Slow Cooker Chicken and Wild Rice Soup Recipe 5 Easy Wins

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There’s something deeply comforting about a bowl of soup that’s been gently simmering all day—especially when that soup is Slow Cooker Chicken and Wild Rice Soup Recipe perfection. If your days are packed with work, kids, errands, and about a thousand tiny decisions, this is the kind of recipe that feels like a warm exhale at the end of the day.

This Slow Cooker Chicken and Wild Rice Soup Recipe is hearty without being heavy, creamy without being fussy, and cozy in that “your house smells amazing and everyone suddenly wanders into the kitchen” kind of way. It’s the meal you make when you want dinner to feel homemade but don’t want to hover over the stove. Been there. Still there. That’s why I love this one so much.

As someone who leans hard on her slow cooker during busy weeks, this soup has saved me more times than I can count. Toss everything in, let it do its thing, and come back to a dinner that feels like you really tried—even if you didn’t.

Why You’ll Love This Slow Cooker Chicken and Wild Rice Soup Recipe

First of all, it’s a true set-it-and-forget-it meal. The slow cooker does the heavy lifting while you handle life. Second, this soup checks all the comfort boxes:

Tender, shredded chicken that practically melts
Nutty wild rice that adds texture and heartiness
A creamy broth that feels indulgent but balanced
Veggies that make it feel wholesome and filling

This Slow Cooker Chicken and Wild Rice Soup Recipe is perfect for chilly nights, busy weekdays, or weekends when you just want something soothing bubbling away in the background. It’s also a great “make once, eat twice” situation—because leftovers? Even better the next day.

Ingredients You’ll Need (Nothing Fancy, Promise)

One of my favorite things about this Slow Cooker Chicken and Wild Rice Soup is how approachable the ingredients are. No obscure items. No special trips.

You’ll need:

Boneless, skinless chicken breasts
Chicken stock
Wild rice
Onion, carrots, and celery (the classic trio for a reason)
Garlic, thyme, rosemary, and bay leaves
Cremini mushrooms (added later for perfect texture)
Butter, flour, milk, and half-and-half for that creamy finish
Fresh parsley for a little pop at the end

If your pantry and fridge are halfway stocked, you’re probably already most of the way there.

Step-by-Step: How to Make Slow Cooker Chicken and Wild Rice Soup

Let’s keep this simple and stress-free.

Step 1: Build the Base

Season your chicken breasts with salt and pepper and place them right into your slow cooker. Add the chicken stock, wild rice, garlic, onion, carrots, celery, thyme, rosemary, and bay leaves. Give everything a gentle stir.

Pop the lid on and cook on low for 6–8 hours. This is where the magic happens.

Step 2: Add the Mushrooms

About 30 minutes before the cooking time is up, stir in the sliced mushrooms. Adding them later keeps them tender instead of rubbery. Nobody wants sad mushrooms.

Step 3: Shred the Chicken

Remove the chicken breasts and shred them using two forks. They should fall apart easily—if they don’t, they just need a little more time.

Step 4: Make It Creamy

In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for about a minute until lightly golden. Slowly whisk in the milk and half-and-half, stirring constantly until the mixture thickens slightly.

This step turns a good soup into a “can I have seconds?” soup.

Step 5: Bring It All Together

Stir the shredded chicken and creamy mixture back into the slow cooker. If the soup feels too thick, add a splash more half-and-half until it’s just right.

Taste, adjust seasoning, and serve warm with a sprinkle of parsley.

Slow Cooker Chicken and Wild Rice Soup Recipe cooking in a crockpot with shredded chicken and vegetables — This Slow Cooker Chicken and Wild Rice Soup Recipe simmers all day in the crockpot for an easy, comforting homemade meal.

Helpful Tips for the Best Slow Cooker Chicken and Wild Rice Soup

Too thick? Add more broth or half-and-half. Soup should work with you, not against you.
Too thin? Let it sit with the lid off for a bit—it’ll thicken naturally.
Wild rice takes time. Don’t swap it for white rice unless you adjust cooking times.
Creamy but not heavy. The roux keeps things smooth without weighing it down.

And yes, your kitchen will smell like a cozy hug all day long.

A Little Personal Note from My Kitchen

I first made this Slow Cooker Chicken and Wild Rice Soup Recipe during one of those weeks where everything felt loud and rushed. The slow cooker was my backup plan—again. By dinnertime, the house smelled incredible, my stress level dropped a notch, and suddenly everyone was asking, “What’s for dinner?”

That’s when I knew this recipe was a keeper. It’s calm in a bowl. And honestly, we all need more of that.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely. Chicken thighs work beautifully in Slow Cooker Chicken and Wild Rice Soup and add even more richness.

How do I store leftovers?

Store cooled soup in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. It reheats like a dream.

Can I freeze this soup?

Yes—but freeze it before adding the cream mixture. Add the dairy when reheating for the best texture.

Can I make this dairy-free?

You can swap the milk and half-and-half for unsweetened dairy-free alternatives, though the soup will be slightly less creamy.

A Cozy Ending Worth Savoring

If there’s one recipe I’d recommend keeping in your back pocket, it’s this Slow Cooker Chicken and Wild Rice Soup Recipe. It’s comforting, reliable, and exactly the kind of meal that makes busy days feel a little softer around the edges.

So grab your slow cooker, let it do the work, and enjoy a bowl of something warm, creamy, and wonderfully familiar. This Slow Cooker Chicken and Wild Rice Soup Recipe isn’t just dinner—it’s comfort you can count on.

Keep the Cozy Cooking Going

If this Slow Cooker Chicken and Wild Rice Soup Recipe warmed your heart and your kitchen, there are plenty of other comforting dishes you might enjoy next. On nights when you’re craving something extra creamy and indulgent, this creamy crockpot chicken gnocchi soup is pure comfort in a bowl. If you love a touch of sweetness balanced with savory flavors, the crockpot chicken corn chowder is cozy, filling, and always a hit. And for those busy evenings when you just want something simple and reliable, slow cooker chicken and rice never disappoints.

If you enjoy seeing how classic comfort foods come together in different kitchens, you might also love this comforting take on slow cooker chicken and wild rice soup from Damn Delicious. It’s a gentle reminder that some recipes earn their place on the table again and again—warm, familiar, and always worth making.