Healthy Crockpot Chicken and Wild Rice Soup
Highlighted under: Healthy & Light
Healthy Crockpot Chicken and Wild Rice Soup
This Healthy Crockpot Chicken and Wild Rice Soup is the perfect comfort food for chilly days. Made with wholesome ingredients and packed with flavor, it's a meal you can feel good about serving your family.
Why You Will Love This Recipe
- Nutritious and hearty, perfect for a wholesome dinner
- Easy to prepare with minimal cleanup
- Loaded with vegetables and lean protein
A Nourishing Choice for Any Meal
This Healthy Crockpot Chicken and Wild Rice Soup is not just a meal; it's a hug in a bowl. With its blend of lean chicken, hearty wild rice, and vibrant vegetables, it's both filling and nutritious. Each serving is packed with protein and essential vitamins, making it an excellent option for anyone looking to nourish their body without sacrificing flavor. Whether you enjoy it for lunch or dinner, this soup is a wholesome choice that satisfies hunger and nurtures well-being.
One of the best aspects of this recipe is its adaptability. You can easily modify the ingredients based on what you have on hand. If wild rice is not available, other types of rice can be substituted, or you can add different vegetables according to your preference. This flexibility makes it a go-to recipe for busy weeknights or when you want to clean out your pantry while still enjoying a delicious meal.
Convenience Meets Flavor
Preparing this soup is a breeze, especially with the use of a crockpot. Simply chop your ingredients, toss them into the pot, and let the slow cooker do the work. This means less time in the kitchen and more time for you to relax or focus on other tasks. Plus, the long cooking time allows the flavors to meld beautifully, resulting in a rich and satisfying dish that tastes like you’ve spent hours preparing it.
Minimal cleanup is another major benefit of this recipe. With everything cooked in one pot, you can enjoy your meal without the hassle of washing multiple pans and dishes. It’s a perfect solution for busy families or individuals who want to enjoy homemade food without the fuss. Just serve and enjoy, knowing that clean-up will be a quick and easy task.
Health Benefits of Key Ingredients
The ingredients in this soup contribute not only to its delightful taste but also to its health benefits. Chicken is a great source of lean protein, essential for muscle repair and growth, while wild rice is high in fiber and antioxidants. This combination helps keep you feeling full and satisfied, making it an ideal meal for those watching their weight or striving for a balanced diet.
Moreover, the addition of kale adds a nutritional powerhouse to the mix. Kale is rich in vitamins A, C, and K, as well as minerals like calcium and potassium. It's known for its anti-inflammatory properties and can boost your immune system. With each bowl of soup, you're not just filling your stomach; you're also providing your body with the nutrients it craves.
Ingredients
For the Soup
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup wild rice, rinsed
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 carrots, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 8 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 cup mushrooms, sliced
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup kale, chopped
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
Enjoy your healthy soup with a slice of whole grain bread!
Instructions
Prepare the Ingredients
Begin by dicing the onion, carrots, and celery. Mince the garlic and slice the mushrooms.
Combine in Crockpot
In a crockpot, add the chicken breasts, wild rice, diced vegetables, garlic, chicken broth, thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine.
Cook the Soup
Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or until the chicken is cooked through and the rice is tender.
Shred the Chicken
Once cooked, remove the chicken breasts and shred them with two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the pot.
Add Kale and Lemon Juice
Stir in the chopped kale and lemon juice. Let it cook for an additional 10-15 minutes until the kale is wilted.
Serve and Enjoy
Serve hot and enjoy your healthy crockpot chicken and wild rice soup!
Pair this delicious soup with your favorite whole grain bread for a complete meal.
Tips for the Perfect Soup
To ensure your soup turns out perfectly every time, be sure to use low-sodium chicken broth. This allows you to control the saltiness of the dish and makes it a healthier option. If you prefer a thicker consistency, consider adding a bit of cornstarch mixed with water during the last hour of cooking.
Feel free to sprinkle some fresh herbs on top when serving for an extra burst of flavor. Fresh parsley or dill can elevate the dish, adding freshness and vibrancy. Additionally, a squeeze of fresh lemon juice right before serving can enhance the soup's brightness.
Serving Suggestions
While this soup is delightful on its own, you can enhance your meal with some delicious sides. Consider serving it with whole grain bread or a simple side salad for a complete and balanced dinner. A light vinaigrette salad pairs wonderfully, offering a fresh contrast to the hearty soup.
For a heartier meal, you could also serve it over quinoa or alongside a serving of roasted vegetables. These options not only add variety but also increase the nutritional value of your dining experience, making it even more satisfying.
Storage and Reheating
If you have leftovers, this soup stores beautifully in the refrigerator for up to three days. Just make sure to let it cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. For longer storage, you can freeze the soup for up to three months. When you're ready to enjoy it again, simply thaw it overnight in the fridge and reheat on the stove or in the microwave.
When reheating, you may need to add a splash of broth or water to restore the soup's consistency, especially if it thickens in the fridge. This ensures each bowl remains as delicious and comforting as the first. Enjoy the convenience of having a homemade meal ready at your fingertips!
Questions About Recipes
→ Can I use brown rice instead of wild rice?
Yes, but cooking times may vary. Brown rice typically takes longer to cook.
→ Can I freeze the soup?
Absolutely! This soup freezes well. Just store it in an airtight container.
→ What other vegetables can I add?
Feel free to add your favorite vegetables, such as green beans or bell peppers.
→ Is this soup gluten-free?
Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free as long as you use gluten-free broth.
Healthy Crockpot Chicken and Wild Rice Soup
Healthy Crockpot Chicken and Wild Rice Soup
Created by: Lillian Hayes
Recipe Type: Healthy & Light
Skill Level: Beginner
Final Quantity: 6 servings
What You'll Need
For the Soup
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup wild rice, rinsed
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 carrots, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 8 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 cup mushrooms, sliced
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup kale, chopped
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
How-To Steps
Begin by dicing the onion, carrots, and celery. Mince the garlic and slice the mushrooms.
In a crockpot, add the chicken breasts, wild rice, diced vegetables, garlic, chicken broth, thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine.
Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or until the chicken is cooked through and the rice is tender.
Once cooked, remove the chicken breasts and shred them with two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the pot.
Stir in the chopped kale and lemon juice. Let it cook for an additional 10-15 minutes until the kale is wilted.
Serve hot and enjoy your healthy crockpot chicken and wild rice soup!
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Total Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
- Sodium: 450mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 40g
- Dietary Fiber: 4g
- Sugars: 3g
- Protein: 25g