Here’s a delicious, comforting recipe for Slow Cooker Creamy Chicken and Wild Rice Soup that’s perfect for cozying up with on a chilly day! This creamy soup features tender chicken, hearty wild rice, and flavorful veggies, all blended into a rich, satisfying meal. Just set it in the slow cooker, and let it cook to perfection.
Ingredients
- 1 lb chicken breasts (boneless, skinless)
- 1 cup wild rice blend
- 1 onion, diced
- 3 carrots, diced
- 3 celery stalks, diced
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 6 cups chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1/4 cup flour
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients in the Slow Cooker
Place the following ingredients into your slow cooker:
- Chicken breasts
- Wild rice
- Onion, carrots, celery, and garlic
- Chicken broth
- Thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper
Step 2: Cook the Soup
- Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours until the chicken is fully cooked and the wild rice is tender.
Step 3: Shred the Chicken
- Carefully remove the chicken breasts from the slow cooker.
- Use two forks to shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces.
- Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker.
Step 4: Make the Creamy Base
- In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
- Whisk in the flour to create a roux, cooking for 1-2 minutes to eliminate the raw flour taste.
- Gradually whisk in the heavy cream, stirring constantly until the mixture thickens.
Step 5: Combine and Finish Cooking
- Pour the cream mixture into the slow cooker, stirring well to combine with the other ingredients.
- Let the soup cook for an additional 15-20 minutes to allow it to thicken and become even creamier.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
- Ladle the soup into bowls and serve hot.
- Enjoy with a crusty piece of bread or a side of your favorite crackers for dipping.
Cooking Tips and Variations
- Make it gluten-free: Use a gluten-free flour for the roux, or simply skip the roux and add a cornstarch slurry to thicken.
- Add extra veggies: For a heartier meal, consider adding diced potatoes, mushrooms, or even chopped kale.
- Boost the flavor: Add a bay leaf while cooking for extra depth. Just be sure to remove it before serving.
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)
- Calories: Approximately 350 kcal
- Protein: 20g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fat: 18g
- Fiber: 3g
This slow cooker creamy chicken and wild rice soup is a deliciously easy way to warm up, combining simple ingredients into a flavorful, satisfying meal. Enjoy! 🍲