If you’re a soup lover like me, let me introduce you to your new best friend: Creamy Chicken and Wild Rice Soup! This cozy crockpot recipe is a game-changer for busy weeknights, lazy Sundays, or really any time you’re in need of a big warm hug in a bowl. Think tender chicken, nutty wild rice, and a rich, creamy broth—all slow-cooked together to perfection. It’s hearty, satisfying, and (dare I say?) even better than that beloved Panera version. Let’s get cozy and get cooking!
Recipe Overview
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 6-8 hours (on low) or 3-4 hours (on high)
- Total Time: Up to 8 hours (but mostly hands-off!)
- Servings: 6 hearty bowls
- Skill Level: Beginner-friendly (set it and forget it!)
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These are all the reasons Creamy Chicken and Wild Rice Soup is about to become your go-to slow cooker recipe:
- Easy to make: Just throw everything into your crockpot and let it work its magic.
- Flavor-packed: The combination of tender chicken, wild rice, and earthy mushrooms is absolutely mouthwatering.
- Creamy and comforting: It’s rich, luscious, and perfect for colder days (or anytime you want comfort food).
- Versatile: Whether you’re Team Wild Rice, Team Mushrooms, or even keto, this recipe can fit your style.
- Great for meal prep: It stores beautifully, so don’t hesitate to make a big batch!
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Ingredients You’ll Need
This creamy chicken and wild rice soup recipe is made from simple ingredients—many of which you may already have in your kitchen.
- Chicken breasts or thighs (boneless and skinless)
- Wild rice blend (or pure wild rice if you want that extra nutty flavor)
- Carrots (diced small)
- Celery (finely chopped for extra crunch)
- Yellow onion (diced)
- Garlic cloves (minced)
- Mushrooms (optional but adds a delicious earthy depth)
- Chicken broth (your base—adds richness to the soup)
- Dried thyme and rosemary (flavor boosters for that cozy soup vibe)
- Salt and pepper (to taste)
- Heavy cream (or half-and-half for a lighter version)
- Butter and flour (for a roux to thicken the soup)
Check out the recipe card at the bottom of the post for exact ingredient measurements and full instructions!
Print This Recipe for Future Reference
Recommended Tools for Soup Success
- Slow cooker: A 6-quart crockpot or larger is perfect for this recipe.
- Fine mesh strainer: Makes rinsing wild rice quick and easy.
- Ladle: For serving that creamy deliciousness with ease.
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How to Make Creamy Chicken and Wild Rice Soup
Let’s break this down into simple, foolproof steps so you can nail this easy creamy chicken wild rice soup crockpot recipe every time. Don’t stress—even beginners can make this like pros!
- Prep your ingredients:
Dice your carrots, celery, onions, and garlic. Rinse your wild rice blend under cool running water. This extra step ensures a lighter (and less starchy) broth. - Layer the crockpot:
Place the chicken, wild rice, carrots, celery, onion, mushrooms (if using), garlic, thyme, and rosemary into your slow cooker. Pour in the chicken broth, season with salt and pepper, and give it all a quick stir. - Slow cook:
Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours—until the chicken is tender and the rice is perfectly cooked. - Shred the chicken:
Remove the chicken from the crockpot and shred it using two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the crockpot and give everything a good mix. - Make it creamy:
In a small saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes to form a roux. Slowly whisk in the heavy cream until smooth and thickened. Add this mixture to your slow cooker and stir to incorporate—the magic of creaminess begins! (Visual learner? Check out Creamy Chicken and Wild Rice Soup Video in the recipe card below ⬇️.) - Season and serve:
Taste your soup and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. Ladle into bowls, sprinkle with fresh herbs, and prepare for the coziest bowl of soup ever.
Pro Tips for Perfect Wild Rice Soup
- Rinse your rice! This removes excess starch and keeps your soup from becoming overly thick.
- Chicken thighs vs. chicken breasts: Thighs stay juicier in the crockpot, but chicken breasts work beautifully too. Use what you have.
- Don’t overcook the rice: Wild rice is hearty, but overcooking can turn it mushy. Check it toward the end of your cooking time.
- For a thinner soup: Add extra chicken broth as needed after adding the cream.
- Double the batch: This soup freezes beautifully (more on that below).
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- Small, square holes help prevent tiny grains from falling through
Serving Suggestions
Take your cream chicken and wild rice soup from delicious to next-level amazing with these accompaniments:
- Fresh crusty bread: Perfect for dipping and soaking up all that creamy broth.
- Side salad: A crisp, fresh salad with lemon dressing makes a perfect, refreshing contrast.
- Toppings: Sprinkle with freshly grated Parmesan cheese, chopped parsley, or a drizzle of olive oil for extra flavor.
Recipe Variations
- Creamy chicken and mushroom and wild rice soup crockpot: If you love mushrooms, this version is for you—load up on them!
- Keto wild rice soup: Replace the rice with cauliflower rice or omit entirely for fewer carbs.
- Cozy Wild Rice and Orzo Chicken Soup: Mix wild rice with orzo pasta for a chewy, comforting twist.
- Vegetarian Option: Skip the chicken and use vegetable broth. Add kale, spinach, or extra mushrooms for more heartiness.
- Dairy-free version: Substitute heavy cream with full-fat coconut milk for a rich, dairy-free option.
Storage and Reheating Tips
Your crockpot creamy chicken wild rice soup tastes just as good the next day—and maybe even better!
- Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, stirring occasionally.
- Freezer: To freeze, omit the cream during the initial cook. Once defrosted and reheated, stir in the cream to keep the soup from separating. Freeze for up to 3 months in individual portions.
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Creamy Chicken and Wild Rice Soup
Equipment
- Slow cooker (preferably 6-quart or larger)
- Fine mesh strainer (for washing rice)
- Ladle (for serving)
Ingredients
- 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- 1 cup wild rice blend or pure wild rice
- 2 small carrots diced
- 2 stalks celery finely chopped
- 1 yellow onion diced
- 3 garlic cloves minced
- 1 cup mushrooms sliced (optional)
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup heavy cream or half-and-half for a lighter version
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons flour
Instructions
Prep Ingredients:
- Dice the carrots, celery, onions, and garlic.
- Rinse the wild rice under cool running water to remove excess starch.
Layer in Slow Cooker:
- Place the chicken, rinsed wild rice, carrots, celery, onion, mushrooms (if using), and garlic in the slow cooker.
- Season with thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper.
- Pour in the chicken broth and stir to combine.
Slow Cook:
- Cover and cook on Low for 6-8 hours or on High for 3-4 hours until the chicken is tender and the rice is cooked.
Shred Chicken:
- Remove the chicken from the slow cooker and shred using two forks.
- Return the shredded chicken to the pot and mix well.
Make it Creamy:
- In a small saucepan, melt butter over medium heat.
- Whisk in flour to create a roux, cooking for about 1-2 minutes.
- Gradually whisk in the heavy cream until smooth and thickened, then add this mixture to the slow cooker, stirring to incorporate.
Season and Serve:
- Taste the soup and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed.
- Serve hot, garnishing with fresh herbs if desired.
Video
Notes
For freezing, omit the cream during the initial cooking. Add once reheated for the best texture.
Final Thoughts
Creamy Chicken and Wild Rice Soup is the epitome of comfort food. Its thick, hearty consistency and rich flavors make every bite feel like a warm hug. Whether you’re embracing a cozy night at home or hosting a family dinner, this recipe is guaranteed to impress.
If you try this slow cooker creamy chicken wild rice soup, I’d love to hear how it turned out—leave a comment below! Be sure to save this recipe on Pinterest so you can come back to it again and again. Bon appétit! 🥣
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