This Crock Pot chicken and wild rice soup is a hearty slow cooker recipe made with tender chicken, vegetables, wild rice, and aromatic herbs. It’s perfect for weeknight dinners, meal prep, cold-weather meals, and family-friendly cooking. This easy slow cooker soup delivers rich flavor, simple preparation, and reliable results, making it a great choice for comforting homemade soups throughout the season.

Ingredients

1 lb chicken breasts
1 small onion or large shallot, minced
2 carrots, thinly sliced (about 1 cup)
2 ribs celery, thinly sliced
2 garlic cloves, minced or pressed
1 1/2 teaspoons salt
1/2 teaspoon pepper
1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
1/4 teaspoon ground sage
Small pinch of dried rosemary, crushed
1–2 bay leaves
2 Tablespoons butter
6 cups chicken broth
3/4 cup Wild Blend Rice (Lundberg Farms recommended)

Table of Contents

Directions

Add all ingredients to a 6-quart crock pot.
Cook on LOW for about 4 hours, or until the chicken is fully cooked and the rice is tender.
Remove the chicken, shred it, then return it to the soup.
Stir well and serve. The soup will thicken slightly as it cools.

Tips

If the soup becomes too thick, add warm chicken broth to adjust consistency.
For a richer texture, stir in a tablespoon of butter just before serving.
Chop vegetables uniformly so they cook evenly.
Crushing the rosemary enhances its flavor without overpowering the soup.
Avoid using quick-cooking rice—it will break down during slow cooking.

Variations and Substitutions

Protein: Use rotisserie chicken and reduce cook time, or substitute turkey.
Rice: Swap wild blend rice with long-grain brown rice. Avoid white rice (it gets mushy).
Vegetarian: Replace chicken broth with vegetable broth and use chickpeas instead of chicken.
Creamy version: Stir in 1/2 cup heavy cream or coconut milk at the end of cooking.
Herbs: Add fresh thyme or parsley before serving for a brighter flavor.

FAQs

Can I cook this on HIGH?
Yes—cook for about 2 to 2 1/2 hours, but LOW gives better texture.

Can I freeze this soup?
It freezes well, though the rice softens slightly when reheated.

Does the rice need to be cooked first?
No, it cooks directly in the crock pot.

How do I prevent the rice from absorbing too much liquid?
Add extra broth when reheating, as wild rice continues to soak up liquid.

Serving Suggestions

Serve with crusty bread, garlic toast, or gluten-free rolls.
Pair with a green salad for a complete meal.
Add a squeeze of lemon before serving for a fresh finish.
Top with chopped parsley or green onions for color and flavor.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simple, dump-and-go slow cooker method.
Comforting, hearty, and packed with vegetables.
Naturally gluten-free and easy to adapt.
Great for meal prep and makes excellent leftovers.
Balanced, warming flavors perfect for cold weather or busy weeknights.