Cozy Slow Cooker Chicken and Wild Rice Soup Recipe

Nestled in the comfort of a slow cooker, chicken and wild rice soup emerges as a hearty companion for chilly afternoons.

Tender chicken pieces mingle with nutty wild rice, creating a symphony of flavors that warms you from the inside out.

Rich broth cradles each ingredient, promising a spoonful of pure satisfaction.

Carrots and celery add crisp texture to this soul-soothing dish.

Warm kitchens buzz with anticipation as the aroma fills every corner.

Minimal effort yields maximum deliciousness in this straightforward recipe.

Grab a ladle and savor each comforting bite of this nourishing soup that feels like a culinary hug.

Fun Ways To Tweak Slow Cooker Chicken And Wild Rice Soup

• Creamy Herb Fusion: Swap half the broth with heavy cream and add fresh parsley for a richer, more luxurious soup texture.
• Spicy Southwest Style: Incorporate diced green chiles, cumin, and a splash of lime juice to give the soup a zesty, southwestern kick.
• Mediterranean Inspired: Replace chicken with lean ground turkey, add oregano, and sprinkle feta cheese on top for a Mediterranean-inspired version.
• Protein Power Boost: Mix in cooked quinoa instead of wild rice and add extra shredded rotisserie chicken for increased protein content.

FAQs For Slow Cooker Chicken And Wild Rice Soup

• What makes wild rice different from regular rice?

Wild rice is actually a grass seed, not a true rice. It’s more nutritious, higher in protein, and has a chewy, nutty flavor that adds great texture to soups.

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

Absolutely! Boneless, skinless chicken breasts work perfectly in this soup. They’ll cook evenly and shred easily, giving you tender meat throughout the soup.

• Is this soup gluten-free?

Yes, as long as you use a gluten-free broth, this soup is naturally gluten-free. Wild rice is a gluten-free grain, making it a great option for those with gluten sensitivities.

• How nutritious is this chicken and wild rice soup?

This soup is packed with nutrients! Wild rice offers protein and fiber, chicken provides lean protein, and vegetables like carrots and celery add essential vitamins and minerals.

Why Slow Cooker Chicken And Wild Rice Soup Works

• Savor Minimal Prep Comfort: Dump all ingredients directly into the slow cooker without complex chopping or pre-cooking, making this recipe perfect for busy home cooks who want delicious meals with minimal effort.
• Embrace Family-Friendly Warmth: Packed with tender chicken, hearty wild rice, and nutritious vegetables, this soup offers a balanced meal that kids and adults will love, creating a cozy dining experience for the whole family.
• Unlock Convenient Hands-Off Cooking: Let your slow cooker do the work while you go about your day, returning to a rich, flavorful soup that requires zero constant stirring or monitoring, ideal for weeknight dinners or lazy weekends.
• Celebrate Versatile Seasonal Delight: Adaptable to chilly winter evenings or light summer suppers, this soup transitions beautifully across seasons, providing a comforting and nourishing meal that never goes out of style.

Everything Needed For Slow Cooker Chicken And Wild Rice Soup

• Chicken: Tender, lean protein that gives the soup its hearty flavor and substance. Boneless, skinless chicken breasts work best for easy shredding.
• Wild Rice: Nutty, chewy grain that adds texture and a rich, earthy flavor to the soup. A mix of wild and brown rice can provide additional depth.

• Onion, Carrots, Celery: Classic soup base that creates a flavorful foundation. Fresh, crisp vegetables will enhance the overall taste. Chop into uniform pieces for even cooking.
• Garlic: Adds a robust, warming flavor that complements the chicken and herbs.

• Broth, Water: Provides the soup's liquid base. Chicken broth adds more flavor compared to water. Low-sodium broth allows better control of salt content.
• Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings that balance and enhance the soup's overall taste.
• Thyme, Rosemary, Paprika, Bay Leaf: Herbs and spices that add complexity and warmth to the soup. Use dried herbs for convenience and consistent flavor.

Steps To Make Slow Cooker Chicken And Wild Rice Soup

Step 1: Prep Colorful Veggie Base

Chop onions into soft pieces. Dice carrots and celery into small, uniform chunks. Mince fresh garlic cloves, releasing their aromatic essence. These vibrant vegetables will create a delicious foundation for your soup.

Step 2: Layer Protein and Grains

Place whole chicken pieces directly into the slow cooker. Sprinkle wild rice around the chicken, allowing the grains to nestle between the meat and vegetables.

Step 3: Season with Herbal Magic

• Salt
• Freshly ground black pepper
• Dried thyme leaves
• Crushed rosemary
• Paprika
• Whole bay leaf

Step 4: Pour Liquid Goodness

Slowly pour chicken broth and water over the ingredients, ensuring everything is almost completely submerged. The liquid will help create a rich, comforting broth.

Step 5: Set and Forget Cooking

Cover the slow cooker and set to low heat. Allow the soup to simmer and develop deep, complex flavors for 6-7 hours. The chicken will become incredibly tender, and the wild rice will absorb all the delicious seasonings.

Step 6: Shred and Serve

Carefully remove the chicken pieces. Using two forks, shred the meat into bite-sized portions. Return the shredded chicken to the soup, stirring gently to incorporate.

Step 7: Final Flavor Adjustment

Taste the soup and adjust seasonings if needed. Remove the bay leaf before serving. Ladle into warm bowls and enjoy your hearty, homemade chicken wild rice soup.

Serving Suggestion: Pair with crusty bread or a light green salad for a complete meal.

Helpful Tips For Slow Cooker Chicken And Wild Rice Soup

• Boost Rice Texture: Rinse wild rice thoroughly before adding to remove excess starch and prevent clumping, ensuring a perfectly separated and fluffy grain in your soup.
• Enhance Flavor Depth: Sauté onions, carrots, and celery briefly before adding to the slow cooker to caramelize and release deeper, richer taste profiles.
• Prevent Chicken Dryness: Use boneless, skinless chicken breasts and add them during the last 2-3 hours of cooking to maintain moisture and prevent overcooking.
• Customize Dietary Needs: Swap regular broth for low-sodium or gluten-free versions, and use cauliflower rice as a low-carb alternative to wild rice for keto-friendly adaptation.
• Creamy Soup Hack: Stir in a splash of heavy cream or coconut milk during the last 30 minutes of cooking to create a luxurious, velvety texture without compromising the soup's integrity.

Storage Guide For Slow Cooker Chicken And Wild Rice Soup

• Refrigerate leftover soup in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• Cool the soup completely before storing to prevent bacterial growth.
• Transfer the soup to a sealed container and place it in the refrigerator within 2 hours of cooking.
• When reheating, warm the soup on the stovetop or in the microwave until it reaches 165°F, stirring occasionally to ensure even heating.
• Freeze portions in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months.
• Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Pro tip: Separate rice and chicken from broth when freezing to maintain the best texture when reheated.

What To Serve With Slow Cooker Chicken And Wild Rice Soup

• Pair with Crisp Chardonnay: A buttery, medium-bodied Chardonnay complements the creamy texture of the soup, enhancing its rich chicken and herb flavors.
• Serve alongside Crusty Sourdough Bread: Warm, tangy sourdough provides the perfect vehicle for soaking up the hearty soup, adding a delightful crunch and extra depth.
• Match with Herb-Roasted Vegetable Salad: A light, fresh salad featuring roasted vegetables echoes the soup's herbal notes and provides a refreshing contrast to the warm, comforting dish.
• Enjoy with Pinot Grigio: A light, crisp white wine cuts through the soup's richness, offering a clean and bright accompaniment that doesn't overpower the delicate chicken and wild rice flavors.

Slow Cooker Chicken And Wild Rice Soup Recipe

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4.8 from 38 reviews

• Total Time: 6-8 hours
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Comforting slow cooker chicken and wild rice soup delivers hearty warmth with rich, creamy textures that dance between tender chicken and nutty wild rice. Nourishing ingredients simmer together, creating a soul-warming bowl perfect for chilly evenings when you crave something wholesome and satisfying.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Proteins:

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

Grains and Liquids:

• 1 cup wild rice blend, uncooked
• 4 cups (946 milliliters) chicken broth (low sodium)
• 2 cups (473 milliliters) water
• 1 cup (237 milliliters) heavy cream (or half-and-half)

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

Thickeners and Garnishes:

• 2 tablespoons butter
• 2 tablespoons flour (or cornstarch for gluten-free)
• Fresh parsley
• Grated Parmesan
• Crusty bread

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Instructions

1. Dice the onions, carrots, and celery into uniform, bite-sized pieces to ensure even cooking and consistent texture throughout the soup.
2. Nestle the chicken pieces into the bottom of the slow cooker, creating a solid protein base for the soup.
3. Sprinkle minced garlic over the chicken, allowing its aromatic essence to infuse the entire dish during slow cooking.
4. Carefully measure and scatter wild rice across the chicken, ensuring an even distribution for balanced flavor in each spoonful.
5. Gently crumble dried thyme and rosemary between your fingers, releasing their essential oils directly into the slow cooker.
6. Dust a light layer of paprika over the ingredients, adding a subtle warmth and rich color to the soup.
7. Drop in the bay leaf, which will slowly release its distinctive herbal undertones during the cooking process.
8. Season generously with salt and pepper, creating a robust flavor foundation for the soup.
9. Pour broth and water over the ingredients, making sure all components are partially submerged.
10. Cover and set the slow cooker to low heat, allowing the ingredients to meld and transform into a comforting, hearty soup over 6-7 hours.
11. Thirty minutes before serving, remove the chicken and shred it using two forks, then return the meat to the soup.
12. Discard the bay leaf before ladling the soup into warm bowls, ensuring a smooth and enjoyable dining experience.

Notes

• Choose bone-in chicken breasts for richer flavor and more tender meat that falls apart easily during cooking.
• Rinse wild rice thoroughly before adding to remove any debris and prevent potential grittiness in the final soup.
• For a gluten-free version, ensure your broth is certified gluten-free and use cornstarch instead of flour for thickening if needed.
• Consider adding a splash of heavy cream or half-and-half during the last 30 minutes of cooking for a creamier, more luxurious soup texture.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 6-8 hours (low) / 3-4 hours (high)
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Slow Cooking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 380
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 620 mg
• Fat: 20 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 32 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 18 g
• Cholesterol: 90 mg