Creamy Crockpot Chicken Wild Rice Soup

This Creamy Crockpot Chicken Wild Rice Soup is a delightful blend of flavors that warms the soul. Perfect for chilly evenings or cozy gatherings, this soup stands out with its creamy texture and hearty ingredients. With tender chicken, wild rice, and vibrant vegetables simmered to perfection, it’s an easy dish that brings comfort and satisfaction to any table.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy Preparation: Simply dump all the ingredients into your slow cooker and let it do the work for you.
• Rich Flavor: The combination of spices and fresh vegetables creates a depth of flavor that will impress your family and friends.
• Versatile Ingredients: Customize with your favorite vegetables or herbs to suit your taste.
• Healthy Comfort Food: Packed with protein and nutrients while being comforting enough for cold days.
• Great for Meal Prep: Make a big batch for leftovers throughout the week or freeze for later.

Tools and Preparation

To make this creamy soup, you’ll need a few essential tools to ensure everything goes smoothly in the kitchen.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Slow cooker
• Cutting board
• Knife
• Measuring cups
• Whisk

Importance of Each Tool

• Slow cooker: The heart of this recipe; it allows for hands-off cooking while developing rich flavors over time.
• Cutting board: Provides a stable surface for chopping vegetables safely and efficiently.
• Knife: A sharp knife ensures quick and easy preparation of your ingredients.

Ingredients

This creamy Crockpot Chicken Wild Rice Soup includes a variety of wholesome ingredients that come together beautifully.

Proteins

• 1 ½ lb chicken breasts

Vegetables

• 4 carrots, sliced
• 3 celery stalks, chopped
• 1 onion, diced
• 4 garlic cloves

Grains

• 1 c wild rice (not a boxed mix like rice-a-roni!)

Liquids

• 8-10 c chicken broth (I use low sodium broth)
• ½ c half and half
• ½ c whole milk

Seasonings & Thickeners

• 1 bay leaf
• 1 T Italian Seasoning
• 1 tsp thyme
• 1 tsp parsley
• ¼ c flour (gluten free will work as well)
• ½ tsp sea salt
• ½ tsp cracked pepper

How to Make Creamy Crockpot Chicken Wild Rice Soup

Step 1: Prepare Your Vegetables

Start by dicing the onion, chopping the carrots and celery, and mincing the garlic.

Step 2: Layer the Ingredients in the Slow Cooker

Place the chicken at the bottom of the slow cooker. Top with minced garlic, Italian seasoning, thyme, parsley, sea salt, and cracked pepper. Then add the onion, carrot, and celery on top.

Step 3: Add Broth and Rice

Pour in 8 cups of chicken broth along with uncooked wild rice. Toss in the bay leaf. Cover the slow cooker.

Step 4: Cook on Low Heat

Cook on low for 6-8 hours until the rice is cooked through and soft. Ensure that chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.

Step 5: Shred Chicken

Once cooked, remove the chicken from the slow cooker. Shred it using two forks before adding it back into the soup.

Step 6: Create Creaminess

In a bowl, whisk together flour, half-and-half, and whole milk until smooth. Slowly pour this mixture into the soup while stirring to combine until creamy. If it’s too thick, add more broth gradually until reaching your desired consistency.

Step 7: Serve

Ladle into bowls and serve hot with crusty bread on the side. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired!

Enjoy this deliciously comforting Creamy Crockpot Chicken Wild Rice Soup any day of the week!

How to Serve Creamy Crockpot Chicken Wild Rice Soup

This creamy Crockpot Chicken Wild Rice Soup is a versatile dish that pairs well with a variety of sides and toppings. Whether you want to enhance the flavors or add a bit of crunch, here are some delightful serving suggestions.

With Fresh Herbs

• Parsley: A sprinkle of fresh parsley on top adds a burst of color and freshness.
• Thyme: A few sprigs of thyme can elevate the herbal notes in the soup.

Accompanied by Bread

• Crusty Loaf: Serve with a warm, crusty loaf of bread for dipping and soaking up the creamy goodness.
• Garlic Bread: For a flavorful twist, garlic bread offers a rich, buttery complement to the soup.

Topped with Cheese

• Parmesan: Shredded Parmesan cheese brings a nutty flavor that pairs perfectly with the soup.
• Cheddar: Melting cheddar on top creates an irresistible creamy layer.

Served in Bread Bowls

• Bread Bowl: Hollow out a round loaf to create an edible bowl that adds extra texture and taste.

How to Perfect Creamy Crockpot Chicken Wild Rice Soup

For a truly delicious bowl of creamy Crockpot Chicken Wild Rice Soup, consider these helpful tips that ensure every batch is perfect.

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh vegetables enhance flavor and texture. Choose vibrant carrots and celery for optimal taste.
• Don’t Skip the Browning: Searing chicken before adding it to the crockpot can deepen the flavors significantly.
• Adjust Consistency Wisely: If your soup is too thick, gradually add more broth until you reach your desired creaminess.
• Let It Rest: Allowing the soup to sit for about 30 minutes after cooking helps meld all the flavors together beautifully.
• Season Gradually: Taste and adjust seasoning towards the end; this ensures the best balance of flavors.

Best Side Dishes for Creamy Crockpot Chicken Wild Rice Soup

This hearty soup makes an excellent main dish but can be complemented by various side dishes. Here are some tasty options to serve alongside your creamy creation.

1. Garden Salad: A light garden salad with mixed greens adds freshness and balances the richness of the soup.
2. Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal roasted veggies provide a flavorful crunch that pairs well with the creamy soup.
3. Stuffed Peppers: Flavorful stuffed peppers offer a filling side that complements the soup’s comforting nature.
4. Cornbread: Sweet cornbread is perfect for soaking up every drop of delicious broth while adding a bit of sweetness.
5. Potato Wedges: Crispy potato wedges bring texture and heartiness, making them an excellent pairing for this dish.
6. Fruit Salad: A refreshing fruit salad can cleanse your palate and add natural sweetness after each savory bite.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Creamy Crockpot Chicken Wild Rice Soup, it’s easy to make a few common mistakes. Here are some tips to help you achieve the best results.

• Skipping the seasoning: Failing to add enough herbs and spices can leave your soup bland. Always season your ingredients well before cooking.
• Using boxed rice mixes: Boxed wild rice mixes often contain additives that can affect the soup’s texture. Use plain wild rice for better flavor and consistency.
• Overcooking the chicken: Cooking the chicken too long can make it dry. Ensure it’s cooked just until it reaches 165°F for juicy results.
• Not whisking properly: If you don’t whisk the flour with milk thoroughly, lumps will form in your soup. Take your time to mix them well before adding to the slow cooker.
• Ignoring consistency adjustments: If the soup is too thick after adding cream, don’t hesitate to add more broth for a perfect creamy texture.

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftover soup in an airtight container.
• Refrigerate within two hours of cooking for best safety and quality.
• Consume within 3-4 days for optimal freshness.

Freezing Creamy Crockpot Chicken Wild Rice Soup

• Cool the soup completely before transferring it to freezer-safe containers.
• Leave some space at the top of each container for expansion when freezing.
• Use within 2-3 months for best flavor and texture.

Reheating Creamy Crockpot Chicken Wild Rice Soup

• Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F and bake in an oven-safe dish covered with foil until heated through.
• Microwave: Heat in microwave-safe containers, stirring halfway through until hot all the way through.
• Stovetop: Warm gently over medium heat in a saucepan, stirring frequently until heated.

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I customize Creamy Crockpot Chicken Wild Rice Soup?

You can add different vegetables like mushrooms or spinach, or use other proteins such as turkey or rotisserie chicken for variety.

What should I serve with Creamy Crockpot Chicken Wild Rice Soup?

This soup pairs wonderfully with crusty bread, salads, or even grilled cheese sandwiches for a comforting meal.

Can I make this soup gluten-free?

Yes! Simply substitute regular flour with gluten-free flour and use gluten-free broth.

How long does it take to cook Creamy Crockpot Chicken Wild Rice Soup?

Cooking time typically ranges from 6-8 hours on low heat, allowing flavors to meld beautifully.

Final Thoughts

Creamy Crockpot Chicken Wild Rice Soup is a warm and fulfilling dish that comforts during chilly days. Its versatility allows for numerous ingredient swaps or additions, making it a recipe you’ll want to try again and again. Enjoy this cozy meal with family or friends!