Crockpot Chicken Wild Rice Soup

This is a hearty, creamy soup made in a Crockpot (or Instant Pot) that combines tender chicken thighs, a wild rice blend, sweet potatoes, and classic vegetables in a rich, seasoned broth. A milk-based roux is added at the end for creaminess. It’s comforting, easy, and perfect for cold weather.

There’s something undeniably soothing about a bowl of hot, creamy soup on a cold day and this Crockpot Creamy Chicken Wild Rice Sweet Potato Soup delivers comfort in every spoonful. Packed with tender chicken thighs, a nutty wild rice blend, and sweet potatoes that melt into the broth, this soup is hearty, nutritious, and effortlessly delicious.

Full Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs (or breasts, see note)

• 1 cup uncooked wild rice blend (Lundberg recommended)

• ½ cup diced yellow onion (1 onion)

• ¾ cup each of diced carrots & celery

• 2 tsp minced garlic

• 1 cup diced sweet potato
  Directions:

  1. Add to Crockpot: Place chicken, wild rice, onion, carrots, celery, garlic, sweet potato, chicken broth, and all seasonings into a 6-quart Crockpot. Stir to combine.

  2. Cook:

     • On LOW for 5–8 hours

     • Or HIGH for 3.5–5 hours
       (Chicken should be tender and rice cooked)

  3. Make Cream Sauce:
     In a small pot, melt 8 tbsp butter. Whisk in ½ cup + 2 tbsp flour and cook 1 minute. Slowly whisk in 2 cups milk until thickened.

  4. Shred Chicken: Remove chicken from the Crockpot, shred it with two forks, then return it to the soup.

  5. Stir in Cream: Add the thickened milk mixture to the soup and stir well. Remove bay leaves. Adjust seasoning or add more milk if needed.

  6. Serve: Garnish with herbs if desired. Serve hot with bread or salad.

     Crockpot Creamy Chicken Wild Rice Sweet Potato Soup: Comfort in a Bowl

     When the chill of fall creeps in and winter settles across the landscape, there’s nothing more comforting than wrapping your hands around a warm bowl of soup. It’s a universal comfort food soul-soothing, nourishing, and evocative of home. One recipe that has gained popularity for good reason is the Crockpot Creamy Chicken Wild Rice Sweet Potato Soup. This delightful dish brings together tender chicken, a nutty wild rice blend, hearty vegetables, and a luxurious cream finish. It’s the kind of meal that turns an ordinary day into something special, especially when it simmers away effortlessly in your slow cooker.

     In this article, we’ll explore why this soup has become a seasonal favorite for so many home cooks. From its flavor depth and nutritional balance to its ease of preparation and meal-prep friendliness, there’s a lot more going on in this humble bowl than meets the eye.

     A Soup That Tells a Story

     This particular recipe stands out because it carries a certain narrative: modern comfort meets rustic tradition. Inspired by hearty Midwestern dishes and classic chicken wild rice soup, it adds a clever twist sweet potatoes. This addition introduces subtle sweetness and a creamy, starchy body that elevates the entire dish without overpowering it.

     By using a slow cooker, this soup taps into the modern need for convenience while delivering on deep, developed flavor. It allows the ingredients to marry over several hours, creating a depth that’s difficult to replicate through quicker methods. The result is a soup that tastes like it’s been simmering on a farmhouse stove all day, but with minimal effort.

     Flavor & Texture: A Layered Experience

     This soup thrives on layers of flavor and texture. The wild rice blend offers a firm bite and a slightly nutty undertone, perfectly contrasting with the creaminess of the base. Unlike white rice, which can turn mushy in soups, wild rice holds its shape and provides a satisfying chew.

     The chicken thighs (or breasts, if you prefer leaner cuts) bring succulence and protein-rich satisfaction. As the meat slow-cooks, it becomes tender enough to shred easily with a fork, enriching the broth with its juices.

     And then there’s the sweet potato arguably the soul of the dish. Not only does it lend a lovely golden hue, but it also softens into velvety bites that complement the rice’s firmness. Combined with the classic mirepoix (onion, carrot, and celery), these ingredients provide a solid foundation, adding subtle sweetness and depth to the broth.

     The final flourish comes from a roux-based cream mixture added near the end. It thickens the broth without making it heavy, and adds a smooth, silky texture that makes every spoonful indulgent.

     Seasonal Appeal: A Perfect Cold-Weather Companion

     While this soup can certainly be enjoyed year-round, it truly shines during the fall and winter months. Its warm, creamy profile and hearty ingredients make it ideal for cold nights, snow days, and even holiday gatherings.

     Sweet potatoes, often associated with autumn harvests, pair wonderfully with the herbaceous notes of thyme, sage, and bay leaf in the broth. The soup feels festive without being fussy perfect for a casual Thanksgiving weekend meal or a post-Christmas dinner wind-down.

     Many cooks love to use this soup as a vehicle for leftover holiday turkey or to repurpose roasted veggies. Its forgiving nature and compatibility with seasonal produce make it a flexible mainstay through the colder months.

     Nourishment in Every Bite

     Beyond flavor and comfort, this soup also scores well on the nutrition scale. It’s balanced and satisfying, making it a smart choice for families or anyone aiming to eat a little better without giving up indulgence.

     • Protein: Chicken provides lean protein, crucial for muscle repair and satiety.

     • Complex carbs: Wild rice and sweet potatoes are packed with fiber, B vitamins, and sustained energy.

     • Vegetables: Carrots, celery, onions, and garlic add antioxidants, vitamins, and essential minerals.

     • Healthy fats: While the recipe does include butter, it’s used moderately and paired with whole milk instead of heavy cream, helping strike a balance between richness and calorie-consciousness.

     For those with dietary concerns, the soup can be modified easily. Gluten-free flour can replace traditional flour for those with celiac disease. Plant-based milk and butter substitutes can be used to create a dairy-free or vegan version (with chickpeas replacing the chicken, for example). It’s adaptable to a range of needs without losing its comforting essence.

     Versatility & Customization

     One of the most appealing aspects of this recipe is how adaptable it is. Don’t have sweet potatoes? Try butternut squash. Want to add leafy greens? Stir in kale or spinach during the last 10 minutes. Prefer a thinner broth? Simply add more milk or broth after mixing in the cream sauce.

     The protein can also be swapped leftover turkey, shredded rotisserie chicken, or even cooked sausage all work beautifully. The soup even welcomes creative additions like mushrooms, corn, or cannellini beans. It’s a great recipe for using up odds and ends in your fridge, especially after a holiday.

     Make-Ahead Friendly & Freezer-Worthy

     This soup is as practical as it is delicious. Because it makes a generous batch, it’s ideal for meal prep. It keeps well in the refrigerator for 3-4 days and actually tastes better the next day as the flavors continue to develop.

     Freezing is also a breeze. Simply let the soup cool, portion it into airtight containers or freezer bags, and store for up to 3 months. When reheating, do so gently over low heat, and stir in a splash of milk to restore its creamy texture. This makes it an excellent option for busy weeks or unexpected guests.

     Conclusion: 

     Crockpot Creamy Chicken Wild Rice Sweet Potato Soup isn’t just another slow cooker meal it’s a culinary hug. It strikes the perfect balance between simplicity and sophistication, comfort and nutrition. Whether you’re making it for your family on a busy weekday, prepping for a weekend of winter weather, or just craving a wholesome meal that delivers on every front, this soup is a reliable go-to.

     With ingredients that are accessible and nourishing, and a method that makes dinner almost effortless, it’s no wonder this recipe is a favorite among home cooks. It’s the kind of dish that earns a permanent place in your cold-weather recipe rotation and might even make a few appearances during the warmer months too.