Crock Pot Chicken and Wild Rice Soup is a hearty and comforting dish that warms you from the inside out. Perfect for busy days, this soup combines tender chicken, earthy wild rice, and a medley of vegetables in a rich, creamy broth. It’s an ideal meal for family gatherings or quiet evenings at home. The beauty lies in its simplicity; just toss everything into your crock pot, set it, and let it work its magic while you go about your day.
Why We Love This Crock Pot Chicken and Wild Rice Soup Recipe
There’s something special about soups that bring comfort and satisfaction, and this Crock Pot Chicken and Wild Rice Soup is no exception. You will love how easy it is to prepare, requiring minimal hands-on time yet delivering maximum flavor. The combination of tender chicken and wild rice creates a delightful texture, while the aromatic herbs enhance the soup’s savory profile. Moreover, the slow cooking method allows the flavors to meld beautifully, giving you a deliciously rich soup that feels like a warm hug on a chilly day. Whether it’s a family dinner or a cozy night in, this soup will be a favorite at your table.
Ingredients about Crock Pot Chicken and Wild Rice Soup
To prepare this delicious soup, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 1 ½ pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts
- Salt and pepper (to taste)
- 6 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup uncooked wild rice
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 small white onion (diced)
- 3 carrots (peeled and diced)
- 3 stalks celery (diced)
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary
- 2 bay leaves
- 1/4 cup salted butter
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 cup milk
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream (or can use half and half)
- Chopped fresh parsley for garnish
How to Make Crock Pot Chicken and Wild Rice Soup Directions
Creating your Crock Pot Chicken and Wild Rice Soup is a breeze! Start by seasoning the chicken breasts with salt and pepper, ensuring each piece is coated well. Place the seasoned chicken into your large 7-quart crock pot, which is perfect for holding all the ingredients.
Next, it’s time to add the remaining ingredients. Pour in the chicken broth, followed by the uncooked wild rice. The wild rice adds a wonderful nutty flavor and texture to the soup. Incorporate the minced garlic, diced onion, peeled and diced carrots, and diced celery. As you mix everything together, sprinkle in the dried thyme and rosemary for added flavor, and toss in the bay leaves as well. Don’t forget to adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed.
Once all the ingredients are combined, cover the crock pot and set it to cook on low heat for 6 to 8 hours. If you’re short on time, you can also opt for the high setting, which will cook the soup in about 4 hours. The slow cooking allows the chicken to become incredibly tender and for all the flavors to blend seamlessly.
When the cooking time has elapsed, carefully remove the chicken from the crock pot. Using two forks, shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces. This step adds an incredible texture to the soup.
Now, let’s create a creamy base to enhance the soup further. In a medium saucepan, melt the salted butter over medium heat. Once melted, whisk in the all-purpose flour until the mixture turns lightly golden brown—this usually takes about 30 seconds. It will create a roux that helps thicken the soup.
Gradually whisk in the milk and heavy whipping cream, stirring continuously until the mixture thickens slightly, which should take around 5 minutes.
Stir this creamy mixture back into the crock pot with the shredded chicken. If you find the soup too thick for your liking, add additional milk until it reaches your desired consistency. Give everything a gentle stir to combine, allowing the flavors to meld together beautifully.
For the final touch, ladle the soup into warm bowls and garnish with freshly chopped parsley. This not only adds a pop of color but also fresh flavor that elevates the dish.
How to Serve Crock Pot Chicken and Wild Rice Soup
When it comes to serving your Crock Pot Chicken and Wild Rice Soup, simplicity is key. This dish stands well on its own, making it a filling meal perfect for any occasion. Serve it hot, ideally paired with a slice of crusty bread or a side salad, which complements the richness of the soup beautifully.
For an extra touch, consider adding a sprinkle of additional herbs or some grated Parmesan cheese on top of each bowl just before serving. This adds depth and a slight cheesy flavor that pairs wonderfully with the creamy soup.
Enjoy this comforting dish with your family and friends, creating moments that make mealtime special. Don’t forget to keep the leftovers for an even tastier meal the next day!
Expert Tips: Crock Pot Chicken and Wild Rice Soup
To ensure your Crock Pot Chicken and Wild Rice Soup turns out perfectly every time, here are some expert tips to keep in mind:
- Use high-quality chicken broth: The broth serves as the soup’s base, so opt for a good quality store-bought or homemade broth for the best flavor.
- Don’t skip the aromatics: The combination of garlic, onion, carrots, and celery not only adds taste but creates an inviting aroma as they cook.
- Mix it up: Feel free to add in other vegetables like peas or bell peppers to enhance the nutritional value and flavor profile of the soup.
- Adjust thickness: If you prefer a thicker soup, after adding the chicken, you can let it cook longer or add a bit more flour to the roux. For a thinner soup, just add more liquid as needed.
- Grill or pan-sear the chicken: For an added flavor dimension, consider grilling or searing the chicken before adding it to the crock pot. This technique enhances the chicken’s taste through caramelization.
How to Store Crock Pot Chicken and Wild Rice Soup
If you find yourself with leftover Crock Pot Chicken and Wild Rice Soup, you’ll be pleased to know it stores very well. To store, simply let the soup cool to room temperature. Transfer it to an airtight container and place it in the refrigerator. It will last for about 3 to 4 days.
You can also freeze the soup for longer storage. Use freezer-safe containers, leaving some space at the top as the soup expands when frozen. It can last up to 3 months in the freezer. To reheat, simply thaw in the refrigerator overnight and warm on the stove or in the microwave until heated through.
Variation of Crock Pot Chicken and Wild Rice Soup
While the classic version of Crock Pot Chicken and Wild Rice Soup is delightful, you can easily customize it to suit your taste. Here are some variations:
- Add greens: Toss in some fresh spinach or kale during the last 30 minutes of cooking. This not only adds color but also boosts the nutritional profile.
- Season differently: Experiment with different spices like paprika, cumin, or lemon zest to give your soup a unique twist.
- Make it spicy: For those who enjoy a kick, add a few dashes of hot sauce or a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes to tantalize your taste buds.
- Switch the protein: Swap out chicken for turkey, which works equally well in this recipe. Alternatively, use rotisserie chicken for a quicker cooking time.
- Vegan option: Substitute the chicken with chickpeas or lentils and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth, while replacing the dairy components with non-dairy substitutes.
FAQ
What makes this Crock Pot Chicken and Wild Rice Soup so creamy?
The creamy texture comes from the combination of milk and heavy whipping cream added towards the end of the cooking process. This mixture creates a rich broth that complements the tender chicken and wild rice beautifully.
Can I use cooked chicken instead of uncooked?
Yes! You can easily substitute cooked chicken in this recipe. If you go this route, skip the initial cooking of the chicken and simply stir in the cooked pieces during the last 30 minutes of cooking time to heat through.
Is it possible to make this soup gluten-free?
Absolutely! To make the soup gluten-free, simply replace the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend or cornstarch. Be sure to check that your broth and any added ingredients are gluten-free as well.
By following this comprehensive guide, you’ll not only create a delicious bowl of Crock Pot Chicken and Wild Rice Soup but also have knowledge around serving and storing it effectively. Enjoy this comforting dish any day of the week!
Crock Pot Chicken and Wild Rice Soup
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1.5 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 6 cups chicken broth Use high-quality broth for best flavor.
- 1 cup uncooked wild rice Adds a wonderful nutty flavor and texture.
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 small white onion (diced)
- 3 carrots (peeled and diced)
- 3 stalks celery (diced)
- 0.5 teaspoon dried thyme
- 0.5 teaspoon dried rosemary
- 2 pieces bay leaves
- 0.25 cup salted butter
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour Can be substituted for gluten-free flour.
- 1 cup milk Use non-dairy substitute for a vegan option.
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream Can use half and half as an alternative.
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
Preparation
- Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper, coating each piece well.
- Place the seasoned chicken into your large 7-quart crock pot.
- Add the chicken broth and uncooked wild rice to the crock pot.
- Incorporate the minced garlic, diced onion, peeled and diced carrots, and diced celery.
- Sprinkle in the dried thyme, rosemary, and add the bay leaves.
- Adjust seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed.
Cooking
- Cover the crock pot and cook on low heat for 6 to 8 hours or high for about 4 hours.
- Once cooked, carefully remove the chicken and shred it into bite-sized pieces using two forks.
Creamy Mixture
- In a medium saucepan, melt salted butter over medium heat.
- Whisk in the all-purpose flour until lightly golden brown, about 30 seconds.
- Gradually whisk in the milk and heavy whipping cream, stirring continuously until thickened, about 5 minutes.
- Stir this creamy mixture back into the crock pot with the shredded chicken.
- If the soup is too thick, add additional milk until desired consistency is reached.
Serving
- Ladle the soup into warm bowls and garnish with freshly chopped parsley.
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