Slow Cooker Chicken & Wild Rice Soup

If you love chicken and wild rice soup but don’t always want a rich, creamy version, this lighter slow cooker recipe is worth trying. It’s warm, hearty, and satisfying, with tender chicken, nutty wild rice, vegetables, and fragrant thyme simmered in a flavorful broth.

One of the things I like most about this soup is that it’s naturally lighter. Instead of relying on cream or flour, the wild rice gives the broth body while the vegetables add plenty of flavor. It’s the kind of soup that feels comforting without feeling heavy.

Adapted from Fix-It and Forget-It Lightly Revised and Updated, it’s also a wonderful way to use leftover cooked chicken or rotisserie chicken.

Why You’ll Love This Soup

• Brothy instead of creamy – A lighter take on classic chicken and wild rice soup.
• Easy slow cooker recipe – Let the crockpot do most of the work.
• Perfect for leftover chicken – Rotisserie chicken works beautifully.
• Freezer and meal-prep friendly – Great for lunches throughout the week.
• Naturally hearty – Wild rice adds wonderful texture and staying power.

Ingredients and Substitutions

• Wild rice – Adds a nutty flavor and chewy texture. Be sure to use true wild rice rather than a rice blend if possible.
• Chicken stock – Low-sodium stock lets you control the seasoning.
• Onion and celery – The classic soup flavor base.
• Frozen mixed vegetables – An easy way to add color, flavor and texture with minimal effort.
• Thyme – Gives the soup a cozy, savory flavor.
• Cooked chicken – Rotisserie chicken, leftover roast chicken, or leftover turkey all work well.
• Slivered almonds – An unexpected garnish that adds wonderful crunch. Optional but highly recommended.

How to Make Slow Cooker Chicken & Wild Rice Soup

Step 1: Toast the Wild Rice

Melt the butter in a small skillet over low heat. Add the wild rice and cook, stirring often, for several minutes until lightly toasted.

Step 2: Build the Soup

Transfer the rice to the slow cooker. Add the chicken stock, onion, celery, vegetables, and thyme.

Step 3: Slow Cook

Cover and cook on LOW for 3 to 4 hours, or until the vegetables and wild rice are tender.

Step 4: Add the Chicken

About one hour before serving, stir in the cooked chicken.

Step 5: Season and Serve

Taste and season with salt and pepper as needed. Ladle into bowls and top with toasted slivered almonds if desired.

Recipe Notes

This soup is one of my favorite ways to use leftover rotisserie chicken or turkey.

Unlike many wild rice soups, this version is broth-based instead of cream-based, making it lighter while still feeling hearty and satisfying.

Because wild rice continues to absorb liquid as it sits, leftovers will naturally thicken. Simply stir in a little extra chicken broth or water when reheating until the consistency is just how you like it.

Easy Variations

Creamy Version
For a richer soup, stir together 1 (12-ounce) can fat-free evaporated milk and 2-4 tablespoons flour or cornstarch and add it during the last 20 to 30 minutes of cooking.

Add Mushrooms
Sliced mushrooms are a natural addition and pair beautifully with the wild rice.

More Vegetables
Stir in chopped spinach or kale near the end of cooking.

Turkey Wild Rice Soup
Swap leftover turkey for the chicken after the holidays.

Serving Suggestions

This soup is hearty enough to serve as a meal with a crisp green salad and whole-grain crackers or crusty bread.

For a simple lunch, I often pair it with sliced apples and a little cheese.

Storing Leftovers

Refrigerate leftovers for up to 4 days.

Because the wild rice continues absorbing broth, add a splash of chicken stock or water when reheating.

This soup also freezes well for up to 3 months.

How Many Calories and WW Points?

According to my calculations each serving has 312 calories and 3 WW Points.

To see your WW Points for this recipe, track it in the WW App!
(You must be logged into WW on a smartphone or tablet.)
7 PointsPlus (Old plan)

If you like this crock pot wild rice soup with chicken you might also like: 5-Ingredient Chicken Wild Rice Casserole, Slow Cooker Ham Wild Rice Soup, Sausage and Spinach Wild Rice Soup and Crock Pot Wild Rice

If you’ve made this Slow Cooker Chicken and Wild Rice Soup, please give the recipe a star rating below and leave a comment letting me know how you liked it. And stay in touch on Pinterest, Facebook, Instagram and Twitter for the latest updates.

Recipe Source: Adapted from Fix-It and Forget-It Lightly Revised and Updated: 600 Healthy, Low-Fat Recipes for Your Slow Cooker (affiliate link) by Phyllis Good.

More WW-Friendly Slow Cooker Soup Recipes

If you enjoyed this lighter chicken and wild rice soup, you might also like:

• Slow Cooker Ham & Wild Rice Soup
• Slow Cooker Bean and Cabbage Soup
• Slow Cooker Ham and Split Pea Soup
• Slow Cooker Pizza Soup
• Easy Slow Cooker Potato Soup
• WW Zero Points Vegetable Soup