Print

Creamy Chicken Wild Rice Soup Slow Cooker Recipe

creamy chicken wild rice soup slow cooker - featured image
Print Recipe

A comforting and creamy slow cooker soup featuring tender chicken, nutty wild rice, and a luscious broth, perfect for cozy nights and easy meals.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs for more richness)
  • 1 cup wild rice or wild rice blend
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 2 medium carrots, peeled and diced
  • 2 celery stalks, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 6 cups chicken broth (low sodium recommended)
  • 1 cup heavy cream or half-and-half (or whole milk/coconut milk for lighter option)
  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1/4 cup all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour)
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 teaspoon dried parsley
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • Optional: pinch of nutmeg

Instructions

  1. Finely chop 1 medium onion, dice 2 carrots and 2 celery stalks, and mince 3 garlic cloves. Set aside.
  2. Rinse 1 cup wild rice blend under cold water until water runs clear. Drain well.
  3. In a skillet over medium heat, melt 3 tablespoons unsalted butter. Whisk in 1/4 cup all-purpose flour and cook for 2-3 minutes until golden and bubbling, stirring constantly to make a roux.
  4. Place chopped onion, carrots, celery, and garlic into the slow cooker. Add rinsed wild rice and 6 cups chicken broth. Stir to combine.
  5. Sprinkle in 1 teaspoon dried thyme, 1 teaspoon dried parsley, salt, and black pepper to taste. Nestle 2 whole chicken breasts into the mixture, ensuring they are mostly submerged.
  6. Cover and cook on low for 5 to 6 hours, until chicken is tender and rice is cooked through. Avoid lifting the lid during cooking.
  7. Remove chicken breasts and shred using two forks or hands. Return shredded chicken to the slow cooker.
  8. Stir in 1 cup heavy cream or half-and-half. Gradually whisk in the roux to thicken the soup. Cook on high for another 15-20 minutes until creamy and slightly thickened.
  9. Taste and adjust seasoning with extra salt, pepper, or a pinch of nutmeg if desired. If soup is too thick, stir in more broth or water.
  10. Serve warm immediately or keep warm on the slow cooker’s warming setting.

Notes

Rinse wild rice to remove excess starch and prevent gummy texture. Use a butter-flour roux for natural thickening and creaminess. Cook chicken breasts whole to keep them juicy and shred easily. Add cream near the end to avoid curdling. Adjust seasoning after adding cream and roux. If soup is too thin, simmer longer or add a flour slurry. Can substitute wild rice with brown rice or rice blend. For dairy-free, use coconut or almond milk. Gluten-free flour or cornstarch slurry can replace all-purpose flour.

Nutrition

Keywords: chicken wild rice soup, slow cooker soup, creamy chicken soup, comfort food, easy dinner, slow cooker recipe

Find it online: https://milaspoon.com/creamy-chicken-wild-rice-soup-slow-cooker-recipe-easy-and-perfect-comfort-food/