soup Recipe. It brings together tender chicken, nutty wild rice, and aromatic herbs in a creamy broth that’s simple to prepare yet deeply satisfying. This soup is comfort in a bowl and perfect for busy days when you want something nourishing without fussing in the kitchen. Whether you’re feeding a family or making a batch to savor throughout the week, this recipe will become your go-to for effortless, soul-soothing meals.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting started with this Crockpot Chicken Wild Rice Soup Recipe is a breeze because the ingredients are straightforward, wholesome, and all play a vital role in building layers of flavor and texture. From aromatic vegetables to tender chicken and creamy broth, each element contributes its magic to the final dish.
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts: The star protein that becomes tender and shreds beautifully, infusing the soup with flavor.
- Wild rice blend: Adds a hearty, earthy texture with a nutty taste that balances the creaminess.
- Onion, diced: Provides a sweet and savory base that deepens the soup’s flavor.
- Carrots, diced: Bring a subtle sweetness and vibrant color to the broth.
- Celery stalks, diced: Deliver a delicate herbal note and pleasant crunch after cooking.
- Garlic cloves, minced: Enhance the overall aroma and add a cozy warmth.
- Chicken broth: The flavorful liquid foundation that ties all the ingredients together.
- Dried thyme: Infuses a slightly minty and lemony hint to brighten the soup.
- Dried rosemary: Adds a piney, woodsy depth that complements the chicken perfectly.
- Salt and pepper: Essential for seasoning and bringing out the robust flavors.
- Heavy cream: Gives the soup its luscious, velvety finish (adjust to taste for desired richness).
- Fresh parsley (optional): A fresh, herbaceous garnish to add color and a bright pop.
How to Make Crockpot Chicken Wild Rice Soup Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Vegetables
Start by dicing the onion, carrots, and celery into small, even pieces so they cook evenly. Mince the garlic finely to ensure its flavor integrates smoothly throughout the soup. Having these prepped ahead keeps moving quickly once everything goes into the crockpot.
Step 2: Layer Ingredients in the Crockpot
Place the chicken breasts at the bottom of the crockpot—a great base for slow cooking. Next, layer the wild rice blend directly on top so it can absorb the flavors as it cooks. Then add the diced vegetables and garlic, spreading them evenly for balanced flavor in every bite.
Step 3: Add Broth and Seasoning
Pour the chicken broth gently over the layered ingredients, ensuring they’re fully submerged. Sprinkle in the dried thyme, dried rosemary, salt, and freshly ground pepper. Give the ingredients a gentle stir to combine everything without disturbing the layers too much. This creates that perfect melding of flavors Crockpot Chicken Wild Rice Soup Recipe is known for.
Step 4: Slow Cook to Perfection
Set the crockpot to low and cook for 6 to 8 hours, or on high for 3 to 4 hours. The long, slow cooking tenderizes the chicken and allows the wild rice to absorb all of the herbal-infused broth. The result will be tender chicken shredding easily and a soup that smells irresistible.
Step 5: Shred Chicken and Finish Soup
Once cooked, remove the chicken breasts and shred them into bite-sized pieces using two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the crockpot and stir in the heavy cream. Let the soup cook for an additional 30 minutes on low to integrate the creaminess fully, creating the silky texture that makes this Crockpot Chicken Wild Rice Soup Recipe a true comfort classic.
How to Serve Crockpot Chicken Wild Rice Soup Recipe
Garnishes
While fresh parsley is optional, it adds a lovely burst of color and a fresh, herbaceous flavor that brightens each spoonful. You could also sprinkle a touch of freshly ground black pepper or even a little grated Parmesan to elevate the richness.
Side Dishes
This soup is a meal on its own, but pairing it with warm crusty bread or garlic rolls complements the creamy broth beautifully by adding crunch and extra indulgence. A simple side salad with a light vinaigrette can also add a refreshing contrast to the richness.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the soup in hollowed-out mini pumpkins or bread bowls for an autumnal vibe that impresses guests. You can also sprinkle toasted nuts or seeds on top for added texture and a gourmet feel. Presentation can turn this humble soup into a centerpiece for cozy dinners.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This Crockpot Chicken Wild Rice Soup Recipe stores wonderfully in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The flavors tend to deepen overnight, making it even more delicious the next day. Just give it a good stir before reheating.
Freezing
To freeze, cool the soup completely and transfer it to freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. It will keep well for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating gently to preserve the soup’s creamy texture.
Reheating
Reheat the soup on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking and to blend the cream evenly. Avoid boiling vigorously to maintain the smooth, creamy consistency that makes this soup so comforting.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs add a richer flavor and stay very tender. Just be mindful that they might take slightly longer to cook if they are bone-in.
Is wild rice necessary or can I use white rice?
Wild rice brings a unique texture and nuttiness that defines this soup, but you can substitute white rice if necessary. Just adjust the cooking time since white rice cooks faster and can become mushy if left too long.
Can I make this soup dairy-free?
Yes! Substitute the heavy cream with coconut milk or a creamy plant-based alternative for a similar texture without dairy. The soup remains just as comforting and flavorful.
How thick is this soup? Can I make it thicker?
The soup has a creamy but not overly thick consistency. If you want it heartier, you can add a slurry of cornstarch and water towards the end of cooking or add extra wild rice.
Can I add other vegetables to this soup?
Definitely! Mushrooms, peas, or even diced potatoes can be wonderful additions. Just keep in mind varying cook times and add vegetables accordingly to keep everything tender and well balanced.
Final Thoughts
Once you try this Crockpot Chicken Wild Rice Soup Recipe, it will quickly become your favorite go-to recipe for those cozy days when you need warmth and comfort without the fuss. The perfect balance of savory herbs, tender chicken, and creamy texture makes it a crowd-pleaser and a loving dish to share. So grab your crockpot, gather your ingredients, and get ready for some deliciously simple comfort in a bowl!
Print
Crockpot Chicken Wild Rice Soup Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 7 hours
- Total Time: 7 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Soup
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Description
A comforting and hearty Crockpot Chicken Wild Rice Soup featuring tender chicken breasts, wild rice blend, fresh vegetables, and aromatic herbs, all simmered to perfection in chicken broth and finished with a touch of creamy richness.
Ingredients
Protein
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts
Grains
- 1 cup wild rice blend
Vegetables
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 carrots, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
Liquids & Dairy
- 8 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream (or to taste)
Herbs & Seasonings
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- Salt and pepper to taste
Garnish
- Fresh parsley (optional)
Instructions
- Preparation: Dice the onion, carrots, and celery finely. Mince the garlic cloves and set all prepared vegetables aside.
- Layering Ingredients: Place the chicken breasts at the bottom of the crockpot. Layer the wild rice blend over the chicken, followed by the diced onion, carrots, celery, and minced garlic evenly spread on top.
- Adding Broth and Seasonings: Pour the chicken broth gently over the layered ingredients. Sprinkle the dried thyme, dried rosemary, salt, and pepper evenly on top. Stir lightly to combine the herbs and seasonings.
- Cooking: Cover the crockpot with its lid. Cook on low heat for 6 to 8 hours or on high heat for 3 to 4 hours until the chicken is fully cooked and the wild rice blend is tender.
- Shredding the Chicken: Remove the cooked chicken breasts carefully from the crockpot. Shred the meat using two forks into bite-sized pieces, then return the shredded chicken back into the soup.
- Adding Cream: Stir in the heavy cream thoroughly to add richness. Cover and cook for an additional 30 minutes on low heat to allow the flavors to meld beautifully.
- Serving: Ladle the hot soup into serving bowls. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley if desired for a fresh, vibrant touch. Serve immediately and enjoy this warm, hearty meal.
Notes
- You can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or coconut milk for a lighter or dairy-free option.
- Wild rice blends may contain different rice varieties; cooking times may vary slightly—check rice tenderness before finishing.
- For extra flavor, sauté the onion, carrots, celery, and garlic briefly before adding to the crockpot.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
- Adjust salt and pepper according to your taste preferences, especially if your chicken broth is salted.
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