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 pound 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, chopped; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 teaspoon dried thyme; 1 teaspoon dried parsley; Salt and pepper to taste; 1 cup spinach or kale (optional); 1/2 cup heavy cream (optional)

Highlighted under: Quick & Easy

Warm up with this hearty and nutritious crockpot chicken and wild rice soup, perfect for busy days.

Created by

Marley Quinn

Last updated on 2025-12-28T18:19:08.014Z

This Healthy Crockpot Chicken and Wild Rice Soup is a comforting dish that combines the goodness of chicken, wild rice, and a medley of vegetables. It’s perfect for a chilly day and can be made effortlessly in your crockpot.

        Why You'll Love This Recipe
        Packed with protein and fiber for a filling meal
Made with wholesome ingredients for a guilt-free indulgence
Convenient one-pot recipe that's easy to prepare

      

Nutritional Benefits

This Healthy Crockpot Chicken and Wild Rice Soup is not only delicious but also packed with essential nutrients. The combination of chicken and wild rice provides a fantastic source of protein, which is crucial for muscle repair and overall health. Additionally, wild rice is rich in fiber, helping to promote digestive health and keep you feeling full longer.

The vegetables in this soup, such as carrots, celery, and onions, are loaded with vitamins and antioxidants. Carrots, for instance, are high in beta-carotene, which supports eye health. The inclusion of leafy greens like spinach or kale adds an extra boost of nutrients, including iron and vitamins A and K, making this soup a well-rounded meal option.

Perfect for Meal Prep

If you're looking for a meal prep-friendly option, this crockpot soup is a perfect choice. You can prepare a large batch at once, and it's easy to portion out for a week's worth of lunches or dinners. Just store the soup in airtight containers in the refrigerator, and it will stay fresh for up to five days.

For those who like to plan ahead, this soup also freezes beautifully. Simply let it cool completely, then transfer it to freezer-safe bags or containers. When you're ready to enjoy it again, just thaw it overnight in the fridge and reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave for a quick and healthy meal.

Customizable Options

One of the best things about this Healthy Crockpot Chicken and Wild Rice Soup is how customizable it is. If you prefer a different protein, feel free to substitute the chicken with turkey or even tofu for a vegetarian option. You can also experiment with different vegetables based on what's in season or what you have on hand, such as zucchini, bell peppers, or green beans.

For those who want a bit more flavor, consider adding spices like cayenne pepper for heat or smoked paprika for a smoky depth. The optional heavy cream can be replaced with a plant-based alternative, or omitted entirely for a lighter soup. This flexibility makes it easy to adapt the recipe to suit your taste preferences or dietary needs.

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

1 pound 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, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1 teaspoon dried parsley
Salt and pepper to taste
1 cup spinach or kale (optional)
1/2 cup heavy cream (optional)

Make sure to rinse the wild rice well before adding it to the crockpot.

Instructions

Prepare the Ingredients

In a crockpot, combine the chicken breasts, wild rice, chicken broth, carrots, celery, onion, garlic, thyme, and parsley. Season with 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

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

Add Greens and Cream

If using, stir in the spinach or kale and heavy cream. Cook on low for an additional 20 minutes.

Serve

Serve hot and enjoy your healthy crockpot soup!

Feel free to adjust the seasonings to your taste!

Tips for Success

To ensure your soup turns out perfectly, it's important to use low-sodium chicken broth. This allows you to control the saltiness of the final dish, making it healthier. If you prefer an even richer flavor, consider using homemade broth, which can elevate the overall taste of the soup.

When preparing the vegetables, aim for uniform sizes to ensure they cook evenly. Dicing the carrots, celery, and onions into similar-sized pieces will help achieve a consistent texture throughout the soup. Additionally, rinsing the wild rice is essential, as it removes excess starch and helps prevent the soup from becoming too thick.

Serving Suggestions

To enhance your dining experience, consider serving the soup with a side of crusty whole-grain bread or a fresh green salad. This adds a nice contrast of textures and makes for a more satisfying meal. You can also sprinkle some fresh herbs on top before serving for an extra pop of flavor.

For those who enjoy a bit of heat, offering hot sauce or red pepper flakes on the side can allow diners to customize their spice levels. Pairing the soup with a glass of white wine or sparkling water can also complement the flavors beautifully, making it a delightful meal for any occasion.

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 the soup in airtight containers for up to 3 months.

→ Can I add other vegetables?

Yes! Feel free to add vegetables like bell peppers or peas.

→ How can I make this soup dairy-free?

You can omit the heavy cream or use a dairy-free alternative like coconut milk.