Crockpot Chicken and Wild Rice Soup

The Crockpot Chicken and Wild Rice Soup is a soul-warming dish that’s made for slow Sundays, chilly nights, or any moment when you crave the hug of a hearty homemade meal. Combining tender shredded chicken, nutty wild rice, and aromatic vegetables in a creamy broth, this soup is a nourishing and satisfying experience in every spoonful.

Slow-cooked for hours, the flavors meld beautifully while requiring minimal effort from you. The creamy finish, thanks to a simple roux with milk and cream, gives it a rich texture that feels indulgent without being too heavy. It’s perfect for families, meal prep, or freezing in batches for rainy day cravings.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients:

• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts

• 1 cup uncooked wild rice blend

• 1 small onion, chopped

• 3 medium carrots, peeled and chopped

• 3 celery stalks, chopped

• 3 garlic cloves, minced

• 6 cups low-sodium chicken broth

• 1 tsp salt

• ½ tsp black pepper

• 1 tsp dried thyme

• 1 tsp dried parsley

• ½ tsp paprika

• 2 tbsp unsalted butter

• ¼ cup all-purpose flour

• 1 cup whole milk

• ½ cup heavy cream

Directions:

1. Add chicken, wild rice, onion, carrots, celery, garlic, chicken broth, salt, pepper, thyme, parsley, and paprika to a crockpot.

2. Cover and cook on low for 7–8 hours or high for 4–5 hours, until the chicken is cooked and rice is tender.

3. Remove the chicken from the crockpot and shred it with two forks, then return to the pot.

4. In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook for 1 minute to make a roux.

5. Slowly whisk in the milk and cream, stirring continuously until the mixture thickens (about 4–5 minutes).

6. Pour the creamy mixture into the crockpot and stir to combine. Let it cook on low for another 15–20 minutes.

7. Taste and adjust seasonings if needed. Serve warm with crusty bread or crackers.

Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 8 hours | Total Time: 8 hours 15 minutes
Kcal: 320 kcal | Servings: 6 servings

Crockpot Chicken and Wild Rice Soup – A Comfort Classic Reimagined

When the weather begins to cool and the leaves start to turn, nothing brings warmth to the soul quite like a bowl of hearty, homemade soup. One of the most beloved and nostalgic comfort meals out there is Chicken and Wild Rice Soup. With its creamy broth, savory herbs, tender chicken, and nutty rice, it delivers on all fronts, flavor, texture, and comfort. And when it’s made in a crockpot, the recipe becomes even more appealing. Why? Because it turns minimal effort into maximum reward.

This slow cooker chicken and wild rice soup is everything a weeknight dinner should be: simple, hands-off, and packed with nutrition. As it simmers throughout the day, the flavors deepen and meld into a cozy, satisfying meal that the whole family will love. Whether you’re prepping meals ahead of a busy week or just craving something warm and soul-soothing, this recipe delivers every time.

The History Behind the Soup

Chicken and wild rice soup has roots in traditional American and Native American cuisine. Wild rice is not technically a rice at all, but a seed from an aquatic grass native to North America. Indigenous communities harvested wild rice from shallow lakes and rivers in what is now the Midwest. It became a staple due to its long shelf life, hearty texture, and earthy flavor.

As culinary traditions evolved, wild rice found its perfect partner: chicken. The combination of protein, grain, vegetables, and broth is timeless, and its transformation into a creamy soup only made it more irresistible. Today, it’s a popular comfort food across North America, especially in regions like Minnesota where wild rice is abundant.

Ingredient Highlights & Benefits

Each ingredient in this dish has a purpose, both in flavor and nutrition. Let’s take a closer look at what makes this soup so wholesome and satisfying:

Chicken Breast

Lean, high in protein, and a staple in many households. Chicken breast absorbs the herb-infused broth beautifully as it cooks and becomes fall-apart tender. You can also substitute chicken thighs for a richer taste and extra moisture.

Wild Rice

Unlike white rice, wild rice is a whole grain rich in fiber, protein, magnesium, and antioxidants. Its chewy texture holds up well in soup and adds a nutty, slightly smoky depth that complements the creaminess of the broth.

Vegetables (Carrots, Celery, Onion, Garlic)

These aromatics are the flavor foundation. The carrots provide a natural sweetness, celery adds subtle bitterness and crunch, and onions and garlic build complexity and warmth in the broth.

Cream + Milk

The creamy base elevates the soup from simple to luxurious. You get richness without needing heavy cream in excess. You can also make it dairy-free using full-fat coconut milk or a plant-based alternative.

Herbs and Seasonings

Thyme, parsley, paprika, salt, and black pepper make the perfect herb blend, savory, slightly peppery, and aromatic. Thyme adds earthiness, while parsley brings freshness.

Nutrition Profile

This soup strikes the perfect balance between comforting and healthy:

• High in Protein: Each serving packs lean protein from the chicken, which is essential for muscle repair and satiety.

• Good Carbohydrates: Wild rice is a complex carbohydrate that digests slowly, helping maintain steady energy levels.

• Rich in Fiber: With whole grains and vegetables, this dish supports digestion and heart health.

• Low in Processed Ingredients: Unlike canned versions, this recipe uses whole, natural ingredients without preservatives or excess sodium.

With roughly 320 kcal per serving, this soup fits well into a variety of eating plans, from high-protein to whole foods-focused diets.

Variations and Substitutions

This soup is incredibly flexible and easy to modify based on what you have available or your dietary preferences:

• Make It Dairy-Free: Use unsweetened almond milk, oat milk, or coconut milk with a cornstarch slurry instead of a roux for creaminess.

• Add Mushrooms: Sautéed mushrooms enhance umami and work beautifully with the wild rice.

• Swap Chicken for Turkey: Great for using up holiday leftovers, especially post-Thanksgiving.

• Use Rotisserie Chicken: Save time by adding shredded rotisserie chicken at the end and cooking just until warmed through.

• Make It Vegetarian: Omit the chicken and add cannellini or great northern beans for plant-based protein.

Storage and Meal Prep Tips

This dish is ideal for meal prep because it stores and reheats so well.

• Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.

• Freezer: Portion into freezer-safe containers and store for up to 3 months. Note: The creamy base may separate slightly when thawed, but stirring while reheating should help restore its texture.

• Reheat Gently: Use a stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally, or microwave in 30-second increments until warmed through.

To freshen up leftovers, consider adding a splash of broth or milk before reheating to revive the creamy consistency.

Serving Suggestions

This soup is a meal in itself but pairs beautifully with:

• Crusty Bread or Dinner Rolls: Perfect for dipping into the creamy broth.

• Fresh Green Salad: A bright side salad with vinaigrette balances the richness of the soup.

• Roasted Vegetables: If you’re feeding a crowd, roasted brussels sprouts or sweet potatoes add both texture and nutritional variety.

For an elevated touch, garnish each bowl with fresh chopped parsley, a sprinkle of parmesan, or a swirl of cream.

Make It Ahead for the Week

Crockpot recipes like this one are the home cook’s secret weapon for stress-free weeks. Prep all your ingredients the night before and store them in the crockpot insert (if your insert is fridge-safe). In the morning, just place it in the cooker, set it, and walk away. You’ll return home to a hot, fragrant, comforting meal that feels like it cooked itself.

Why This Recipe Works

The success of this Crockpot Chicken and Wild Rice Soup lies in its simplicity and depth of flavor. The crockpot gently draws out the savory, herbaceous notes of the ingredients while tenderizing the chicken to perfection. The slow cooking process also allows the wild rice to absorb the broth and release its natural starch, thickening the soup slightly and giving it that classic creaminess, even before the roux is added.

Moreover, this is a “dump-and-go” recipe. Aside from the quick roux made at the end (which takes less than 5 minutes), there’s virtually no babysitting involved. It’s a winning combination for busy families, professionals, or anyone looking to eat better without spending hours in the kitchen.

Conclusion

There are few things more comforting than a steaming bowl of Crockpot Chicken and Wild Rice Soup. Whether you’re winding down after a long day, feeding a hungry family, or prepping meals in advance, this dish offers unbeatable flavor, ease, and nourishment. Rooted in American tradition and tailored for modern home cooks, it’s a versatile recipe that welcomes customization but never compromises on comfort.

Make it your own. Savor the warmth. And enjoy every hearty spoonful.