Chicken Wild Rice Soup (Crockpot) Recipe

When you’re looking for a cozy dish to warm you up on a chilly evening, nothing beats a hearty bowl of Chicken Wild Rice Soup! This Chicken Wild Rice Soup (Crockpot) Recipe is not only super easy to whip up but also so delicious, you’ll want to make it time and time again. Imagine coming home to the rich aroma of tender chicken, earthy wild rice, and fresh veggies simmering away in your kitchen. Now, let’s dig into everything you need to know to make this comforting soup!

What is Chicken Wild Rice Soup?

Chicken Wild Rice Soup is a creamy and hearty dish made with tender chicken pieces, wild rice, carrots, celery, and seasonings. It’s rich, flavorful, and perfect for those cold winter nights. The best part? You can make it in a crockpot! This means you can set it and forget it while you go about your day. When you return, a delicious meal awaits you.

Ingredients for Chicken Wild Rice Soup Recipe

Here is a list of all the ingredients you will need to create this delightful soup.

Main Ingredients

  • 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 1 cup wild rice (uncooked)
  • 1 cup carrots (diced)
  • 1 cup celery (diced)
  • 1 small onion (chopped)
  • 4 cloves garlic (minced)
  • 6 cups chicken broth (low sodium is best)
  • 1 cup heavy cream (for creaminess)
  • 1 teaspoon thyme (dried)
  • 1 teaspoon rosemary (dried)
  • Salt and pepper (to taste)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil (optional for sautéing)
  • 1-2 tablespoons lemon juice (adds brightness)

Optional Add-Ins

  • Mushrooms: For great earthy flavor.
  • Corn: Adds sweetness and color.
  • Spinach or Kale: For a green boost.
  • Parmesan cheese: For an extra layer of flavor.
See also  Cranberry Balsamic Roast Beef Recipe

How to Make Chicken Wild Rice Soup in a Crockpot

You won’t believe how easy this recipe is! Follow these steps, and you’ll have a delicious soup ready in no time.

Prepare Your Ingredients

Start by chopping your vegetables. Dice the carrots, celery, and onion. Mince the garlic, and if you’d like, chop any optional ingredients you want to include.

Sauté the Vegetables (Optional)

If you have a bit more time, consider sautéing your vegetables in olive oil for a few minutes. This adds extra flavor, but you can skip this step if you’re in a hurry. Just throw everything in the crockpot!

Combine in the Crockpot

Place the following ingredients in your crockpot:

  • Chicken breasts
  • Wild rice
  • Carrots
  • Celery
  • Onion
  • Garlic
  • Thyme
  • Rosemary
  • Salt and pepper
  • Chicken broth

Cook on Low

Cover the crockpot and set it to cook on low for about 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours. The longer it cooks, the more the flavors meld together.

Shred the Chicken

Once it’s done cooking, take out the chicken breasts, and shred them with two forks. Then, return the shredded chicken to the soup.

Add Cream and Adjust Seasoning

Stir in the heavy cream and add lemon juice for brightness. Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt and pepper if necessary. If you’re adding spinach or other greens, you can toss them in now too.

Serve and Enjoy!

Once everything is well combined, it’s time to ladle the soup into bowls. Consider adding a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese on top for extra flavor. Serve with your favorite crusty bread or crackers!

See also  Easy Lemon Rice Recipe

Tips for the Best Chicken Wild Rice Soup

Use Quality Ingredients

Opt for high-quality chicken and broth, as these will make a big difference in flavor.

Wild Rice Selection

Look for a blend of wild rice for varied texture and taste. It takes longer to cook than white rice.

Cream Alternatives

If you want to make a lighter version, you can substitute the heavy cream with a can of coconut milk or half-and-half.

Make it Ahead

This soup stores beautifully. Make a larger batch and freeze some for later. Just remember to leave out the cream if you’re planning to freeze it, and add it after reheating.

How to Serve Chicken Wild Rice Soup

This soup can stand alone as a meal, but here are a few ideas to level it up:

  • With Crusty Bread: Serve with a loaf of fresh bread to sop up every last drop.
  • Salad Side: Pair it with a simple green salad for a balanced meal.
  • Garnish Ideas: Consider fresh herbs like parsley or chives for a little extra flavor and color.

Storage Tips for Chicken Wild Rice Soup

Refrigeration

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. The flavors deepen with time, so you might find it even tastier after a day!

Freezing Instructions

To freeze it, let the soup cool completely. Place it in freezer-safe containers, leaving some space at the top for expansion. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. Just thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Variations of Chicken Wild Rice Soup

Creamy Mushroom Wild Rice Soup

Add mushrooms for a deeper, earthy flavor that pairs perfectly with the chicken and rice.

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Spicy Chicken Wild Rice Soup

Add a dash of cayenne pepper or your favorite hot sauce for some heat. A little spice can take this comforting dish to the next level!

Vegetarian Wild Rice Soup

Substitute chicken with chickpeas and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. You can still enjoy the wild rice and veggies, making it a delightful meat-free option.

Nutritional Benefits of Chicken Wild Rice Soup

Chicken Wild Rice Soup is not just delicious, but it comes packed with nutrients too!

Protein Power

Chicken is a great source of lean protein, which is essential for muscle health and overall growth.

Fiber-Rich

Wild rice adds dietary fiber to your soup, aiding digestion and keeping you full longer.

Vitamins and Minerals

From the vegetables, you get an array of vitamins and minerals, including vitamin A, vitamin K, and potassium.

You’re going to love this Chicken Wild Rice Soup (Crockpot) Recipe. It’s like a warm hug in a bowl! With a little prep and your trusty crockpot, you can prepare a delicious and nutritious meal that the whole family will enjoy. So grab your ingredients, let your crockpot do its magic, and dig into a bowl of comfort tonight!