Are you craving a soul-warming, hearty soup that practically cooks itself? Look no further than this mouthwatering Crock Pot Chicken and Wild Rice Soup! Imagine coming home to a kitchen filled with the rich, comforting aroma of tender chicken, nutty wild rice, and perfectly blended vegetables, all simmered to creamy perfection. This isn't just a soup; it's a culinary hug that transforms simple ingredients into a restaurant-worthy meal with minimal effort. Whether you're a busy professional, a home cook, or someone who loves hassle-free deliciousness, this recipe is about to become your new favorite go-to comfort food!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 6 hrs
Total Time: 6 hrs 10 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 1 pound chicken breasts, diced
- 1 cup wild rice
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Begin by preparing all your ingredients. Dice the chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces, chop the onion, and dice the carrots and celery. Rinse the wild rice under cold water to remove any impurities.
- In a large crock pot, add the diced chicken breasts, chopped onion, diced carrots, diced celery, and rinsed wild rice.
- Pour in the 4 cups of chicken broth, ensuring that all ingredients are submerged. Stir gently to combine.
- Season the mixture with salt and pepper to taste. Remember, you can adjust the seasoning later, so start with a moderate amount.
- Cover the crock pot with its lid and set it to cook on low for 6 hours. This slow cooking process will allow the flavors to meld and the chicken to become tender.
- After 6 hours of cooking, check the wild rice for doneness. It should be tender and have absorbed most of the broth. If it needs more time, cover and cook for an additional 30 minutes.
- Once the rice is cooked, stir in the 1 cup of heavy cream. This will add a rich, creamy texture to the soup.
- Allow the soup to heat through for an additional 10-15 minutes after adding the cream. Taste and adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed.
- Once ready, ladle the soup into bowls and serve hot. Enjoy your comforting Crock Pot Chicken and Wild Rice Soup!
Tips
- Rice Matters: Use a high-quality wild rice blend for the best texture and flavor. Avoid instant rice, as it can become mushy during long cooking.
- Chicken Selection: Choose boneless, skinless chicken breasts and cut them into uniform, bite-sized pieces to ensure even cooking.
- Flavor Boosting: For extra depth, consider adding a splash of white wine or a sprinkle of dried thyme when adding the initial ingredients.
- Cream Timing: Always add heavy cream towards the end of cooking to prevent separation and maintain a smooth, luxurious texture.
- Meal Prep Friendly: This soup freezes beautifully! Store in airtight containers for up to 3 months, making it perfect for make-ahead meals.
- Customization: Feel free to add additional vegetables like mushrooms or swap heavy cream with half-and-half for a lighter version.
- Serving Suggestion: Garnish with fresh parsley or chives and serve with crusty bread for a complete, satisfying meal.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 380kcal
Carbohydrates: 25g
Protein: 30g
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 10g
Cholesterol: 95mg
