Creamy Slow Cooker Chicken Wild Rice Soup: A Comforting and Easy Meal

There’s nothing quite like a hearty, comforting bowl of soup to warm you from the inside out, especially on a chilly day. And when that soup is a rich, creamy Slow Cooker Chicken Wild Rice Soup, made effortlessly in your slow cooker, it becomes an instant family favorite. This recipe delivers a deeply satisfying blend of tender chicken, nutritious wild rice, and an abundance of wholesome vegetables, all swimming in a velvety broth. It’s the kind of meal that feels like a warm hug, perfect for busy weeknights or lazy weekends when you crave something nourishing without spending hours in the kitchen.

Imagine coming home after a long day or a brisk outdoor adventure to the inviting aroma of a freshly made, hot meal. That’s the magic of this Slow Cooker Chicken Wild Rice Soup. It’s designed for maximum flavor with minimal effort, allowing your slow cooker to transform simple ingredients into a gourmet-tasting dish. Pair this delicious soup with a slice of crusty bread, like my One-Hour Skillet Focaccia, or sprinkle it with crisp Homemade Croutons for an extra layer of texture and flavor.

The Undeniable Charm of Chicken Wild Rice Soup

This isn’t just any chicken soup; it’s a culinary masterpiece that appeals to all ages. Our Slow Cooker Chicken Wild Rice Soup is packed with lean protein from chicken, fiber-rich wild rice, and an assortment of vibrant vegetables, making it a well-balanced and incredibly satisfying meal. It’s particularly suited for the colder months, offering warmth and sustenance. The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity: combine all the ingredients in your slow cooker, set it, and let the appliance work its magic. A few hours later, a quick step to thicken the broth with a milk and cornstarch mixture transforms it into an irresistibly creamy and even more flavorful experience.

Beyond its delicious taste, this chicken and wild rice soup is genuinely good for you and incredibly comforting for the soul. Rich, thick, and creamy soups hold a special place in my family’s heart, and this one is a standout. It features succulent chicken, earthy wild rice (though regular long-grain rice can be substituted in a pinch), tender carrots, aromatic celery, and savory onion. While I believe mushrooms would be a fantastic addition, I often omit them to cater to my children’s preferences. Feel free to customize with your favorite veggies!

Why Your Slow Cooker is the Secret Weapon for This Soup

I rely on my slow cooker weekly, and filling it with a delightful soup like this one is a ritual during the colder parts of the year. There’s an unparalleled comfort in returning home from errands or a snowy play session to a piping hot, hearty bowl of soup awaiting you. The slow cooker method enhances the flavors, allowing them to meld together beautifully over several hours, resulting in a depth of taste that’s hard to achieve otherwise. It’s truly a hands-off approach to gourmet cooking.

The benefits of using a slow cooker for this recipe are numerous. Firstly, it’s incredibly convenient. After minimal prep work, you can set it and forget it, freeing up your time for other activities. Secondly, slow cooking tenderizes the chicken perfectly and ensures the wild rice cooks evenly, absorbing all the wonderful flavors of the broth and vegetables. This gentle cooking process prevents overcooking and drying out ingredients, delivering a consistently delicious result. Furthermore, slow cookers are energy-efficient, using less power than an oven, making this a smart choice for your wallet and the environment. It truly is the ideal method for creating the best creamy chicken wild rice soup.

Essential Ingredients for Your Shopping List

Creating this magnificent soup requires a selection of fresh, wholesome ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need to gather to bring this slow cooker chicken wild rice soup to life:

• Wild rice or a wild rice blend (for that signature texture and nutty flavor)
• Boneless, skinless chicken breast (for lean protein)
• Fresh carrots (adds sweetness and color)
• Yellow onion (the aromatic base of many great soups)
• Celery (essential for a classic mirepoix flavor foundation)
• Garlic (for a pungent, savory kick)
• Chicken broth (the liquid foundation of our soup)
• Italian seasoning (a perfect blend of herbs to elevate the flavor)
• Butter (for richness in the thickening agent)
• Cornstarch (to create that luxurious, creamy texture)
• Milk or half and half (for ultimate creaminess)
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
• Optional: Fresh parsley for garnish

When selecting your ingredients, opt for fresh, high-quality produce. While wild rice is distinctive, a wild rice blend can also work well, often including other types of rice for varied texture. Boneless, skinless chicken thighs can be used as an alternative to breasts if you prefer a richer flavor and even more tender meat. Don’t hesitate to adjust the seasoning to your palate – a pinch of dried thyme or a bay leaf can also enhance the soup’s profile.

Step-by-Step Guide to Making Slow Cooker Chicken Wild Rice Soup

Making this creamy chicken and wild rice soup in your slow cooker is incredibly straightforward. Follow these simple steps for a truly rewarding culinary experience:

• Prepare the Base: Place the chicken breast, all your chopped vegetables (carrots, yellow onion, celery, minced garlic), and the uncooked wild rice into the slow cooker pot. Sprinkle generously with Italian seasoning.
• Add Liquids: Pour in the chicken broth and water, ensuring all ingredients are mostly submerged. Give it a gentle stir to combine everything.
• Slow Cook: Secure the lid on your slow cooker. Cook on the LOW setting for 7 to 8 hours, or on the HIGH setting for 4 to 5 hours. The chicken should be very tender and easy to shred, and the wild rice should be fully cooked and chewy.
• Shred the Chicken: Once cooked, carefully remove the chicken from the slow cooker onto a cutting board or plate. Using two forks, shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces. Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker and stir it into the soup.
• Prepare the Thickening Mixture: In a small bowl, whisk together the milk (or half and half) and cornstarch until smooth, ensuring there are no lumps.
• Thicken the Soup: In a separate saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Pour in the milk and cornstarch mixture. Whisk continuously and bring to a gentle simmer. Continue cooking and whisking for about 7 minutes, or until the mixture thickens significantly to a rich, creamy consistency.
• Combine and Serve: Carefully add the thickened milk mixture to the soup in the slow cooker. Stir well until the creamy base is fully incorporated. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. If the soup is too thick, add a little more water or chicken broth until it reaches your desired consistency. Serve warm, garnished with fresh chopped parsley if you like, and enjoy!

Customizing Your Creamy Chicken Wild Rice Soup

This recipe is wonderfully adaptable. Feel free to add other vegetables such as peas, corn, or spinach during the last 30 minutes of cooking. For a deeper flavor profile, consider adding a bay leaf during the slow cooking process and removing it before serving. If you prefer a richer, more complex taste, you can briefly sauté the vegetables in butter or olive oil before adding them to the slow cooker. This step, known as sweating the vegetables, can enhance their natural sweetness and aromatic qualities. Adjust the amount of Italian seasoning to your preference, or add a touch of dried thyme or rosemary for a different herb profile. This versatility ensures that your Slow Cooker Chicken Wild Rice Soup can be tailored to your family’s unique tastes every time.

Can I Freeze This Soup for Later?

Absolutely! This Slow Cooker Chicken Wild Rice Soup is an excellent candidate for meal prepping and freezing. Once the soup is completely cooked and cooled to room temperature, transfer it to freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Ensure you leave some headspace as liquids expand when frozen. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it, simply thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and gently reheat it in a soup pot on the stove over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. You might need to add a splash of milk or broth to restore its original creamy consistency.

Speed It Up: Making Chicken Wild Rice Soup in an Instant Pot

For those days when you need this comforting soup in a fraction of the time, your Instant Pot can come to the rescue! Here’s how to adapt the recipe:

• Sauté Chicken: Start by dicing the chicken breast into bite-sized pieces. Set your Instant Pot to the “Sauté” setting. Add a tablespoon of oil or butter, then add the chicken and Italian seasoning. Cook until lightly browned, stirring frequently.
• Add Vegetables: Stir in the chopped carrots, onion, celery, and minced garlic. Sauté for another 2 minutes until slightly softened.
• Deglaze and Add Rice: Pour in a small amount of chicken broth and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot. This is crucial to prevent a “Burn” warning. Add the remaining chicken broth, water, and uncooked wild rice.
• Pressure Cook: Close the lid and set the valve to “Sealing.” Cook on “Manual” or “Pressure Cook” (High Pressure) for 20 minutes. Due to wild rice’s longer cooking time, 20 minutes is typically sufficient for it to become tender.
• Release Pressure: Allow the pressure to naturally release for 10 minutes (NPR 10), then perform a quick release of any remaining pressure.
• Thicken: Once the lid is safely removed, prepare the cornstarch and milk mixture as described in the slow cooker instructions (melt butter in a saucepan, whisk in milk and cornstarch, simmer until thick). Stir this thickened mixture into the Instant Pot soup until it reaches your desired creamy consistency. Serve hot and enjoy!

More Delicious Soup Recipes to Explore

If you’re a fan of hearty, flavorful soups, then you’ll love these other popular recipes from my kitchen. Each one promises warmth, comfort, and deliciousness, perfect for any season!

• Creamy Chicken Pot Pie Soup: All the comforting flavors of a classic chicken pot pie, but in a soul-warming soup format.
• Broccoli and Cheese Soup (Panera Copycat): Indulge in a rich and cheesy soup that rivals your favorite restaurant version, made easily at home.
• 20-Minute Chicken Noodle Soup: When you need comfort fast, this quick and easy chicken noodle soup is your go-to recipe.

Slow Cooker Chicken Wild Rice Soup

Author: Anna

A creamy and filling soup featuring tender chicken, hearty wild rice, and an array of wholesome vegetables, all effortlessly cooked in your slow cooker. Perfect for a comforting meal with minimal hands-on time.

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time (Slow Cooker): 4-8 hours

Total Time: 4 hours 10 minutes – 8 hours 10 minutes

Course: Soup

Cuisine: American

Servings: 6 servings

Calories: 340 kcal per serving

Ingredients

• ¾ cup uncooked wild rice
• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast
• ¾ cup chopped carrots
• ½ cup chopped yellow onion
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• ¾ cup chopped celery
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 3 cups water
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 2 Tablespoons butter
• ¼ cup cornstarch
• 2 cups milk or half and half
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

Instructions

1. Add the chicken breast, chopped carrots, yellow onion, minced garlic, chopped celery, uncooked wild rice, and Italian seasoning to your slow cooker.
2. Pour in the chicken broth and water. Stir gently to ensure everything is combined.
3. Cover the slow cooker with its lid. Cook on the HIGH setting for 4 to 5 hours, or on the LOW setting for 7 to 8 hours. The chicken should be very tender and the wild rice cooked through.
4. Once the cooking time is complete, carefully remove the cooked chicken from the slow cooker and place it on a clean plate or cutting board. Shred the chicken using two forks, then return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker and stir it into the soup.
5. In a separate medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
6. In a small bowl, whisk together the milk (or half and half) and cornstarch until smooth. Pour this mixture into the melted butter in the saucepan.
7. Whisk constantly and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Continue cooking and whisking for approximately 7 minutes, or until the mixture has thickened considerably and is smooth and creamy.
8. Pour the thickened milk and cornstarch mixture into the slow cooker with the soup. Stir everything thoroughly until the creamy base is fully incorporated.
9. Taste the soup and season with salt and pepper as needed. If the soup is too thick, add a little more water or chicken broth until it reaches your desired consistency.
10. Serve your hot and creamy Slow Cooker Chicken Wild Rice Soup. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley if desired, and enjoy with a side of crusty bread or homemade croutons.

Nutrition Information (Approximate per serving, based on 6 servings)

Please note that nutritional values are estimates and may vary based on specific ingredients and preparation methods.

• Calories: 340 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 27g
• Protein: 22g
• Fat: 15g
• Saturated Fat: 8g
• Cholesterol: 88mg
• Sodium: 757mg
• Potassium: 698mg
• Fiber: 2g
• Sugar: 2g
• Vitamin A: 3155 IU
• Vitamin C: 15.3mg
• Calcium: 126mg
• Iron: 1.2mg

We hope you love this Slow Cooker Chicken Wild Rice Soup as much as my family does. It’s a truly comforting and straightforward recipe that brings warmth and flavor to any table. Enjoy the ease of slow cooking and the delicious results!