Healthy Crockpot Chicken and Wild Rice Soup

Name: Healthy Crockpot Chicken and Wild Rice Soup
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 4 h
Total time: 4 h 20 min
Yield: 6 servings
Ingredients: 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts; 1 cup wild rice, rinsed; 1 medium onion, diced; 2 carrots, diced; 2 stalks celery, diced; 4 cloves garlic, minced; 6 cups low-sodium chicken broth; 1 tsp dried thyme; 1 tsp dried rosemary; Salt and pepper to taste; 1 cup kale or spinach, chopped; 1 cup heavy cream or coconut milk (optional)

Highlighted under: Healthy & Light

Created by

Lillian Hayes

Last updated on 2025-12-28T18:19:08.944Z

This Healthy Crockpot Chicken and Wild Rice Soup is a comforting and nutritious meal that comes together effortlessly. Perfect for busy days, it simmers in your slow cooker, allowing all the flavors to meld beautifully.

        Why You'll Love This Recipe
        A wholesome blend of chicken, vegetables, and wild rice
Easy to prepare and perfect for meal prep
Rich in flavor and nutrients, perfect for cozy nights

      

A Wholesome Meal in One Pot

This Healthy Crockpot Chicken and Wild Rice Soup is the epitome of comfort food, providing a nourishing blend of protein, fiber, and vitamins all in one bowl. The combination of tender chicken, earthy wild rice, and vibrant vegetables creates a satisfying meal that warms you from the inside out. Plus, cooking everything in a crockpot means you can set it and forget it, making weeknight dinners a breeze.

Using ingredients like kale or spinach adds not only a pop of color but also essential nutrients, enhancing the soup's health benefits. Each spoonful is rich in antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals, which can help support your immune system, especially during those chilly months. It's a great way to sneak some greens into your diet without sacrificing flavor.

Perfect for Meal Prep

One of the best features of this soup is its suitability for meal prep. You can easily make a large batch and store individual portions in the fridge or freezer for future meals. This means you'll always have a delicious, homemade option on hand, which is perfect for busy days when you don’t have time to cook from scratch.

Reheating is simple; just warm it in the microwave or on the stove, and it will taste just as good as when it was freshly made. This not only saves you time but also helps you stick to healthier eating habits, as you can control the ingredients and avoid processed options.

Flavorful and Versatile

The flavors in this soup are deeply satisfying, thanks to the aromatic blend of herbs and spices like thyme and rosemary. These ingredients not only enhance the taste but also add their own health benefits, promoting good digestion and reducing inflammation. You can easily adjust the seasonings to your liking, making this recipe truly versatile.

Feel free to experiment with different vegetables or even add beans for extra protein. The base is flexible, allowing you to customize it based on what you have on hand or your dietary preferences. Whether you’re looking to make it vegan by substituting chicken with chickpeas or simply want to add more veggies, this soup can adapt to your needs.

Ingredients

For the Soup

1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 cup wild rice, rinsed
1 medium onion, diced
2 carrots, diced
2 stalks celery, diced
4 cloves garlic, minced
6 cups low-sodium chicken broth
1 tsp dried thyme
1 tsp dried rosemary
Salt and pepper to taste
1 cup kale or spinach, chopped
1 cup heavy cream or coconut milk (optional)

Mix all ingredients well before cooking.

Instructions

Prepare the Ingredients

In your crockpot, combine the chicken breasts, wild rice, onion, carrots, celery, garlic, chicken broth, thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper.

Cook the Soup

Cover and cook on low for 4 to 6 hours, or until the chicken is cooked through and the rice is tender.

Shred the Chicken

Remove the chicken breasts, shred them with two forks, and return the chicken to the pot.

Add Greens and Cream

Stir in the kale or spinach and heavy cream (if using), and cook for an additional 10 minutes on low.

Enjoy your warm and healthy soup!

Storing Leftovers

If you find yourself with leftovers, storing them properly is crucial to maintaining freshness. Allow the soup to cool completely before transferring it to airtight containers. You can keep the soup in the refrigerator for up to four days or freeze it for up to three months. Just remember to leave some space in the container, as liquids expand when frozen.

When you're ready to enjoy your leftovers, thaw them overnight in the refrigerator if frozen, and reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave. Add a splash of broth or water if the soup has thickened too much during storage.

Serving Suggestions

This soup is hearty enough to stand alone, but pairing it with a side salad or crusty bread can elevate your meal. A simple green salad tossed with a light vinaigrette complements the rich flavors of the soup beautifully. Alternatively, a slice of whole grain bread or a warm baguette can be perfect for dipping.

For an extra touch, consider garnishing the soup with fresh herbs or a sprinkle of grated cheese before serving. These small additions can enhance the visual appeal and add an extra layer of flavor.

Nutritional Benefits

This Healthy Crockpot Chicken and Wild Rice Soup is not just delicious; it's also packed with nutritional benefits. The chicken provides lean protein, vital for muscle repair and overall health, while wild rice adds complex carbohydrates and fiber, keeping you full and satisfied for longer.

The vegetables contribute essential vitamins and minerals, such as vitamin A from carrots and antioxidants from greens. With its balanced profile, this soup is a great way to nourish your body while enjoying a comforting meal.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use brown rice instead of wild rice?

Yes, but brown rice will require a longer cooking time.

→ Is this soup gluten-free?

Yes, this recipe is gluten-free as long as you use gluten-free chicken broth.

→ Can I freeze the soup?

Yes, this soup freezes well! Just make sure to leave out the cream until reheating.

→ How long will leftovers last in the fridge?

Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days.