This creamy crockpot chicken wild rice soup recipe is the ultimate comfort food, perfect for chilly evenings or a cozy weekend meal. It's incredibly easy to make, requiring minimal prep time and letting your slow cooker do all the hard work. The result? A hearty, flavorful soup packed with tender chicken, nutty wild rice, and a rich, creamy broth. This recipe is easily adaptable to your taste preferences, allowing you to customize it with your favorite vegetables and spices.
What makes this Crockpot Chicken Wild Rice Soup recipe stand out?
This recipe goes beyond the basic chicken wild rice soup. We’ve focused on creating a deeply flavorful broth, perfectly cooked chicken, and a creamy texture that elevates this classic dish. We use a combination of chicken broth and cream to achieve that rich, velvety consistency without being overly heavy. The wild rice adds a delightful nutty texture and complements the other ingredients beautifully.
Ingredients:
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup uncooked wild rice blend (a mix of wild rice and other grains works well)
- 8 cups chicken broth (low sodium preferred)
- 1 (10.75 ounce) can condensed cream of mushroom soup
- 1 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, chopped
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional additions: 1 cup chopped mushrooms, 1/2 cup chopped green onions for garnish
Instructions:
- Combine ingredients: Place the chicken breasts, wild rice, chicken broth, cream of mushroom soup, heavy cream, onion, carrots, celery, garlic, thyme, and rosemary in your slow cooker. Season with salt and pepper to taste. If using optional mushrooms, add them now.
- Cook on low: Cook on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours, or until the chicken is cooked through and the rice is tender.
- Shred the chicken: Remove the chicken from the slow cooker and shred it with two forks.
- Return chicken to soup: Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker and stir to combine.
- Serve: Garnish with chopped green onions (optional) and serve hot.
Frequently Asked Questions (PAA)
How long does Crockpot Chicken Wild Rice Soup take to cook?
Cooking time depends on whether you use the low or high setting on your slow cooker. On low, it takes 6-8 hours, ensuring the chicken is fully cooked and the rice is tender. On high, it will take approximately 3-4 hours. Always check the chicken's internal temperature to ensure it reaches 165°F (74°C).
Can I use frozen chicken in Crockpot Chicken Wild Rice Soup?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken. However, you'll need to add about an hour to the cooking time to allow the chicken to thaw and cook completely. Ensure the chicken is fully submerged in the liquid.
What kind of wild rice is best for this soup?
While pure wild rice has a unique nutty flavor, a blend of wild rice and other grains, such as brown rice or long-grain rice, often cooks more evenly and yields a more tender result in a slow cooker. The blend provides a better texture and cooks more consistently in a slow cooker.
Can I make this soup ahead of time?
Yes! This soup tastes even better the next day. You can make it ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.
What are some variations for Crockpot Chicken Wild Rice Soup?
Feel free to experiment! Add other vegetables like peas, corn, or green beans. You can also add different herbs and spices to suit your taste, such as a dash of paprika, or a pinch of cayenne pepper for a little heat. Consider using different types of cream soups like cream of celery or cream of chicken.
This Crockpot Chicken Wild Rice Soup is a versatile and delicious meal that's perfect for any occasion. Enjoy!
