When life gets busy or a chill hits the air, you can rely on the trusty 6qt slow cooker to create a warm, inviting meal that practically cooks itself. This Creamy Chicken & Wild Rice Comfort Soup is proof that a little prep time and the magic of slow cooking can bring about a satisfying dish the whole family will adore.
Ingredients
- 1½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup wild rice, rinsed
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup chopped carrots
- 1 cup chopped celery
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- 1 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup half-and-half (or milk for a lighter option)
- 2 tablespoons butter (optional, for extra richness)
Instructions
Begin by placing the chicken, wild rice, broth, carrots, celery, and onion in your 6qt slow cooker. Sprinkle in the thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper, then give everything a quick stir to distribute the seasonings evenly.
Secure the lid and set the slow cooker on low for about 6 hours (or on high for 3–4 hours). About 15 minutes before you’re ready to eat, carefully remove the chicken, shred or chop it into bite-sized pieces, and return it to the pot. Stir in the half-and-half (and butter, if desired) for a creamy finish. Allow the soup to warm through with the lid loosely on for the final few minutes, letting the flavors meld together.
As soon as it’s piping hot, ladle your Creamy Chicken & Wild Rice Comfort Soup into bowls, garnish with fresh herbs or another sprinkle of pepper, and serve with warmed bread or crackers.
Your home will be filled with an enticing aroma that’s sure to draw everyone to the table.
This meal is perfect for cozy evenings or when you’re entertaining a crowd—your 6qt slow cooker has plenty of space to feed a hungry family or to stock your fridge with leftovers. The soup is also flexible: use brown rice if you don’t have wild, or swap out the chicken for turkey or extra veggies to suit meat-free diets.
With its comforting texture and wholesome ingredients, this Creamy Chicken & Wild Rice Comfort Soup strikes the right balance of hearty and healthy. Grab your ladle and let the slow cooker take care of the rest!
Nathaniel Lee is an avid cook, drawing on his decades of home cooking and fine dining experience. He is a contributing chef at Mashed, and his recipes and contributions have been featured in Tasting Table, Edible Arrangements, Insanely Good Recipes, and The Daily Meal.
