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To make this soup, you need: - 1 lb chicken breasts, boneless and skinless - 1 cup wild rice, rinsed - 1 medium onion, diced - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 2 large carrots, diced - 2 celery stalks, diced - 1 cup mushrooms, sliced - 6 cups chicken broth These main ingredients form a hearty base. The chicken gives protein, while the wild rice adds texture. The veggies bring color and flavor to each bite. Feel free to add your own twist! Consider: - 1 cup heavy cream or coconut cream (for a dairy-free option) - Salt and pepper to taste - Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish You can adjust the cream for richness. Fresh parsley adds a nice touch at the end. Herbs and spices elevate the taste. I recommend: - 1 teaspoon dried thyme - 1 teaspoon rosemary - 1 bay leaf These herbs bring warmth and depth. You can also experiment with others like sage or dill for a unique flavor. First, I place the chicken breasts at the bottom of the slow cooker. This helps keep the meat moist while it cooks. Next, I rinse the wild rice. Rinsing removes extra starch and helps the rice cook well. After that, I chop my onion, garlic, carrots, celery, and mushrooms. These veggies add flavor and nutrition to the soup. Now, I layer the ingredients in the slow cooker. I sprinkle the rinsed wild rice over the chicken. Then, I add the diced onion, minced garlic, carrots, celery, and sliced mushrooms. I pour the chicken broth on top. This broth is the heart of the soup. It brings all the flavors together. I season the mix with dried thyme, rosemary, and a bay leaf. Lastly, I add salt and pepper. I stir gently to combine all the ingredients. I cover the slow cooker and set it on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours. The key is to cook until the chicken is tender and fully cooked. After cooking, I remove the chicken. I shred it using two forks and return it to the pot. Then, I stir in heavy cream or coconut cream. This makes the soup creamy and rich. I let it heat through for another 15-20 minutes. Before serving, I take out the bay leaf. Now, it's ready to enjoy! To make your soup sing, use fresh herbs. Fresh thyme and rosemary give a great taste. You can add a squeeze of lemon juice right before serving for a bright note. Taste your soup after it cooks. Adjust salt and pepper as needed. Adding a splash of hot sauce can also enhance the flavor. One common mistake is not rinsing the wild rice. Rinsing removes excess starch and helps the rice cook better. Another mistake is overcooking the chicken. It should be tender but not dry. Also, don’t forget to remove the bay leaf before serving. It adds flavor but is not tasty to eat. Serve your soup in warm bowls. Top with chopped parsley for color and freshness. Pair it with crusty bread for a satisfying meal. You can also offer a side salad for a crisp, refreshing touch. This soup is great for lunch or dinner and can be a cozy dish on chilly days. {{image_2}} You can make this soup dairy-free by using coconut cream. Simply swap the heavy cream for one cup of coconut cream. The cream adds a rich, smooth texture. Plus, it brings a hint of sweetness to the soup. This option works well for those who want to avoid dairy. Feel free to add more veggies for extra nutrition. Try adding spinach or kale for a pop of color and health benefits. You can also include sweet potatoes or zucchini for a different taste and texture. Just chop them into small pieces and add them with the other veggies. This way, you enhance the flavor and boost the vitamins. If you want to change the protein, try turkey or even tofu. Shredded turkey works great and gives a nice flavor twist. If you choose tofu, use firm tofu for the best texture. Cut it into cubes and add it at the same time as the other ingredients. This allows it to soak up all the tasty flavors. To store your chicken wild rice soup, let it cool first. Then, pour it into an airtight container. Make sure to leave some space at the top. This gives the soup room to expand. You can keep it in the fridge for up to five days. Label the container with the date, so you know when to use it. If you want to freeze the soup, use freezer-safe containers or bags. Fill them, but leave some space for expansion. The soup can last up to three months in the freezer. When you’re ready to eat, move it to the fridge to thaw overnight. For quick thawing, you can use the microwave. When reheating, do it on the stove over medium heat. Stir often to prevent sticking. You can also use the microwave, but stir halfway through. This helps heat evenly. If the soup seems thick, add a splash of broth or water to loosen it up. Always taste and adjust the seasoning before serving. Yes, you can use cooked chicken. This saves time and adds flavor. If you use cooked chicken, add it halfway through cooking. This keeps it tender and moist. Shred the cooked chicken before adding it to the soup. Stir it in gently to combine. You can store the soup in the fridge for about 3 to 4 days. Make sure to keep it in an airtight container. This keeps it fresh and safe to eat. If you want to keep it longer, consider freezing it. If you cannot find wild rice, you can use brown rice or quinoa. Both options cook well and add nice texture. Adjust the cooking time if you switch. Brown rice takes longer, while quinoa cooks faster. Be sure to rinse them before adding to the soup for best results. In this post, we explored how to make Slow Cooker Chicken Wild Rice Soup. We covered key ingredients, preparation steps, and tips for perfect flavor. You learned how to customize the recipe and store leftovers effectively. Remember, small changes can create big flavors. Avoid common mistakes to enjoy this warm soup fully. With the right skills and ideas, you can make a meal that delights everyone at your table. Now, it’s time to gather your ingredients and enjoy a hearty bowl of homemade goodness.

Slow Cooker Chicken Wild Rice Soup

Warm up with this delicious Cozy Slow Cooker Chicken Wild Rice Soup! This easy recipe combines tender chicken, wild rice, and fresh vegetables, all simmered to perfection in your slow cooker. Simply layer your ingredients, set it, and let the flavors meld for a comforting meal. Perfect for busy days and family gatherings, this soup is sure to become a favorite. Click to explore the full recipe and make it tonight!

Ingredients
  

1 lb chicken breasts, boneless and skinless

1 cup wild rice, rinsed

1 medium onion, diced

3 cloves garlic, minced

2 large carrots, diced

2 celery stalks, diced

1 cup mushrooms, sliced

6 cups chicken broth

1 teaspoon dried thyme

1 teaspoon rosemary

1 bay leaf

1 cup heavy cream or coconut cream (for a dairy-free option)

Salt and pepper to taste

Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish

Instructions
 

Start by placing the chicken breasts at the bottom of the slow cooker.

    Add the rinsed wild rice, diced onion, minced garlic, carrots, celery, and mushrooms on top.

      Pour in the chicken broth, then sprinkle in the thyme, rosemary, and add the bay leaf.

        Season well with salt and pepper. Stir the ingredients together gently to combine.

          Cover the slow cooker and set it to low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours, until the chicken is fully cooked.

            Once cooked, remove the chicken breasts and shred them using two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker.

              Stir in the heavy cream or coconut cream until well combined, then taste and adjust seasoning if needed.

                Let the soup heat through for an additional 15-20 minutes on low.

                  Remove the bay leaf before serving.

                    Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 15 min | 7-8 hrs | 6 servings

                      - Presentation Tips: Serve in warm bowls and garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color. Pair with crusty bread on the side for a complete meal.