If you are craving a hearty, comforting meal that practically cooks itself, then you absolutely cannot miss the Crockpot Creamy Chicken Wild Rice Soup: An Amazing Ultimate Recipe. This soup is a rich blend of tender chicken, nutty wild rice, and fresh vegetables all slow-cooked to perfection with just the right touch of herbs and creaminess. The result is a soul-warming bowl of pure deliciousness that’s perfect for chilly days or whenever you want a meal that hugs you from the inside out.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe calls for simple, wholesome ingredients that work beautifully together to create a soup bursting with flavor and texture. Each component, from the earthy wild rice to the fragrant thyme, plays a vital role in building this comforting classic.
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs: Provides juicy protein that becomes irresistibly tender.
- 1 cup uncooked wild rice blend (rinsed): Adds a chewy, nutty texture that makes this soup stand out.
- 1 cup carrots (diced): Brings natural sweetness and vibrant color.
- 1 cup celery (diced): Lends a subtle crunch and savory depth.
- 1 small yellow onion (diced): Forms the aromatic base of the soup’s flavor profile.
- 3 garlic cloves (minced): Injects warmth and a gentle kick.
- 6 cups low-sodium chicken broth: The flavorful liquid that infuses every ingredient.
- 1 teaspoon salt: Balances and enhances all the soup’s flavors.
- ½ teaspoon black pepper: Adds a mild spice to keep things interesting.
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme: Offers an earthy herbaceous note that complements chicken beautifully.
- ½ teaspoon dried rosemary: Provides piney undertones that elevate the taste.
- ½ teaspoon poultry seasoning: A classic blend that ties all the herbs together.
- 1 bay leaf: Infuses subtle depth during cooking, removed before serving.
- 1 cup whole milk or half-and-half: Creates a creamy texture without overpowering flavors.
- ½ cup heavy cream: Takes the soup to luxuriously smooth and rich levels.
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour: Helps thicken the soup, giving it that luscious body.
- 2 tablespoons butter: Used to make a silky roux that blends cream and broth flawlessly.
How to Make Crockpot Creamy Chicken Wild Rice Soup: An Amazing Ultimate Recipe
Step 1: Combine Your Core Ingredients
Start by adding the chicken, rinsed wild rice, diced carrots, celery, onion, garlic, chicken broth, salt, pepper, thyme, rosemary, poultry seasoning, and the bay leaf to your crockpot. This layering of fresh, wholesome ingredients sets the foundation for your soup’s incredible build of flavors.
Step 2: Slow Cook to Perfection
Cover the crockpot and cook everything on low for 7 to 8 hours or on high for 4 to 5 hours. This gentle slow cooking allows the rice to soften and absorb the savory broth while the chicken becomes tender enough to shred effortlessly. Your kitchen will fill with the most inviting aromas during this time.
Step 3: Shred the Chicken
Once cooked, remove the chicken from the crockpot and shred it with two forks. Returning shredded chicken to the pot ensures every spoonful bursts with tender, flavorful meat in every bite.
Step 4: Prepare the Creamy Roux
In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter and whisk in the flour, cooking it for 1 to 2 minutes. This creates a roux that will thicken your soup perfectly. Slowly whisk in the milk and heavy cream, stirring constantly until the mixture thickens, about 3 to 4 minutes. The luscious creaminess is what truly elevates this dish.
Step 5: Combine and Finalize
Pour the thickened cream mixture into the crockpot and stir thoroughly to blend. Cook on high for another 10 to 15 minutes to let the soup thicken further and the flavors marry. Don’t forget to remove the bay leaf before serving to avoid any bitterness. Taste and adjust seasoning to make it exactly to your liking.
How to Serve Crockpot Creamy Chicken Wild Rice Soup: An Amazing Ultimate Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkling fresh chopped parsley or chives over the top adds a burst of color and fresh herbal brightness that contrasts beautifully with the creamy base. A pinch of freshly grated Parmesan can also bring an extra umami kick that your guests will adore.
Side Dishes
This soup shines bright on its own but pairs wonderfully with a warm crusty bread or garlic toast to soak up every creamy drop. A crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette provides a refreshing balance if you want to lighten the meal.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve the soup in rustic bread bowls for an inviting, cozy presentation. Or, ladle into colorful ceramic mugs to make serving and cozying up with this soup even more fun and informal. Tailoring your presentation to the occasion adds a little extra joy every time.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, transfer leftovers into airtight containers and refrigerate for up to 3 days. The flavors continue to meld overnight, making the soup even tastier the next day, so you’re in for a real treat when reheating.
Freezing
This soup freezes exceptionally well. Portion it into freezer-safe containers, leaving some space for expansion, and freeze for up to 3 months. Using gluten-free flour? Just ensure your thickener choice freezes well too for the best texture upon thawing.
Reheating
To reheat, warm the soup gently on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally. If it has thickened too much, add a splash of extra broth or water to achieve that perfect creamy consistency again. Avoid microwaving for best texture.
FAQs
Can I use brown rice instead of wild rice?
Absolutely! Brown rice will add a slightly different texture and flavor and may require a bit more cooking time, so adjust accordingly when slow cooking.
Is it possible to make this soup dairy-free?
Yes! Swap the milk and cream for full-fat coconut milk or another plant-based cream alternative to keep that creamy richness without dairy.
Can I prepare this soup in advance for a party?
Definitely. You can assemble all the ingredients in the crockpot insert, refrigerate overnight, and cook the next day. Just bring the ingredients to room temperature before starting the slow cooker to ensure even cooking.
What if I don’t have poultry seasoning?
You can substitute with a blend of dried sage, thyme, and marjoram to mimic poultry seasoning flavors closely.
How thick should the soup be?
The perfect Crockpot Creamy Chicken Wild Rice Soup: An Amazing Ultimate Recipe should be thick enough to coat the back of a spoon but still spoonable and comforting. If too thick, thin with extra broth when reheating.
Final Thoughts
There is something incredibly satisfying about coming home to a warm bowl of Crockpot Creamy Chicken Wild Rice Soup: An Amazing Ultimate Recipe. From its nourishing ingredients to its cozy, creamy texture, this recipe is pure comfort in a bowl. I hope you dive in and discover just how magic slow cooker meals can be, especially this delicious soup that’s bound to become a treasured favorite in your kitchen.
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Crockpot Creamy Chicken Wild Rice Soup: An Amazing Ultimate Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 7-8 hours
- Total Time: 7 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Crockpot Creamy Chicken Wild Rice Soup is the ultimate comfort food, combining tender chicken, hearty wild rice, and a creamy, flavorful broth. Perfectly cooked in a slow cooker, it offers a rich, satisfying meal that’s easy to prepare and ideal for cozy days. With fresh vegetables and aromatic herbs, this soup is both nutritious and delicious, making it a family favorite.
Ingredients
Soup Base
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- 1 cup uncooked wild rice blend (rinsed)
- 1 cup carrots (diced)
- 1 cup celery (diced)
- 1 small yellow onion (diced)
- 3 garlic cloves (minced)
- 6 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- ½ teaspoon dried rosemary
- ½ teaspoon poultry seasoning
- 1 bay leaf
Roux and Cream
- 1 cup whole milk or half-and-half
- ½ cup heavy cream
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons butter
Instructions
- Combine Ingredients in Crockpot: In your crockpot, add the chicken, rinsed wild rice, diced carrots, diced celery, diced onion, minced garlic, low-sodium chicken broth, salt, black pepper, thyme, rosemary, poultry seasoning, and bay leaf. Stir gently to combine all ingredients.
- Cook Soup Base: Cover the crockpot and cook on low for 7–8 hours or on high for 4–5 hours, until the wild rice is tender and the chicken is fully cooked through and tender.
- Shred Chicken: Remove the chicken pieces from the crockpot and shred them using two forks. Return the shredded chicken back into the crockpot with the soup.
- Make Roux and Cream Mixture: In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Whisk in the all-purpose flour and cook for 1–2 minutes, stirring constantly to form a roux. Slowly add the whole milk and heavy cream while whisking. Continue cooking the mixture until it thickens, about 3–4 minutes.
- Combine and Thicken Soup: Pour the thickened milk and roux mixture into the crockpot with the soup. Stir well to combine. Cook the soup on high for an additional 10–15 minutes to let it thicken further.
- Final Touches: Remove the bay leaf from the soup before serving. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt or pepper as desired. Serve warm and enjoy.
Notes
- To make the soup dairy-free, substitute whole milk and heavy cream with full-fat coconut milk or another plant-based cream alternative.
- This soup thickens as it cools and sits; add extra broth or water when reheating to achieve desired consistency.
- The soup freezes well for up to 3 months; thaw and reheat gently.
- For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free flour in the roux.
