Healthy Crockpot Chicken and Wild Rice Soup
Highlighted under: Quick & Easy
This Healthy Crockpot Chicken and Wild Rice Soup is a comforting and nutritious dish, perfect for cozy nights in or meal prepping for the week ahead.
This soup combines tender chicken with the earthy flavors of wild rice and a medley of vegetables, all simmered slowly in a flavorful broth.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Rich and hearty flavors that warm you up from the inside out
- Nutritious and packed with protein, fiber, and vitamins
- Convenient one-pot meal that requires minimal prep time
A Comforting Meal for Any Occasion
This Healthy Crockpot Chicken and Wild Rice Soup is more than just a meal; it's an experience that brings warmth and comfort to your dining table. Whether it's a chilly evening or you're feeling under the weather, this soup wraps you in a cozy embrace, making it perfect for family dinners or solo nights in. The long, slow simmering process ensures that every ingredient melds together beautifully, creating a rich and hearty flavor profile that will leave you craving more.
Moreover, this soup is a fantastic option for meal prepping. You can whip up a large batch at the beginning of the week and have delicious, homemade lunches or dinners ready to go. Simply store individual portions in the fridge or freezer, and you'll have a nutritious meal on hand whenever you need it, eliminating the need for takeout or last-minute cooking.
Nutritious and Satisfying
Packed with protein from the chicken and fiber from the wild rice and vegetables, this soup is as nutritious as it is satisfying. Each bowl delivers a wealth of vitamins and minerals, making it an excellent choice for those looking to maintain a healthy diet. The addition of spinach boosts the nutrient content even further, providing a vibrant color and freshness to the dish.
With a perfect balance of protein, carbohydrates, and healthy fats (especially if you choose to include the heavy cream), this soup fuels your body and keeps you feeling full longer. It's a guilt-free indulgence that doesn't compromise on flavor or health, making it a staple in your recipe collection.
Easy Preparation and Cooking
One of the standout features of this recipe is its simplicity. With minimal prep time and easy-to-find ingredients, it's an approachable dish for both novice and experienced cooks. Just toss everything into the crockpot, set it, and forget it! The hands-off cooking method allows you to go about your day while the soup cooks to perfection, saving you time and effort in the kitchen.
Additionally, the versatility of this recipe means you can customize it to your liking. Feel free to experiment with different vegetables or spices to make it your own. Whether you prefer a little kick with some added spices or a heartier version with more veggies, the possibilities are endless.
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, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup fresh spinach, chopped
- 1/2 cup heavy cream (optional)
Enjoy your delicious and healthy soup!
Instructions
Prepare the Ingredients
In the crockpot, add the chicken breasts, wild rice, chicken broth, carrots, celery, onion, garlic, thyme, rosemary, 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
Remove the chicken from the crockpot, shred it with two forks, and return it to the soup.
Add Spinach and Cream
Stir in the chopped spinach and heavy cream (if using) and cook for an additional 15 minutes.
Serve hot and enjoy!
Storage and Reheating Tips
To store your Healthy Crockpot Chicken and Wild Rice Soup, allow it to cool completely before transferring it to airtight containers. It can be kept in the refrigerator for up to four days or frozen for up to three months. If freezing, consider portioning it into individual servings for easy reheating later on.
When you're ready to enjoy your soup again, simply reheat it on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through. You can also use the microwave for a quick reheating option; just be sure to cover the container to prevent splatters. If the soup thickens after freezing, add a splash of chicken broth or water to reach your desired consistency.
Serving Suggestions
This soup is delicious on its own, but you can elevate your meal by serving it with warm, crusty bread or a fresh garden salad. For a heartier option, consider pairing it with a side of roasted vegetables or a quinoa salad. These sides not only complement the flavors of the soup but also enhance its nutritional value.
For an extra dash of flavor, top your bowl with fresh herbs, a squeeze of lemon, or a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese. These simple additions can transform your bowl of soup into a gourmet experience, impressing family and friends alike while keeping it healthy and satisfying.
Questions About Recipes
→ Can I use brown rice instead of wild rice?
Yes, but the cooking time will be different. Brown rice typically takes about 2 hours on low.
→ Can I make this soup ahead of time?
Absolutely! This soup stores well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
→ Is it possible to freeze this soup?
Yes, you can freeze the soup for up to 3 months. Just make sure to cool it completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container.
→ What can I serve with this soup?
This soup pairs well with crusty bread or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
Healthy Crockpot Chicken and Wild Rice Soup
This Healthy Crockpot Chicken and Wild Rice Soup is a comforting and nutritious dish, perfect for cozy nights in or meal prepping for the week ahead.
Created by: Marley Quinn
Recipe Type: Quick & Easy
Skill Level: Easy
Final Quantity: 6 servings
What You'll Need
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, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup fresh spinach, chopped
- 1/2 cup heavy cream (optional)
How-To Steps
In the crockpot, add the chicken breasts, wild rice, chicken broth, carrots, celery, onion, garlic, thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper.
Cover and cook on low for 6 hours or until the chicken is cooked through and the rice is tender.
Remove the chicken from the crockpot, shred it with two forks, and return it to the soup.
Stir in the chopped spinach and heavy cream (if using) and cook for an additional 15 minutes.
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Calories: 300 kcal
- Total Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
- Sodium: 450mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 30g
- Dietary Fiber: 3g
- Sugars: 2g
- Protein: 25g