Healthy Crockpot Chicken and Wild Rice Soup

Name: Healthy Crockpot Chicken and Wild Rice Soup
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 6 h
Total time: 6 h 15 min
Yield: 6 servings
Ingredients: 1 lb 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 tsp dried thyme; 1 tsp dried rosemary; Salt and pepper to taste; 2 cups fresh spinach; 1 cup milk or plant-based milk

Highlighted under: Healthy & Light

This Healthy Crockpot Chicken and Wild Rice Soup is a comforting and nutritious meal that's easy to prepare. Let your slow cooker do the work while you enjoy a delicious bowl of goodness.

Created by

Fiona Carter

Last updated on 2025-12-28T21:01:13.577Z

This soup is a staple in our household, especially during the colder months. The combination of tender chicken, hearty wild rice, and a medley of vegetables creates a rich flavor profile that is both satisfying and healthy.

        Why You'll Love This Recipe
        Packed with protein and fiber for a filling meal
Rich flavors develop beautifully in the slow cooker
Perfect for meal prep or a cozy family dinner

      

A Nutritional Powerhouse

This Healthy Crockpot Chicken and Wild Rice Soup is not only comforting but also packed with essential nutrients. The combination of chicken and wild rice provides a healthy dose of protein, which is crucial for muscle repair and overall health. Additionally, wild rice is a whole grain that adds fiber to your diet, promoting digestive health and keeping you feeling full longer. Coupled with a medley of vegetables like carrots, celery, and spinach, this soup is a fantastic way to incorporate more vitamins and minerals into your meals.

Furthermore, the use of low-sodium chicken broth allows you to control the salt content, making this soup heart-friendly. By preparing it in a slow cooker, you also minimize the need for added oils or fats, resulting in a lighter dish that doesn’t compromise on flavor. It's a win-win situation for anyone looking to maintain a balanced diet without sacrificing taste.

Perfect for Any Occasion

Whether it's a chilly day or you’re simply in need of a hearty meal, this soup is perfect for any occasion. Its comforting warmth makes it an ideal choice for family dinners, gatherings with friends, or even meal prep for the week ahead. You can easily make a large batch to enjoy throughout busy weekdays, ensuring you have a nutritious option ready to go when time is short.

Moreover, this soup is versatile and can be customized to suit your tastes. Feel free to add in seasonal vegetables or swap out the spinach for kale or Swiss chard. You can also experiment with different herbs and spices to create a flavor profile that you love. This flexibility makes it a recipe that can be enjoyed time and time again without getting boring.

Storing and Reheating Tips

If you find yourself with leftovers, storing this soup is easy. Simply let it cool to room temperature, then transfer it to airtight containers. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to four days or frozen for longer preservation. When freezing, consider portioning out the soup to make reheating more convenient. Just remember to leave some space in the container as the soup will expand when frozen.

When it's time to enjoy your leftovers, reheating is a breeze. You can warm the soup on the stove over medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated through. Alternatively, you can microwave it in a microwave-safe bowl, being sure to cover it to prevent splattering. Adding a splash of water or broth can help restore its creamy texture if it thickens during storage. Enjoy a comforting bowl of goodness any day of the week!

Ingredients

For the Soup

1 lb 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 tsp dried thyme
1 tsp dried rosemary
Salt and pepper to taste
2 cups fresh spinach
1 cup milk or plant-based milk

Make sure to adjust the seasonings according to your taste.

Instructions

Prepare the Ingredients

Begin by dicing the carrots, celery, and onion. Rinse the wild rice under cold water and mince the garlic.

Add Ingredients to the Crockpot

Place the chicken breasts at the bottom of the crockpot. Add the wild rice, chicken broth, carrots, celery, onion, garlic, thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper.

Cook the Soup

Cover the crockpot and cook on low for 6 hours, or until the chicken is cooked through and the rice is tender.

Shred the Chicken

Once cooked, remove the chicken breasts and shred them with two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the soup.

Add Spinach and Milk

Stir in the fresh spinach and milk, cooking for an additional 10 minutes until the spinach wilts.

Serve

Enjoy the soup warm with your favorite bread or crackers!

Feel free to customize with your favorite herbs and vegetables.

Frequently Asked Questions

One common question about this soup is whether it can be made with different types of rice. While wild rice is recommended for its unique flavor and texture, you can substitute it with brown rice or even quinoa. Just keep in mind that cooking times may vary, so adjust accordingly to ensure everything is cooked to perfection.

Another frequent inquiry is about the use of dairy. If you're looking for a dairy-free option, using a plant-based milk alternative works wonderfully. Almond milk, oat milk, or coconut milk can add a subtle flavor without compromising the creaminess of the soup.

Serving Suggestions

To enhance your soup experience, consider serving it with a slice of crusty whole-grain bread or a side salad. These additions not only complement the flavors of the soup but also round out your meal with more nutrients. A fresh garden salad dressed with a light vinaigrette can add a refreshing crunch to your dining experience.

For a cozy touch, you might also want to sprinkle some grated parmesan cheese on top of the soup just before serving. This adds a delightful richness and depth of flavor that pairs beautifully with the savory broth and vegetables.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use frozen chicken?

Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts; just ensure they are fully cooked before shredding.

→ How long can I store leftovers?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.

→ Can I make this soup in the Instant Pot?

Yes, you can adapt this recipe for the Instant Pot; just use the sauté function for the veggies and then pressure cook for 15 minutes.

→ Is this soup gluten-free?

Yes, this soup is gluten-free as long as you use gluten-free chicken broth and ensure all other ingredients are gluten-free.