Crockpot Chicken Wild Rice Soup: Easy & Delicious Recipe

Crockpot chicken wild rice soup: just the name conjures up images of cozy evenings, crackling fireplaces, and the comforting aroma of a hearty, flavorful meal simmering away. Have you ever craved a dish that practically hugs you from the inside out? This is it! Forget slaving over a hot stove; this recipe is all about effortless deliciousness.

Wild rice, a grain with a rich history deeply intertwined with Native American culture, lends an earthy, nutty flavor that elevates this soup beyond the ordinary. For centuries, it has been a staple, providing sustenance and a connection to the land. Today, we honor that heritage by incorporating it into a modern classic.

What makes crockpot chicken wild rice soup so universally beloved? It’s the perfect marriage of creamy texture, savory chicken, and the satisfying chew of wild rice. The slow cooking process allows the flavors to meld and deepen, creating a symphony of taste that will tantalize your taste buds. Plus, it’s incredibly convenient! Simply toss the ingredients into your crockpot, set it, and forget it. Come home to a warm, nourishing meal that’s ready to enjoy. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or simply craving a comforting bowl on a chilly evening, this soup is guaranteed to be a winner.

Ingredients:

• Chicken: 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• Wild Rice: 1 cup uncooked wild rice, rinsed
• Chicken Broth: 8 cups low-sodium chicken broth
• Onion: 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
• Carrots: 2 medium carrots, peeled and diced
• Celery: 2 stalks celery, diced
• Garlic: 2 cloves garlic, minced
• Mushrooms: 8 oz cremini mushrooms, sliced
• Heavy Cream: 1 cup heavy cream
• All-Purpose Flour: 2 tablespoons
• Butter: 2 tablespoons
• Dried Thyme: 1 teaspoon
• Dried Rosemary: 1/2 teaspoon
• Bay Leaf: 1 bay leaf
• Salt: 1 teaspoon, or to taste
• Black Pepper: 1/2 teaspoon, or to taste
• Fresh Parsley: 1/4 cup chopped, for garnish (optional)

Preparing the Crockpot:

1. First, grab your trusty crockpot! Make sure it’s clean and ready to go. I usually give mine a quick wipe down just to be sure.
2. Now, place the chicken breasts in the bottom of the crockpot. You can arrange them so they’re not overlapping too much. This helps them cook evenly.
3. Add the rinsed wild rice on top of the chicken. Rinsing the wild rice removes any excess starch, which can prevent the soup from becoming too thick or gummy. Just a quick rinse under cold water in a fine-mesh sieve will do the trick.
4. Next, add the chopped onion, diced carrots, and diced celery to the crockpot. These veggies will add a lovely depth of flavor to the soup as they cook.
5. Sprinkle the minced garlic over the vegetables. I love the aroma of garlic cooking in the crockpot!
6. Add the sliced mushrooms to the mix. They’ll add an earthy and savory element to the soup.
7. Pour the chicken broth over all the ingredients in the crockpot. Make sure the chicken and rice are mostly submerged in the broth. If not, you can add a little more broth.
8. Add the dried thyme, dried rosemary, and bay leaf to the crockpot. These herbs will infuse the soup with a wonderful aroma and flavor.
9. Season with salt and black pepper. Remember, you can always add more salt and pepper later, so it’s better to start with a little less and adjust to taste.

Cooking Process:

1. Cover the crockpot with the lid and cook on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours. The chicken should be cooked through and easily shreddable, and the wild rice should be tender.
2. Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the crockpot and place it on a cutting board. Use two forks to shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces.
3. Return the shredded chicken to the crockpot.
4. Remove the bay leaf from the crockpot and discard it. You don’t want anyone accidentally biting into that!

Making the Creamy Sauce:

1. In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
2. Whisk in the all-purpose flour and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, to create a roux. This will help thicken the soup. Be careful not to burn the roux, as it will give the soup a bitter taste.
3. Slowly whisk in the heavy cream, making sure to break up any lumps. Continue whisking until the sauce is smooth and thickened, about 2-3 minutes.
4. Pour the creamy sauce into the crockpot and stir well to combine.
5. Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning as needed. You may want to add more salt, pepper, or herbs to suit your taste.
6. Let the soup simmer in the crockpot for another 15-20 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.

Serving:

1. Ladle the Crockpot Chicken Wild Rice Soup into bowls.
2. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley, if desired. A sprinkle of parsley adds a pop of color and freshness to the soup.
3. Serve hot and enjoy! This soup is delicious on its own or with a side of crusty bread for dipping.

Tips and Variations:

• Chicken Thighs: You can substitute chicken thighs for chicken breasts. Chicken thighs tend to be more flavorful and stay more moist during the slow cooking process.
• Vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables to the soup, such as potatoes, corn, or green beans. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly.
• Spices: Experiment with different spices to customize the flavor of the soup. Some other spices that would work well include garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, or celery seed.
• Wild Rice Blend: You can use a wild rice blend instead of pure wild rice. A wild rice blend often includes other types of rice, such as brown rice or long-grain rice.
• Make it Lighter: To make a lighter version of this soup, you can use half-and-half or milk instead of heavy cream. You can also use less butter or omit it altogether.
• Add a Kick: For a little heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the soup.
• Leftovers: Leftover soup can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.
• Freezing: This soup freezes well. Allow the soup to cool completely before transferring it to freezer-safe containers. Freeze for up to 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Thickening the Soup: If you prefer a thicker soup, you can add a cornstarch slurry to the crockpot during the last 30 minutes of cooking. To make a cornstarch slurry, whisk together 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water until smooth. Stir the slurry into the soup and let it simmer until thickened.
• Using Rotisserie Chicken: To save time, you can use a rotisserie chicken instead of cooking the chicken breasts in the crockpot. Simply shred the rotisserie chicken and add it to the crockpot along with the other ingredients.
• Adding Wine: For a richer flavor, you can add a splash of dry white wine to the crockpot along with the chicken broth.

Why This Recipe Works:

This Crockpot Chicken Wild Rice Soup recipe is a winner for several reasons:

• Ease of Preparation: The crockpot does most of the work, making it a convenient option for busy weeknights. Just toss the ingredients in, set it, and forget it!
• Flavorful and Hearty: The combination of chicken, wild rice, vegetables, and creamy sauce creates a soup that is both flavorful and satisfying. It’s the perfect comfort food for a cold day.
• Customizable: The recipe is easily customizable to suit your taste preferences. You can add different vegetables, spices, or herbs to create your own unique version of the soup.
• Freezer-Friendly: The soup freezes well, making it a great option for meal prepping or batch cooking. You can make a big batch of soup and freeze individual portions for easy lunches or dinners.
• Nutritious: This soup is packed with protein, fiber, and vitamins, making it a healthy and wholesome meal.

Serving Suggestions:

Here are some ideas for serving this delicious Crockpot Chicken Wild Rice Soup:

• With Crusty Bread: Serve the soup with a side of crusty bread for dipping. The bread will soak up the flavorful broth and make the meal even more satisfying.
• With a Salad: Pair the soup with a simple green salad for a light and refreshing meal.
• As a Starter: Serve the soup as a starter for a larger meal. It’s a great way to warm up your guests before the main course.
• For Lunch: Pack the soup in a thermos for a warm and comforting lunch at work or school.
• For Dinner: Serve the soup as a main course for a cozy and satisfying dinner.

Nutritional Information (Approximate):

Please note that the nutritional information is an estimate and may vary depending on the specific ingredients

Conclusion:

This Crockpot Chicken Wild Rice Soup isn’t just another soup recipe; it’s a warm hug in a bowl, a comforting classic reimagined for the modern, busy cook. I truly believe this is a must-try recipe because it delivers incredible flavor with minimal effort. The creamy broth, tender chicken, and nutty wild rice create a symphony of textures and tastes that will leave you craving more. Forget spending hours slaving over the stove – this recipe lets your slow cooker do all the hard work, freeing you up to enjoy your day.

But what truly sets this soup apart is its versatility. While the recipe as written is absolutely divine, feel free to experiment and make it your own. For a richer, more decadent experience, try adding a splash of heavy cream or half-and-half during the last 30 minutes of cooking. If you prefer a thicker soup, you can whisk together a tablespoon of cornstarch with a little cold water and stir it into the crockpot towards the end of the cooking time.

Serving suggestions are endless! I love to ladle this soup into bowls and top it with a sprinkle of fresh parsley or chives for a pop of color and freshness. A dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt adds a tangy counterpoint to the richness of the soup. And for a truly satisfying meal, serve it alongside a crusty loaf of bread or some grilled cheese sandwiches.

For variations, consider adding different vegetables to the mix. Carrots, celery, and onions are classic additions, but you could also try adding mushrooms, peas, or even some chopped spinach for extra nutrients. If you’re feeling adventurous, you could even add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little bit of heat.

If you’re looking for a vegetarian option, you can easily substitute the chicken broth with vegetable broth and omit the chicken altogether. Add some extra vegetables, such as diced potatoes or sweet potatoes, to make it a heartier meal. Tofu or tempeh can also be added for a protein boost.

This Crockpot Chicken Wild Rice Soup is perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner, a potluck gathering, or even a make-ahead meal for busy week. It’s also a great way to use up leftover cooked chicken or turkey. Simply shred the meat and add it to the crockpot along with the other ingredients.

I’m so confident that you’ll love this recipe that I urge you to give it a try. Don’t be intimidated by the ingredient list – most of them are pantry staples. And the best part is that once you’ve prepped everything, you can simply set it and forget it.

I’m incredibly excited for you to experience the warmth and comfort of this Crockpot Chicken Wild Rice Soup. Once you’ve made it, I would absolutely love to hear about your experience! Did you make any variations? What did you serve it with? Share your photos and stories in the comments below. Your feedback is invaluable and helps me to continue creating recipes that you’ll love. Happy cooking!