Crock Pot Creamy Chicken & Wild Rice Soup: A Hearty Winter Comfort

Savor the Richness of Chicken and Wild Rice Soup

This Velvety Crock Pot Creamy Chicken & Wild Rice Soup combines savory chicken and earthy wild rice in a creamy broth, perfect for chilly winter evenings. An effortless, comforting meal that warms from the inside out.

Velvety Crock Pot Creamy Chicken & Wild Rice Soup – Easy Slow Cooker Chicken Soup Recipe

DifficultyEasy

Servings6

Prep time15 minutes

Cook time4 hours

Total time4 hours15 minutes

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Ingredients:

For the Chicken:

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, (or thighs)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Salt and pepper, to taste

For the Soup Base:

• 1 medium onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 3 medium carrots, peeled and sliced
• 3 celery stalks, sliced
• 1 cup wild rice, (uncooked)
• 6 cups chicken broth
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
• 1 bay leaf
• Salt and pepper, to taste

For the Creamy Finish:

• 1 ½ cups heavy cream
• 1 cup milk, (or half-and-half)
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch, (optional, for thickening)
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese, (optional, for extra richness)
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions:

• 1

  Prepare the Chicken:

  • Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat. Season the chicken breasts (or thighs) with salt and pepper. Sear the chicken for 2-3 minutes per side until golden brown. Remove from heat and set aside.
• 2

  Prepare the Soup Base:

  • In the crock pot, add the diced onion, minced garlic, carrots, celery, wild rice, chicken broth, dried thyme, rosemary, and bay leaf. Season with salt and pepper. Stir to combine.
• 3

  Add the Chicken:

  • Place the seared chicken breasts (or thighs) on top of the soup base ingredients.
• 4

  Cook the Soup:

  • Cover and cook on low for 4-5 hours, or until the chicken is fully cooked and the rice is tender.
• 5

  Shred the Chicken:

  • Remove the chicken from the slow cooker. Shred it using two forks and return the shredded chicken to the pot.
• 6

  Make it Creamy:

  • Add the heavy cream, milk, and cornstarch (if desired) to the crock pot. Stir to combine. Let the soup cook for another 15 minutes on low to thicken. Stir in Parmesan cheese if using.
• 7

  Garnish & Serve:

  • Remove the bay leaf. Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with chopped fresh parsley. Serve hot.

Equipment

• Crock pot (slow cooker)
• Frying pan for searing chicken
• Knife
• Cutting board
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Soup ladle

Recipe Notes and Variations:

• Substitutions:
  • You can swap the wild rice for brown rice or white rice if preferred.
  • For a lighter version, use half-and-half instead of heavy cream.
  • Add a handful of fresh spinach or kale at the end of cooking for extra greens.

• Pro Tips:
  • Don’t skip the searing step for the chicken. It adds flavor and richness to the soup.
  • For a thicker soup, mix the cornstarch with a little cold water before adding it to the soup.
  • If you like a bit of tang, add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice before serving.

• Storage & Reheating Instructions:
  • Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
  • Reheat in a pot on the stovetop or in the microwave until heated through.
  • Freeze leftovers for up to 3 months. Reheat on low heat after thawing in the fridge.

Nutrition

Calories	420
Carbohydrates	24g
Cholesterol	75mg
Fat	25g
Fiber	3g
Protein	24g
Saturated Fat	10g
Sodium	860mg
Sugar	4g
Trans Fat	0g
Unsaturated Fat	12g

History & Inspiration

Velvety Crock Pot Creamy Chicken & Wild Rice Soup is the perfect comfort food soup for chilly days. It combines the rich, savory flavors of chicken, wild rice, and a creamy broth, making it a family-friendly winter soup recipe. Originating from the Midwest, wild rice is a staple in many American dishes and adds an earthy texture to soups. This easy soup recipe is ideal for those cold winter evenings when you want something hearty and satisfying without spending too much time in the kitchen.

The Art of Cooking Parts of the Recipe

The magic of this creamy chicken soup lies in its slow cooking process. The chicken and vegetables simmer slowly, allowing all the flavors to meld together, while the wild rice absorbs the delicious broth. The creaminess is achieved by adding a combination of heavy cream and milk, creating a comforting finish that is perfect for dipping crusty bread.

Interesting Things About the Recipe

What makes this recipe stand out is its simplicity and versatility. It’s a great way to use boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, and the wild rice brings a nutty flavor that pairs perfectly with the creamy broth. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner or meal prepping for the week, this crock pot soup is a go-to.

Occasions It’s Good For

This creamy chicken soup is ideal for family dinners, winter holidays, or a cozy meal after a long day. It’s also a great dish for potlucks and meal prepping since it can be made in large quantities and stored for later use.

Why It’s the Perfect Recipe

This Velvety Crock Pot Creamy Chicken & Wild Rice Soup is the epitome of comfort food. It’s a crock pot soup that’s rich, satisfying, and filled with wholesome ingredients. Plus, it’s an easy chicken soup recipe that requires minimal effort but delivers maximum flavor—perfect for anyone looking for a no-fuss meal that feels indulgent.

Ready to cook? Gather your ingredients and get your crock pot ready for this hearty, creamy soup!