Healthy Crockpot Chicken and Wild Rice Soup
Highlighted under: Healthy & Light
Enjoy a warm and hearty bowl of Healthy Crockpot Chicken and Wild Rice Soup, perfect for chilly days.
This Healthy Crockpot Chicken and Wild Rice Soup is a comforting meal that can be prepared in no time. The combination of tender chicken, nutty wild rice, and fresh vegetables makes it a wholesome dish for the whole family.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Nutritious ingredients packed with flavor
- Easy to prepare and cook in a slow cooker
- Perfect for meal prep and leftovers
- A comforting and hearty soup for all seasons
A Wholesome Choice for Any Day
Healthy Crockpot Chicken and Wild Rice Soup is a fantastic option for those who prioritize nutrition without sacrificing flavor. This soup is loaded with wholesome ingredients, including lean chicken, vibrant vegetables, and nutrient-rich wild rice. Each bowl is a treasure trove of vitamins and minerals, making it a smart choice for anyone looking to maintain a balanced diet.
Not only is this soup nourishing, but it's also incredibly versatile. You can easily adapt the recipe to include seasonal vegetables or your favorite leafy greens. Whether you're cooking for a busy family or prepping meals for the week, this soup is an excellent way to incorporate healthy eating into your routine.
Effortless Cooking with Your Slow Cooker
One of the best aspects of this Healthy Crockpot Chicken and Wild Rice Soup is its simplicity. With just a bit of prep work, you can toss all the ingredients into your slow cooker and let it do the magic. This hands-off approach allows you to focus on other tasks or simply relax while the soup simmers away, filling your home with its delightful aroma.
The slow cooking process enhances the flavors, allowing the chicken to become tender and the wild rice to soak up the rich broth. This means you'll end up with a deeply satisfying soup that tastes like it has been simmering for hours, all with minimal effort on your part.
Perfect for Leftovers and Meal Prep
This soup not only serves as a delicious dinner option but also excels as a meal prep hero. Making a large batch means you'll have leftovers ready for lunches or quick dinners throughout the week. Simply store the soup in airtight containers in the refrigerator or freezer, and enjoy it at your convenience.
Reheating is a breeze, and the flavors continue to meld beautifully over time. Just add a splash of water or broth when reheating to ensure the soup maintains its creamy consistency. This makes it a fantastic go-to meal when you're short on time but still want something hearty and healthy.
Ingredients
Soup Ingredients
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast
- 1 cup wild rice, rinsed
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 carrots, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 6 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup kale or spinach, chopped
- 1 cup cream or milk (optional)
Combine all ingredients in your crockpot for a delightful soup.
Instructions
Prepare Ingredients
Start by dicing the onion, carrots, and celery. Mince the garlic and rinse the wild rice under cold water.
Combine in Crockpot
Place the chicken breast, diced vegetables, garlic, wild rice, thyme, parsley, and chicken broth into the crockpot. Season with salt and pepper.
Cook the Soup
Cover and cook on low for 6 hours or high for 3 hours, until the chicken is fully cooked and the rice is tender.
Shred Chicken
Once cooked, remove the chicken, shred it with two forks, and return it to the pot. Stir in the kale or spinach and cream or milk if using.
Serve
Serve hot with crusty bread or crackers for a complete meal.
Enjoy your delicious and healthy soup!
Tips for Customization
Feel free to customize this soup to suit your taste preferences! You can add additional vegetables such as bell peppers, zucchini, or mushrooms for added flavor and nutrition. If you prefer a spicier version, consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce.
For those who are dairy-free, simply omit the cream or milk, and consider using a plant-based milk alternative. This soup is inherently adaptable, allowing you to make it your own while keeping all the nutritious benefits intact.
Storage and Reheating Instructions
To store your Healthy Crockpot Chicken and Wild Rice Soup, let it cool completely before transferring it to airtight containers. It can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or frozen for up to 3 months. When freezing, consider portioning it out into smaller containers for easy reheating.
When you're ready to enjoy your soup again, simply thaw it overnight in the refrigerator if frozen. Reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave until heated through, adding a little extra liquid if needed. This ensures that each bowl tastes just as good as the first.
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.
→ Can I make this soup dairy-free?
Absolutely! Just omit the cream or milk.
→ 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 make sure to leave out the cream before freezing.
Healthy Crockpot Chicken and Wild Rice Soup
Enjoy a warm and hearty bowl of Healthy Crockpot Chicken and Wild Rice Soup, perfect for chilly days.
Created by: Ottilie James
Recipe Type: Healthy & Light
Skill Level: Easy
Final Quantity: 6 servings
What You'll Need
Soup Ingredients
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast
- 1 cup wild rice, rinsed
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 carrots, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 6 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup kale or spinach, chopped
- 1 cup cream or milk (optional)
How-To Steps
Start by dicing the onion, carrots, and celery. Mince the garlic and rinse the wild rice under cold water.
Place the chicken breast, diced vegetables, garlic, wild rice, thyme, parsley, and chicken broth into the crockpot. Season with salt and pepper.
Cover and cook on low for 6 hours or high for 3 hours, until the chicken is fully cooked and the rice is tender.
Once cooked, remove the chicken, shred it with two forks, and return it to the pot. Stir in the kale or spinach and cream or milk if using.
Serve hot with crusty bread or crackers for a complete meal.
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Total Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
- Sodium: 600mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 40g
- Dietary Fiber: 4g
- Sugars: 3g
- Protein: 25g