Creamy Crockpot Chicken Wild Rice Soup

This Creamy Crockpot Chicken Wild Rice Soup is the epitome of comfort food, perfect for chilly evenings or family gatherings. It’s a simple, one-pot meal that combines tender chicken, wild rice, and fresh vegetables into a rich, creamy broth. Whether you’re serving it on a weeknight or at a cozy gathering, this soup is sure to satisfy everyone at the table.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Effortless Preparation: Just dump all ingredients into the crockpot and let it do the work!
• Rich Flavor: The combination of spices and fresh ingredients creates a savory taste that warms your soul.
• Versatile Meal: Perfect as a main dish or paired with crusty bread for dipping.
• Healthy Comfort Food: Packed with lean protein and veggies, it’s comforting without being heavy.
• Freezes Well: Make a big batch and freeze leftovers for an easy meal later.

Tools and Preparation

To make this delicious soup, you’ll need some essential tools. Having the right equipment can make the cooking process smoother and more enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Slow Cooker
• Knife
• Cutting Board
• Measuring Cups
• Whisk

Importance of Each Tool

• Slow Cooker: This tool makes preparing meals easy; set it up in the morning, and dinner is ready when you are.
• Knife: A good knife ensures clean cuts while chopping vegetables, making prep faster and safer.
• Whisk: Whisks are perfect for mixing in flour smoothly to avoid lumps in your creamy soup.

Ingredients

This creamy Crockpot Chicken and Wild Rice Soup is hearty and full of chunks of carrots and celery with savory spices and juicy chicken. A simple, dump-and-go creamy soup is comfort food at its finest during the cold seasons.

Protein

• 1 ½ lb chicken breasts

Vegetables

• 4 carrots, sliced
• 3 celery stalks, chopped
• 1 onion, diced
• 4 garlic cloves

Grains

• 1 cup uncooked wild rice (rinsed)

Liquids

• 8-10 cups chicken broth (I use low sodium broth)
• ½ cup half and half
• ½ cup whole milk

Seasonings

• 1 bay leaf
• 1 Tbsp Italian Seasoning
• 1 tsp thyme
• 1 tsp parsley
• ½ tsp sea salt
• ½ tsp cracked pepper

Thickener

• ¼ cup flour (gluten free will work as well)

How to Make Creamy Crockpot Chicken Wild Rice Soup

Step 1: Prepare Ingredients

Start by dicing the onion, chopping the carrots and celery, and mincing the garlic. This step ensures all your ingredients are ready for cooking.

Step 2: Layer Ingredients in Slow Cooker

Place the chicken breasts at the bottom of the slow cooker. Add minced garlic, Italian seasoning, thyme, parsley, sea salt, and cracked pepper on top. Then layer with diced onion, chopped carrots, and celery.

Step 3: Add Broth and Rice

Pour in 8 cups of chicken broth along with rinsed wild rice. Toss in the bay leaf to infuse flavor as it cooks. Cover the slow cooker.

Step 4: Cook

Set your slow cooker to low heat for 6-8 hours. The soup is done when the rice is cooked through and tender.

Step 5: Shred Chicken

Once your chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F, remove it from the slow cooker. Shred the chicken using two forks before adding it back into the soup.

Step 6: Create Creaminess

In a separate bowl, whisk together flour with half-and-half and whole milk until smooth. Gradually pour this mixture into the soup while stirring to achieve that creamy texture. If your soup appears too thick, simply add more broth until you reach your desired consistency.

Step 7: Serve

Ladle your warm soup into bowls. For an extra touch, serve with crusty bread on the side and garnish with fresh parsley for color!

Enjoy this delightful Creamy Crockpot Chicken Wild Rice Soup, perfect for any occasion!

How to Serve Creamy Crockpot Chicken Wild Rice Soup

This creamy Crockpot Chicken Wild Rice Soup is versatile and can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether you want to elevate your meal or keep it simple, these serving suggestions will enhance your dining experience.

With Fresh Herbs

• Chopped Parsley: Garnish your soup with fresh chopped parsley for a burst of color and flavor.
• Thyme Leaves: A sprinkle of fresh thyme leaves adds an aromatic touch that complements the soup’s flavors.

Accompanied by Crusty Bread

• Sourdough Bread: Serve with slices of warm sourdough for a tangy contrast to the creamy soup.
• Garlic Bread: Pair with buttery garlic bread for a deliciously indulgent meal.

Topped with Cheese

• Parmesan Cheese: Grate fresh Parmesan on top for a nutty flavor that enhances the overall taste.
• Cheddar Cheese: Add shredded cheddar for a rich, melty topping that makes the soup even more comforting.

As a Meal Prep Option

• In Meal Prep Containers: Portion out the soup into containers to enjoy as quick lunches throughout the week.

How to Perfect Creamy Crockpot Chicken Wild Rice Soup

Achieving the perfect creamy texture and flavor in your Crockpot Chicken Wild Rice Soup is easy with a few simple tips. Follow these suggestions for an ideal result every time.

• Use High-Quality Broth: Opt for low-sodium chicken broth to control salt levels while enhancing flavor.
• Rinse Your Rice: Rinsing wild rice removes excess starch, preventing your soup from becoming too thick or gummy.
• Monitor Cooking Time: Ensure you cook on low for 6-8 hours so that the rice and chicken are perfectly tender without being overcooked.
• Adjust Consistency: If your soup is too thick at the end, gradually add more broth until reaching your desired creaminess.

Best Side Dishes for Creamy Crockpot Chicken Wild Rice Soup

Pairing side dishes with your creamy soup can elevate your meal. Here are some delightful options that complement its flavors.

1. Garden Salad: A light garden salad adds freshness and crunch, balancing the richness of the soup.
2. Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal roasted vegetables provide a hearty side that enhances nutrition and flavor.
3. Cheesy Biscuits: Flaky cheesy biscuits are perfect for dipping and soaking up the delicious soup.
4. Quinoa Salad: A protein-packed quinoa salad brings a nutty flavor and additional texture to your meal.
5. Stuffed Peppers: Baked stuffed peppers make a filling side dish that pairs well with the creamy soup.
6. Grilled Cheese Sandwiches: Classic grilled cheese sandwiches are always a hit and make for a comforting pairing with soup.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Using a slow cooker can be simple, but there are common pitfalls to avoid for the best Creamy Crockpot Chicken Wild Rice Soup.

• Skipping the Rinsing Step: Not rinsing wild rice can lead to a gritty soup. Always rinse your rice before adding it to the slow cooker.
• Overloading with Vegetables: Adding too many vegetables can make the soup too thick. Stick to the recommended amounts for balance.
• Ignoring Cook Times: Cooking on high instead of low may result in undercooked chicken. Follow the recommended cooking times for tender meat.
• Not Shredding Chicken Properly: Leaving large chunks of chicken will affect texture. Be sure to shred the chicken well before returning it to the soup.
• Neglecting Seasoning Adjustments: Tasting and adjusting seasoning is key. Always taste your soup before serving and adjust salt and pepper as needed.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days.
• Allow the soup to cool completely before refrigerating.

Freezing Creamy Crockpot Chicken Wild Rice Soup

• Freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.
• Leave space in the container for expansion as it freezes.

Reheating Creamy Crockpot Chicken Wild Rice Soup

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and reheat in a covered dish until warmed through, about 20-30 minutes.
• Microwave: Heat in a microwave-safe bowl for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through.
• Stovetop: Warm over medium heat in a pot, stirring occasionally until heated thoroughly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making Creamy Crockpot Chicken Wild Rice Soup.

Can I use brown rice instead of wild rice?

You can use brown rice, but cooking times may vary. Brown rice typically requires longer cooking time than wild rice.

Is this soup gluten-free?

Yes, you can make this soup gluten-free by using gluten-free flour as a thickener.

How do I enhance the flavor of my creamy chicken soup?

Consider adding herbs like dill or rosemary, or spices such as cayenne pepper for a kick.

How long does it take to cook creamy crockpot chicken wild rice soup?

It takes about 6-8 hours on low heat for all ingredients to meld together perfectly.

Final Thoughts

This Creamy Crockpot Chicken Wild Rice Soup is not only comforting but also versatile. It’s perfect for chilly days and easy to customize with additional vegetables or spices. Give it a try, and enjoy the warm, hearty flavors that make it a family favorite!