This creamy, flavorful soup is filled with tender chicken, earthy wild rice, and a variety of delicious vegetables. Plus, with the help of a Crockpot, it’s a hands-off meal that practically cooks itself. The slow cooking process allows the ingredients to meld together beautifully, making each bite rich and satisfying. Whether you’re preparing it for a family dinner or a cozy meal for yourself, this soup is sure to please everyone at the table.

Why You Will Love This Recipe

Hands-Off Cooking: With the help of a Crockpot, this soup requires minimal prep. Simply add your ingredients, let the slow cooker do its magic, and come back to a warm, ready-to-serve meal.
Hearty and Filling: The combination of chicken, wild rice, and vegetables makes this soup filling enough to be a complete meal, perfect for lunch or dinner.

Comforting and Creamy: The creamy broth, enhanced by the richness of wild rice and tender chicken, makes each spoonful a warm hug in a bowl.
Freezer-Friendly: This soup is great for meal prep! You can make a big batch, freeze it, and have a homemade, comforting meal ready for future busy days.
Customizable: Add your favorite veggies or extra seasonings to make this soup your own. It’s easy to modify to suit your taste and dietary preferences.

Ingredients

2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 cup wild rice, rinsed
4 cups chicken broth

1 medium onion, diced
2 medium carrots, diced
2 celery stalks, diced

3 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary

1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half for a lighter version)

2 tablespoons flour (optional for thickening)
1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (optional for garnish)

Step-by-Step Process

Prepare the Ingredients: Start by dicing the onion, carrots, and celery. Mince the garlic and rinse the wild rice to remove any excess starch.

Layer the Crockpot: Place the chicken breasts in the bottom of the Crockpot. Add the diced vegetables, garlic, and wild rice on top.
Add Broth and Seasoning: Pour in the chicken broth and add the dried thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine the ingredients evenly.
Cook: Cover the Crockpot and cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until the chicken is tender and the rice is fully cooked.

Shred the Chicken: After the soup is done cooking, remove the chicken breasts and shred them using two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the Crockpot.
Add Cream: Stir in the heavy cream (or half-and-half for a lighter version). If you prefer a thicker soup, you can add a flour-water mixture to thicken the broth. Stir well and cook for an additional 10-15 minutes on low until everything is well combined.
Serve and Garnish: Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a touch of color and extra flavor. Enjoy!

Variations

Add More Vegetables: Feel free to add more vegetables like peas, potatoes, or spinach to increase the nutritional value and flavor. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time as necessary for firmer vegetables.
Make It Dairy-Free: If you’re looking for a dairy-free version, replace the heavy cream with coconut milk or a dairy-free cream alternative. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for a fully vegan option.
Add Mushrooms: For an earthy twist, add sliced mushrooms to the soup. They pair wonderfully with the wild rice and will enhance the overall flavor of the dish.

Use Rotisserie Chicken: To save even more time, substitute the raw chicken breasts with shredded rotisserie chicken. Add it at the end of the cooking process, just before stirring in the cream.

FAQs

Can I use white rice instead of wild rice?
Yes, you can substitute white rice for wild rice, but keep in mind that white rice cooks faster and may not provide the same texture or nutty flavor that wild rice does. If using white rice, reduce the cooking time by about 1-2 hours.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Absolutely! This soup can be made in advance and stored in the fridge for 3-4 days. It also freezes well, so you can prepare a large batch and store some for later. Just make sure to let the soup cool before storing it.

How do I thicken the soup?
If you prefer a thicker soup, you can make a slurry by mixing equal parts flour and water (about 2 tablespoons each), then stirring it into the soup during the last 10-15 minutes of cooking. You can also increase the amount of cream for a richer texture.

Can I substitute the chicken breasts with another protein?
Yes, you can use chicken thighs for a juicier and more flavorful option, or even swap the chicken for turkey. If you prefer a meat-free version, feel free to leave out the chicken and make it a vegetarian soup by adding extra vegetables or plant-based protein.

How to Serve

Crockpot Chicken Wild Rice Soup is delicious on its own but can be paired with a variety of sides to complete the meal. Here are some ideas:

With Crusty Bread: A slice of freshly baked crusty bread or a baguette is perfect for dipping into the creamy soup. You can even serve the soup with a side of garlic bread for extra flavor.
With a Salad: Pair the soup with a light side salad, such as a simple mixed green salad or a spinach and arugula salad with a vinaigrette dressing, for a well-rounded meal.
With Crackers: For added crunch, serve the soup with your favorite crackers. It’s a simple and tasty way to complement the creamy texture of the soup.

Topped with Cheese: For an extra indulgent touch, sprinkle some shredded cheese on top of the soup before serving. Cheddar, Parmesan, or a creamy mozzarella would work wonderfully.