Warm & Cozy Hearty Slow Cooker Chicken Wild Rice Soup Recipe

Comfort arrives in a steaming bowl of slow cooker chicken wild rice soup, a delightful blend of tender proteins and earthy grains.

Chilly evenings call for warm, nourishing meals that hug your soul from the inside out.

Each spoonful promises a rich medley of textures and robust flavors that dance across your palate.

Wild rice adds a nutty complexity to this hearty soup, creating layers of satisfying goodness.

Chunks of chicken meld perfectly with creamy broth, transforming simple ingredients into a spectacular meal.

The slow cooker works its magic, infusing every bite with deep, comforting warmth.

Grab a ladle and savor this soul-warming classic that turns an ordinary dinner into an extraordinary experience.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 6-8 hours (low) / 3-4 hours (high)

Total Time: 8 hours 10 minutes

Calories: 420 kcal

Servings: 6

What You’ll Need for Chicken Wild Rice Soup

• Chicken Breast: Lean protein that adds substance and rich flavor to the soup, choose fresh, boneless cuts for easy shredding.
• Wild Rice: Nutty, hearty grain that provides texture and earthy undertones, select a blend with multiple rice varieties for complexity.

• Onion, Garlic: Foundational aromatics that build a robust flavor profile, opt for fresh, firm bulbs with no soft spots.
• Carrots, Celery: Classic soup vegetables that add sweetness and subtle crunch, choose crisp, vibrant produce.
• Thyme, Rosemary, Paprika, Bay Leaf: Herbs and spices that create a warm, comforting seasoning blend, use dried herbs for concentrated flavor.

• Butter, Flour: Create a classic roux for thickening and adding silky texture, use unsalted butter for better control of saltiness.
• Heavy Cream: Transforms the soup into a luxurious, velvety dish, select high-fat content cream for maximum richness.
• Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance and balance all other flavors, use freshly ground black pepper for best taste.

Tools to Make Slow Cooker Soup Seamless

• Slow Cooker: Essential for cooking the entire soup and creating tender chicken and rice.
• Forks: Perfect for shredding the cooked chicken easily.
• Small Saucepan: Needed to create the creamy roux and blend heavy cream.
• Whisk: Critical for mixing flour and cream smoothly without lumps.
• Measuring Cups/Spoons: Help accurately portion ingredients for balanced flavor.

How to Let That Chicken Wild Rice Soup Simmer

• Toss Everything In

Drop chicken, wild rice, and veggies into your trusty slow cooker. Sprinkle herbs and seasonings all over to wake up those flavors.

• Let Magic Happen

Cover and walk away. Let your slow cooker transform ingredients into a mouthwatering meal. Low heat works for 6-8 hours, high heat for 3-4 hours.

• Break Down the Chicken

Pull out chicken and tear it into delicious bite-sized pieces. Return the shredded meat back to the bubbling soup.

• Create Creamy Goodness

Melt butter in a small pan. Whisk in flour quickly to build a silky base. Gently pour in cream, stirring until super smooth. Pour this dreamy mixture into the slow cooker and stir.

• Final Touch and Serve

Allow soup to simmer and thicken for a few minutes. Fish out the bay leaf. Ladle into bowls and sprinkle some fresh herbs on top. Enjoy your comforting creation!

Additions That Elevate This Comfort Soup

• Opt for rotisserie chicken or leftover roasted chicken for even more flavor and to save time on cooking.
• Add extra vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, or spinach to increase nutritional value and create more texture.
• Replace wheat flour with cornstarch or gluten-free flour blend to make the soup safe for those with gluten sensitivities.
• Substitute heavy cream with coconut milk or unsweetened almond milk for a lighter, lactose-free version of the soup.
• Replace chicken with turkey, or add cooked ham chunks for a different protein variation that keeps the soup hearty and satisfying.

Ways to Serve Chicken Soup That Feels Homey

• Rustic Bread Companion: Slice crusty sourdough or hearty whole wheat bread to dip into the creamy soup, soaking up all those delicious herbal flavors and rich broth.
• Family-Style Comfort Platter: Arrange soup in large ceramic bowls, sprinkle extra fresh parsley, and add a small side of crispy bacon bits or croutons for textural contrast and additional flavor depth.
• Healthy Green Boost: Top each serving with chopped green onions, a handful of baby spinach leaves, or fresh herbs like chives to add vibrant color, nutrition, and a bright, fresh finish to the comforting soup.
• Winter Warmth Pairing: Serve alongside a light mixed green salad with a tangy vinaigrette or pair with a glass of crisp white wine to balance the soup's creamy richness and create a complete, satisfying meal.

Store Wild Rice Soup for Warm Meals Later

• Prepare a large batch of this hearty soup on Sunday and enjoy multiple meals throughout the week. Divide into portion-sized containers for quick, satisfying lunches or dinners.
• Store cooled soup in airtight freezer containers for up to 3 months. Seal tightly to prevent freezer burn and maintain delicious flavor. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating gently on the stovetop.
• Keeps well in sealed containers for 3-4 days. Pro tip: Store cream-based soups separately from chicken and rice to maintain optimal texture. Stir gently when reheating to restore creamy consistency.
• Pack in a thermos for work or school. Add a slice of crusty bread to make the meal more filling. Keep soup separate from bread to prevent sogginess and maintain maximum flavor excitement.

Hearty Slow Cooker Chicken Wild Rice Soup Recipe

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4.5 from 17 reviews

• Total Time: 8 hours 10 minutes
• Yield: 7 1x

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Description

Hearty chicken wild rice soup simmers with wholesome ingredients, blending rustic comfort and nourishing flavors. Midwestern warmth fills each spoonful, inviting you to savor a bowl of homemade goodness that warms from within.

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Ingredients

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• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs)
• 1 cup wild rice blend, uncooked
• 4 cups (32 fl oz) chicken broth (low sodium)
• 2 cups (16 fl oz) water
• 2 tbsps butter
• 2 tbsps flour (or cornstarch for gluten-free)
• 1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half)
• 1 small onion, diced
• 2 carrots, chopped
• 2 celery stalks, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 bay leaf
• 1 tsp salt (adjust to taste)
• ½ tsp black pepper
• ½ tsp thyme
• ½ tsp rosemary
• ½ tsp paprika
• Fresh parsley
• Grated Parmesan
• Crusty bread

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Instructions

1. Preparation: Combine chicken, wild rice, broth, water, onion, carrots, celery, garlic, salt, pepper, thyme, rosemary, paprika, and bay leaf in the slow cooker, ensuring all ingredients are evenly distributed.
2. Slow Cooking Process: Cover and simmer on LOW for 6-8 hours or HIGH for 3-4 hours, allowing chicken to become perfectly tender and rice to reach a delicate consistency.
3. Chicken Transformation: Extract chicken from the soup, delicately shred using two forks, then reintegrate the tender meat back into the aromatic liquid.
4. Creamy Enrichment: In a separate pan, craft a silky roux by melting butter and whisking in flour, cooking briefly to eliminate raw flour taste. Gradually incorporate heavy cream, creating a smooth, luxurious mixture that will elevate the soup’s texture.
5. Final Refinement: Pour the cream mixture into the slow cooker, stirring thoroughly to integrate. Allow the soup to gently thicken for 10-15 minutes, developing a rich, velvety consistency. Discard the bay leaf and garnish with fresh parsley or delicate Parmesan shavings before serving piping hot.

Notes

• Use wild rice blend to prevent mushy rice; add rice during the last 2-3 hours of cooking for perfect al dente texture.
• Replace heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk for lighter version; use coconut milk for dairy-free alternative.
• Choose chicken thighs over breasts for juicier meat; avoid overcooking by checking internal temperature reaches 165°F.
• Toast herbs and spices briefly before adding to slow cooker to enhance their aromatic qualities and intensify overall soup taste.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 6-8 hours (low) / 3-4 hours (high)
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Slow Cooking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 7
• Calories: 320
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 14 g
• Saturated Fat: 8 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 36 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 20 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg