Healthy Crockpot Chicken and Wild Rice Soup

Name: Healthy Crockpot Chicken and Wild Rice Soup
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 4 h
Total time: 4 h 20 min
Yield: 6 servings
Ingredients: 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts; 1 cup wild rice, rinsed; 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth; 1 medium onion, diced; 2 carrots, diced; 2 celery stalks, diced; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 teaspoon dried thyme; 1 teaspoon dried rosemary; Salt and pepper to taste; 1 cup fresh spinach, chopped; 1 tablespoon lemon juice

Highlighted under: Healthy & Light

A wholesome and hearty soup that combines lean chicken with flavorful wild rice and fresh vegetables, all slow-cooked to perfection.

Created by

Callista Green

Last updated on 2025-12-28T20:52:16.954Z

This Healthy Crockpot Chicken and Wild Rice Soup is the ultimate comfort food. Packed with nutrients and flavors, it's perfect for chilly days or when you're feeling under the weather. Let the slow cooker do the work while you enjoy the delightful aroma filling your home.

        Why You'll Love This Recipe
        Nutritious ingredients that nourish the body
Easy preparation with minimal cleanup
Rich, savory flavor that everyone will love

      

A Nutritious Delight

Healthy Crockpot Chicken and Wild Rice Soup is a perfect example of how delicious can be nutritious. Packed with lean protein from the chicken and complex carbohydrates from the wild rice, this soup not only satisfies your hunger but also provides essential nutrients to keep your body energized throughout the day. The addition of fresh vegetables like carrots, celery, and spinach further elevates its health benefits, making it a well-rounded meal option for any time of the year.

Moreover, this soup is an excellent choice for those looking to maintain a balanced diet. The combination of herbs like thyme and rosemary adds a burst of flavor without the need for excessive salt or unhealthy additives. It’s a comforting dish that warms the soul and promotes overall well-being, making it a staple for families seeking healthier meal options.

Convenient and Versatile

One of the best things about this Healthy Crockpot Chicken and Wild Rice Soup is its convenience. Preparing a wholesome meal can often feel like a daunting task, but with a crockpot, you can easily throw together the ingredients in the morning and have a delicious meal waiting for you by dinner time. This means you can enjoy a hearty soup without spending hours in the kitchen, making it ideal for busy weeknights or lazy weekends.

Additionally, this recipe is highly versatile. Feel free to mix and match the vegetables based on what you have on hand or prefer. You can substitute the chicken for turkey or add beans for a vegetarian version. This adaptability ensures that you can enjoy this comforting soup regardless of dietary preferences or restrictions.

Perfect for Meal Prep

Healthy Crockpot Chicken and Wild Rice Soup is an excellent option for meal prepping. It stores well in the refrigerator for several days, making it easy to grab a quick lunch or dinner during the week. Simply portion it into individual containers, and you’ll have nutritious meals ready to go, saving you time and effort when life gets busy.

Moreover, the flavors of the soup deepen and improve after a day in the fridge, allowing the ingredients to meld beautifully. You can even freeze portions for longer storage, ensuring that you always have a healthy meal option available when you need it most. This makes it a fantastic addition to your meal prep rotation.

Ingredients

Gather the following ingredients to make this delicious soup:

Ingredients

1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 cup wild rice, rinsed
4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
1 medium onion, diced
2 carrots, diced
2 celery stalks, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1 teaspoon dried rosemary
Salt and pepper to taste
1 cup fresh spinach, chopped
1 tablespoon lemon juice

Make sure to have all these ingredients ready before starting.

Instructions

Follow these simple steps to prepare your soup:

Prepare the Ingredients

Dice the onion, carrots, and celery. Mince the garlic and chop the spinach.

Combine in the Crockpot

Place the chicken breasts, wild rice, diced vegetables, garlic, thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper into the crockpot. Pour the chicken broth over the top.

Cook the Soup

Cover and cook on low for 4 hours or until the chicken is cooked through and the rice is tender.

Shred the Chicken

Remove the chicken from the pot, shred it using two forks, and return it to the soup.

Add Spinach and Lemon Juice

Stir in the chopped spinach and lemon juice. Let it cook for an additional 10 minutes until the spinach wilts.

Serve and Enjoy

Serve hot and enjoy your healthy soup!

Now that your soup is ready, enjoy it with a slice of whole grain bread!

Storage Tips

To store your Healthy Crockpot Chicken and Wild Rice Soup, allow it to cool completely before transferring it to airtight containers. This will help prevent condensation and keep the soup fresh. You can keep it in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or freeze it for up to 3 months. When reheating, add a splash of broth or water to regain its original consistency, as the rice will absorb some of the liquid over time.

If you choose to freeze the soup, consider portioning it into individual servings. This way, you can easily defrost just what you need without having to thaw the entire batch. It’s a practical solution for busy days when a wholesome meal is just a microwave away.

Serving Suggestions

This soup is delightful on its own, but if you want to make it even more special, consider serving it with a side of crusty whole-grain bread or a fresh garden salad. A sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese on top can also enhance the flavor profile, adding a touch of creaminess that complements the soup's savory notes.

For a bit of heat, a dash of hot sauce or red pepper flakes can elevate the dish, making it a comforting meal for those who enjoy a little spice. Don't hesitate to get creative with your toppings—fresh herbs, avocado slices, or even a dollop of Greek yogurt can take this soup to the next level.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use brown rice instead of wild rice?

Yes, but adjust the cooking time as brown rice may require longer to cook.

→ Is there a vegetarian version of this soup?

Absolutely! You can substitute the chicken with chickpeas and use vegetable broth.

→ Can I freeze this soup?

Yes, it freezes well. Just make sure to store it in airtight containers.

→ How long can I store leftovers in the fridge?

Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days.