Healthy Crockpot Chicken and Wild Rice Soup
Highlighted under: Quick & Easy
Healthy Crockpot Chicken and Wild Rice Soup is a comforting and nutritious dish that combines tender chicken, wholesome wild rice, and a variety of vegetables.
This soup is not only healthy but also an easy way to prepare a hearty meal for the entire family. The slow-cooking process allows the flavors to meld beautifully, resulting in a rich and satisfying dish.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Packed with lean protein and whole grains
- Easy to throw together in a crockpot for a busy day
- Rich in flavor with a creamy texture without the guilt
- Perfect for meal prepping and leftovers
A Wholesome Meal in a Bowl
Healthy Crockpot Chicken and Wild Rice Soup is more than just a meal; it's a nourishing experience that warms the soul. This soup combines the heartiness of wild rice with the tenderness of chicken, providing a delightful texture that is satisfying and filling. The addition of fresh vegetables enhances its nutritional profile, ensuring that each bowl is packed with vitamins and minerals that contribute to overall well-being.
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. By using a crockpot, you can set it and forget it, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully over time. This method not only makes for an easy dinner solution but also allows the ingredients to infuse and create a rich, savory broth. Perfect for chilly evenings or when you're in need of a comforting bowl of goodness.
Perfect for Meal Prep
One of the standout features of this Healthy Crockpot Chicken and Wild Rice Soup is its versatility for meal prepping. With a hearty batch, you can have meals ready for the week, making it an excellent choice for busy individuals or families. Simply store servings in airtight containers, and you'll have delicious, homemade soup ready to go whenever hunger strikes. Just reheat on the stove or in a microwave, and enjoy the same fresh flavors as the first day.
Additionally, this soup freezes beautifully, making it an ideal dish to prepare in advance. Portion it out into freezer-safe containers, and you can enjoy a warm, comforting meal any day of the week. Just thaw overnight in the refrigerator, and reheat on the stove for a quick, nutritious dinner without the fuss.
Nutritional Benefits
This soup is not only delicious but also loaded with health benefits. The lean protein from the chicken helps maintain muscle mass and keeps you feeling full longer, while wild rice is a great source of fiber and essential nutrients. Together, they create a balanced meal that supports a healthy lifestyle, making it an excellent option for anyone looking to eat well without sacrificing flavor.
The vegetables in the soup, like carrots and celery, provide additional vitamins and minerals, contributing to a well-rounded diet. When you add the optional heavy cream or coconut milk, you create a rich, creamy texture without the guilt, allowing you to enjoy a comforting soup that fits into your healthy eating plan.
Ingredients
For the Soup
- 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 heavy cream or coconut milk (optional for creaminess)
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Mix all the ingredients well in the crockpot.
Instructions
Prepare the Ingredients
Dice the onions, carrots, and celery. Rinse the wild rice under cold water.
Combine in the Crockpot
Place the chicken breasts at the bottom of the crockpot. Add the wild rice, diced vegetables, garlic, thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper. Pour in the chicken broth.
Cook
Cover and cook on low for 6 hours until the chicken is cooked through and the rice is tender.
Shred the Chicken
Remove the chicken breasts, shred them with two forks, and return the shredded chicken to the soup.
Add Creaminess
If desired, stir in the heavy cream or coconut milk for a richer texture. Heat through for an additional 10 minutes.
Serve
Garnish with fresh parsley and enjoy your healthy soup!
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
Cooking Tips
When preparing Healthy Crockpot Chicken and Wild Rice Soup, consider using high-quality chicken broth for a deeper flavor. If you're short on time, you can also use pre-cooked rotisserie chicken as a shortcut. Just add it in during the last hour of cooking to warm through, ensuring you still enjoy that tender chicken without the wait.
For an extra boost of flavor, feel free to experiment with additional seasonings or herbs. A splash of lemon juice or a dash of red pepper flakes can elevate the taste profile, adding a delightful twist to the classic recipe.
Serving Suggestions
Serve your Healthy Crockpot Chicken and Wild Rice Soup with a slice of crusty bread or a fresh side salad to round out the meal. This combination not only enhances the dining experience but also adds more nutrients to your plate. You can create a delightful, balanced meal that satisfies both hunger and nutritional needs.
For a heartier option, consider topping the soup with some shredded cheese or croutons for added texture. These toppings complement the creamy soup beautifully, providing an enjoyable crunch with each spoonful.
Questions About Recipes
→ Can I use brown rice instead of wild rice?
Yes, but adjust the cooking time as brown rice typically takes longer to cook.
→ Is this soup gluten-free?
Yes, as long as you use gluten-free chicken broth and ensure all other ingredients are gluten-free.
→ How long can I store leftovers?
Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
→ Can I freeze this soup?
Yes, it freezes well. Just be sure to leave out the cream until you reheat it.
Healthy Crockpot Chicken and Wild Rice Soup
Healthy Crockpot Chicken and Wild Rice Soup is a comforting and nutritious dish that combines tender chicken, wholesome wild rice, and a variety of vegetables.
Created by: Marley Quinn
Recipe Type: Quick & Easy
Skill Level: Easy
Final Quantity: 6 servings
What You'll Need
For the Soup
- 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 heavy cream or coconut milk (optional for creaminess)
- Fresh parsley for garnish
How-To Steps
Dice the onions, carrots, and celery. Rinse the wild rice under cold water.
Place the chicken breasts at the bottom of the crockpot. Add the wild rice, diced vegetables, garlic, thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper. Pour in the chicken broth.
Cover and cook on low for 6 hours until the chicken is cooked through and the rice is tender.
Remove the chicken breasts, shred them with two forks, and return the shredded chicken to the soup.
If desired, stir in the heavy cream or coconut milk for a richer texture. Heat through for an additional 10 minutes.
Garnish with fresh parsley and enjoy your healthy soup!
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Calories: 300 kcal
- Total Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
- Sodium: 400mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 22g
- Dietary Fiber: 3g
- Sugars: 3g
- Protein: 25g