Healthy Slow Cooker Chicken and Wild Rice Soup (no cream)

This crock pot chicken and wild rice soup recipe is insanely easy to throw together and it's healthy to boot. If you're not a fan of a creamy chicken soup or are looking to cut out dairy and extra calories, this delicious soup is where it's at. If you're on the hunt for healthy comfort food to enjoy on cold days, this chicken soup recipe is for you. Packed with lean protein, wild rice, fresh veggies, savory spices and broth, this chicken rice soup doubles as both hearty and nutritious. 

Ingredients Needed

Onion: White or yellow onion is ideal for this recipe. Just dice and add to the crockpot. No need to simmer or saute...boom just add to the slowcooker.

Celery: Diced celery is mild in flavor yet still contains important nutrients such as potassium, calcium and vitamin K.

Carrots: Carrots are a staple of any traditional chicken soup and this recipe makes no exception. Dice into small cubes or coins, whatever your preference. They will have plenty of time to soften as they cook. 

Wild Rice: Wild rice adds a nutty flavor to the soup and is a great source of protein and fiber while still being fairly low in calories. It can be found in most grocery stores by the regular rice or at speciality health stores in bulk bins. I like to buy only what I need from the bulk bins as it's much more economical.

Cooked Skinless Chicken Breasts: This hearty soup recipe is a great way to use leftover chicken or rotisserie chicken breast. 

Chicken Stock: Regular chicken stock or lower sodium options will both work well for this recipe depending upon your dietary needs. I have even used half chicken stock and half chicken bone broth and it is delicious with this combo too. 

Spices: Sea salt, Bay Leaf, Oregano, Rosemary, Black Pepper

What is Wild Rice?

Believe it or not, wild rice is not technically rice at all but instead is an aquatic grass. It is grown primarily within North America. It differs from white and brown rice in that it is longer, has a thicker husk, is very rigid and has strong nutty flavor. That same nutty taste and chewy texture contribute to make this such a delcious and great soup perfect to enjoy during soup season. Nutty wild rice is most commonly used in soups, casseroles and stuffing dishes thanks to its great flavor and nutrients.

Substitutions and Serving Ideas

Got leftover turkey from Thanksgiving? An easy chicken swap is to use turkey breast! Still tons of lean protein and similar flavor. If looking for a vegan soup, swap out chicken broth for vegetable broth and omit the chicken breast. Add additional vegetables such as peas, kale and corn to the soup to bulk up nutrients and variety. Different rice varieties such as white rice or brown rice could be used as oppossed to a wild rice blend, but cooking time will likely vary as will the flavor profile. 

This soup goes perfectly with a grilled cheese sandwich, a slice of crusty sourdough bread, delicious cornbread or a side salad. This healthy soup is perfect for meal prep as it is easy to reheat and stores well for up to a week in the refrigerator.

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