Creamy Crockpot Chicken Wild Rice Soup

This Creamy Crockpot Chicken Wild Rice Soup is the ultimate comfort food for chilly days. It’s rich, hearty, and incredibly easy to prepare. Just toss your ingredients into the slow cooker and let it do the work! Perfect for family dinners or a cozy night in, this soup features tender chicken, vibrant vegetables, and wholesome wild rice. Each spoonful is bursting with flavor, making it an ideal choice for those seeking a nourishing meal without the fuss.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Prepare: Simply add all your ingredients to the Crockpot and let it cook while you go about your day.
• Hearty and Filling: Packed with chicken, vegetables, and wild rice, this soup will keep you satisfied.
• Perfect for Meal Prep: Make a big batch and enjoy leftovers throughout the week or freeze some for later.
• Customizable: Feel free to add other veggies or spices to suit your taste preferences.

Tools and Preparation

Preparing this soup requires minimal tools that you likely already have in your kitchen. A few essential items will help streamline the process.

Essential Tools and Equipment

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

Importance of Each Tool

• Slow Cooker: The heart of this recipe; it allows for hands-free cooking while infusing flavors over time.
• Cutting Board: Provides a safe space to chop vegetables easily and efficiently.
• Whisk: Ensures a smooth mixture when combining flour with liquids before adding to the soup.

Ingredients

To make this delicious Creamy Crockpot Chicken Wild Rice Soup, gather the following ingredients:

Protein and Vegetables

• 1 ½ lb chicken breasts
• 4 carrots, sliced
• 3 celery stalks, chopped
• 1 onion, diced

Broth and Rice

• 8-10 cups chicken broth (I use low sodium broth)
• 1 cup uncooked wild rice (rinsed)

Flavorings

• 4 garlic cloves
• 1 bay leaf
• 1 Tbsp Italian Seasoning
• 1 tsp thyme
• 1 tsp parsley

Creaminess

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

Seasoning

• ½ tsp sea salt
• ½ tsp cracked pepper

How to Make Creamy Crockpot Chicken Wild Rice Soup

Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients

Start by dicing the onion, chopping the carrots and celery, and mincing the garlic. This preparation helps ensure even cooking.

Step 2: Layer Ingredients in the Slow Cooker

Place the chicken at the bottom of the slow cooker. Top it with minced garlic, Italian seasoning, thyme, parsley, sea salt, and cracked pepper. Add diced onion, sliced carrot, and chopped celery on top of these seasonings.

Step 3: Add Broth and Rice

Pour in 8 cups of chicken broth along with the rinsed wild rice. Toss in a bay leaf for added flavor. Cover the slow cooker with its lid.

Step 4: Cook Low and Slow

Set your slow cooker to low for 6-8 hours or until the rice is cooked through and soft.

Step 5: Shred Chicken

Once cooked through (reaching an internal temperature of 165°F), remove the chicken from the pot. Shred it using two forks or chop into bite-sized pieces before returning it back into the soup.

Step 6: Create a Creamy Mixture

In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, half-and-half, and whole milk until smooth. Gradually pour this mixture into the soup while stirring continuously to achieve a creamy consistency. If you find that it’s too thick for your liking, add more broth until you reach your desired consistency.

Step 7: Serve Hot

Dish out generous portions of this comforting soup into bowls. For an extra touch, serve with crusty bread on the side and garnish with fresh parsley if desired!

Enjoy your flavorful journey with this Creamy Crockpot Chicken Wild Rice Soup, perfect for any occasion!

How to Serve Creamy Crockpot Chicken Wild Rice Soup

Serving Creamy Crockpot Chicken Wild Rice Soup can elevate your dining experience. This hearty soup pairs wonderfully with various sides and toppings, making every bowl a comforting delight.

Add Fresh Herbs

• Parsley or Thyme: Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley or thyme on top for a burst of flavor and color.

Offer Crusty Bread

• Sourdough or Baguette: Serve slices of warm sourdough or a crusty baguette for dipping into the creamy soup.

Incorporate Cheese

• Shredded Parmesan: Top each bowl with shredded Parmesan cheese for an extra savory kick.

Provide Crackers

• Saltines or Oyster Crackers: Offer a side of saltines or oyster crackers for added crunch and texture.

Include Salad

• Mixed Greens: A light mixed greens salad with vinaigrette complements the richness of the soup perfectly.

Pair with Roasted Vegetables

• Seasonal Veggies: Roasted seasonal vegetables add extra nutrients and flavors that align beautifully with the soup.

How to Perfect Creamy Crockpot Chicken Wild Rice Soup

Perfecting your creamy Crockpot Chicken Wild Rice Soup is all about attention to detail. Here are some tips to ensure your soup is nothing short of amazing.

• Use Quality Broth: Opt for low sodium chicken broth for better control over saltiness and depth of flavor.
• Rinse Your Rice: Rinsing uncooked wild rice removes excess starch, preventing the soup from becoming too thick.
• Adjust Seasonings: Taste and adjust seasonings before serving to enhance flavors according to your preference.
• Shred Chicken Well: Ensure the chicken is well-shredded to distribute evenly throughout the soup for perfect bites.
• Add More Liquid if Necessary: If the soup thickens too much, gradually add more broth until you achieve your desired consistency.
• Allow Flavors to Meld: Letting the soup sit for a few minutes after cooking allows flavors to meld together beautifully.

Best Side Dishes for Creamy Crockpot Chicken Wild Rice Soup

Pairing side dishes with your creamy Crockpot Chicken Wild Rice Soup can enhance your meal. Here are some excellent options that complement this hearty soup.

1. Garlic Bread: Toasted garlic bread provides a crunchy contrast and absorbs the delicious broth.
2. Caesar Salad: Crisp romaine lettuce, croutons, and Caesar dressing add a refreshing touch alongside the rich soup.
3. Steamed Broccoli: Lightly steamed broccoli adds color and nutrients while balancing out the meal.
4. Cornbread Muffins: Sweet cornbread muffins serve as a delightful side that pairs well with any creamy dish.
5. Roasted Sweet Potatoes: Savory roasted sweet potatoes bring their natural sweetness to balance out the flavors.
6. Crispy Potato Wedges: Seasoned potato wedges offer a hearty side that complements the soup’s creaminess.
7. Herbed Quinoa Salad: A light quinoa salad with herbs is nutritious and adds texture without overpowering the main dish.
8. Fruit Salad: A refreshing fruit salad can cleanse the palate between bites of rich, creamy soup.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making your Creamy Crockpot Chicken Wild Rice Soup, there are a few common mistakes you should watch out for.

• Not rinsing the wild rice – Rinsing wild rice removes excess starch, which helps prevent the soup from becoming overly thick. Always rinse your wild rice before adding it to the crockpot.

• Using low-quality chicken broth – The flavor of your soup relies heavily on the broth. Opt for low sodium or homemade chicken broth for the best taste.

• Overcooking the soup – Cooking too long can lead to mushy rice and overcooked vegetables. Stick to the recommended cooking time of 6-8 hours on low.

• Skipping the flour mixture – The flour, half and half, and milk create that creamy texture. Don’t skip this step; whisk it well before adding to the soup.

• Neglecting seasoning adjustments – Taste your soup before serving! You may need to adjust salt and pepper according to your preferences.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftover soup in an airtight container.
• It will last up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Creamy Crockpot Chicken Wild Rice Soup

• Use freezer-safe containers or bags for storage.
• The soup can be frozen for up to 3 months.

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.

• Microwave – Transfer to a microwave-safe bowl and heat in 1-minute intervals until hot, stirring in between.

• Stovetop – Heat on medium-low in a saucepan, stirring occasionally until warmed through.

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?

Yes! While it will change the flavor slightly, brown rice can be used as a substitute. Just adjust cooking times accordingly since brown rice generally takes longer to cook.

How can I make this soup healthier?

Consider using lower-fat milk options or increasing the vegetables like spinach or kale for added nutrients without compromising flavor.

What can I serve with Creamy Crockpot Chicken Wild Rice Soup?

This hearty soup pairs well with crusty bread, salad, or even a side of roasted vegetables for a complete meal.

How do I store leftovers of Creamy Crockpot Chicken Wild Rice Soup?

Store leftovers in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

Final Thoughts

This Creamy Crockpot Chicken Wild Rice Soup is not only comforting but also incredibly versatile. Customize it by adding your favorite veggies or adjusting seasonings to suit your taste. Give this recipe a try for your next gathering or cozy night in!