Cozy Gluten-Free Lemon Chicken Wild Rice Soup You Can Make in Your Crockpot Tonight
If there’s one winter comfort food recipe I make on repeat every cold season, it’s this gluten free lemon chicken wild rice soup crockpot favorite. And trust me—after years of developing healthy soup recipes as a chef and food writer, this one has become the best easy GF dinner I reach for when I want warmth, nourishment, and that creamy, soul-hugging texture.
What I love most is how effortlessly it comes together. Everything goes straight into the slow cooker, the wild rice cooks to perfection, and the chicken becomes tender enough to shred with a spoon. The bright lemon flavor wakes up your palate, making this a perfect option for healthy meals when sick, busy weeknights, cozy winter nights, or when you simply crave something soothing.
Today, I’m walking you through how to make the most flavorful, creamy, and completely gluten free lemon chicken wild rice soup you'll ever try. I’ve made this recipe over 40 times for friends, family, and readers—and every single person has said the same thing:
“This tastes like the best bowl of comfort food I’ve had in years.”
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Why This Lemon Chicken Wild Rice Soup Is Naturally Gluten Free
One of the reasons I adore this recipe is because it's naturally gluten free and requires no complicated swaps. Wild rice is naturally GF, chicken is naturally GF, and vegetables like carrots, celery, garlic, and onion all fit perfectly into a gf healthy dinner plan.
The only thing you need to double-check is your broth. Many store-bought chicken broths are gluten free, but not all. Look for labels that clearly state “GF” or “gluten free.” This guarantees the soup stays safe for anyone with sensitivities—or anyone simply eating cleaner meals.
Another great part? Despite being creamy and luscious, this soup contains no flour, making it perfect for those who want a lighter and healthier comfort meal without sacrificing flavor.
Ingredients (Exact Measurements)
Below are the exact measurements I’ve perfected to create the ideal balance of brightness, creaminess, and hearty comfort:
- 1.5 lbs boneless skinless chicken breasts (or thighs)
- 1 cup uncooked wild rice (not wild rice blend)
- 4 cups gluten free chicken broth
- 3 ribs celery, diced
- 3 medium carrots, sliced
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 bay leaves
- 1 cup water
- 1/2 cup lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest
- 1 cup coconut milk or heavy cream (optional for creaminess)
- Fresh parsley for serving
Whenever I test recipes, I try dozens of ingredient ratios until I find the one with that perfect cozy balance. This one took me five rounds to perfect, and the result is truly unforgettable.
How to Make the Best Slow Cooker Lemon Chicken Wild Rice Soup
This is truly the best easy crockpot GF dinner you can make. Here’s how to do it step-by-step:
Step 1: Load Everything Into the Slow Cooker
Add chicken, wild rice, carrots, celery, onion, garlic, thyme, rosemary, salt, pepper, bay leaves, chicken broth, and water into your crockpot. Give everything a quick stir to distribute the flavors.
Step 2: Set & Forget
Cook on LOW for 6–7 hours or HIGH for 4–5 hours, until the chicken is tender and the wild rice has burst open (which gives that signature creamy texture).
Step 3: Shred the Chicken
Remove the chicken, shred it with two forks, and return it to the pot.
Step 4: Add Lemon & Creaminess
Stir in the lemon juice, lemon zest, and coconut milk or cream if using. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
At this point, your kitchen will smell like cozy winter comfort food heaven.
Chef-Recommended Tools to Make This Recipe Even Better
In my years of recipe testing, I’ve learned that having the right tools makes a massive difference—especially when you're cooking slow cooker soups that need consistent heat and perfect texture. Here are three Amazon products I personally recommend for this recipe:
1. Crockpot 7-Quart Slow Cooker
This is the exact slow cooker I’ve used for years. It heats evenly, has a spacious pot for large batches, and is incredibly reliable for meals like this lemon chicken wild rice soup crockpot recipe.
Why I love it: Perfect for family-size recipes and meal prep, simple controls, cleans easily.
Grab this slow cooker now and make your winter dinners effortless!
2. OXO Good Grips Garlic Press
A garlic press may seem small, but it makes a huge difference. This one crushes garlic perfectly—no chunks, no mess.
Why I love it: Dishwasher-safe, durable, and helps build deep flavor in soups.
Upgrade your kitchen with this garlic press to make cooking easier.
3. Lundberg Regenerative Organic Certified Wild Blend Rice
Finding true wild rice (not blends) is key to achieving the right texture for this soup. Lundberg’s wild rice is top-notch and always consistent.
Why I love it: Cooks beautifully, and creates the best creamy slow cooker texture.
Stock up on this wild rice for all your healthy GF winter dinners.
Why This Soup Is the Best Winter Comfort Food
Every spoonful is cozy, bright, lemony, creamy, and nourishing. When you’re cold, tired, or not feeling well, this soup wraps around you like a warm blanket. That’s the beauty of a great comfort food recipe—it feeds your body and your mood simultaneously.
This soup hits the mark for:
- Healthy meals when sick
- Easy gluten free dinners
- Clean eating nights
- Weight-friendly comfort food
- Winter meal prep
The lemon helps brighten the broth, wild rice provides hearty fiber, and chicken adds protein for a complete meal. And because everything cooks low and slow, you get the most flavorful, tender soup with minimal effort.
Customization Options
One of the reasons readers love this recipe is because it’s flexible. Here’s how you can make it your own:
Dairy-Free Creamy Version
Use coconut milk instead of heavy cream to keep it luscious and creamy without dairy.
Higher-Protein Version
Add an extra chicken breast, or stir in a can of drained white beans.
Veggie-Packed Version
Add mushrooms, kale, spinach, or even sweet potatoes.
Extra-Lemon “Avgolemono-Like” Version
Add an extra tablespoon of lemon zest for a Mediterranean twist.
Meal Prep & Storage
This recipe reheats beautifully. Here’s how to store it:
- Refrigerator: Store in airtight containers for up to 4 days.
- Freezer: Freeze for up to 2 months. (Add the cream after thawing.)
- Reheating: Warm on the stovetop, adding a splash of broth if needed.
This makes it an ideal winter meal prep option for busy families.
Chef’s Tips for the Best Texture & Flavor
- Use pure wild rice, not blends.
- Add lemon at the end for maximum brightness.
- Shred the chicken finely so every bowl is hearty and filling.
- Cook low and slow for the creamiest texture.
Serving Suggestions
This soup is delicious on its own, but here are some favorite pairings:
- Gluten free toasted bread
- A simple green salad
- Roasted vegetables
- Parmesan or nutritional yeast sprinkled on top
Final Thoughts
After making this gluten free lemon chicken wild rice soup crockpot recipe dozens of times, I can confidently say: this is the best creamy, healthy, winter comfort food dinner you can make tonight.
Whether you're craving warmth, eating clean, or simply want an easy slow cooker meal that tastes incredible, this soup will become your new go-to.
Make it tonight—you deserve a bowl of something cozy.
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