Healthy Crockpot Chicken and Wild Rice Soup

Name: Healthy Crockpot Chicken and Wild Rice Soup
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 6 h
Total time: 6 h 15 min
Yield: 6 servings
Ingredients: 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts; 1 cup wild rice, rinsed; 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth; 1 cup carrots, diced; 1 cup celery, diced; 1 cup onion, diced; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tsp dried thyme; 1 tsp dried rosemary; Salt and pepper to taste; 1 cup spinach or kale, chopped; 1 cup milk (or dairy-free alternative) for creaminess

Highlighted under: Healthy & Light

Enjoy a warm bowl of this Healthy Crockpot Chicken and Wild Rice Soup, perfect for chilly days and packed with nutrients.

Created by

Lillian Hayes

Last updated on 2025-12-28T19:10:07.354Z

This Healthy Crockpot Chicken and Wild Rice Soup is a comforting, hearty meal that is easy to prepare and perfect for any day of the week. The combination of tender chicken, earthy wild rice, and vibrant vegetables creates a nourishing bowl that the whole family will love.

        Why You'll Love This Recipe
        Packed with wholesome ingredients for a nutritious meal
Rich in flavor and incredibly filling
Convenient one-pot preparation in a crockpot

      

Nutritional Benefits

This Healthy Crockpot Chicken and Wild Rice Soup is not only delicious but also packed with nutrients to support your well-being. Chicken breast is a fantastic source of lean protein, which helps in muscle building and repair, making it an excellent choice for an active lifestyle. The addition of wild rice provides complex carbohydrates and fiber, ensuring that you feel full longer while also promoting healthy digestion.

The vibrant vegetables like carrots, celery, and spinach are loaded with vitamins and minerals. Carrots are rich in beta-carotene, which is essential for eye health, while spinach is a powerhouse of iron and antioxidants. By including these wholesome ingredients, this soup not only satisfies your hunger but also contributes to your overall health.

Perfect for Meal Prep

One of the best things about this crockpot chicken and wild rice soup is its convenience, making it an ideal option for meal prepping. You can easily make a large batch, and it stores well in the refrigerator for up to five days. Simply portion it into individual containers, and you've got ready-to-eat lunches or dinners for the week ahead.

This soup also freezes beautifully, allowing you to enjoy a hearty meal even on the busiest days. Just make sure to let it cool completely before transferring it to airtight containers for freezing. When you're ready to enjoy it, defrost it in the refrigerator overnight and reheat it on the stovetop or microwave for a quick, comforting meal.

Versatile Flavor Options

While this recipe is delightful as is, it also offers a canvas for creativity in the kitchen. You can customize the flavors by adding your favorite herbs and spices. Try incorporating fresh parsley or dill for a burst of freshness, or spice it up with a pinch of cayenne pepper if you enjoy a little heat. The possibilities are endless!

Additionally, you can swap out the greens based on what's in season or what you have on hand. Kale, Swiss chard, or even broccoli can work wonderfully in this soup, ensuring that you can adapt the recipe to suit your taste preferences or dietary needs.

Ingredients

Ingredients for Soup

1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 cup wild rice, rinsed
4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
1 cup carrots, diced
1 cup celery, diced
1 cup onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp dried thyme
1 tsp dried rosemary
Salt and pepper to taste
1 cup spinach or kale, chopped
1 cup milk (or dairy-free alternative) for creaminess

Make sure to use low-sodium broth to keep the soup healthy and flavorful without excess salt.

Instructions

Prepare the Ingredients

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

Cook the Soup

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

Shred the Chicken

Once cooked, remove the chicken breasts, shred them with two forks, and return the shredded chicken to the crockpot.

Add Greens and Milk

Add the chopped spinach or kale and milk to the soup. Stir well and let it cook for an additional 15 minutes on low.

Serve and Enjoy

Serve hot and enjoy your healthy, homemade soup!

Feel free to customize this soup by adding your favorite vegetables or herbs!

Serving Suggestions

This Healthy Crockpot Chicken and Wild Rice Soup is perfect on its own, but you can elevate your meal by pairing it with some crusty whole-grain bread or a fresh side salad. The combination of warm soup and bread creates a comforting dining experience, perfect for chilly evenings.

For a complete meal, consider adding a light dessert such as fruit salad or yogurt with honey. These options will complement the hearty flavors of the soup while keeping the meal balanced and nutritious.

Storage Tips

When storing leftover soup, allow it to cool to room temperature before transferring it to an airtight container. This helps prevent condensation and keeps the soup fresh longer. It can be refrigerated for up to five days or frozen for several months, making it a great option for meal prepping.

To reheat, simply warm it on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. If the soup has thickened while storing, you can add a splash of broth or water to achieve your desired consistency.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use brown rice instead of wild rice? Yes, you can substitute brown rice, but be aware that it may require a longer cooking time to achieve the desired tenderness. Adjust the cooking time accordingly to ensure the rice is properly cooked.

Is this soup gluten-free? Absolutely! This recipe is naturally gluten-free, making it a great option for those with gluten sensitivities. Just be sure to check the labels on your chicken broth and any additional ingredients you may use.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use brown rice instead of wild rice?

Yes, but adjust the cooking time as brown rice may take longer to cook.

→ Is this soup freezer-friendly?

Absolutely! You can freeze it for up to 3 months. Just reheat before serving.

→ Can I make this recipe in advance?

Yes, you can prepare the ingredients a day ahead and store them in the fridge until ready to cook.

→ What can I serve with this soup?

This soup pairs well with crusty bread or a side salad.