Chicken Wild Rice Soup

My winter comfort collection wouldn't be complete without this heartwarming mix of chewy wild rice and juicy chicken. The blend of real wild rice, moist chicken pieces, and crisp veggies creates a thick, velvety comfort bowl that fills your home with tempting smells while it bubbles away in the crockpot all day long.

I stumbled on this dish ages ago, and now it's what I always cook when the grandkids stop by. Nothing makes me happier than seeing their excited faces when they catch that first whiff, and those moments around the table with steam rising from our bowls on chilly nights are just priceless.

Key Ingredients Breakdown

• Wild rice: Gives that earthy, nutty taste. Go for shiny, unbroken dark grains. Don't grab those mixed packets - they won't give you the right bite
• Chicken breasts: Need to be fresh and plump. They don't have to be fancy, though organic works great if you can swing it
• Carrots, celery, and onions: These build your flavor base. Pick firm veggies without any soft or mushy spots
• Chicken broth: Makes everything taste better. Grab the low-sodium kind so you can control how salty things get
• Whole milk: Adds that creamy goodness. The fat helps keep everything smooth during cooking
• Butter: Stick with unsalted so you can season things your way
• All-purpose flour: This is your ticket to that smooth, silky texture everyone loves

Putting It All Together

Getting Started:

Give your wild rice a good rinse under cold water until it runs clear, which gets rid of any dust or extra starch.

Foundation Layer:

Dump your cleaned rice, raw chicken, and freshly chopped veggies into your crockpot.

Adding Flavor:

Pour chicken broth over everything and sprinkle in your seasonings, making sure they're evenly mixed.

The Waiting Game:

Turn on your crockpot and let everything get friendly for the next few hours.

Creamy Transformation:

Whip up a smooth, buttery roux that'll take your soup to the next level.

Bringing It Together:

Mix everything into one perfect bowl of comfort food heaven.

I've got a soft spot for wild rice among all the ingredients here. I first tried it during a Minnesota trip way back when, and it completely changed how I think about comfort food. The whole family loves how it stays pleasantly chewy even after sitting in the crockpot for hours.

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Delightful Companions

Make this hearty bowl even better by adding some tasty sides. Nothing beats tearing off chunks of crusty sourdough to soak up that creamy goodness. When friends come over for dinner, I love watching them dip bread into their bowls and enjoy every last drop.

Make It Your Own

This soup welcomes all kinds of tweaks. Want something lighter? Swap in unsweetened almond milk and try cauliflower rice instead. Looking for more protein? Toss in some chunky mushrooms. My daughter doesn't eat meat, so I use chickpeas when she visits, and it turns out amazing every time no matter what changes we make.

Storing Leftovers

The soup actually tastes even better the next day as all the flavors get cozier together. Pop it in a sealed container and keep it in the fridge for up to four days. When you're ready for round two, you might need to add a splash more broth to thin it out. Just warm it up slowly and stir now and then so the rice doesn't stick to your pot.

Changing With The Seasons

Your soup can change clothes with the weather. Summertime? Throw in fresh corn and garden herbs. Fall cooking calls for chunks of butternut squash with sage. Winter's the perfect time for hearty root veggies like parsnips. And when spring rolls around, try adding sweet peas and tender asparagus tips. Each season brings its own special touch.

Good-For-You Goodness

This bowl packs chicken for protein, wild rice for complex carbs, and colorful veggies loaded with vitamins. Everything comes together to make a complete meal that'll keep you feeling full and energized all evening long.

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I've made this soup countless times, and I've learned that taking it slow really pays off. The magic happens when everything bubbles together unhurried. Whenever I ladle this up for family or company, it brings more than just food to the table. It's become one of those special dishes that tells our family story - cozy nights by the fire, holiday gatherings, and just sharing good food with people we care about.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ How do I freeze this soup?

This soup freezes well for up to 3 months. Just let it cool fully and store in airtight containers. The rice texture may shift a little, but the flavor stays great.

→ What can I use instead of wild rice?

Swap the wild rice with a blend or regular long-grain rice. Just watch cooking times since wild rice takes longer to soften.

→ Can I make this without dairy?

Sure thing! Replace butter with olive oil and use unsweetened milk alternatives like almond or coconut milk. You'll get a lighter version but it's still tasty!

→ How long does it last in the fridge?

Store it in a sealed container and it stays good in the fridge for 4-5 days. If the rice absorbs too much broth, just add a splash when reheating.

→ Can I cook this on high heat?

Yep! You can set it on high for 3-4 hours, but for the richest flavors and texture, low heat for 7-8 hours is better.