Oh my gosh, let me tell you about my go-to comfort food: slow cooker chicken and wild rice soup! This hearty delight is like a warm hug in a bowl. The moment you walk into your kitchen and catch that incredible aroma wafting through the air, you know something special is cooking. I often whip this up on chilly weekends, and it never fails to bring a smile to my family’s faces. It’s so easy to prepare—just toss everything into the slow cooker and walk away! Plus, it’s packed with flavor and nutrients, making it the perfect meal for busy days when you still want something wholesome. Trust me, once you try this recipe, it’ll become a staple in your home, just like it has in mine!
Ingredients for Slow Cooker Chicken and Wild Rice Soup
Gathering the right ingredients is key to making this soup as delicious as it can be! Here’s what you’ll need:
- 1 lb chicken breast, diced: Boneless, skinless chicken breast works best. Dice it into bite-sized pieces for even cooking.
- 1 cup wild rice: I love using wild rice for its nutty flavor and chewy texture. You can find it in most grocery stores, usually near the other rice options.
- 1 onion, chopped: A medium onion adds a lovely sweetness and depth to the soup. Make sure to chop it into small pieces so it blends nicely.
- 2 carrots, sliced: Fresh carrots bring a pop of color and sweetness. Slice them thinly for quicker cooking.
- 2 celery stalks, chopped: Celery adds crunch and aromatic flavor. Chop them into small pieces to match the size of the other veggies.
- 4 cups chicken broth: Use low-sodium broth if you prefer to control the saltiness. It serves as the flavorful base of the soup.
- 1 cup heavy cream: This is the secret to making the soup rich and creamy! You can adjust the amount to your liking.
- 1 tsp thyme: Dried thyme adds an earthy, herbal note. Feel free to use fresh if you have it on hand!
- 1 tsp garlic powder: A pinch of garlic powder enhances the overall flavor. You can use fresh garlic if you prefer!
- Salt and pepper to taste: Season according to your preference to bring all the flavors together.
How to Prepare Slow Cooker Chicken and Wild Rice Soup
Getting this soup ready is a breeze, and I promise you’ll love how simple it is! Just follow these easy steps, and you’ll have a delicious meal waiting for you at the end of the day.
- Prepare the ingredients: Start by dicing your chicken breast into bite-sized pieces. Chop the onion, slice the carrots, and chop the celery, making sure everything is ready to go.
- Load the slow cooker: Toss the diced chicken, wild rice, chopped onion, sliced carrots, and chopped celery into your slow cooker. It’s like a colorful veggie party in there!
- Add the flavors: Pour in the chicken broth, and sprinkle in the thyme, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Give it a gentle stir to combine all those fantastic flavors.
- Set it and forget it: Cover the slow cooker and set it to low for 6-8 hours. If you’re short on time, you can cook it on high for about 3-4 hours, but I love the low-and-slow method for the best flavors!
- Finish with cream: Once the wild rice is tender and the chicken is cooked through, stir in the heavy cream. This is when the magic happens—it makes everything creamy and dreamy! Let it cook for another 15-30 minutes on low to warm through.
And there you have it! Ladle it into bowls, and enjoy the cozy goodness of your slow cooker chicken and wild rice soup!
Tips for Success with Slow Cooker Chicken and Wild Rice Soup
To make sure your slow cooker chicken and wild rice soup turns out perfectly every time, here are a few handy tips! First, if you prefer a thicker soup, try reducing the amount of chicken broth a bit. You can always add a splash more later if needed. Also, feel free to get creative with your veggies—spinach, mushrooms, or even peas can add great flavor and nutrition!
If you’re short on time, cooking it on high for 3-4 hours works just fine, but I really recommend the low-and-slow approach for that deep, comforting flavor. And don’t forget, leftovers taste even better the next day as the flavors continue to meld, so make sure to save some for a quick lunch! Enjoy it with a slice of crusty bread for the ultimate cozy meal.
Nutritional Information for Slow Cooker Chicken and Wild Rice Soup
Now, let’s talk numbers! This slow cooker chicken and wild rice soup is not only delicious but also packed with good-for-you nutrients. Each serving (about 1 cup) contains an estimated:
- Calories: 350
- Fat: 15g
- Protein: 25g
- Carbohydrates: 34g
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fiber: 3g
Keep in mind, these values are estimates and can vary based on the specific ingredients you choose. But rest assured, you’re treating yourself to a nourishing meal!
Why You’ll Love This Slow Cooker Chicken and Wild Rice Soup
This slow cooker chicken and wild rice soup is a true winner for so many reasons! You’ll absolutely adore it for:
- Incredible flavor: The combination of chicken, wild rice, and aromatics creates a rich, savory experience that warms your soul.
- Effortless preparation: Just toss everything into the slow cooker and let it do the work. You can go about your day while it simmers away!
- Nutritious ingredients: Packed with protein from the chicken and fiber from the wild rice and veggies, it’s a wholesome meal you can feel good about.
- Versatile options: You can easily customize the recipe by adding your favorite vegetables or spices, making it your own.
- Perfect for meal prep: This soup freezes beautifully, so you can enjoy it on busy days without any hassle.
Trust me, once you give it a try, you’ll be coming back for seconds (and thirds) every time!
Ingredient Notes for Slow Cooker Chicken and Wild Rice Soup
When it comes to making this soup, each ingredient plays a big role in creating that comforting flavor! If you don’t have wild rice on hand, you can substitute it with brown rice, but keep in mind it may alter the texture slightly. For the chicken, feel free to use thighs instead of breasts for a richer taste and tenderness. If you’re looking to make it lighter, you can swap out the heavy cream for half-and-half or even coconut milk for a dairy-free option—both will still give you a lovely creaminess!
Don’t hesitate to mix in other vegetables too! Spinach or kale can be great additions toward the end of cooking for some extra nutrients and color. And if you love garlic, adding a couple of minced cloves instead of garlic powder can intensify that wonderful flavor. Remember, the beauty of this soup is its versatility, so make it your own!
Frequently Asked Questions about Slow Cooker Chicken and Wild Rice Soup
Got questions? I’ve got answers! Here are some common queries about this delightful soup:
Can I use frozen chicken? Absolutely! Just add the frozen chicken directly to the slow cooker. It might take a bit longer to cook, so aim for the longer end of the cooking time.
How do I store leftovers? Store any leftover soup in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. You can also freeze it for up to 3 months—just make sure to let it cool completely before freezing!
Can I make it dairy-free? Yes! Swap the heavy cream for coconut milk or a non-dairy cream alternative. It’ll still be creamy and delicious!
What if I don’t have wild rice? No problem! You can substitute brown rice, but adjust the cooking time since brown rice cooks faster than wild rice.
Feel free to reach out if you have any other questions—I’m here to help you make the best soup ever!
Serving Suggestions for Slow Cooker Chicken and Wild Rice Soup
When it comes to serving this cozy slow cooker chicken and wild rice soup, a few simple sides can really elevate your meal! I love pairing it with a crusty loaf of bread—there’s nothing quite like dipping warm, freshly baked bread into that creamy goodness. A side salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and a light vinaigrette is also a great choice, adding a refreshing crunch that complements the richness of the soup.
If you’re feeling a little indulgent, a slice of homemade cornbread slathered with butter is pure comfort food bliss! And for those chilly evenings, a warm, buttery biscuit would be a delightful addition too. Whatever you choose, these sides will make your soup experience even more satisfying and delicious!
creamy garlic parmesan pasta is a great side dish to accompany this soup, enhancing the overall meal experience.
Slow Cooker Chicken and Wild Rice Soup: 5 Steps to Comfort
- Total Time: 8 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
A hearty slow cooker chicken and wild rice soup that warms you up.
Ingredients
- 1 lb chicken breast, diced
- 1 cup wild rice
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, sliced
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 tsp thyme
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Place chicken, wild rice, onion, carrots, and celery in the slow cooker.
- Add chicken broth, thyme, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or until rice is tender.
- Stir in heavy cream before serving.
Notes
- For a thicker soup, reduce the amount of broth.
- You can add more vegetables like spinach or mushrooms.
- This soup freezes well for later use.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 hours
- Category: Soup
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 34g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: slow cooker chicken and wild rice soup
