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 onion, chopped; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 teaspoon dried thyme; 1 teaspoon dried rosemary; Salt and pepper to taste; 2 cups kale or spinach, chopped; 1 cup heavy cream (optional)

Highlighted under: Healthy & Light

This Healthy Crockpot Chicken and Wild Rice Soup is a wholesome, hearty meal that's perfect for chilly evenings.

Created by

Lillian Hayes

Last updated on 2025-12-28T18:28:16.155Z

This comforting soup is made in the crockpot, allowing flavors to develop beautifully while you go about your day. It’s packed with lean chicken, nutritious wild rice, and a medley of vegetables, making it both delicious and healthy.

        Why You'll Love This Recipe
        Rich in protein and fiber for a filling meal
Convenient one-pot cooking with minimal cleanup
Customizable with your favorite veggies and spices

      

A Comforting Meal for Any Occasion

This Healthy Crockpot Chicken and Wild Rice Soup is the epitome of comfort food. With its rich, savory flavors and hearty ingredients, it makes for a satisfying meal that warms you from the inside out. Whether you're coming in from the cold or simply looking for a nourishing dinner option, this soup offers the perfect blend of taste and nutrition. Plus, you can easily whip it up in your crockpot, allowing you to enjoy a home-cooked meal without spending hours in the kitchen.

The combination of tender chicken, wholesome wild rice, and a medley of vegetables creates a delightful texture and flavor profile that everyone will love. This soup is not just a meal; it’s an experience that brings family and friends together around the dinner table. Serve it with crusty bread or a fresh green salad for a complete meal that feels like a warm hug on a chilly evening.

Nutritional Benefits

Packed with protein from the chicken and fiber from the wild rice and veggies, this soup is a powerhouse of nutrition. It provides a balanced meal that keeps you full and satisfied, making it a great choice for those looking to maintain a healthy diet. The addition of kale or spinach not only adds vibrant color but also boosts the soup's vitamin content, giving you essential nutrients that support overall health.

Using low-sodium chicken broth ensures that this soup remains heart-healthy while still delivering robust flavor. Plus, the option to include heavy cream allows you to customize the richness of the soup according to your preference. Whether you choose to keep it light or indulge a little, you can enjoy the benefits of a nutritious meal that doesn’t compromise on taste.

Customizing Your Soup

One of the best aspects of this crockpot chicken and wild rice soup is its versatility. You can easily customize it to fit your taste preferences or whatever ingredients you have on hand. Feel free to swap out the vegetables; zucchini, bell peppers, or mushrooms can add a new twist to the classic recipe. You can also adjust the herbs and spices to create a flavor profile that suits your palate, whether you prefer a milder taste or a bolder seasoning.

For those looking to add more nutrition, consider incorporating legumes like chickpeas or lentils, which can enhance the protein and fiber content even further. Additionally, if you want to make it gluten-free, ensure that the wild rice is certified gluten-free and opt for a gluten-free broth. The possibilities are endless, making this soup not only a staple recipe but also one that can evolve with your culinary creativity.

Ingredients

For the 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 onion, chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1 teaspoon dried rosemary
Salt and pepper to taste
2 cups kale or spinach, chopped
1 cup heavy cream (optional)

Adjust seasonings to taste and enjoy your healthy soup!

Instructions

Prepare the Ingredients

Place the chicken breasts in the bottom of the crockpot. Add the rinsed wild rice, chicken broth, carrots, celery, onion, garlic, thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper.

Cook the Soup

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

Shred the Chicken

Remove the chicken from the crockpot, shred it with two forks, and return it to the pot.

Add Greens and Cream

Stir in the chopped kale or spinach and the heavy cream (if using). Let it cook for an additional 10-15 minutes until the greens are wilted.

Serve

Serve hot, and enjoy your healthy crockpot chicken and wild rice soup!

Feel free to garnish with fresh herbs or a squeeze of lemon for added flavor.

Perfect for Meal Prep

This Healthy Crockpot Chicken and Wild Rice Soup is an excellent choice for meal prep enthusiasts. You can easily make a large batch and store it in individual containers for quick lunches or dinners throughout the week. The flavors continue to develop as it sits, making it even more delicious the next day. Simply reheat in the microwave or on the stove for a hearty meal in minutes.

When stored properly in an airtight container, this soup can last up to 4-5 days in the refrigerator. For longer storage, consider freezing portions for up to three months. Just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating, and you'll have a warm, comforting meal ready to enjoy anytime.

A Family-Friendly Recipe

This chicken and wild rice soup is not only healthy but also a family-friendly recipe that even picky eaters will appreciate. The tender chicken and creamy broth make it easy for kids to enjoy, and the variety of vegetables can be tailored to meet their tastes. Encourage your little ones to help in the kitchen by letting them add their favorite veggies or choosing the herbs for seasoning.

Additionally, this soup is a great way to introduce more whole grains into your family's diet. Wild rice is a nutritious alternative to traditional white rice and offers a unique flavor and texture. By making this soup a regular in your meal rotation, you're not only providing a wholesome meal but also teaching your family about healthy eating habits.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use brown rice instead of wild rice?

Yes, but you may need to adjust the cooking time as brown rice takes longer to cook.

→ Can I make this soup ahead of time?

Absolutely! It stores well in the fridge for up to 3 days, and the flavors develop even more.

→ Is this soup gluten-free?

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

→ Can I freeze the soup?

Yes, you can freeze it for up to 3 months. Just thaw and reheat before serving.