Healthy Crockpot Chicken and Wild Rice Soup
Highlighted under: Quick & Easy
This Healthy Crockpot Chicken and Wild Rice Soup is a delicious and nutritious meal that is perfect for busy weeknights. Simply throw all the ingredients in your slow cooker and let it do the work!
This soup is not only hearty and comforting but also packed with nutrients. The wild rice adds a unique texture and flavor, while the chicken provides lean protein.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Nutritious ingredients for a wholesome meal
- Convenient one-pot preparation in a slow cooker
- Comforting and satisfying for any season
A Wholesome Meal Made Easy
In today’s fast-paced world, finding time to prepare healthy meals can be a challenge. This Healthy Crockpot Chicken and Wild Rice Soup simplifies the cooking process, allowing you to enjoy a nutritious dinner without spending hours in the kitchen. By using a slow cooker, you can easily prepare a meal that is both satisfying and wholesome, making it ideal for busy families or individuals.
The combination of tender chicken, wild rice, and fresh vegetables creates a balanced dish that is rich in flavor and nutrients. With the slow cooker doing the heavy lifting, you can focus on other tasks or simply unwind after a long day. The result is a delicious soup that feels like a warm hug, perfect for any season.
Health Benefits of the Key Ingredients
This soup is packed with ingredients that are not only delicious but also offer numerous health benefits. Chicken breast is an excellent source of lean protein, essential for muscle repair and overall health. Wild rice, on the other hand, is a whole grain that provides fiber, vitamins, and minerals, contributing to digestive health and satiety.
The addition of vegetables like carrots, celery, and spinach adds a wealth of vitamins and antioxidants. Carrots are rich in beta-carotene, which supports eye health, while spinach is loaded with iron and calcium. This combination ensures you’re not just enjoying a comforting meal, but also nourishing your body with every bowl.
Perfect for Meal Prep and Leftovers
One of the greatest advantages of this Healthy Crockpot Chicken and Wild Rice Soup is its suitability for meal prep. You can make a large batch at once, ensuring you have nutritious lunches or dinners ready for the week. Simply store the leftovers in airtight containers and reheat them as needed for a quick and healthy meal.
The flavors of the soup actually improve after sitting for a day, making it even more delicious the next time you enjoy it. Plus, it freezes well, allowing you to save individual portions for those days when you need a comforting meal in a hurry.
Ingredients
Gather the following ingredients to make this healthy soup:
Ingredients
- 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
- 8 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 cup frozen peas
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 cups fresh spinach
Once you have all your ingredients ready, you are set to start cooking!
Instructions
Follow these simple steps to prepare your soup:
Prepare the Ingredients
Dice the onion, carrots, and celery. Mince the garlic and rinse the wild rice under cold water.
Combine in Crockpot
In the slow cooker, add the chicken breasts, diced vegetables, minced garlic, wild rice, thyme, rosemary, and chicken broth. Season with salt and pepper.
Cook the Soup
Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until the chicken is cooked through and the rice is tender.
Shred the Chicken
Once cooked, remove the chicken breasts, shred them using two forks, and return the shredded chicken back to the soup.
Add Spinach and Peas
Stir in the frozen peas and fresh spinach just before serving, allowing them to wilt in the hot soup.
Enjoy your warm and hearty soup!
Tips for Perfecting Your Soup
To elevate the flavor of your soup, consider adding a splash of lemon juice or a sprinkle of fresh herbs just before serving. This brightens the dish and adds a fresh touch that enhances the overall experience. Additionally, feel free to customize the vegetables based on what you have on hand or personal preferences.
If you're looking for extra creaminess, consider stirring in a dollop of Greek yogurt or a splash of coconut milk right before serving. This not only adds a creamy texture but also boosts the nutritional profile.
Serving Suggestions
This soup pairs wonderfully with crusty whole-grain bread or a simple side salad for a complete meal. The bread is perfect for dipping and adds a satisfying crunch to the soft textures of the soup. Alternatively, a salad with mixed greens and a light vinaigrette can provide a refreshing contrast to the warm soup.
For those who enjoy a little heat, you can serve the soup with a dash of hot sauce or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes. This adds a kick that can enhance the comforting flavors of the dish.
Storage and Reheating Tips
To store your soup, let it cool to room temperature before transferring it to airtight containers. It can be kept in the refrigerator for up to five days. When reheating, do so gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth or water to maintain the desired consistency.
If you want to freeze the soup, make sure to leave some space in the container for expansion. It can be frozen for up to three months. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat thoroughly before serving.
Questions About Recipes
→ Can I use brown rice instead of wild rice?
Yes, but adjust the cooking time as brown rice takes longer to cook.
→ Is this soup freezer-friendly?
Absolutely! Store in airtight containers and freeze for up to 3 months.
→ Can I make this soup in an Instant Pot?
Yes, you can! Use the pressure cooking setting for about 15 minutes.
→ What can I serve with this soup?
This soup pairs well with crusty bread or a fresh side salad.
Healthy Crockpot Chicken and Wild Rice Soup
This Healthy Crockpot Chicken and Wild Rice Soup is a delicious and nutritious meal that is perfect for busy weeknights. Simply throw all the ingredients in your slow cooker and let it do the work!
Created by: Marley Quinn
Recipe Type: Quick & Easy
Skill Level: Beginner
Final Quantity: 6 servings
What You'll Need
Ingredients
- 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
- 8 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 cup frozen peas
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 cups fresh spinach
How-To Steps
Dice the onion, carrots, and celery. Mince the garlic and rinse the wild rice under cold water.
In the slow cooker, add the chicken breasts, diced vegetables, minced garlic, wild rice, thyme, rosemary, and chicken broth. Season with salt and pepper.
Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until the chicken is cooked through and the rice is tender.
Once cooked, remove the chicken breasts, shred them using two forks, and return the shredded chicken back to the soup.
Stir in the frozen peas and fresh spinach just before serving, allowing them to wilt in the hot soup.
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Calories: 300 kcal
- Total Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
- Sodium: 400mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 45g
- Dietary Fiber: 5g
- Sugars: 3g
- Protein: 25g