Crockpot Chicken and Wild Rice Soup

The Crockpot Chicken and Wild Rice Soup is a classic comfort dish elevated by the slow-cooking process that brings out its depth of flavor. This soup is loaded with lean chicken, fiber-rich wild rice, and nutrient-packed vegetables, making it not only delicious but also wonderfully nourishing. It’s perfect for those who want a wholesome, satisfying meal without fuss.

The creamy finish, created with a simple roux and almond milk, adds just the right touch of richness without being heavy. Whether you’re trying to stay warm on a chilly evening or looking for a healthy yet comforting dish, this soup hits the mark. It’s easy to make, incredibly tasty, and perfect for meal prep too.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients:

1 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts
1 cup uncooked wild rice, rinsed
1 medium onion, chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
3 medium carrots, diced
2 celery stalks, chopped
6 cups low-sodium chicken broth
1 tsp dried thyme
1 tsp dried rosemary
1/2 tsp black pepper
1/2 tsp salt
1 cup unsweetened almond milk or milk of choice
2 tbsp plain flour (or gluten-free alternative)
2 tbsp butter (or olive oil for dairy-free)

Directions:

Add chicken breasts, wild rice, onion, garlic, carrots, celery, broth, thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper to the crockpot.
Cover and cook on low for 7-8 hours or high for 4 hours, until the chicken is cooked and rice is tender.
Remove the chicken, shred with forks, and return it to the pot.
In a small saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Stir in flour to form a roux, cook for 1 minute, then slowly whisk in almond milk until smooth.
Add this creamy mixture to the crockpot, stir to combine, and let cook for another 10-15 minutes on high until slightly thickened.
Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.

Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 7 hours | Total Time: 7 hours 15 minutes
Kcal: 280 kcal | Servings: 6 servings

A Cozy Classic: Crockpot Chicken and Wild Rice Soup

There’s nothing quite like a warm bowl of soup to bring comfort to a chilly day, and when that soup is made in the crockpot, you’ve got convenience and coziness rolled into one delicious dish. Crockpot Chicken and Wild Rice Soup is a wholesome, hearty meal that feels like a hug in a bowl. It’s packed with lean protein, fiber-rich wild rice, and a medley of aromatic herbs and vegetables, all slowly simmered to perfection.

This recipe is one of those dishes that you can rely on during busy weekdays, lazy weekends, or when you’re just craving something nurturing. It’s hands-off, family-friendly, and easy to customize depending on what you have in your kitchen. Plus, it stores beautifully, making it a dream for meal preppers and comfort food lovers alike.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Crockpot Chicken and Wild Rice Soup is everything you want from a cold-weather dish. Here are a few reasons why it’s such a favorite:

Effortless Prep: With a slow cooker, you can throw all your ingredients in, set it, and forget it. No babysitting the stove.
Nutritious and Balanced: Chicken provides lean protein, wild rice adds complex carbs and fiber, and the vegetables bring in vitamins and antioxidants.
Creamy Without Cream: This version uses almond milk and a simple roux to create a velvety texture without needing heavy cream or cheese.
Naturally Gluten-Free (with easy substitutions): Use a gluten-free flour for the roux and you’re all set.
Customizable: Swap veggies, use leftover turkey instead of chicken, or make it dairy-free, the possibilities are endless.

Ingredient Highlights

Let’s take a deeper dive into what makes this soup both tasty and nourishing:

Chicken Breast

Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are perfect here because they become tender and juicy during the slow cooking process. You can also use boneless thighs if you prefer more flavor and richness. Shredding the chicken before adding it back into the soup gives you the perfect texture in every spoonful.

Wild Rice

Wild rice isn’t technically rice it’s a grass but it cooks up tender with a slightly nutty flavor that adds depth to this dish. It’s also high in antioxidants, fiber, and important nutrients like magnesium and zinc. If you’re new to cooking with wild rice, this soup is a great way to get started.

Aromatics: Onion, Garlic, Carrot, Celery

This classic flavor base often referred to as a mirepoix that builds a beautiful savory foundation for the soup. The vegetables soften and meld during the long cook, enhancing every bite with sweetness and subtle earthy notes.

Herbs: Thyme and Rosemary

These two dried herbs are staples in slow-cooked dishes. Thyme is earthy and slightly minty, while rosemary brings a piney, woodsy flavor that perfectly complements chicken.

Broth

Using low-sodium chicken broth gives you control over the salt content. The broth not only carries flavor but also ensures that every component, chicken, rice, veggies, gets infused with delicious savory goodness.

Almond Milk + Roux

This combo is the secret to achieving a creamy texture without dairy or heavy cream. The roux (a mixture of flour and butter or oil) adds body, while almond milk keeps it light but smooth. Of course, you can use dairy milk or another plant-based milk if you prefer.

Helpful Tips for Success

Making soup in a crockpot is straightforward, but here are a few expert tips to elevate your results:

Rinse the Wild Rice: This helps remove some of the starch and ensures it cooks more evenly in the slow cooker.
Cut Vegetables Uniformly: Even sizes mean even cooking, so dice your carrots and celery similarly for consistent texture.
Shred Chicken Properly: Once cooked, let the chicken cool slightly before shredding it with two forks. It should pull apart easily and blend smoothly back into the soup.
Add the Creamy Component at the End: Don’t add the almond milk and roux too early, wait until the last 15 minutes to prevent curdling or separation.
Taste and Adjust: Slow-cooked dishes sometimes need a flavor boost at the end. Taste and add a pinch more salt, pepper, or even a squeeze of lemon juice if desired.

Easy Variations

Want to mix things up? Here are a few fun and delicious ways to adapt this recipe:

Use Rotisserie Chicken: For an ultra-fast version, skip the raw chicken and add shredded rotisserie chicken in the last hour.
Go Dairy-Free: Use olive oil instead of butter and choose your favorite non-dairy milk to keep it creamy.
Make it Vegetarian: Swap the chicken for chickpeas or white beans and use vegetable broth.
Spice It Up: Add a pinch of chili flakes or a swirl of hot sauce to kick up the heat.
More Veggies: Stir in spinach, kale, or mushrooms for added nutrients and color.

Serving Suggestions

This soup is wonderful on its own, but you can serve it with:

A crusty whole-grain baguette or garlic bread
A light side salad with lemon vinaigrette
Crackers or warm flatbread for dipping
A sprinkle of fresh parsley or chopped green onions for garnish

Storage & Meal Prep Tips

One of the best things about this Crockpot Chicken and Wild Rice Soup is how well it stores and reheats. Here’s how to make the most of your leftovers:

Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days. The flavors only get better over time!
Freezer: Let it cool completely before freezing. Store in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently on the stovetop.
Reheat Gently: Because of the roux and milk, heat on low to medium to avoid separation. A splash of water or broth can help loosen the soup if it thickens.

Why This Dish Belongs in Your Meal Rotation

Crockpot Chicken and Wild Rice Soup is more than just a recipe, it’s a solution for those hectic days when you need something nourishing and satisfying without a ton of effort. It’s a cozy, one-pot wonder that the whole family will enjoy. With minimal prep, simple ingredients, and foolproof results, it’s a weeknight hero and a Sunday comfort classic rolled into one.

Even better, it aligns beautifully with healthy eating goals. Low in fat, full of protein, naturally gluten-free (with minor tweaks), and packed with veggies, it’s a recipe that doesn’t ask you to compromise between health and taste.

Conclusion

If you’re looking for a soul-warming, family-approved meal that requires little hands-on time but delivers big on flavor and comfort, Crockpot Chicken and Wild Rice Soup is your go-to. It’s the kind of dish that fits every season but feels especially magical when the air is crisp, and you need a little warmth from the inside out.

From its nourishing ingredients to the ease of slow cooking, this soup truly checks all the boxes. Once you try it, it just might become a staple in your kitchen, one of those recipes you keep coming back to again and again. So grab your slow cooker, gather your ingredients, and let this bowl of creamy, comforting deliciousness do the work for you.

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