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; 1 medium onion, diced; 2 carrots, sliced; 2 celery stalks, sliced; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 8 cups low-sodium chicken broth; 1 teaspoon dried thyme; 1 teaspoon dried rosemary; Salt and pepper to taste; 1 cup kale, chopped; 1 cup heavy cream (optional for creaminess)

Highlighted under: Quick & Easy

This Healthy Crockpot Chicken and Wild Rice Soup is a comforting and nutritious meal that simmers all day, filling your home with an irresistible aroma.

Created by

Marley Quinn

Last updated on 2025-12-30T00:40:19.299Z

This soup is the perfect blend of healthy ingredients and wonderful flavor. With tender chicken, hearty wild rice, and a variety of vegetables, it’s a complete meal that you can set and forget.

        Why You'll Love This Recipe
        Wholesome ingredients packed with nutrients
Convenient one-pot meal that's easy to prepare
Perfect for meal prep and leftovers

      

The Benefits of Wild Rice

Wild rice is a unique and nutritious grain that stands out for its rich flavor and impressive health benefits. Unlike white rice, wild rice is a whole grain, meaning it retains its bran and germ, providing more fiber, protein, and essential nutrients. This makes it a great addition to your diet if you're looking to boost your overall health and maintain a balanced meal plan.

Incorporating wild rice into your meals can also contribute to better digestion and help regulate blood sugar levels. It's packed with antioxidants and has anti-inflammatory properties, making it a perfect ingredient for those seeking to enhance their immune system. Plus, its nutty flavor and chewy texture add a delightful contrast to the tender chicken in this soup.

Why Slow Cooking is Ideal

Using a crockpot for this chicken and wild rice soup not only simplifies the cooking process but also enhances the flavors of the ingredients. Slow cooking allows the chicken to become perfectly tender and juicy while letting the spices meld beautifully with the broth. As the soup simmers over several hours, the aromas waft through your home, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere.

Additionally, slow cooking is ideal for busy families or individuals. You can set it and forget it, allowing you to go about your day without worrying about the stove. When you return, you'll find a hearty and nourishing meal ready to be served, making it a convenient option for weeknight dinners or meal prepping for the week.

Customizing Your Soup

One of the great things about this Healthy Crockpot Chicken and Wild Rice Soup is how easily it can be customized to suit your tastes and dietary preferences. Feel free to add other vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or mushrooms to pack in even more nutrients. You can also experiment with different herbs and spices to create your own signature flavor profile.

If you'd like to make the soup lighter, you can omit the heavy cream and still enjoy a deliciously rich broth. Alternatively, for a vegan version, substitute chicken with chickpeas or tofu and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. The wild rice will still provide a satisfying texture and flavor, ensuring that everyone at the table can enjoy this comforting soup.

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 cup wild rice, rinsed
1 medium onion, diced
2 carrots, sliced
2 celery stalks, sliced
3 cloves garlic, minced
8 cups low-sodium chicken broth
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1 teaspoon dried rosemary
Salt and pepper to taste
1 cup kale, chopped
1 cup heavy cream (optional for creaminess)

Feel free to customize with your favorite vegetables!

Instructions

Prepare the Ingredients

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

Cook the Soup

Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or until the chicken and rice are tender.

Shred the Chicken

Once cooked, remove the chicken, shred it, and return it to the pot.

Add Greens and Cream

Stir in the chopped kale and heavy cream (if using) for a creamy texture. Let it cook for an additional 15 minutes.

Enjoy your warm, delicious soup!

Serving Suggestions

This soup pairs wonderfully with crusty bread or a fresh green salad, making for a complete and satisfying meal. Consider serving it with a side of garlic bread for a cozy dinner experience. A sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan cheese on top can also add a delightful twist to the flavors.

For a heartier meal, you can also serve it over a bed of quinoa or alongside warm, whole-grain rolls. These options not only complement the soup beautifully but also add extra fiber and nutrients to your meal.

Storing and Reheating

If you have leftovers, storing this soup is simple. Allow it to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or frozen for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply thaw in the fridge overnight before warming it on the stovetop or in the microwave until heated through.

Keep in mind that the wild rice will continue to absorb liquid, so you may need to add a bit more broth or water when reheating to achieve your desired consistency. This ensures that each bowl remains flavorful and satisfying, even after being stored.

Nutritional Information

This Healthy Crockpot Chicken and Wild Rice Soup is not only delicious but also packed with nutrients. Each serving is rich in protein, thanks to the chicken, and provides a good source of dietary fiber from the wild rice and vegetables. The inclusion of kale adds a boost of vitamins A, C, and K, while the herbs contribute essential antioxidants.

The optional heavy cream adds a creamy texture and richness, but if you're looking to reduce calories, you can easily leave it out or substitute it with a non-dairy milk. This flexibility makes it a great choice for various dietary needs without compromising on flavor or satisfaction.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use brown rice instead of wild rice?

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

→ Is this soup gluten-free?

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

→ Can I freeze the soup?

Absolutely! Just let it cool completely before transferring it to airtight containers.

→ What can I substitute for heavy cream?

You can use coconut milk or a dairy-free cream alternative for a lighter version.