why make this recipe

Crockpot Chicken Wild Rice Soup is a comforting dish perfect for busy days. It’s easy to put together and cooks slowly while you go about your day. This recipe is loved for its creamy texture and hearty flavors. With tender chicken, veggies, and wholesome wild rice, each bowl warms you up and fills you up, making it an ideal meal for the whole family.

how to make Crockpot Chicken Wild Rice Soup

Ingredients

• 1 cup uncooked wild rice
• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 2 cups mirepoix (chopped celery, carrots, and onions)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 6 cups chicken broth
• 1 teaspoon poultry seasoning
• 1/2 cup butter
• 1/2 cup flour
• 2 1/2 cups whole milk
• 1–2 tablespoons sherry (optional)
• Up to 2 cups additional milk or water

Directions

1. Rinse the wild rice and place the uncooked rice, raw chicken, mirepoix, garlic, chicken broth, and poultry seasoning in a crockpot. Cover and cook on low for 6 hours. By the end, the chicken should be cooked through and the rice nice and soft—don’t worry if there’s a bit of extra liquid!
2. Once cooked, remove the chicken breasts from the crockpot and let them cool slightly before cutting them into bite-sized chunks.
3. In a separate saucepan, melt the butter. Sprinkle in the flour and let it cook for a minute. Warm the milk in the microwave for about a minute, then gradually whisk it into the buttery flour mixture until you have a thick, creamy sauce. If you’re feeling fancy, stir in the sherry!
4. Pour the creamy base back into the crockpot along with the chicken chunks and give it all a good stir. Feel free to adjust the consistency with more water or milk until it’s just right. Finish it off by seasoning with extra salt and pepper to taste.

how to serve Crockpot Chicken Wild Rice Soup

Serve your soup hot in bowls. You can top it with some fresh herbs like parsley or a sprinkle of black pepper for added flavor. This soup pairs well with crusty bread or crackers, making it a complete meal that everyone will enjoy.

how to store Crockpot Chicken Wild Rice Soup

To store leftover soup, let it cool completely. Transfer it to an airtight container and refrigerate. It should stay fresh for about 3 to 4 days. If you want to store it for a longer time, you can freeze it. Just make sure to leave some room for expansion in the container and consume it within 2 to 3 months for the best quality.

tips to make Crockpot Chicken Wild Rice Soup

• Rinse the wild rice thoroughly before cooking to remove excess starch.
• For a more robust flavor, consider adding some herbs like thyme or bay leaves while it cooks.
• If the soup is too thick for your liking, simply stir in more milk or broth until you reach your desired consistency.

variation

You can try adding different veggies like spinach or peas to enhance the nutrition and flavor. Also, swapping the chicken for turkey or even using vegetable broth instead of chicken broth can make this soup a great vegetarian option.

FAQs

Can I use pre-cooked chicken?
Yes, you can use pre-cooked chicken. Just add it to the soup during the last hour of cooking.

What can I use instead of wild rice?
You can use brown rice or even white rice, but keep in mind that cooking times might change.

Is it possible to make this soup dairy-free?
Yes! You can replace the butter with a dairy-free alternative and use almond or soy milk instead of whole milk.