Slow Cooker Chicken and Wild Rice Soup

There’s nothing better than coming home to a warm bowl of homemade soup on a chilly evening.

This slow cooker chicken and wild rice soup is creamy, hearty, and full of comforting flavor.

Tender chicken, wild rice, carrots, celery, and onions cook together in a flavorful broth until everything is perfectly tender.

The best part is that your slow cooker does most of the work! Just add the ingredients in the morning, let everything simmer throughout the day, and finish the soup with a little cream before serving.

This is an easy crock pot soup recipe that is perfect for busy weeknights, chilly fall evenings, and cozy winter dinners.

Ingredients

• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 cup uncooked wild rice blend
• 1 small onion, diced
• 2 carrots, peeled and diced
• 2 celery stalks, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 6 cups chicken broth
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon dried parsley
• 1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary
• 1/2 teaspoon salt, or to taste
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 bay leaf
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch
• 2 tablespoons water

Instructions

Place the chicken breasts in the bottom of your slow cooker.

Add the wild rice, diced onion, carrots, celery, and minced garlic.

Pour in the chicken broth. Add the thyme, parsley, rosemary, salt, pepper, and bay leaf.

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

Cooking time can vary depending on the rice blend, so check the package directions as well.

Remove the chicken from the slow cooker and shred it with two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the soup.

In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the cornstarch and water until smooth.

Stir in the heavy cream and cook gently until the mixture begins to thicken.

Stir the cream mixture into the slow cooker. Remove the bay leaf and stir everything together.

Let the soup cook for another 10–15 minutes, until warmed through and creamy. Taste and adjust the seasonings before serving.

Tips for Making Chicken and Wild Rice Soup

Use a wild rice blend. A wild rice blend gives this soup a nice combination of textures. Cooking times vary between brands, so check the package directions and make sure the rice is tender before serving.

Don’t add the cream too early. Adding the cream near the end of cooking helps keep the soup smooth and creamy.

Make it thicker. If you prefer a thicker soup, add a little extra cornstarch slurry at the end and let it cook until thickened.

Add mushrooms. Sliced mushrooms are a delicious addition to chicken and wild rice soup. Add them with the other vegetables at the beginning.

Can You Freeze Chicken and Wild Rice Soup?

You can freeze this soup, but cream-based soups sometimes change texture after thawing. For the best results, freeze the soup before adding the cream and thickener.

When you’re ready to serve it, thaw the soup in the refrigerator overnight, warm it gently on the stovetop, and stir in the cream and thickener just before serving.

What to Serve with Chicken and Wild Rice Soup

This soup is hearty enough to serve as a meal on its own, but it’s especially good with:

• Homemade biscuits
• Crusty French bread
• Garlic bread
• A simple green salad
• Warm dinner rolls

More Easy Crock Pot Soup Recipes

If you love easy slow cooker soups, you might also enjoy my collection of 12 Easy Crock Pot Soups for Busy Weeknights.

You’ll find plenty of comforting dinner ideas, including slow cooker lasagna soup, ham and potato soup, broccoli cheddar soup, and easy crock pot beef stew.

Chicken and wild rice soup is one of those recipes that makes a busy day feel a little easier. Let your slow cooker do the work, then sit down to a warm, comforting bowl of homemade soup with your family!

Follow my cozy soup recipes board on Pinterest.