Healthy Crockpot Chicken and Wild Rice Soup
Highlighted under: Healthy & Light
This Healthy Crockpot Chicken and Wild Rice Soup is a comforting, nutritious meal that simmers to perfection in your slow cooker.
This soup is perfect for a cozy dinner or a healthy lunch. Packed with protein and fiber, it’s a meal you can feel good about.
Why You'll Love This Soup
- Loaded with wholesome ingredients and flavors
- Rich and hearty texture that warms you up
- Perfectly customizable with your favorite veggies
Nutritional Benefits
This Healthy Crockpot Chicken and Wild Rice Soup is not only delicious but also packed with nutritional benefits. The wild rice is a great source of fiber and essential nutrients, making it a wholesome addition to any meal. With each bowl, you’re not just enjoying a comforting soup; you’re also nourishing your body with vitamins and minerals that support overall health.
Chicken breasts provide lean protein, aiding in muscle repair and growth. Combined with the vegetables like carrots and celery, this soup offers a balanced meal that satisfies hunger while delivering essential nutrients. By using low-fat milk or cream, you can enjoy a creamy texture without the extra calories, making this soup a smart choice for health-conscious eaters.
Versatile and Customizable
One of the best aspects of this soup is its versatility. You can easily modify the ingredients based on what you have on hand or your personal preferences. Feel free to add in other vegetables like spinach, kale, or bell peppers to enhance the flavor and nutrition. If you prefer a spicier kick, consider adding some crushed red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños.
You can also swap out the chicken for turkey or even use a plant-based protein like chickpeas for a vegetarian version. This adaptability makes it a fantastic option for meal prep, allowing you to create variations throughout the week without getting bored.
Perfect for Meal Prep
This Healthy Crockpot Chicken and Wild Rice Soup is an excellent choice for meal prepping. It stores well in the refrigerator for several days, and the flavors continue to develop, making it even tastier the next day. Portion it out into individual containers for quick lunches or dinners throughout the week.
Additionally, you can freeze the soup in airtight containers for up to three months. Just make sure to leave some space in the containers for expansion as the soup freezes. When you’re ready to enjoy it, simply thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop for a comforting meal in no time.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup wild rice, rinsed
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 carrots, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup milk or cream
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
Feel free to add any of your favorite vegetables!
Instructions
Prepare the Ingredients
Start by dicing the onion, carrots, and celery. Rinse the wild rice under cold water.
Add to Crockpot
Place the chicken breasts, wild rice, diced vegetables, chicken broth, garlic powder, thyme, salt, and pepper in the crockpot.
Cook the Soup
Set the crockpot on low and cook for about 4 hours, or until the chicken is cooked through and the rice is tender.
Shred Chicken
Once cooked, remove the chicken, shred it, and return it to the pot.
Finish with Cream
Stir in the milk or cream to give the soup a rich finish, and adjust seasoning if needed.
Serve and Enjoy
Serve hot, garnished with fresh herbs if desired!
This soup is even better the next day!
Storage Tips
To keep your Healthy Crockpot Chicken and Wild Rice Soup fresh, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. If you plan to keep it longer, consider freezing individual servings. When freezing, use freezer-safe bags or containers, leaving some space for the soup to expand as it freezes, ensuring the best texture and flavor upon reheating.
When you’re ready to eat, simply transfer the soup from the freezer to the fridge to thaw overnight. Reheat it on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave until it’s warmed through. You may need to add a splash of broth or milk to restore the desired consistency after freezing.
Serving Suggestions
Serve your Healthy Crockpot Chicken and Wild Rice Soup with a crusty loaf of bread or a side salad for a complete meal. A sprinkle of fresh herbs like parsley or thyme on top not only adds a pop of color but also enhances the flavor profile of the soup. Consider pairing it with a light vinaigrette salad to balance the richness of the soup.
For an extra touch, you can also offer toppings like grated cheese, croutons, or a squeeze of lemon juice to elevate the dish further. These simple additions can transform your soup into a delightful dining experience that family and friends will love.
Questions About Recipes
→ Can I use brown rice instead of wild rice?
Yes, but adjust the cooking time as brown rice may take longer to cook.
→ Is this soup freezer-friendly?
Absolutely! You can freeze it in portions for a quick meal later.
→ Can I add other vegetables?
Yes! Feel free to add spinach, peas, or any other veggies you enjoy.
→ How can I make this soup dairy-free?
You can replace the milk with a dairy-free alternative like almond milk or coconut milk.
Healthy Crockpot Chicken and Wild Rice Soup
This Healthy Crockpot Chicken and Wild Rice Soup is a comforting, nutritious meal that simmers to perfection in your slow cooker.
Created by: Lucy Price
Recipe Type: Healthy & Light
Skill Level: Easy
Final Quantity: 6 servings
What You'll Need
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup wild rice, rinsed
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 carrots, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup milk or cream
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
How-To Steps
Start by dicing the onion, carrots, and celery. Rinse the wild rice under cold water.
Place the chicken breasts, wild rice, diced vegetables, chicken broth, garlic powder, thyme, salt, and pepper in the crockpot.
Set the crockpot on low and cook for about 4 hours, or until the chicken is cooked through and the rice is tender.
Once cooked, remove the chicken, shred it, and return it to the pot.
Stir in the milk or cream to give the soup a rich finish, and adjust seasoning if needed.
Serve hot, garnished with fresh herbs if desired!
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Total Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
- Sodium: 600mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 40g
- Dietary Fiber: 4g
- Sugars: 3g
- Protein: 25g