Description
Slow Cooker Chicken and Wild Rice Soup is a hearty and comforting dish made with tender chicken, wild rice, and vegetables in a creamy broth. Perfect for chilly days and easy to prepare with minimal effort.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb chicken breast or thighs
- 1 cup wild rice blend
- 2 carrots, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 1 small onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 6 cups chicken broth
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 tsp dried rosemary
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 cup heavy cream or milk
- 3 tbsp butter
- 3 tbsp all-purpose flour
- Fresh parsley, for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the Ingredients – Dice the carrots, celery, and onion. Mince the garlic. Rinse the wild rice under cold water.
- Assemble in Slow Cooker – Place the chicken, wild rice, chopped vegetables, minced garlic, and seasonings (thyme, rosemary, bay leaf, salt, and pepper) into the slow cooker. Pour in the chicken broth.
- Slow Cook – Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours, until the chicken is tender and the rice is fully cooked.
- Shred the Chicken – Remove the chicken, shred it with two forks, and return it to the slow cooker.
- Prepare the Creamy Base – In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir in the flour to create a roux, then slowly whisk in the cream or milk until smooth and thickened.
- Combine and Finish – Pour the creamy mixture into the slow cooker and stir well to combine. Let it cook for another 15-20 minutes on low.
- Serve – Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot.
Notes
- Dairy-Free Version – Substitute coconut milk or almond milk for the heavy cream.
- Gluten-Free Option – Use cornstarch instead of flour to thicken the soup.
- Vegetarian Alternative – Swap the chicken for mushrooms or chickpeas and use vegetable broth.
- Spicy Kick – Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes for extra warmth.
- Extra Veggies – Throw in spinach or kale for added nutrients.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6-8 hours on low, or 3-4 hours on high
- Category: soup,main course
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: slow cooker soup, chicken wild rice soup, creamy chicken soup, easy crockpot soup, comfort food recipe