Creamy Crockpot Chicken Wild Rice Soup

If you’re looking for a cozy dish to warm your heart and home, this Creamy Crockpot Chicken Wild Rice Soup is just the ticket. Imagine coming home after a long day to the comforting aroma of a delicious soup simmering away in your slow cooker. With tender chicken, hearty wild rice, and vibrant veggies, each spoonful feels like a warm hug. This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or family gatherings when you want something wholesome and satisfying without spending all evening in the kitchen.

What I love most about this soup is how easy it is to prepare. Just toss everything into the crockpot, let it cook, and enjoy! It’s that simple. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to feed a crowd or meal prep for the week ahead. Trust me; your loved ones will be asking for seconds!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Simple Preparation: Just dump everything in the crockpot and let it do the work while you relax.
• Family-Friendly: This soup is packed with delicious flavors that even picky eaters will adore.
• Make-Ahead Convenience: Perfect for meal prep; you can make a big batch and enjoy it throughout the week.
• Comforting Flavor: The creamy texture combined with tender chicken and wild rice creates ultimate comfort food.
• Versatile Ingredients: Feel free to customize with whatever veggies or spices you have on hand!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering ingredients for this creamy Crockpot Chicken Wild Rice Soup is a breeze! You’ll find these simple, wholesome items are likely already in your pantry or fridge. Let’s get started on this deliciousness!

For the Soup

• 1 ½ lb chicken breasts
• 4 carrots, sliced
• 3 celery stalks, chopped
• 1 onion, diced
• 8-10 cups chicken broth (I use low sodium broth)
• 1 cup uncooked wild rice (rinsed)
• 4 garlic cloves
• 1 bay leaf
• 1 Tbsp Italian Seasoning
• 1 tsp thyme
• 1 tsp parsley
• ¼ cup flour (gluten free will work as well)
• ½ cup half and half
• ½ cup whole milk
• ½ tsp sea salt
• ½ tsp cracked pepper

Variations

One of the best things about this recipe is its flexibility! You can easily adjust ingredients based on what you have at home or your personal taste preferences.

• Swap the protein: Use turkey breast instead of chicken for a different flavor profile.
• Add extra veggies: Toss in some spinach or kale during the last hour of cooking for added nutrition.
• Create a spicy kick: Add diced jalapeños or red pepper flakes if you enjoy a little heat.
• Make it dairy-free: Substitute coconut milk for half-and-half and whole milk to keep it creamy without dairy.

How to Make Creamy Crockpot Chicken Wild Rice Soup

Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients

Start by dicing your onion, chopping the carrots and celery, and mincing the garlic. This step may seem small, but prepping your vegetables allows them to infuse their flavors into the soup beautifully.

Step 2: Layer Everything in the Crockpot

Lay your chicken breasts at the bottom of the slow cooker. Top them with minced garlic, Italian seasoning, thyme, parsley, sea salt, and cracked pepper. Then add your diced onion, chopped carrots, and celery on top. Layering helps ensure that all those lovely flavors meld together as they cook.

Step 3: Add Broth and Rice

Next, pour in 8 cups of chicken broth along with your rinsed wild rice and bay leaf. Cover the crockpot tightly. The magic really begins here as all these wonderful ingredients come together!

Step 4: Cook Low & Slow

Set your crockpot to cook on low for 6-8 hours until the rice becomes soft and fluffy. This slow cooking method allows all those savory flavors to meld perfectly.

Step 5: Shred the Chicken

Once your chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F, carefully remove it from the pot and shred it using two forks. Returning this shredded goodness back into the soup enhances its heartiness.

Step 6: Make It Creamy

In a separate bowl, whisk together flour with half-and-half and whole milk until smooth. Slowly pour this mixture into your soup while stirring gently. If it gets too thick for your liking, just add more broth until it’s at your desired consistency.

Step 7: Serve & Enjoy!

Finally, ladle up generous portions of this creamy deliciousness into bowls! I recommend serving it with a big crusty loaf of bread on the side and maybe some fresh parsley sprinkled on top for that final touch.

Now you’re ready to enjoy an unforgettable bowl of Creamy Crockpot Chicken Wild Rice Soup!

Pro Tips for Making Creamy Crockpot Chicken Wild Rice Soup

Making this soup is a breeze, but a few simple tips can help you elevate it to perfection!

• Use fresh ingredients – Fresh vegetables and herbs enhance the flavor significantly. This ensures that every spoonful is bursting with goodness.
• Adjust the broth quantity – Depending on your desired thickness, you might need to tweak the amount of broth. Start with 8 cups and add more if you prefer a thinner consistency.
• Cook low and slow – Allowing the soup to cook for the full 6-8 hours will yield tender chicken and perfectly cooked wild rice. This patience pays off in flavor!
• Taste before serving – Before serving, give the soup a taste test and adjust seasoning as needed. A pinch of salt or extra herbs can make all the difference.
• Store leftovers wisely – If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge. This soup keeps well for several days and often tastes even better the next day!

How to Serve Creamy Crockpot Chicken Wild Rice Soup

Serving this delightful soup is just as important as making it! With a few thoughtful touches, you can create a beautiful presentation that impresses everyone at your table.

Garnishes

• Chopped fresh parsley – Adding a sprinkle of vibrant green parsley not only enhances visual appeal but also provides a fresh flavor contrast.
• Cracked pepper – A light dusting of cracked pepper on top gives an added kick and elevates the presentation with its rustic look.

Side Dishes

• Crusty Bread – A warm loaf of crusty bread is perfect for dipping into your creamy soup. Try sourdough or whole grain for added texture.
• Mixed Green Salad – A light salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and a simple vinaigrette complements the richness of the soup, offering a refreshing balance.
• Garlic Breadsticks – Soft and buttery garlic breadsticks are a crowd-pleaser, perfect for soaking up every last drop of your delicious soup.

Incorporating these elements will not only enhance your meal but also create a cozy dining experience that everyone can enjoy!

Make Ahead and Storage

This Creamy Crockpot Chicken Wild Rice Soup is perfect for meal prep! You can make a big batch and enjoy it throughout the week or freeze portions for later. Here are some tips on how to store your delicious soup.

Storing Leftovers

• Allow the soup to cool completely before storing.
• Transfer it to an airtight container.
• Store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

Freezing

• Let the soup cool down entirely before freezing.
• Use freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags for best results.
• Label containers with the date, and freeze for up to 3 months.

Reheating

• Thaw frozen soup in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
• To reheat on the stove, place the soup in a pot over medium heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through.
• For microwave reheating, place in a microwave-safe bowl and heat in 1-minute intervals, stirring in between.

FAQs

Here are some common questions you might have about this comforting recipe.

Can I use brown rice instead of wild rice in this Creamy Crockpot Chicken Wild Rice Soup?

Yes, you can substitute brown rice, but keep in mind that it will require a longer cooking time. Adjust your cooking time accordingly to ensure it’s fully cooked.

How do I make this Creamy Crockpot Chicken Wild Rice Soup dairy-free?

To make this recipe dairy-free, replace half-and-half and whole milk with unsweetened almond milk or coconut milk. Just be aware that it may slightly alter the flavor and creaminess.

What can I serve with my Creamy Crockpot Chicken Wild Rice Soup?

This soup pairs wonderfully with crusty bread or a fresh green salad. Feel free to add your favorite sides to enhance your meal!

Can I add other vegetables to my Creamy Crockpot Chicken Wild Rice Soup?

Absolutely! Feel free to include other vegetables like peas, corn, or spinach. Just make sure they are cut into small pieces so they cook evenly.

Final Thoughts

I hope you enjoy making this Creamy Crockpot Chicken Wild Rice Soup as much as I do! It’s a warm hug in a bowl that’s perfect for cozy evenings at home. The combination of tender chicken, hearty vegetables, and wild rice creates a comforting dish everyone will love. Don’t hesitate to try it out—your kitchen will smell amazing! Happy cooking!