Slow Cooker Chicken and Wild Rice Soup

Looking for a cozy and satisfying dinner? This Slow Cooker Chicken and Wild Rice Soup is the perfect comfort food, packed with tender chicken, earthy wild rice, and fresh vegetables. Made creamy with a homemade roux, this hearty soup is simple to prepare and perfect for busy weeknights or meal prep. It’s a delicious one-pot meal that’s gluten-free adaptable and full of flavor. Whether you’re feeding the family or looking for an easy slow cooker recipe, this creamy chicken and wild rice soup will become your go-to dish for chilly days!

Ingredients

• 1 ½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 cup wild rice
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 onion, diced
• 3 carrots, peeled and diced
• 3 stalks celery, diced
• 1 pound mushrooms, thinly sliced
• 6–7 cups chicken stock
• ½ teaspoon dried thyme
• ½ teaspoon dried rosemary
• 2 bay leaves
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• ¼ cup unsalted butter
• ¼ cup all-purpose flour
• 1 cup milk
• 1 cup cooking cream
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for serving)

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Instructions

1. Prepare the ingredients: Dice the onion, carrots, and celery. Season the chicken breasts with salt and black pepper. Place the chicken, diced vegetables, and minced garlic into the slow cooker.
2. Add dry ingredients and stock: Add the wild rice, dried thyme, rosemary, and bay leaves. Pour the chicken stock into the slow cooker, ensuring the liquid covers the contents completely.
3. Cook: Set the slow cooker to low and cook for 7 ½ hours.
4. Shred the chicken: After cooking, remove the chicken breasts from the slow cooker and shred them using two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker.
5. Make the roux: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Whisk in the flour and cook until the mixture turns golden brown, about 1–2 minutes. Slowly add the milk and cooking cream, whisking constantly until smooth.
6. Thicken the soup: Stir the roux into the slow cooker. Add the sliced mushrooms and cook on low for an additional 30 minutes.
7. Serve: Remove the bay leaves before serving. Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley, if desired. Enjoy!

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Tips

• Prep ahead: Dice the vegetables the night before for a quicker morning assembly.
• Check rice doneness: If your wild rice isn’t tender after 7 ½ hours, cook for an additional 30 minutes.
• Avoid overcooking: Keep the mushrooms fresh and tender by adding them toward the end of cooking.
• Freezing tip: To freeze leftovers, let the soup cool completely before transferring it to freezer-safe containers.

Variations and Substitutions

• Protein swap: Use boneless, skinless chicken thighs for a richer flavor, or substitute with turkey for a seasonal twist.
• Dairy-free option: Replace milk and cream with coconut milk or a plant-based cream alternative.
• Rice options: Substitute wild rice with long-grain brown rice or a wild rice blend for a slightly different texture.
• Vegetable mix-up: Add spinach, kale, or chopped zucchini during the last 30 minutes for extra greens.

FAQs

Can I use pre-cooked chicken?
Yes, add shredded rotisserie or leftover chicken during the last 30 minutes of cooking instead of at the beginning.

How can I make this gluten-free?
Replace the all-purpose flour in the roux with a gluten-free flour blend or cornstarch.

Can I cook this on high?
Yes, cook on high for 3–4 hours, but the rice may not develop the same depth of flavor as the slow-cooked version.

What if the soup is too thick?
Thin it out by adding extra chicken stock or milk until you reach your desired consistency.

Serving Suggestions

• Pair this comforting soup with warm crusty bread or a fresh garden salad.
• Top with a sprinkle of shredded Parmesan or a dollop of sour cream for added creaminess.
• Serve with crackers or toasted baguette slices for dipping.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Slow Cooker Chicken and Wild Rice Soup is the perfect combination of hearty and healthy. Packed with tender chicken, earthy wild rice, and fresh vegetables, it’s a comforting one-pot meal that’s easy to make. The creamy texture and aromatic herbs make it a crowd-pleaser for family dinners, meal prep, or cozy nights in. Whether you’re looking for a simple yet satisfying soup or a dish to warm you up, this recipe is a must-try!