Crockpot Chicken Wild Rice Soup Recipe

Easy Crockpot Chicken Wild Rice Soup Recipe That Warms The Soul

Comfort wraps around you like a warm blanket in this hearty crockpot chicken wild rice soup.

Slow-cooking magic turns simple ingredients into a soul-warming meal that feels like a culinary hug.

Wild grains mingle with tender chicken, creating a symphony of flavors in your kitchen.

Nutritious and satisfying, each spoonful brings memories of cozy afternoons and home-style cooking.

Minimal prep means maximum enjoyment, letting you relax while the crockpot works its delicious alchemy.

Creamy textures and rich broth promise a delightful experience that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Grab a ladle and savor this incredible soup that transforms ordinary ingredients into an extraordinary meal.

What Makes Crockpot Chicken Wild Rice Soup So Cozy

  • Embrace Slow-Cooking Magic: This crockpot recipe transforms simple ingredients into a creamy, comforting soup with minimal hands-on preparation, letting the slow cooker do all the hard work.
  • Customize Your Comfort: Easily adapt the soup's consistency by adding milk or water, and personalize flavors with optional white wine or your favorite seasonings for a truly unique meal.
  • Family-Friendly Feast: Packed with tender chicken, hearty wild rice, and classic vegetables, this soup appeals to all ages and makes mealtime a delightful, stress-free experience.
  • Nourishing One-Pot Wonder: Enjoy a complete, nutritious meal that combines protein, grains, and vegetables in a single pot, reducing kitchen cleanup and maximizing flavor.

Everything That Goes Into This Crockpot Comfort

Main Ingredients:
  • Wild Rice: A nutty and chewy grain that adds texture and earthy flavor to the soup.
  • Chicken: The primary protein that provides a hearty and satisfying base for the soup.
  • Chicken Broth: A flavorful liquid that helps cook the ingredients and builds a rich soup foundation.
Aromatics and Vegetables:
  • Mirepoix, Salt, Pepper: Classic flavor enhancers that add depth and seasoning to the soup.
Creamy Components:
  • Butter, Flour: Essential ingredients for creating a smooth and thick roux that gives the soup a creamy texture.
  • Whole Milk, White Wine: Dairy and optional wine components that contribute to the soup's richness and complexity.
Seasoning:
  • Poultry Seasoning: A blend of herbs that adds a traditional and comforting taste to the chicken and wild rice soup.

Set It and Savor It: How to Make Wild Rice Soup

Step 1: Prepare Crockpot Foundation

Add wild rice directly into the crockpot. Place raw chicken pieces, chopped mirepoix (carrots, celery, onions), chicken broth, and poultry seasoning.

Cover and slow cook on low temperature for 7-8 hours until chicken becomes fully cooked and rice softens completely.

Step 2: Shred Tender Chicken

Carefully remove chicken from crockpot and allow it to cool briefly.

Using two forks, pull chicken apart into soft, shredded pieces. Return shredded meat back into the crockpot mixture.

Step 3: Create Creamy Roux

Melt butter in a separate saucepan over medium heat. Sprinkle flour and let mixture bubble for approximately one minute.

Gradually whisk whole milk until a smooth, thick cream develops. Optional: incorporate white wine for extra depth of flavor.

Step 4: Blend Soup Components

Pour roux directly into crockpot, stirring thoroughly to combine all ingredients. Adjust soup consistency by adding extra milk or water as needed.

Season with salt and pepper according to personal taste preferences.

Step 5: Serve Warm Comfort

Ladle soup into deep bowls.

Accompany with warm, crusty bread for a hearty and satisfying meal perfect for chilly days.

Tips to Get That Creamy Crockpot Soup Just Right

  • Soak wild rice overnight to reduce cooking time and improve texture in the crockpot.
  • Substitute whole milk with heavy cream or half-and-half for an extra rich and creamy soup.
  • Use rotisserie chicken instead of raw chicken to save time and add more flavor depth.
  • For a gluten-free version, replace wheat flour with cornstarch or rice flour when making the roux.
  • Add chopped fresh herbs like thyme or parsley just before serving to brighten the soup's flavor profile.

Creative Spins on Wild Rice Soup You’ll Love

  • Herb Garden Fusion: Replace poultry seasoning with fresh thyme, rosemary, and sage for an aromatic herbal upgrade.
  • Mushroom Umami Edition: Add sautéed cremini or shiitake mushrooms to enhance the soup's depth and earthy flavors.
  • Spicy Southwest Remix: Incorporate diced green chiles, cumin, and smoked paprika for a zesty southwestern kick.
  • Creamy Parmesan Version: Stir in grated parmesan cheese during the final mixing stage for a rich, nutty undertone.

Perfect Pairings for Crockpot Chicken Wild Rice Soup

  • Warm Bread Companion: Grab a freshly baked sourdough or rustic French baguette to soak up the creamy soup's rich flavors.
  • Wine Pairing Delight: Choose a crisp Chardonnay or light Pinot Grigio to complement the soup's creamy texture and subtle chicken notes.
  • Herbal Side Salad Boost: Toss a light mixed green salad with fresh herbs like parsley and chives to add brightness and cut through the soup's richness.
  • Comfort Crunch Topping: Sprinkle toasted sliced almonds or crispy bacon bits on top for an unexpected textural contrast and extra flavor dimension.

Save and Reheat Wild Rice Soup Without Losing Flavor

  • Refrigerate: Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Cool completely before sealing to prevent bacterial growth.
  • Freeze: Transfer cooled soup to freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Remove excess air and freeze for 2-3 months. Label with date and contents.
  • Microwave Reheat: Pour soup into a microwave-safe bowl. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval to ensure even warming. Stop when heated through.
  • Stovetop Reheat: Pour soup into a saucepan. Warm over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of chicken broth or milk to restore original consistency if needed.

Crockpot Wild Rice Soup Questions? Let’s Answer Them

  • Is wild rice different from regular rice?

Wild rice is actually a grass seed, not a true rice. It has a nutty flavor, chewy texture, and more protein and fiber compared to white rice.

  • Can I use boneless chicken breasts instead of whole chicken?

Yes, boneless chicken breasts work perfectly. They cook quickly and shred easily in the crockpot, making preparation simpler.

  • What does mirepoix mean in this recipe?

Mirepoix is a classic French cooking term for a mixture of diced onions, carrots, and celery that forms a flavor base for many soups and stews.

  • How can I make this soup healthier?

Use low-fat milk, reduce butter quantity, add extra vegetables like spinach or mushrooms, and choose low-sodium chicken broth for a nutritious version.

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Crockpot Chicken Wild Rice Soup Recipe

Crockpot Chicken Wild Rice Soup Recipe


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.8 from 25 reviews

  • Total Time: 7 hours 10 minutes – 8 hours 10 minutes
  • Yield: 6 1x

Description

Comforting crockpot chicken wild rice soup brings warmth to chilly evenings with its hearty blend of tender chicken, earthy wild rice, and rich, creamy broth. Slow-cooked to perfection, this soup offers a delightful escape into culinary comfort that welcomes you home.


Ingredients

Scale

Protein:

  • 1 pound chicken breasts

Main Grains:

  • 1 cup uncooked wild rice

Vegetables and Aromatics:

  • 2 cups mirepoix (chopped celery, carrots, and onions)
  • 1 teaspoon poultry seasoning

Liquids:

  • 6 cups chicken broth
  • 2 cups whole milk
  • 3 tablespoons white wine (optional)
  • 2 cups additional milk or water

Fats and Thickeners:

  • 1/2 cup butter
  • 3/4 cup all-purpose flour

Seasonings:

  • Salt, to taste
  • Pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Combine wild rice, raw chicken, mirepoix, chicken broth, and poultry seasoning in the crockpot. Cover and slow cook at low temperature for 7-8 hours until chicken is thoroughly cooked and rice reaches tender consistency.
  2. Once cooking is complete, carefully extract chicken from crockpot and allow brief cooling period. Use two forks to meticulously shred meat into bite-sized pieces, then return shredded chicken back into crockpot.
  3. Prepare creamy roux by melting butter in separate saucepan over medium heat. Gradually incorporate flour and allow mixture to gently bubble for approximately 1 minute. Slowly integrate whole milk, whisking continuously until smooth, thick texture develops. Optional: incorporate white wine for enhanced flavor complexity.
  4. Merge roux with soup contents inside crockpot, stirring thoroughly to ensure uniform distribution. Adjust liquid volume with additional milk or water to achieve preferred soup consistency. Season with salt and pepper, tasting and modifying seasoning as needed.
  5. Ladle piping hot soup into serving bowls. Complement meal with freshly warmed crusty bread for ultimate comfort dining experience.

Notes

  • Wild rice needs extra rinsing to remove any debris or unwanted particles before cooking in the crockpot.
  • Chicken breasts work best for easy shredding and maintaining tender texture throughout slow cooking.
  • Create a dairy-free version by substituting whole milk with unsweetened almond or coconut milk for a lighter alternative.
  • Enhance flavor complexity by adding a splash of fresh thyme or a pinch of dried herbs like rosemary during the initial cooking process.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 7-8 hours
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
  • Method: Slow Cooking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 6
  • Calories: 410
  • Sugar: 3 g
  • Sodium: 800 mg
  • Fat: 22 g
  • Saturated Fat: 13 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 35 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 20 g
  • Cholesterol: 80 mg
Truc Tran (Kris)

Truc Tran (Kris)

Senior Food Editor

Expertise

Home Cooking, Meal Planning, Recipe Development, Baking and Pastry, Food Editor, Cooking-video Maker, Vietnamese Food Evaluation Expert

Education

  • Hospitality (Commercial Cookery) at TasTAFE
  • Culinary Arts at Kendall College (Australia Branch in Sydney)
  • Vietnamese Cuisine Head Chef at HNAAu School (Vietnam, International Joint Training Program)

Truc Tran (Kris), an experienced food writer and editor, is great at exploring and describing global cuisines, from simple street food to fancy dining. In her writing, she skillfully mixes different flavors, cooking methods, and culinary traditions, showing the unique character of various cultures through their food and drinks. On azcuisines.com, Kris highlights her knowledge, especially in Asian cuisine and worldwide traditional dishes.

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