Crockpot Chicken Wild Rice Soup Recipe

Crockpot Chicken Wild Rice Soup is a comforting and hearty dish that combines the richness of chicken, the earthiness of wild rice, and the savory flavors of vegetables and herbs. It’s a perfect meal for cooler months or a cozy weeknight dinner. Using a slow cooker (or crockpot), this soup simmers to perfection while you go about your day, making it incredibly convenient for busy schedules. The wild rice adds texture and depth, while the creamy broth base brings everything together in a satisfying, warming meal.

This soup is perfect for family gatherings, meal prepping, or just enjoying a bowl of delicious comfort food with minimal effort.

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients

1. Prepare the Chicken: If using boneless, skinless chicken breasts, you can place them directly into the crockpot whole. If you prefer, you can cut them into smaller pieces for quicker cooking. Alternatively, using bone-in chicken thighs will add more flavor and richness to the broth, but they will need to be removed from the soup and shredded later.

2. Rinse the Wild Rice: Rinse the wild rice thoroughly in cold water to remove any debris or excess starch. Set it aside to drain.

   - Advertisement -

3. Chop Vegetables: Dice the onion, carrots, and celery into small, bite-sized pieces. Mince the garlic. These vegetables will be the base for the soup’s flavor.

Step 2: Assemble the Soup in the Crockpot

1. Layer the Ingredients: Add the chicken (whole or chopped), rinsed wild rice, diced vegetables (onion, carrots, celery), and minced garlic to the crockpot.

2. Add Broth and Seasonings: Pour in the chicken broth, making sure the ingredients are submerged. Add the thyme, rosemary, bay leaf, salt, and pepper to the pot. Stir everything together gently.

3. Cook the Soup: Cover and cook on low heat for 6-7 hours or on high heat for 3-4 hours, until the chicken is cooked through and the wild rice is tender. If using bone-in chicken thighs, you will need to remove them from the pot at the end of the cooking time, shred the meat, and return it to the soup.

Step 3: Shred the Chicken (if using whole breasts or thighs)

1. After the soup has finished cooking, remove the chicken from the crockpot and shred it using two forks. If you used bone-in chicken thighs, discard the bones and return the shredded meat to the pot.

2. Stir the Shredded Chicken into the soup, ensuring that it’s well mixed with the rice and vegetables.

Step 4: Add Cream and Butter

1. Stir in the half-and-half or heavy cream for a creamy consistency. If you prefer a richer soup, add the butter at this stage. Stir until everything is well combined.

2. If the soup needs thickening, you can make a slurry using the flour and milk. To do this:

   • Mix the flour with the milk in a small bowl until smooth.

   • Slowly pour it into the soup while stirring. Let it cook for 15-20 more minutes on high to thicken.

3. Add Lemon Juice: Stir in a tablespoon of lemon juice to brighten the flavors, adjusting to your taste.

Step 5: Taste and Adjust

1. Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning as needed. You may want to add a little more salt, pepper, or even a bit more thyme or rosemary depending on your preference.

Step 6: Serve and Garnish

1. Serve the soup hot, garnished with fresh parsley and a sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan cheese if desired.

2. Pair with crusty bread or crackers for a perfect meal.

Tips for the Best Crockpot Chicken Wild Rice Soup

1. Chicken Options: You can use bone-in chicken thighs, which will add more flavor to the broth, or boneless chicken breasts for a leaner option. For extra flavor, try searing the chicken before adding it to the crockpot.

2. Wild Rice: Wild rice takes longer to cook than white rice, so it’s perfect for slow-cooking dishes like this. It adds a wonderful nutty flavor and chewy texture.

3. Creaminess: For an extra creamy texture, you can add a little more cream or even stir in some cream cheese or sour cream at the end. Alternatively, for a lighter version, you can use half-and-half or a non-dairy substitute like coconut milk or almond milk.

4. Make it Ahead: This soup can be made a day in advance and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. In fact, it often tastes better the next day as the flavors continue to meld.

5. Freezing: This soup freezes well, so you can make a big batch and freeze portions for later. To freeze, let the soup cool completely, then store it in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.

6. Thickening: If you prefer a thicker soup, you can add a roux or slurry made with cornstarch or flour. Be sure to stir continuously to avoid lumps.

Serving Suggestions

This Crockpot Chicken Wild Rice Soup is perfect on its own, but you can enhance the meal with some delicious sides:

1. Crusty Bread: Serve with a loaf of freshly baked crusty bread for dipping. Garlic bread or a baguette works wonderfully.

2. Salad: Pair the soup with a fresh green salad with a light vinaigrette to balance out the richness of the soup.

3. Roasted Vegetables: Roasted root vegetables or a side of roasted Brussels sprouts will add depth and nutrients to the meal.

Variations and Add-ins

1. Vegetable Variations: You can add other vegetables like leeks, potatoes, or spinach to make the soup more filling and nutrient-dense. Add them at the beginning of the cooking time, except for spinach, which should be added at the end to prevent overcooking.

2. Herb Adjustments: Try adding fresh parsley, basil, or even dill for a fresh, herby twist. You can also experiment with different combinations of herbs like tarragon or marjoram for a unique flavor.

3. Spicy Kick: Add a little heat with crushed red pepper flakes or a diced jalapeño if you like your soup on the spicier side.

4. Dairy-Free Option: Use coconut milk or almond milk in place of heavy cream, and omit butter to make the soup dairy-free.

Conclusion

Crockpot Chicken Wild Rice Soup is a warm, comforting dish that is perfect for any season, but especially great for fall and winter. It’s a meal that’s not only rich and satisfying but also easy to prepare with the convenience of a slow cooker. Whether you’re making it for a busy weeknight or prepping for a crowd, this soup is sure to become a family favorite. With endless variations and easy customization, this recipe is as versatile as it is delicious. Enjoy!