Slow Cooker Chicken Wild Rice Soup

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Slow Cooker Chicken Wild Rice Soup is a cozy, hearty meal loaded with tender chicken, nutty wild rice, and a creamy, savory broth. It’s the perfect set-it-and-forget-it recipe for chilly days, family dinners, or meal prep. With comforting flavors and minimal effort, this slow cooker classic brings warmth and nourishment to the table with every bowl.

ingredients

this Recipe

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

boneless skinless chicken breast or thighswild rice blendcarrots (chopped)celery (chopped)onion (chopped)garlic (minced)chicken brothdried thyme and parsleybay leavesaltpepperheavy cream or half-and-halfbutterflour (for thickening)olive oil (optional)

directions

Place chicken, wild rice, carrots, celery, onion, garlic, chicken broth, thyme, parsley, bay leaves, salt, and pepper in the slow cooker.

Cover and cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until the rice is tender and the chicken is fully cooked.

Remove chicken, shred with two forks, and return it to the slow cooker.

In a small saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour to make a roux and cook for 1-2 minutes.

Slowly whisk in heavy cream or half-and-half and stir until smooth and thickened.

Stir the cream mixture into the slow cooker. Mix well and cook on low for an additional 15-20 minutes.

Adjust seasoning if needed and serve warm.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves 6-8 people.Preparation time: 15 minutesCooking time: 6-7 hours (low) or 3-4 hours (high)Total time: 6.5-7.5 hours

Variations

Use rotisserie chicken and add cooked rice at the end for a shortcut.

Add mushrooms or spinach for extra flavor and nutrition.

Swap wild rice for a long-grain brown rice if preferred.

Make it dairy-free by using coconut milk or skipping the cream.

Season with rosemary or sage for a different herb blend.

storage/reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, stirring occasionally.Soup thickens as it sits—add a splash of broth or milk to loosen when reheating.Freezes well for up to 2 months (without cream). Add dairy after thawing and reheating.

FAQs

Can I use frozen chicken?

Yes, but add 1-2 hours to the cooking time and ensure it reaches a safe internal temp.

Is it okay to use pre-cooked rice?

Yes, stir it in near the end to avoid overcooking.

What kind of wild rice should I use?

A wild rice blend works best—look for one that includes whole wild rice for texture.

Can I make this without cream?

Yes, it will be more brothy but still delicious.

Why is my rice mushy?

Different rice blends cook at different rates—follow package guidance and check at the minimum cook time.

Can I make this vegetarian?

Yes, use veggie broth and swap chicken for mushrooms or chickpeas.

Can I use a flour substitute?

Yes, cornstarch or arrowroot can thicken the soup—mix with a little water first.

How do I keep the soup from getting too thick?

Add extra broth or cream before serving if it thickens too much.

What sides go well with this soup?

Crusty bread, biscuits, or a green salad are perfect accompaniments.

Is it kid-friendly?

Yes—mild, creamy, and full of familiar flavors.

Conclusion

Slow Cooker Chicken Wild Rice Soup is a comforting, nourishing meal that’s easy to make and packed with flavor. With tender chicken, wholesome rice, and creamy broth, it’s a go-to recipe for when you need something warm and satisfying. Let your slow cooker do the work and enjoy a bowl of homemade comfort with minimal fuss.

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