Healthy Crockpot Chicken and Wild Rice Soup
Highlighted under: Healthy & Light
Delicious and nutritious, this Healthy Crockpot Chicken and Wild Rice Soup is the perfect comfort food for any day of the week.
This Healthy Crockpot Chicken and Wild Rice Soup is a family favorite, packed with wholesome ingredients and bursting with flavor. Perfect for chilly nights or a quick meal prep option!
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Rich and savory flavors that warm you up from the inside out
- Packed with lean protein and nutritious vegetables
- Conveniently made in a slow cooker for easy meal prep
The Benefits of Wild Rice
Wild rice is a highly nutritious grain that stands out for its rich flavor and impressive health benefits. Unlike white rice, wild rice is packed with essential nutrients, including protein, fiber, and antioxidants. Its unique nutty taste adds a delightful depth to soups and dishes, making it a perfect choice for this crockpot recipe. Additionally, wild rice is lower in calories and carbohydrates compared to other grains, making it a smart addition to a balanced diet.
Incorporating wild rice into your meals can help regulate blood sugar levels, thanks to its low glycemic index. This is particularly beneficial for those managing diabetes or looking to maintain consistent energy throughout the day. Furthermore, its high fiber content aids digestion and promotes a feeling of fullness, making it an excellent option for weight management.
Slow Cooking for Flavor
Using a crockpot to prepare this chicken and wild rice soup not only simplifies the cooking process but also amplifies the flavors of the ingredients. Slow cooking allows the chicken to become incredibly tender while infusing the broth with a rich, savory taste. The low and slow method is ideal for melding the spices and herbs, ensuring that every spoonful is packed with flavor.
Another benefit of slow cooking is convenience. With just a few minutes of prep time, you can set your crockpot and go about your day, knowing that a hearty meal will be waiting for you when you return. This makes it an excellent option for busy weeknights or meal prep for the week ahead.
Customizing Your Soup
One of the best things about this Healthy Crockpot Chicken and Wild Rice Soup is its versatility. You can easily customize the ingredients based on your preferences or what you have on hand. For example, feel free to swap out the vegetables for your favorites, such as bell peppers, zucchini, or mushrooms. This not only enhances the flavor but also boosts the nutritional profile of the soup.
If you're looking to add more greens, consider incorporating spinach or kale, which provide additional vitamins and minerals. For a creamier texture, you can add heavy cream or coconut milk. This flexibility allows you to make the recipe your own while still enjoying the comforting essence of the original dish.
Ingredients
For the Soup
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup wild rice, rinsed
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 carrots, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 6 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 cup frozen peas
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 tsp dried rosemary
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 cups kale or spinach, chopped (optional)
- 1 cup heavy cream or coconut milk (optional)
Combine all ingredients in your crockpot for a hearty meal.
Instructions
Prepare the Ingredients
Dice the onion, carrots, and celery. Mince the garlic. Rinse the wild rice under cold water.
Combine in Crockpot
Add the chicken, wild rice, diced vegetables, garlic, chicken broth, thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper to the crockpot.
Cook the Soup
Set the crockpot to low and cook for 6 hours, or until the chicken is tender and the rice is cooked.
Shred the Chicken
Once cooked, remove the chicken, shred it, and return it to the pot. Stir in the frozen peas and greens if using, and add the cream or coconut milk if desired.
Serve and Enjoy
Serve warm, garnished with fresh herbs if desired.
Enjoy your healthy and hearty soup!
Storage Tips
This soup stores well, making it a fantastic option for leftovers. Once cooled, transfer the soup to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to four days. If you want to keep it longer, consider freezing portions for quick meals in the future. Just be sure to leave out any heavy cream or coconut milk until you're ready to reheat, as this will help maintain the soup's texture.
When reheating, simply warm it on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth or water if it seems too thick. The flavors will continue to develop, making it even more delicious the next day!
Nutritional Information
This Healthy Crockpot Chicken and Wild Rice Soup is not only comforting but also packed with nutrients. Each serving provides a balanced mix of protein from the chicken, fiber from the wild rice, and vitamins from the assorted vegetables. This makes it a great option for a nutritious meal that can help fuel your day.
By utilizing low-sodium chicken broth and adding plenty of vegetables, you can keep the sodium levels in check while maximizing the health benefits. This way, you can enjoy a hearty soup without the guilt, knowing that you're nourishing your body with wholesome ingredients.
Serving Suggestions
To enhance your dining experience, consider serving this soup with a side of crusty whole-grain bread or a fresh garden salad. These accompaniments can help round out the meal and add extra nutrients to your plate. If you're looking for an extra touch, sprinkle some fresh herbs like parsley or chives on top before serving for a burst of flavor.
This soup is also perfect for gatherings or family dinners, where you can serve it in a large pot for everyone to enjoy. Its warm, inviting aroma and satisfying flavors will surely make it a hit among guests and family members alike.
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.
→ Is this soup freezer-friendly?
Absolutely! Let it cool completely and store it in airtight containers in the freezer for up to 3 months.
→ Can I add other vegetables?
Yes, feel free to incorporate your favorite vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini.
→ How can I make this soup dairy-free?
You can use coconut milk instead of heavy cream for a creamy texture without dairy.
Healthy Crockpot Chicken and Wild Rice Soup
Delicious and nutritious, this Healthy Crockpot Chicken and Wild Rice Soup is the perfect comfort food for any day of the week.
Created by: Lillian Hayes
Recipe Type: Healthy & Light
Skill Level: Easy
Final Quantity: 6 servings
What You'll Need
For the Soup
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup wild rice, rinsed
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 carrots, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 6 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 cup frozen peas
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 tsp dried rosemary
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 cups kale or spinach, chopped (optional)
- 1 cup heavy cream or coconut milk (optional)
How-To Steps
Dice the onion, carrots, and celery. Mince the garlic. Rinse the wild rice under cold water.
Add the chicken, wild rice, diced vegetables, garlic, chicken broth, thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper to the crockpot.
Set the crockpot to low and cook for 6 hours, or until the chicken is tender and the rice is cooked.
Once cooked, remove the chicken, shred it, and return it to the pot. Stir in the frozen peas and greens if using, and add the cream or coconut milk if desired.
Serve warm, garnished with fresh herbs if desired.
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Calories: 330 kcal
- Total Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
- Sodium: 600mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 34g
- Dietary Fiber: 4g
- Sugars: 3g
- Protein: 25g