Cozy Slow Cooker Chicken Wild Rice Soup Recipe For Cold Days

Comfort arrives with this hearty slow cooker chicken wild rice soup that promises warm, soul-soothing moments.

Grandma’s cherished recipes inspired our kitchen adventure today.

Tender chicken pieces mingle with earthy wild rice, creating a symphony of flavors.

Fragrant herbs and robust vegetables dance together in a creamy broth.

Weeknight dinners just became infinitely more delightful with minimal preparation.

Families will devour every spoonful of this nourishing, easy-to-make meal.

Why Slow Cooker Chicken Wild Rice Soup Stays a Favorite

• Perfect for busy home cooks who want delicious meals without spending hours in the kitchen, this slow cooker chicken wild rice soup delivers maximum flavor with minimal effort.
• Simply toss ingredients into the slow cooker and walk away – the appliance does all the hard work, transforming basic ingredients into a rich, creamy soup while you go about your day.
• Packed with tender chicken, hearty wild rice, and colorful vegetables, this soup provides a balanced meal that satisfies both kids and adults, making dinnertime a stress-free experience.
• Ideal for chilly nights, meal prep, or comforting lunches, this soup adapts easily to different occasions and can be stored in the refrigerator for quick reheating throughout the week.

What Goes into Chicken Wild Rice Soup

• Chicken: Tender main protein that provides hearty flavor and substance to the soup.
• Wild Rice: Nutritious grain that adds texture and earthy taste to the soup.

• Onion, Carrots, Celery: Classic soup base for depth of flavor and nutritional boost.
• Garlic: Adds robust, warm flavor and aromatic complexity.

• Salt, Pepper: Essential for balancing and enhancing overall taste.
• Thyme, Rosemary, Paprika: Provide warm, herbal, and slightly smoky undertones.
• Bay Leaf: Adds subtle background complexity.

• Broth, Water: Primary liquid for creating soup consistency and carrying flavors.
• Heavy Cream: Makes soup creamy and rich.

• Butter, Flour: Create smooth roux for soup's creamy texture.

• Fresh Parsley, Parmesan: Optional toppings for added freshness and flavor.

How to Prepare Slow Cooker Chicken Wild Rice Soup

Step 1: Prepare The Slow Cooker Medley

• Whole chicken breasts
• Wild rice
• Chicken broth
• Water
• Diced onions
• Chopped carrots
• Sliced celery
• Minced garlic
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Dried thyme
• Dried rosemary
• Paprika
• Bay leaf

Step 2: Slow Cook To Perfection

Cover and cook on LOW setting for 6-8 hours or HIGH setting for 3-4 hours. The chicken should be completely cooked and rice soft and tender.

Step 3: Transform The Chicken

Remove chicken from the slow cooker. Using two forks, carefully shred the meat into bite-sized pieces. Return shredded chicken back into the soup.

Step 4: Create Creamy Texture

In a separate saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook for one minute to develop a smooth roux. Gradually pour in heavy cream, whisking continuously until mixture becomes silky. Pour this creamy blend into the slow cooker and stir thoroughly.

Step 5: Final Touch And Serve

Allow soup to simmer for additional 10-15 minutes until slightly thickened. Discard bay leaf. Ladle into warm bowls and garnish with fresh chopped parsley or grated Parmesan cheese.

Tips to Maximize Chicken Wild Rice Soup Flavor

• Optimize Rice Texture: Rinse wild rice before adding to reduce starchiness and prevent clumping, ensuring a more delicate soup consistency.
• Customize Protein Options: Swap chicken for turkey or rotisserie chicken to create quick alternative versions without changing core recipe structure.
• Control Thickness Perfectly: Adjust cream mixture ratio by adding more flour for thicker soup or extra broth for lighter consistency based on personal preference.
• Enhance Flavor Depth: Toast herbs like thyme and rosemary in butter before adding to intensify their aromatic qualities and develop richer taste profile.
• Meal Prep Smartly: Prepare soup in advance and store in airtight containers for up to 4 days, allowing flavors to meld and develop more complex taste.

Best Ways to Keep and Heat Wild Rice Soup

• Store leftover soup in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Cool completely before sealing to prevent bacterial growth.
• Pour soup into freezer-safe containers, leaving 1-inch headspace. Freeze for 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Transfer soup to a pot, add a splash of broth or water to restore moisture. Warm over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally until heated through.
• Pour soup into a microwave-safe bowl. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval to ensure even warming. Stop when soup reaches desired temperature.

Things to Serve with Chicken Wild Rice Soup

• Select a crisp Chardonnay with buttery undertones to complement the creamy soup's rich texture and enhance its herbal notes.
• Serve crusty sourdough or rosemary focaccia to soak up the soup's delicious broth and provide a delightful textural contrast.
• Toss a light mixed green salad with tangy vinaigrette to balance the soup's hearty profile and add fresh, zesty elements.
• Sprinkle aged Parmesan or crumble sharp white cheddar on top to intensify the soup's savory depth and add delicious complexity.

Chicken Wild Rice Soup Variations to Try

• Gluten-Free Adaptation: Replace wheat flour with cornstarch or gluten-free blend for thickening. Use certified gluten-free wild rice and broth to ensure complete allergen safety.
• Dairy-Free Option: Substitute heavy cream with coconut milk or unsweetened almond cream. Use olive oil instead of butter when making the roux for a lactose-free version.
• Vegetarian Alternative: Replace chicken with firm tofu or plant-based chicken substitute. Use vegetable broth and add extra mushrooms for depth of flavor and protein boost.
• Low-Carb Modification: Swap wild rice with cauliflower rice or chopped zucchini. Reduce liquid content and add extra vegetables like spinach or kale for nutritional balance.

Common Chicken Wild Rice Soup Questions

• 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, making it a nutritious alternative.

• Can I use chicken breasts or thighs for this recipe?

Chicken breasts work best for this soup. They’re leaner and shred easily, providing tender meat that blends perfectly with the creamy broth and wild rice.

• How do I prevent the soup from becoming too thick?

The roux helps control thickness. If it becomes too dense, simply add a bit more broth or water while stirring to reach your desired consistency. Start with small amounts to maintain the soup’s creamy texture.

• What herbs complement wild rice chicken soup best?

Thyme and rosemary are excellent choices. They add earthy, aromatic flavors that enhance the nutty wild rice and tender chicken, creating a well-balanced and comforting soup.

Slow Cooker Chicken Wild Rice Soup Recipe

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4.8 from 32 reviews

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

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Description

Comfort meets convenience in this slow cooker chicken wild rice soup, where hearty ingredients meld into a soul-warming classic. Minnesota’s beloved recipe delivers rich, creamy goodness you’ll savor spoonful by spoonful.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Protein:

• 1 pound (454 grams) boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs)

Grains and Liquid Base:

• 1 cup wild rice blend, uncooked
• 4 cups (946 milliliters) chicken broth (low sodium)
• 2 cups (473 milliliters) water

Vegetables and Aromatics:

• 1 small onion, diced
• 2 carrots, chopped
• 2 celery stalks, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced

Herbs and Seasonings:

• 1 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ teaspoon thyme
• ½ teaspoon rosemary
• ½ teaspoon paprika
• 1 bay leaf

Creamy and Thickening Ingredients:

• 1 cup (237 milliliters) heavy cream (or half-and-half)
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 2 tablespoons flour (or cornstarch for gluten-free)

Garnish:

• Fresh parsley
• Grated Parmesan
• Crusty bread

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Instructions

1. Combine all core ingredients including chicken, wild rice, aromatic vegetables, herbs, and seasonings directly into the slow cooker vessel, ensuring even distribution.
2. Allow ingredients to gently simmer and marry flavors on LOW temperature setting for 6-8 hours or HIGH temperature setting for 3-4 hours, monitoring until chicken becomes completely tender and rice reaches soft consistency.
3. Carefully extract chicken pieces from liquid and utilize two forks to meticulously shred meat into delicate, bite-sized fragments, then reintegrate into soup base.
4. Prepare a luxurious cream foundation by melting butter in a separate pan, whisking flour to create a golden roux, which will serve as thickening agent for the soup’s texture.
5. Gradually incorporate heavy cream into roux, stirring continuously to develop a silky, smooth mixture without lumps.
6. Transfer cream mixture into slow cooker, stirring thoroughly to integrate and create a rich, velvety consistency.
7. Allow soup to continue cooking for additional 10-15 minutes, enabling flavors to intensify and liquid to slightly condense.
8. Remove bay leaf to prevent any bitter undertones, then garnish with fresh parsley or grated Parmesan cheese before serving piping hot.

Notes

• Swap wild rice for quinoa or brown rice to create a lighter, gluten-free alternative that still provides hearty nutrition.
• Reduce sodium by using low-sodium broth and controlling salt quantities, perfect for heart-healthy diets.
• Enhance protein content by adding extra shredded rotisserie chicken or plant-based protein like white beans for vegetarian modifications.
• Optimize flavor development by sautéing vegetables before adding to slow cooker, which deepens the soup’s overall taste profile and releases natural vegetable sugars.

• 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: 6
• Calories: 420
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 650 mg
• Fat: 24 g
• Saturated Fat: 14 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 35 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 20 g
• Cholesterol: 80 mg