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Luxuriously creamy and deeply savory, comfort food doesn’t get easier—or more satisfying—than this Cream of Chicken and Wild Rice Soup. Featuring juicy chicken breast, nutty wild rice, tender-crisp veggies, and savory bacon in a rich, creamy broth it’s the kind of soup recipe that warms you from the inside out. Best of all, the trusty crock pot or slow cooker does all the heavy lifting!

“I’ve tried a myriad of crockpot creamy chicken and wild rice soups and this one is by far the best! I stumbled across it last year and made it twice. Now that soup season is in full bloom, I will definitely be making this a few times this season. Thank you so much for sharing this quality recipe!”

– Laura
Overhead action photo of a spoon scooping crock pot creamy chicken wild rice soup from a white bowl.

Update: This recipe was originally published in January 2019. I made updates to the article below to include more information about making this creamy wild rice soup with chicken in the crock pot. 

Hil, friends! If you’re craving something super cozy, deeply flavorful, and unbelievably easy too, meet your new favorite soup recipe:

Table of Contents

About this slow cooker creamy chicken wild rice soup

Imagine tucking your spoon into a steamy bowl with tender chunks of chicken breast, nutty grains of wild rice, crisp pieces of savory bacon, and tender bits of aromatic veggies—all mingling together in a creamy, herb-infused broth. Warm, velvety, and soul-hugging, it’s honestly the kind of recipe that makes you look forward to dinner all day long.

Best of all, just dump the ingredients into the crockpot, let it slow cook, and come back to the creamiest chicken wild rice soup imaginable. Thick, cozy, and deeply satisfying, this crockpot favorite delivers BIG flavor with barely any effort.

Just don’t be surprised when your slow cooker becomes your favorite appliance.

Why you’ll love this recipe

Hearty, homey, and unquestionably delectable, this crockpot cream of chicken and wild rice soup recipe is also:

  • Creamy and Hearty. With the perfect balance of cheesy broth, tender white meat chicken, a bevy of veggies, and plenty of whole grains to round it out, this creamy chicken and wild rice soup recipe is the definition of comfort food.
  • Depth of Delicious Flavor. Savory chicken, earthy rice, sweet veggies, rich cream, fresh herbs, and a slow cooking process for a “simmered all day” taste.
  • Hands Off Cooking. Just toss everything into the crock pot and let it do its magical thing. In other words, this chicken and rice soup recipe is ideal for hectic weeknights.
  • Mostly Pantry Ingredients. Most items are everyday staples like carrots, celery, chicken broth, wild rice, and chicken breasts.
  • Crowd-Pleasing. Luxurious, comforting, family-friendly, and customizable for a lick-the-bowl type of yummy soup everyone will love. 

If you’re looking for more cozy chicken soup recipes, be sure to try these fan-favorites next: Chicken Black Beans Soup, Thai Chicken Soup Slow Cooker, Tortellini Soup with Chicken, and this recipe for Rotisserie Chicken Noodle Soup.

Recipe testimonials!

Here’s what readers are saying about this wild rice chicken soup recipe:

  • “This is the best thing I’ve made ever. I was a little wary but I wanted to make something new to get out of our dinner rut. This recipe is a game changer. It makes a lot so being just my fiancé and I, I know I will have leftovers for days and I honestly am so excited. It is very filling but even when I’m full I’m thinking about how great it will be when I’m hungry again and get to eat more soup!!!” – Miranda
  • “Just made your soup and it was so good and so very easy to make.” – Diane
Close-up photo of uncooked wild rice grains.

Ingredients for crock pot creamy chicken wild rice soup

  • Fresh Garlic Cloves. For an aromatic depth of flavor. Swap: 1 teaspoon of garlic powder.
  • Parmesan Cheese. You’ll need the rind to flavor your broth and the cheese for the soup.
  • Mirepoix (i.e. Yellow Onion, Carrots, and Celery). Also known as the Holy Trinity of French cooking, forms the classic aromatic base.
  • Fresh Thyme Leaves. For earthy, warm, and lemony vibes. Swap: ⅓ as much dry thyme.
  • Dried Sage and Dried Rosemary. Provides hearty, earthy flavor. Swap: Use 3x the amount of fresh herbs.
  • Low-Sodium Chicken Stock. Use bouillon cubes for the most flavor or chicken broth in a pinch.
  • Dry White Wine. While optional, it does add a lovely depth and complexity to the broth.
  • Cream Cheese. For a touch of tangy creaminess and a silky mouthfeel. Swap: Use Neufchatel cheese for a slightly lighter soup.
  • Half and Half. Made from a 50/50 blend of whole milk and heavy cream, it’s perfect for toeing the line between rich and wholesome. Swap: Use heavy cream for a richer mouthfeel or swap in whole milk for a thinner soup. 
  • Cornstarch. For thickening the broth. Swap: An equal amount of arrowroot powder or potato starch. Alternatively, unflavored instant mashed potato flakes also work for thickening.
  • Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts. Use chicken breasts if you prefer a lean flavor. Swap: Use boneless skinless chicken thighs if you prefer richer flavor. Or, use shredded rotisserie chicken (remove skin), just add it during the last 20 minutes of cooking.
  • Bacon. Bacon and wild rice are a match made in heaven. Swap: Feel free to use pancetta or turkey bacon instead.
  • Uncooked Wild Rice. Grab real or cultivated wild rice, not a wild rice blend for the best nutty flavor and chewy texture. And, look for blends without seasoning packets.

Recipe variations

There’s always room for you to make any of my recipes your own. Below are a few delicious variations worth considering:

  • Pheasant Wild Rice Soup. If you’ve never had pheasant before, it actually tastes surprisingly similar to chicken. 
  • Corn-Free. You can make a roux by cooking all purpose flour in some butter and thinning it out with half and half before adding it to the slow cooker. Other options include tapioca starch, arrowroot flour, potato starch, or instant potato flakes.
  • Dairy-Free. Use plant-based cream cheese, unsweetened vegan creamer (e.g. oat, soy, or coconut milk), and your favorite dairy-free parmesan alternative.
  • Pork-Free. Swap in turkey bacon or vegan bacon bits.
  • Extra Veggie Twist. Stir in sauteed mushrooms, baby spinach, or torn kale during the end of cooking for extra flavor.
  • Cream of Chicken Style. Swap a small amount of the broth for a little cream of chicken soup for a nostalgic taste. Or, blend a portion of the soup for extra thickness. 

If you’ve got leftover wild rice, put it to good use in this recipe: Wild Rice Salad with Squash or Sausage Filled Acorn Squash with Wild Rice and Apples.

Action photo of chicken broth being poured into a crockpot containing raw cubed chicken, dry wild rice grains, and chopped veggies.

chef expert tips for perfect results every time

  • Use Real Wild Rice. When choosing wild rice for soup, be sure to use real wild rice rather than a blend. I’ve found that most “wild rice blends” are woefully short on actual wild rice and plentiful in cheaper grains which don’t hold up well to slow cooking.
  • Use Stock to Taste. If you want a thinner soup, you can use 5 1/2 cups of chicken stock. However, I recommend sticking with 5 cups of stock because you can always thin the soup out later, if desired.
  • Slow Cooking. The cooking times in this chicken wild rice soup crockpot recipe are approximate. The exact cooking time depends on the strength and size of your slow cooker.
  • Stir Occasionally. Especially towards the end of cooking to prevent the wild rice from sticking to the bottom of the crockpot.
  • Don’t Rush Thickening. Add the slurry, whisk well, and give it time to do its thickening magic. 
  • Avoid Overcooking. Check on the rice after about 4 hours of cooking on low. Every slow cooker runs differently, so use your best judgement.
  • Add Cream at the End. This prevents curdling or separating and keeps the soup silky.
  • Taste Before Serving. Wild rice and heavy cream require salt and the saltiness also depends upon your stock or broth. Be sure to give the soup a taste and adjust the seasoning to suit your preference before serving.
  • Garnish Well. Remember, you eat with your eyes first. A flurry of fresh herbs, a generous sprinkle of freshly grated parmesan cheese, and a few cracks of black pepper can take your soup from ho-hum to oh-yum!
Action photo of a wooden spoon stirring chicken and wild rice soup in a slow cooker.

FAQs: frequently asked questions

Below you’ll find the most common questions and answers about making this recipe. If you have a question you’d like answered, please drop it in the comments section below!

Can I use rotisserie chicken?

Yes, you can. Be sure to remove and discard the skin then use two forks to shred chicken meat. Next, just stir the cooked chicken into the slow cooker during the last 20 to 30 minutes to avoid overcooking it.

What’s the best cut of chicken to use?

That depends upon your personal preferences. Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are great if you prefer white meat and thighs add more richness. I recommend using what you love.

Can I use cooked rice instead of uncooked?

You can. However, you’ll need to play around with the recipe as it was developed for dry rice. I recommend you start with significantly reducing the broth (to about 1½ cups). And then be sure to just stir cooked rice into the soup during the last 10 to 20 minutes of cooking.

Can I use a wild rice blend?

I recommend sticking with wild rice. Unfortunately, the blends can vary greatly and typically contain very little wild rice. Plus, they cook faster and soften more than pure wild rice.

Will wild rice get fully tender in the slow cooker?

It sure will. Wild rice needs time to cook through and become tender, making it ideal for a slow cooker and crockpot.

Can I add mushrooms?

Absolutely! They add great umami flavor and pair perfectly with wild rice.

Why is my crockpot creamy chicken and wild rice soup too thick?

Wild rice will absorb the soup liquid as it sits and during storage. Just add more broth to thin the soup back out to your desired consistency.

How do I keep the soup from getting too thick?

This is a thick and creamy style soup. However, if you prefer a thinner soup, just stir in more warm broth or stock before serving.

Can I cook the cream of chicken wild rice soup on high instead of low?

You’re always free to do whatever you’d like. However, for the best results I recommend cooking this cream of chicken wild rice soup on low heat versus the high setting. 

Can I make this ahead of time?

This chicken and wild rice crock pot soup reheats great, so leftovers are perfect for grab-and-go meals. Just note that it thickens during storage so you’ll want to add a splash or two of broth, stock, milk, or cream to loosen it up when reheating.

Close-up photo of creamy chicken wild rice soup with veggies and bacon.

Serving this crockpot chicken and wild rice soup recipe

  • Garnishes Galore. Make it a feast for the senses by serving the soup in warm bowls and topping with a flurry of fresh parsley and thyme leaves, grated parmesan cheese, and cracked pepper for a pop of color and flavor. And if you’re into crunch (because who isn’t!?), consider scattering some baby Italian croutons, oyster crackers, or crispy onions over the top.
  • Serve with Bread. Pair with crusty sourdough bread, fluffy dinner rolls, the best garlic clove toast, breadsticks, flakey biscuits, or warm cornbread for dunking.
  • Alongside Salad. Balance the richness of this wild rice chicken soup with a simple vinaigrette dressed salad, chopped Italian salad, or warm kale salad.
  • Pair with Veggies. For a hearty, yet wholesome meal, serve alongside your favorite roasted veggies, like roasted mushrooms and onions.

Unique serving options

  • Bread Bowl Style. Ladle the warm soup into hollowed out bread boules for a cozy, edible presentation.
  • Garnish with Oil or Pesto. Drizzle the top with an herb-infused oil or dollop with arugula pesto sauce or fresh basil pesto for a burst of bright flavor.
  • Ladle over Potatoes. Make it a meal of pure comfort by serving the cream of chicken wild rice soup over a bed of rustic, skin-on mashed potatoes or whipped sweet potatoes.
  • Pair with Grilled Cheese or Panini. Pair with a buttery grilled cheese or hearty panini sandwich for a cozy dinner.

Storing leftovers

  • Refrigerator Storage: Allow any leftover crockpot chicken and wild rice soup to cool completely before transferring to in an airtight container. Then store in the fridge for up to 4 to 5 days.
    • To reheat the leftovers, use a saucepan on the stovetop or your microwave.
  • Freezing Instructions: Unfortunately, cream of chicken wild rice soup does not freeze well because the half-and-half (or milk/cream) becomes grainy upon thawing and the wild rice will turn to mush.
    • However, you can work ahead of time and freeze the uncooked wild rice, veggies, spices, and chicken together in a large, freezer-safe, zip-closure bag for up to 6 months. That way, when you are ready to make this chicken and wild rice soup crock pot recipe, all you have to do is pop the contents of the bag into the slow cooker with some chicken stock and a bit of white wine and cook it according to the recipe directions!
Close-up action photo of a spoon lifting creamy chicken and wild rice from a soup bowl.

Rich, hearty, and deeply satisfying with minimal hands-on time, this slow cooker creamy chicken wild rice soup is the definition of effortless comfort food. With a soul-satisfying blend of tender chicken, nutty rice, savory bacon, and a creamy broth that feels like a hug in a bowl, this recipe for cream of chicken wild rice soup never fails to impress. 

I hope you try it out next time you’re craving something cozy! But, don’t forget to come back and leave a review or tag me on social media — I truly love cheering you on in the kitchen! 

Cheyanne

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More creamy and hearty chicken soups!

If you love this chicken wild rice soup crock pot recipe, try these yummy soups next:

Overhead photo of a bowl of creamy chicken wild rice soup made in the slow cooker.

Slow Cooker Chicken Wild Rice Soup

5 from 8 votes
Author: Cheyanne Holzworth
Total Time: 3 hours 45 minutes
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 3 hours 30 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Luxuriously creamy and deeply savory, comfort food doesn't get easier—or more satisfying—than this Chicken and Wild Rice Soup. Featuring juicy chicken breast, nutty wild rice, tender-crisp veggies, and savory bacon in a rich, creamy broth it's the kind of soup recipe that warms you from the inside out. Best of all, the trusty crock pot or slow cooker does all the heavy lifting!

Equipment

  • 1 Crock Pot or Slow Cooker

Ingredients 

  • 1 pound Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts – cut into bite size pieces or 1 ½’’ cubes
  • to taste Kosher Salt & Ground Black Pepper
  • 8 ounces Bacon – cooked & crumbled
  • 1 Cup Uncooked Wild Rice – rinsed (SEE NOTES)
  • 4 cloves Garlic – peeled & minced
  • 1/2 cup Grated Parmesan – plus more for garnish; and the Parmesan Rind
  • 1 small Yellow Onion – peeled & diced
  • 2 large Carrots – peeled & diced
  • 2 large Ribs Celery – diced
  • 1 Tablespoons Fresh Thyme Leaves – plus more for garnish
  • ½ tsp EACH: Dried Sage & Dried Rosemary
  • 5 -5 ½ Cups Low-Sodium Chicken Stock – to taste
  • 1 Cup Dry White Wine OPTIONAL
  • 4 ounces Cream Cheese – at room temperature & cut into small cubes
  • 1 ½ Cups Half and Half (SEE NOTES)
  • ¼ Cup Cornstarch
  • Optional Garnishes: Freshly Grated Parmesan Cheese, Chopped Fresh Parsley

Instructions

  • Season Chicken Breasts: Place the chicken breasts on a clean work surface and season both sides generously with salt and pepper.
    Transfer the chicken to the bowl of a 6 quart slow cooker or crockpot.
  • Add Ingredients to Crock Pot: To the crockpot with the chicken, add half of the bacon, all the rice, garlic, parmesan rind, onions, carrots, celery, thyme, sage, rosemary, stock and wine (if using).
    Season everything with salt and pepper to taste. Then, stir everything to combine. 
  • Cover and Slow Cook: Cover the crockpot and cook on LOW for 4 ½- 5 hours. (SEE NOTES)
    (Tip: The chicken and rice will continue to cook in next steps – do not cook the chicken and rice to completion!!)
  • Add Cheeses: Remove the lid of the crockpot. Then, remove and discard parmesan rind (optional – you can leave it if you want).
    Add the cubes of cream cheese and the grated parmesan cheese to the slow cooker.
    Add Slurry: In a large 2-4 cup glass measure, combine the half and half with the cornstarch. Use a whisk to stir until well combined.
    Pour the cornstarch mixture (slurry) into the slow cooker and then stir to combine.
  • Cover and Slow Cook: Cover the crockpot again and cook on HIGH for 30 minutes to 1 hour, or until the cream cheese is melted, the chicken is cooked, and rice is tender.
  • Add Bacon, Adjust to Taste: When the soup is done slow cooking, stir in the remaining crispy cooked bacon.
    Taste the soup and adjust for seasoning with salt, pepper or additional half and half if you like a thinner soup.
  • Garnish and Serve Creamy Chicken Wild Rice Soup: Divide the chicken wild rice soup among bowls and garnish with fresh herbs and more grated parmesan cheese if using. Enjoy warm, immediately.

Notes

  • Wild Rice: This recipe calls for real or cultivated wild rice, not a wild rice blend! The texture of wild rice in this soup is so much better than a wild rice blend!
  • Stock: If you want a thinner soup, you can use 5 1/2 cups of chicken stock.  However, I recommend sticking with 5 cups of stock.  You can always thin the soup out later with half-and-half or more stock if desired. 
  • Half-and-Half: While I used half-and-half to cut some calories and fat, you can absolutely use heavy cream if you prefer richer mouthfeel.
  • Slow Cooking Times: The exact cooking time depends on the strength of your slow cooker or crock pot.
  • Slow Cooking: While you can cook the soup on high, I recommend sticking with low for the best results. However, if if a pinch, cook covered on high for 2 ½ – 3 hours.
  • To make freezer-friendly creamy chicken and wild rice soup:  Freeze the uncooked wild rice, veggies, spices and chicken together in a large, freezer-safe, zip-closure bag.  When you are ready to make the soup all you have to do is pop the contents of the bag into the slow cooker with some chicken stock, a bit of white wine and cook according to the recipe directions!
  • Need to Scale the Recipe? Hover your mouse over the number of servings in the recipe card. You’ll see a sliding scale pop up, you can use that to scale the recipe up or down as needed.
  • Got questions? I’ve got answers! If you ever run into an issue, have a question, or need any clarification – please feel free to drop them in the comments section. I’m happy to help when I can! 
Nutritional information is provided as a courtesy and the nutrition facts are an estimate based upon 6 servings. Exact information will depend upon the brands of ingredients and precise measurements used.

Nutrition

Calories: 548kcal    Carbohydrates: 36g    Protein: 33g    Fat: 27g    Saturated Fat: 11g    Polyunsaturated Fat: 3g    Monounsaturated Fat: 10g    Trans Fat: 0.1g    Cholesterol: 104mg    Sodium: 682mg    Potassium: 774mg    Fiber: 3g    Sugar: 6g    Vitamin A: 4409IU    Vitamin C: 6mg    Calcium: 240mg    Iron: 2mg
Course: entree, Soup
Cuisine: American

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Overhead photo of cream of chicken wild rice soup made with onions, celery, carrots, and bacon.