Slow Cooker Chicken and Wild Rice Soup Recipe: A Cozy Classic Made Easy
There’s nothing better than a warm bowl of soup, especially when it’s full of tender chicken, tasty wild rice, and healthy veggies. What makes it even better? Your slow cooker does all the work while you go about your day!
Today, we’re sharing a comforting and easy-to-make Slow Cooker Chicken and Wild Rice Soup Recipe that’s perfect for the whole family. Whether you’re meal prepping, looking for a cozy dinner, or just want something delicious without the hassle—this one’s for you.
Let’s get started!
Why You’ll Love This Slow Cooker Chicken and Wild Rice Soup Recipe
This soup recipe is a winner because:
- 🕔 It’s easy: Just toss everything in your slow cooker and wait.
- 🍗 Full of protein: Thanks to juicy chicken breasts or thighs.
- 🍚 Hearty and filling: Wild rice gives it a cozy, nutty taste.
- 🥕 Full of flavor and fiber: Loaded with carrots, celery, and onions.
- 🌱 You can change it up: Make it dairy-free, gluten-free, or even vegetarian.
- 🧊 Great for leftovers: It tastes even better the next day!
Now let’s look at what you’ll need to make this tasty soup.
Ingredients You’ll Need
You’ll need simple ingredients—many you might already have at home.
Main Ingredients:
- 1.5–2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- 1 cup uncooked wild rice blend
- 4 carrots, peeled and diced
- 3 celery stalks, diced
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 8 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 tsp salt (or to taste)
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 bay leaf
Optional Creamy Finish:
- 1 cup whole milk, half-and-half, or heavy cream
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 2 tbsp butter
Garnish:
- Fresh parsley (for sprinkling on top)
- Extra black pepper
- Serve with crusty bread or crackers
How to Make Slow Cooker Chicken and Wild Rice Soup
This easy recipe takes about 10–15 minutes to prep. Then your slow cooker takes care of the rest!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- 🥕 Chop the Veggies:
- Dice up the carrots, celery, and onion.
- Mince your garlic.
- 🐔 Load the Slow Cooker:
- Place the raw chicken at the bottom.
- Add all the chopped veggies, garlic, wild rice, thyme, salt, pepper, and bay leaf.
- Pour in the chicken broth.
- ⏲️ Set It and Forget It:
- Cook on LOW for 7–8 hours or HIGH for 4–5 hours.
- The rice should be soft, and the chicken easy to shred.
- 🍗 Shred the Chicken:
- Take the chicken out and shred it with two forks.
- Put the shredded chicken back into the soup.
- 🥣 Optional Creamy Finish:
- In a small pan, melt the butter on medium heat.
- Stir in the flour to make a smooth paste (called a roux).
- Slowly add the milk or cream and stir until it thickens.
- Pour this into your soup and mix well.
- 💚 Add Final Touches:
- Taste your soup and adjust the seasoning if needed.
- Sprinkle with parsley and serve warm with bread.
Tips for the Best Slow Cooker Chicken and Wild Rice Soup Recipe
Want your soup to taste even better? Try these tips:
- Use chicken thighs—they’re extra juicy.
- Choose a wild rice blend for nice color and texture.
- Want stronger flavor? Sauté the veggies in a pan before adding them in.
- Want a creamy soup without dairy? Use coconut milk.
- Store leftovers in the fridge for 4 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
Variations and Customizations
Here’s how you can tweak the recipe to fit your needs:
Make It Dairy-Free:
Skip the creamy part, or use coconut milk or almond milk with a bit of cornstarch to thicken.
Use Rotisserie Chicken:
Short on time? Add already-cooked shredded rotisserie chicken near the end. This saves time too!
Add Leafy Greens:
Stir in fresh spinach, kale, or Swiss chard during the last 15 minutes for an extra health boost.
Make it Gluten-Free:
Make sure your broth is gluten-free, and use cornstarch instead of flour for thickening.
Nutritional Benefits of Chicken and Wild Rice Soup
This soup doesn’t just taste good—it’s good for you!
- 🐓 Chicken gives you protein to keep your body strong and full.
- 🍚 Wild rice is a whole grain that has fiber and helps your digestion.
- 🥕 Veggies provide important vitamins and keep your immune system happy.
- 💧 Broth helps keep you hydrated and warm in cooler months.
Whether you’re feeling under the weather or just hungry for something cozy, this soup is the perfect pick.
FAQ: All About Slow Cooker Chicken and Wild Rice Soup Recipe
Here are answers to questions you might have:
Can I use a different kind of rice?
Yes! Brown rice, white rice, or quinoa can work. But cooking times might change. Softer rice may become a little mushy over time.
Can I freeze this soup?
Yes! This soup freezes great (especially without cream added). Freeze in containers for up to 3 months. Reheat on the stove or in the microwave.
How can I make this soup in an Instant Pot?
Use high pressure for 25 minutes with a natural release. Shred the chicken and add the creamy milk part after pressure cooking.
What if I want a vegetarian version?
Swap out the chicken for white beans or chickpeas. Use veggie broth and add extra veggies like mushrooms or sweet potatoes.
Bringing It All Together
This Slow Cooker Chicken and Wild Rice Soup Recipe is warm, filling, and oh-so-easy to make. With just a few minutes of prep, you’ll have a healthy, homemade meal for yourself or your family.
So whether you’re curled up watching a movie, making dinner after school, or cooking ahead for the week—this soup is your cozy, go-to favorite.
Let’s Get Cooking!
If you make this Slow Cooker Chicken and Wild Rice Soup Recipe, share your photos online with #CozySoupSeason! We’d love to see how yours turns out.
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Stay warm and happy cooking! 🍲💛
