Creamy Crockpot Chicken Wild Rice Soup

This Creamy Crockpot Chicken Wild Rice Soup is the perfect dish for cozy nights and gatherings. With tender chicken, hearty wild rice, and vibrant vegetables simmered to perfection, it’s a comforting meal that warms both body and soul. Easy to prepare and packed with flavor, this soup is suitable for family dinners, potlucks, or a simple weeknight treat.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy Preparation: Simply dump all ingredients into the slow cooker for a hassle-free cooking experience.
• Flavorful Comfort: A rich blend of spices combined with creamy textures creates a deliciously satisfying dish.
• Versatile Ingredients: Customize it with your favorite veggies or herbs to suit your taste.
• Perfect for Meal Prep: Make a big batch and enjoy leftovers throughout the week; it reheats beautifully!
• Healthy and Nourishing: Packed with lean protein and wholesome grains, this soup is both filling and nutritious.

Tools and Preparation

To make this creamy soup, you’ll need a few essential tools. Having the right equipment on hand will ensure everything goes smoothly.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Slow cooker
• Cutting board
• Knife
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Whisk

Importance of Each Tool

• Slow cooker: This is essential for cooking the soup evenly over several hours, allowing flavors to meld beautifully.
• Knife: A sharp knife makes chopping vegetables quick and easy, saving you prep time.
• Whisk: Use this for mixing the flour with milk to achieve a smooth, creamy texture in your soup.

Ingredients

This hearty soup features a delightful combination of fresh ingredients that enhance its flavor profile.

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)

Broth & Seasoning

• 8-10 cups chicken broth (low sodium preferred)
• 1 bay leaf
• 1 Tbsp Italian seasoning
• 1 tsp thyme
• 1 tsp parsley
• ½ tsp sea salt
• ½ tsp cracked pepper

Creamy Base

• ¼ cup flour (gluten free will work as well)
• ½ cup half-and-half
• ½ cup whole milk

How to Make Creamy Crockpot Chicken Wild Rice Soup

Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients

Start by preparing your fresh ingredients.

1. Dice the onion.
2. Chop the carrots and celery.
3. Mince the garlic.

Step 2: Assemble in Slow Cooker

Layer your slow cooker with the main ingredients:

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

Step 3: Add Broth and Rice

Pour in the liquids:

1. Add 8 cups of chicken broth to the slow cooker.
2. Stir in rinsed wild rice and toss in the bay leaf.
3. Cover the slow cooker.

Step 4: Cook Until Ready

Set your slow cooker:

1. Cook on low for 6-8 hours until rice is cooked and soft.
2. Ensure that chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.

Step 5: Shred Chicken

After cooking:

1. Remove chicken from the slow cooker.
2. Shred it using two forks before returning it to the soup.

Step 6: Create Creamy Base

Make your soup rich:

1. In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, half-and-half, and whole milk until flour dissolves completely.
2. Slowly pour this mixture into the soup while stirring to combine until creamy.

Step 7: Final Touches

Adjust consistency as needed:

1. If the soup seems too thick, add more broth until desired thickness is reached.
2. Serve hot with crusty bread and garnish with fresh parsley if desired!

Enjoy your delicious Creamy Crockpot Chicken Wild Rice Soup, perfect for any occasion!

How to Serve Creamy Crockpot Chicken Wild Rice Soup

Serving your Creamy Crockpot Chicken Wild Rice Soup can enhance the dining experience. Here are some ideas to make your meal even more delightful.

Classic Crusty Bread

• Pair the soup with a thick slice of crusty bread for dipping. A sourdough or whole grain loaf adds a nice texture.

Fresh Salad

• A light green salad with mixed greens and a tangy vinaigrette complements the richness of the soup. It adds freshness and balances flavors.

Grated Cheese

• Sprinkle some freshly grated cheese, such as parmesan or cheddar, on top of each bowl. This adds an extra layer of creaminess and flavor.

Herb Garnish

• Top each serving with fresh herbs like parsley or thyme. This not only enhances presentation but also boosts freshness.

Garlic Breadsticks

• Serve alongside crispy garlic breadsticks for a comforting addition. The buttery flavor pairs perfectly with the creamy soup.

Pickled Vegetables

• Add a side of pickled vegetables for a tangy crunch that contrasts beautifully with the soup’s texture.

How to Perfect Creamy Crockpot Chicken Wild Rice Soup

To make your Creamy Crockpot Chicken Wild Rice Soup truly exceptional, consider these helpful tips.

• Use fresh ingredients: Fresh vegetables and quality chicken enhance the flavor profile significantly.
• Adjust seasoning: Taste the soup before serving and adjust salt and pepper to ensure perfect seasoning.
• Cook low and slow: Cooking on low heat allows flavors to meld beautifully, resulting in a richer taste.
• Add more broth gradually: If the soup thickens too much, add broth gradually until you achieve your desired consistency.
• Let it sit: Allowing the soup to rest for about 30 minutes after cooking can deepen its flavors before serving.

Best Side Dishes for Creamy Crockpot Chicken Wild Rice Soup

Pairing side dishes with your Creamy Crockpot Chicken Wild Rice Soup can elevate your meal. Here are some great options to consider.

1. Garlic Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes infused with garlic provide a comforting, rich companion to the soup.
2. Roasted Veggies: A mix of seasonal roasted vegetables brings color and nutrition to your plate while complementing the soup’s flavors.
3. Cheese Quesadillas: Simple cheese quesadillas are quick to prepare and add a cheesy crunch that pairs well with the creamy soup.
4. Cornbread Muffins: Sweet cornbread muffins create a delightful contrast in flavors and textures when enjoyed alongside the soup.
5. Stuffed Peppers: Colorful stuffed peppers filled with rice or quinoa offer an additional hearty option to round out your meal.
6. Cucumber Salad: A refreshing cucumber salad dressed in lemon juice provides a bright, crisp counterbalance to the soup’s richness.
7. Baked Sweet Potatoes: Sweet potatoes add a touch of sweetness that works harmoniously with the savory notes of the soup.
8. Quinoa Salad: A light quinoa salad packed with herbs and veggies serves as a nutritious side that enhances overall meal balance.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making this Creamy Crockpot Chicken Wild Rice Soup is simple, but there are a few common mistakes to watch out for.

• Using boxed wild rice mixes – These often contain preservatives and cook differently than uncooked wild rice. Always use plain, uncooked wild rice for the best results.
• Skipping the broth – Using only water can lead to a bland soup. Stick with chicken broth for a rich flavor that enhances every ingredient.
• Overcooking the chicken – If cooked too long, chicken can become dry. Monitor the cooking time and ensure it reaches 165°F before shredding.
• Neglecting to whisk the flour mixture – If not mixed well, flour can clump in the soup. Take time to whisk until fully dissolved before adding it to ensure a creamy texture.
• Ignoring seasoning adjustments – Tastes vary; always adjust salt and pepper according to preference. A small taste test before serving can make all the difference.

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 airtight containers or freezer bags for up to 3 months.
• Leave space at the top of containers as soup expands when frozen.

Reheating Creamy Crockpot Chicken Wild Rice Soup

• Oven – Preheat to 350°F, place soup in an oven-safe dish, cover with foil, and heat for about 20-30 minutes until warm.
• Microwave – Use a microwave-safe bowl, cover loosely, and heat in 1-minute intervals until hot, stirring in between.
• Stovetop – Warm over medium heat in a pot, stirring occasionally until heated through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making this delicious soup.

Can I use other types of meat in this Creamy Crockpot Chicken Wild Rice Soup?

Yes! You can substitute chicken with turkey or even beef for different flavors while keeping the essence of the dish.

How do I customize my Creamy Crockpot Chicken Wild Rice Soup?

Feel free to add vegetables like spinach or peas for extra nutrition. You might also experiment with different herbs based on your taste preferences.

Is it possible to make this soup dairy-free?

Absolutely! Substitute half and half and whole milk with coconut milk or any plant-based milk option to keep it creamy without dairy.

Can I use pre-cooked chicken in this recipe?

Yes! Just add pre-cooked chicken towards the end of cooking to heat through. This will help prevent it from becoming dry during long cooking times.

Final Thoughts

This Creamy Crockpot Chicken Wild Rice Soup is perfect as a comforting meal during chilly days. Its rich flavors and hearty ingredients make it versatile enough for family dinners or leftovers throughout the week. Feel free to customize with your favorite vegetables or spices!

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Creamy Crockpot Chicken Wild Rice Soup

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• Author: Vanessa
• Total Time: 0 hours
• Yield: Serves approximately 6

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Description

Indulge in the warmth and comfort of Creamy Crockpot Chicken Wild Rice Soup, a hearty dish perfect for chilly evenings or family gatherings. This soothing soup combines tender chicken, nutty wild rice, and an array of vibrant vegetables, all slow-cooked to perfection. With minimal effort required, simply toss the ingredients into your slow cooker and let it work its magic. The rich flavors meld beautifully over hours of cooking, creating a satisfying meal that’s both nutritious and delicious. Ideal for meal prep, leftovers taste just as good, making it a staple in any home.

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Ingredients

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• 1 ½ lb chicken breasts
• 4 carrots, sliced
• 3 celery stalks, chopped
• 1 onion, diced
• 4 garlic cloves
• 1 cup uncooked wild rice
• 8 cups chicken broth (low sodium)
• 1 bay leaf
• 1 Tbsp Italian seasoning
• 1 tsp thyme
• 1 tsp parsley
• ½ tsp sea salt
• ½ tsp cracked pepper
• ¼ cup flour
• ½ cup half-and-half
• ½ cup whole milk

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Instructions

1. Prepare ingredients by chopping vegetables and mincing garlic.
2. Layer the slow cooker with chicken at the bottom; add seasonings and vegetables on top.
3. Pour in chicken broth and add rinsed wild rice and bay leaf.
4. Cook on low for 6-8 hours until rice is soft and chicken reaches 165°F.
5. Shred cooked chicken before returning it to the soup.
6. Mix flour with half-and-half and milk in a separate bowl; whisk until smooth. Stir into soup gradually to achieve creaminess.
7. Adjust thickness with more broth if needed; serve hot.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 6–8 hours
• Category: Main
• Method: Slow Cooking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
• Calories: 350
• Sugar: 3g
• Sodium: 680mg
• Fat: 12g
• Saturated Fat: 6g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 36g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 28g
• Cholesterol: 90mg