Ultimate Slow Cooker Creamy Chicken and Wild Rice Soup: A Hearty Family Favorite
Embrace the warmth and comfort of a homemade meal with our exquisite Slow Cooker Chicken and Wild Rice Soup. This recipe simplifies the art of creating a rich, creamy, and deeply flavorful soup, brimming with succulent chicken, a wholesome wild rice blend, sweet carrots, crisp celery, and savory mushrooms. Designed for ease and maximum flavor, it’s a comforting dinner that promises to delight every member of your family and become a staple in your meal rotation.
Why This Slow Cooker Chicken and Wild Rice Soup Will Be Your New Go-To
This recipe isn’t just another soup; it’s an experience in effortless cooking and ultimate comfort. Here’s why you’ll want to make this creamy chicken and wild rice soup a regular part of your culinary repertoire:
- Effortless Preparation: The beauty of this slow cooker soup lies in its simplicity. With a minimal amount of chopping, you simply “drop and cook” your ingredients, allowing your crock pot to do all the hard work. It’s a lifesaver on busy weeknights when you crave a homemade meal without the fuss. Imagine coming home to the savory aroma of a meal that practically cooked itself!
- Rich, Creamy, and Incredibly Flavorful: Each spoonful is a symphony of flavors and textures. The combination of tender chicken, earthy wild rice, sweet carrots, crisp celery, aromatic onions, and savory mushrooms, all enveloped in a luscious creamy broth, creates a hearty, satisfying dish that embodies the very essence of comfort food. It’s a step above typical soups, offering depth and richness that will warm you from the inside out and leave you feeling truly nourished.
- Wholesome, Clean Ingredients: Say goodbye to processed canned soups with unknown additives! This homemade recipe proudly uses only fresh, simple, and clean ingredients. You have complete control over what goes into your pot, ensuring a healthier and more natural meal for your family. Enjoy the vibrant flavors that only fresh produce and quality chicken can deliver.
- Perfect for Meal Prep & Leftovers: Like many great soups, this chicken and wild rice creation tastes even better the next day. The flavors meld and deepen overnight, making it an ideal candidate for meal prepping for the week ahead. Easily pack individual portions for delicious, wholesome lunches to take to work or school, or enjoy a quick, comforting dinner on a subsequent evening. It’s a gift that keeps on giving!
- Versatile and Customizable: While the recipe is fantastic as is, it’s also wonderfully adaptable to your tastes and what you have on hand. Feel free to adjust seasonings to your preference, add different vegetables like peas or corn for extra color and nutrition, or even swap out chicken breasts for boneless, skinless chicken thighs for a slightly richer flavor and even more tenderness. It’s a forgiving recipe that encourages culinary creativity.
If you’re a fan of comforting and easy soup recipes that make weeknights a breeze, you might also enjoy our Thick and Hearty Homestyle Chili, a vibrant Creamy Tomato Basil Soup, a nourishing Root Vegetable Soup, our flavorful Sicilian Chicken Noodle Soup, a rustic Wild Rice and Mushroom Soup, or our delightful Easy Ham and Potato Soup. Each offers its own unique charm and simplicity for hearty family meals.
For a complete list of ingredients with precise measurements and detailed step-by-step instructions, please refer to the comprehensive recipe card located further down on this page. It has everything you need to recreate this masterpiece in your own kitchen.
Mastering the Art of Slow Cooker Chicken and Wild Rice Soup: A Step-by-Step Guide
Creating this rich and creamy soup is wonderfully straightforward, thanks to the magic of your slow cooker. Follow these simple steps to bring this heartwarming dish to life with minimal effort and maximum flavor:
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Prepare Your Base: Begin by seasoning your boneless, skinless chicken breasts generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper. This initial seasoning is crucial for building layers of savory flavor that will permeate throughout the soup. Next, uniformly distribute the finely diced carrots, celery, and onions across the bottom of your slow cooker’s crock. These aromatic vegetables will form a fragrant and flavorful foundation as they slowly cook down, releasing their natural sweetness. Carefully place the seasoned chicken breasts directly on top of this vegetable medley.
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Combine and Cook: Pour in the chicken stock, add the uncooked wild rice blend (ensure it’s uncooked so it has time to tenderize properly in the broth), minced garlic for an aromatic kick, poultry seasoning for classic savory notes, and bay leaves to infuse a subtle herbaceous depth. Stir all these ingredients gently to combine, ensuring everything is well distributed throughout the pot. Adjust salt and pepper to your taste at this stage, remembering you can always add more later. Cover your slow cooker and set it to cook on the LOW setting for 5-7 hours, or on the HIGH setting for 3-3.5 hours. The longer, slower cooking method is highly recommended as it allows the flavors to deepen beautifully and ensures the chicken becomes incredibly tender, and the wild rice perfectly cooked without becoming mushy. About 30 minutes before the end of the total cooking time, stir in the sliced cremini mushrooms, allowing them to soften and release their savory, umami flavor into the broth.
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Shred the Chicken: Once the cooking time is complete and the vegetables and wild rice are wonderfully tender and perfectly cooked, carefully remove the entire chicken breasts from the slow cooker. Transfer them to a cutting board. Using two forks, shred the chicken into succulent bite-sized pieces. Alternatively, you can chop the chicken into small cubes if you prefer a different texture. Before shredding, always ensure the chicken has reached an internal temperature of 165ºF (74ºC) for food safety, which can be checked with an instant-read thermometer. Set the shredded chicken aside for a moment; it will be reintroduced to the soup shortly.
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Prepare the Creamy Roux: While the chicken is resting, it’s time to create the luxurious creamy base that will bring this soup together. In a separate medium saucepan, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat until it’s fully liquefied and begins to shimmer. Whisk in the all-purpose flour vigorously, stirring constantly for about 1-2 minutes until it forms a smooth paste and turns a light golden brown, emitting a slightly nutty aroma – this is your roux, the essential thickening agent. Gradually and slowly whisk in the whole milk and half and half, a little at a time, making sure to incorporate each addition fully before adding more to prevent any lumps from forming. Continue whisking constantly over medium heat until the mixture gently simmers and thickens slightly to a creamy consistency, typically taking about 4-5 minutes. This technique creates a rich, smooth, and lump-free creamy sauce. Taste and season this cream mixture with a pinch of salt and pepper to perfection.
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Combine and Serve: Gently and slowly stir the prepared cream mixture into the slow cooker soup, incorporating it fully to create a rich and wonderfully creamy texture that defines this dish. Return the shredded chicken back into the soup, stirring it in to combine all the delicious elements and ensure every bite is packed with flavor. At this point, assess the soup’s consistency to match your preference. If you find the soup too thick, gradually add a little more chicken broth, stirring after each addition, until you achieve your desired creaminess. Serve this comforting soup warm, garnished with freshly chopped parsley for a burst of vibrant color and herbaceous freshness, alongside a warm, crusty loaf of bread perfect for dipping and soaking up every last drop.
Garnish each serving with freshly chopped parsley for a vibrant touch and serve with a warm, crusty bread to soak up every last drop of this delicious, comforting soup. Enjoy!
Expert Tips for the Best Slow Cooker Chicken and Wild Rice Soup
Achieving a perfect pot of Slow Cooker Chicken and Wild Rice Soup is simple with these helpful tips and tricks:
- Consistent Vegetable Cuts: To ensure all your vegetables cook evenly and are perfectly tender, it is essential to cut them into roughly equal-sized pieces. This consistency prevents some vegetables from being overcooked and mushy while others remain too firm, ensuring a uniform texture throughout the soup.
- Manage Salt Content Mindfully: For better control over the overall saltiness of your soup, we highly recommend using reduced-sodium chicken stock or broth. This allows you to season the dish gradually to your exact taste, adding more salt later if needed. Remember, it’s always easier to add more salt than to remove it!
- Wild Rice Options: You can use either a pure “wild rice” variety or a “wild rice blend” for this recipe. A blend often includes other types of rice like brown or white rice, which can offer a slightly different texture and cooking time. If using a specific blend, be mindful of the package instructions for recommended cooking durations, though the slow cooker method is quite forgiving.
- Chicken Thighs for Added Flavor: While boneless, skinless chicken breasts are an excellent choice for this soup, boneless, skinless chicken thighs can be used as a flavorful alternative. Thighs tend to be richer in flavor and more forgiving in the slow cooker, remaining incredibly moist and tender even after extended cooking, adding a delicious depth of flavor to your soup.
- Know Your Slow Cooker: Every slow cooker can vary slightly in its internal temperature and overall cooking efficiency. It’s always a good idea to become familiar with your particular appliance’s quirks. Begin checking for doneness around the 5-hour mark if cooking on low. The vegetables and rice should be tender, and the chicken should be easily shredded. Adjust cooking time as necessary.
- Enhance the Aromatics: For an even more fragrant and complex flavor profile, don’t hesitate to add a pinch of dried thyme or a sprig of fresh rosemary along with the bay leaves in the initial cooking stage. These herbs complement the chicken and wild rice beautifully.
- Spice It Up (Optional): If you enjoy a subtle warmth or a tiny kick in your soup, a small pinch of red pepper flakes can be added along with the other seasonings. Start with a minimal amount and adjust to your personal preference.
- Adjusting Consistency: If your soup turns out thicker than desired, especially after sitting, don’t worry! Simply stir in additional warm chicken broth or milk, a quarter cup at a time, until you reach your preferred consistency.
Frequently Asked Questions About Slow Cooker Chicken and Wild Rice Soup
Absolutely! Using pre-cooked chicken, such as leftover rotisserie chicken or any cooked chicken you have on hand, is a fantastic time-saver and makes this recipe even quicker. If you opt for cooked chicken, simply add it to the slow cooker during the last 30 minutes of cooking, just before you stir in the milk and flour mixture to create the creamy base. This ensures the chicken remains tender and moist, preventing it from drying out or becoming stringy from overcooking in the slow cooker.
To properly store any delicious leftovers, allow the soup to cool completely to room temperature before transferring it to an airtight container. Refrigerate promptly for optimal freshness and safety, where it will last for up to 3-4 days. It’s important to note that this creamy soup will naturally thicken quite a bit as it chills in the refrigerator due to the rice and roux. When reheating, you’ll likely want to add a splash or two of additional chicken stock or even a little milk to achieve your desired consistency again. Gently heat on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally, or in the microwave until warmed through.
While it is technically possible to freeze this soup, I generally don’t recommend it for optimal texture and quality. Dairy-based soups, especially those made with half-and-half or whole milk, have a tendency for the dairy to separate and can become slightly grainy or mealy after thawing and reheating. The wild rice can also sometimes become mushy or change in texture. While the flavor will likely still be good, the consistency might be compromised. If you absolutely must freeze it, freeze individual portions in airtight, freezer-safe containers, leaving some headspace, and be prepared to whisk vigorously and possibly add more liquid (chicken stock or milk) when reheating to try and restore some of the creaminess and smooth texture.
This hearty and filling soup is quite substantial on its own, making it a complete meal. However, it pairs wonderfully with several simple and complementary sides. A crusty loaf of artisan bread, warm dinner rolls, or fluffy biscuits are perfect for dipping and soaking up the rich, creamy broth. A light and refreshing green salad with a simple vinaigrette dressing offers a lovely contrast to the richness of the soup. For something extra cozy, consider serving it alongside a classic grilled cheese sandwich or a warm piece of cornbread.
Yes, with a few thoughtful substitutions, you can easily make a delicious vegetarian or even vegan version of this soup. For a vegetarian option, simply replace the chicken breasts with hearty vegetables like diced potatoes, sweet potatoes, parsnips, or even white beans for protein. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken stock. For a vegan version, in addition to the above, replace the butter with a plant-based butter alternative, and use a plant-based milk and cream (such as cashew cream or full-fat coconut milk) for the roux. Ensure all vegetables are tender before finishing with your chosen cream base.
Explore More Delicious Slow Cooker Recipes for Effortless Meals
The slow cooker is an indispensable kitchen tool for creating comforting, hands-off meals that are big on flavor and low on fuss. If you loved the ease, convenience, and comforting flavor of this creamy chicken and wild rice soup, you’ll definitely want to explore these other fantastic slow cooker recipes that promise similar delicious results with minimal effort:
Slow Cooker Tuscan Chicken
Indulge in the rich and vibrant flavors of Italy with this incredibly simple Slow Cooker Tuscan Chicken recipe. Tender, juicy chicken simmered slowly with sun-dried tomatoes, fresh spinach, and a decadent creamy sauce creates a meal that’s both elegant enough for guests and easy enough for any weeknight.
Slow Cooker Red Beans and Rice
Bring the soulful, hearty flavors of Louisiana into your home with this incredibly easy Slow Cooker Red Beans and Rice recipe. This classic dish, packed with tender red beans, savory seasonings, and fluffy rice, is perfect for a comforting weeknight meal or a casual gathering with friends and family.
Slow Cooker Beef Stew
Warm up with a timeless classic: this Slow Cooker Beef Stew. A hearty and robust meal, it’s packed with fork-tender beef, wholesome carrots, tender potatoes, and savory herbs, all simmered in a rich, flavorful broth. This recipe delivers maximum comfort and taste with minimal effort, making it absolutely perfect for a chilly evening.
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Slow Cooker Chicken and Wild Rice Soup Recipe
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Pin
Rate
Dinner, Lunch
American
15 minutes
6 hours
8
384
kcal
Leigh Harris
Ingredients
-
1 1/2
lbs
Boneless skinless chicken breasts
-
1 1/2
cups
Carrots
diced (about 3 medium)
-
1
cup
Celery
diced (about 3 large stalks)
-
1
cup
Onion
diced
-
6
cups
Chicken stock
reduced-sodium (or more for desired consistency)
-
1
cup
Wild rice blend
uncooked
-
2
cloves
Garlic
minced (or more to taste)
-
1
tsp
Poultry seasoning
-
2
Bay leaves
-
8
oz
Cremini mushrooms
sliced
-
1/4
cup
Unsalted butter
-
1/4
cup
All-purpose flour
-
1
cup
Whole milk
-
1
cup
Half and half
-
Kosher salt and black pepper
to taste
-
Fresh parsley
for garnish if desired
Instructions
- Season the boneless, skinless chicken breasts generously on all sides with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper. This initial seasoning is important for building depth of flavor.1 1/2 lbs Boneless skinless chicken breasts
- Add the diced carrots, diced celery, and diced onions to the bottom of your slow cooker crock, spreading them out evenly. Carefully place the seasoned chicken breasts on top of the vegetables.1 1/2 cups Carrots,
1 cup Celery,
1 cup Onion - Pour in the chicken stock, then add the uncooked wild rice blend, minced garlic, poultry seasoning, and bay leaves. Stir all these ingredients gently to combine and ensure the wild rice is submerged in the liquid. Cover the slow cooker and cook on the LOW setting for 5-7 hours, or on the HIGH setting for 3-3 1/2 hours, until the vegetables are tender, the wild rice is cooked through, and the chicken is easily shredded (reaching an internal temperature of 165°F / 74°C). During the final 30 minutes of cooking, stir in the sliced cremini mushrooms, allowing them to soften.6 cups Chicken stock,
1 cup Wild rice blend,
2 cloves Garlic,
1 tsp Poultry seasoning,
2 Bay leaves,
8 oz Cremini mushrooms - Once the cooking is complete and the vegetables and rice have reached tenderness, carefully remove the cooked chicken breasts from the slow cooker. Shred or chop the chicken into desired bite-size pieces on a cutting board. Return the prepared chicken back into the slow cooker, stirring it into the soup.
- In a separate medium saucepan, melt the 1/4 cup unsalted butter over medium heat. Whisk in the 1/4 cup all-purpose flour and cook, stirring constantly, for 1-2 minutes until a lightly browned roux forms and smells nutty. Gradually whisk in the 1 cup whole milk and 1 cup half and half until completely smooth. Continue whisking constantly over medium heat and cook until the mixture slightly thickens, approximately 4-5 minutes. Season this cream mixture to taste with additional kosher salt and black pepper.1/4 cup Unsalted butter,
1/4 cup All-purpose flour,
1 cup Whole milk,
1 cup Half and half,
Kosher salt and black pepper - Slowly stir the prepared cream mixture into the slow cooker soup, incorporating it fully to create a rich and creamy texture. If you find the soup too thick for your preference, add additional chicken broth a little at a time, stirring after each addition until you achieve your desired consistency. Serve warm, garnished with fresh parsley if desired, and enjoy this comforting meal!Fresh parsley
Notes
Storage Instructions: Ensure any leftover soup has cooled completely to room temperature before transferring it to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. When reheating, you might need to add a splash of chicken stock or milk to thin it back to your desired consistency. Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring frequently, or in the microwave until warmed through.
Nutrition
Calories:
384
kcal
|
Carbohydrates:
33
g
|
Protein:
29
g
|
Fat:
15
g
|
Saturated Fat:
7
g
|
Polyunsaturated Fat:
1
g
|
Monounsaturated Fat:
4
g
|
Trans Fat:
0.2
g
|
Cholesterol:
89
mg
|
Sodium:
418
mg
|
Potassium:
951
mg
|
Fiber:
3
g
|
Sugar:
9
g
|
Vitamin A:
4443
IU
|
Vitamin C:
5
mg
|
Calcium:
113
mg
|
Iron:
2
mg