Looking for a meal to warm you up on a cold winter night? Try slow cooker chicken & wild rice soup. It’s a hearty comfort food that feeds 6 to 8 people. It cooks for 7 to 8 hours on LOW or 3 to 4 hours on HIGH, perfect for busy families.
This soup is not just tasty but also healthy, with about 247 calories per serving. It’s made with chicken, wild rice, and veggies like carrots, celery, and onions. Plus, it can be gluten-free, making it great for those with dietary needs.
Key Takeaways
- You can make slow cooker chicken & wild rice soup in a crockpot with minimal effort.
- This easy slow cooker chicken soup is perfect for busy families and serves 6 to 8 people.
- The cooking time is 7 to 8 hours on LOW setting or 3 to 4 hours on HIGH setting.
- The soup is healthy, with approximately 247 calories per serving and 22.2g of protein.
- You can make it gluten-free by using gluten-free ingredients.
- The recipe can be adapted for vegetarian preferences by substituting chicken with mushrooms.
Benefits of Making Slow Cooker Chicken & Wild Rice Soup
Making a healthy slow cooker soup recipe is a great way to feed your family well. One big plus is how it saves time. You can prep the ingredients in the morning and let the slow cooker cook all day. This way, you get a tasty chicken and rice soup ready when you need it.
This homemade wild rice soup is not only easy but also full of good stuff. It has about 24 grams of protein per serving. Wild rice adds about 4 grams of plant-based protein per 3-ounce serving. It’s a fantastic choice for a healthy diet.
Nutritional Advantages
- High in protein: 24 grams per serving
- Good source of fiber: 3 grams per serving
- Low in calories: approximately 320 calories per serving
Making slow cooker chicken and wild rice soup is also budget-friendly. The ingredients are cheap, and the recipe makes 8-10 servings. It’s perfect for families or those who like to meal prep. You get a healthy, tasty meal without spending a lot.
Essential Equipment and Kitchen Tools
To make delicious slow cooker chicken and wild rice soup, you’ll need some basic tools. A slow cooker, or crockpot, is key. It lets you cook the soup all day. You’ll also need a big pot for sautéing veggies and cooking chicken.
Other important tools include a wooden spoon, spatula, and whisk. These help with mixing and stirring.
Some of the key kitchen tools you will need are:
- A slow cooker or crockpot to cook the soup
- A large pot for sautéing vegetables and cooking chicken
- Utensils, such as a wooden spoon, spatula, and whisk
- Measuring cups and spoons to measure out ingredients
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Using a food processor or immersion blender can also help. They make prep and cooking easier. With the right tools, your slow cooker chicken and wild rice soup will be a hit.
Ingredients Overview
Preparing a tasty slow cooker comfort food like hearty chicken soup with wild rice needs the right ingredients. This recipe is great for families. It requires fresh parts, pantry staples, and optional extras for a rich taste.
First, you’ll need key fresh items like chicken, wild rice, and veggies like carrots, celery, and onions. These will be the base of your soup. They help other flavors come together.
Fresh Components
- 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breast
- 1 cup wild rice blend (uncooked)
- 5 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 cup yellow onion (chopped)
- ¾ cup celery (chopped)
- ¾ cup carrots (chopped)
Pantry Staples
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- 2 teaspoons sea salt (plus more to taste)
- 2 bay leaves
With these ingredients, you’re ready to make a delicious slow cooker chicken and wild rice soup. It’s perfect for a family meal.
Preparation and Chopping Guide
To make your slow cooker chicken and wild rice soup, start by chopping the veggies and cooking the chicken. This is key to making a healthy meal that tastes great.
First, chop the onions, carrots, and celery into small pieces. Don’t forget to chop the bell peppers and mushrooms if you’re using them. You can do this in the morning, making it an easy recipe for busy days.
Then, cook the chicken in a big pot until it’s browned on all sides. After that, add the chopped veggies and cook until they’re tender. This comfort food recipe is easy to make and healthy for you and your family.
By following this guide, you can make a tasty and healthy meal for any time. Whether it’s for a weeknight dinner or a comfort food to warm your heart, this slow cooker chicken and wild rice soup is a great choice.
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
To make a tasty crockpot soup, like slow cooker chicken and wild rice soup, follow a few easy steps. This recipe is great for family dinners and can be made gluten-free. Start by browning the chicken and cooking the veggies in the morning. Then, add the wild rice and let it cook all day.
The soup will take about 6-8 hours on low or 3-4 hours on high to cook. You can use this time to get ready for other dishes or do other tasks. After it’s done, season it with herbs and spices like thyme, rosemary, and bay leaves.
- Brown the chicken and cook the vegetables in the morning
- Add the wild rice and cook throughout the day
- Season the soup with herbs and spices
This recipe serves 8 people. Each serving has about 315 calories, 25g of protein, and 27g of carbs. You can enjoy it with crusty bread or a salad for a full meal. It’s also a good choice for families with gluten-free needs.
Making Your Soup Richer and Creamier
To make your slow cooker chicken and wild rice soup better, add some ingredients that are easy to use. Heavy cream or half-and-half can be added to make the soup richer and creamier. This will also enhance the flavor of the dish.
Adding different cheeses, like cheddar or parmesan, is another great idea. These cheeses melt into the soup, making it smooth and creamy. For an even more satisfying meal, try adding a can of condensed cream of chicken soup. It adds both creaminess and flavor.
Here are some tips to make your soup even richer and creamier:
* Add 1/4 cup of heavy cream or half-and-half towards the end of the cooking time
* Mix in 1/2 cup of shredded cheese, such as cheddar or parmesan, until melted and well combined
* Use a can of condensed cream of chicken soup to add depth and richness to the soup
By using these ingredients and tips, you can make a delicious slow cooker chicken and wild rice soup. It’s easy to make and perfect for any occasion.
Dietary Modifications and Substitutions
Making a healthy meal like slow cooker chicken and wild rice soup is key. It’s important to think about dietary changes and swaps. This way, you can make it fit different needs and tastes. It’s a comfort food that’s easy to adjust.
To make it healthier, start by swapping out some ingredients. For example, you can use brown rice or quinoa instead of wild rice. This is good for those who can’t eat gluten. Also, choose gluten-free broth and spices to make it right for a gluten-free diet.
Gluten-Free Options
- Replace wild rice with brown rice or quinoa
- Use gluten-free broth and spices
- Opt for gluten-free seasoning blends
Dairy-Free Alternatives
- Substitute heavy cream or half-and-half with non-dairy milk like almond or soy milk
- Use dairy-free cheese options like vegan cheddar or parmesan
Vegetable Variations
- Add or substitute vegetables like carrots, celery, or mushrooms to suit your taste preferences
- Experiment with different spices and herbs to enhance the flavor of the dish
With these changes, you can enjoy a tasty and comforting slow cooker chicken and wild rice soup. It will fit your dietary needs perfectly.
Storage and Reheating Tips
Storing and reheating your slow cooker chicken and wild rice soup is key to keeping it tasty. Let it cool down, then refrigerate or freeze it. This meal is great for family dinners and stays good for up to 3 days in the fridge or 3 months in the freezer.
To reheat, thaw it in the fridge overnight. Then, heat it up in the microwave or on the stovetop. You can also warm it in the slow cooker on low for 1-2 hours. This way, the soup stays hearty and flavorful, pleasing your family.
Here are some extra tips for storing and reheating your soup:
- Use airtight containers to keep it fresh.
- Mark and date the containers for easy tracking.
- Heat the soup to 165°F (74°C) for safety.
By following these tips, you can enjoy your slow cooker chicken and wild rice soup. It’s safe and stays delicious, perfect for family dinners.
| Storage Method | Storage Time |
|---|---|
| Refrigerate | Up to 3 days |
| Freeze | Up to 3 months |
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Now that you know how to make slow cooker chicken and wild rice soup, you’re ready to fix any problems. If the rice is too mushy, try adding more liquid or cooking it for less time. If the flavors don’t match your taste, tweak the herbs and spices.
If the soup seems too thick, add more broth or water. This will help you get the right consistency. With these tips, you can enjoy a delicious, comforting meal without any hassle.
This slow cooker recipe is not only tasty but also healthy. Each serving has 351 calories, 22 grams of protein, and 3 grams of fiber. It’s a great choice for a cozy, nutritious meal that everyone will love. So, when you’re in the mood for a hearty chicken soup with wild rice, this recipe is perfect.