About This Healthy Recipe
Wild rice adds texture and slow-digesting carbohydrate, while chicken and spinach help make the soup feel complete enough for lunch or dinner.
This soup is cozy and practical, especially for readers who want a homemade meal that reheats well and can be paired with a salad or fruit for a fuller plate.
This guide follows the same measured format used throughout Best Fitness Routine so readers can compare it with recipes such as Garlic Miso Chicken Mushroom Soup with Bok Choy, High-Protein Chicken Cabbage and White Bean Soup, and Healthy Meals Page 15. It is general educational content rather than individualized nutrition advice.
Why Readers May Like It
- 1Uses practical slow-cooker prep with minimal active cooking.
- 2Balances taste, convenience, and a transparent nutrition estimate.
- 3Works for regular meals, leftovers, or meal prep depending on the recipe.
Recipe Summary and Estimated Nutrition
Values are calculated from the listed ingredient weights and divided by the stated yield. Product labels, produce size, cooking loss, and substitutions can change the result.
6 servings
USDA-aligned generic food estimates divided by the listed yield.
Estimated energy per serving
Calculated from listed ingredients
Includes fiber and sugars
Includes unsaturated and saturated fat
Ingredient-by-Ingredient Nutrition Breakdown
| Ingredient | Amount used | Weight | Calories | Protein | Carbs | Fat |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Boneless skinless chicken breast | 1 1/4 pounds (567 g) | 567 g | 1247 kcal | 145.5 g | 0.0 g | 49.6 g |
| Wild rice blend | 3/4 cup (150 g) | 150 g | 202 kcal | 5.0 g | 58.3 g | 1.1 g |
| Carrots, diced | 1 cup (130 g) | 130 g | 71 kcal | 1.0 g | 23.1 g | 0.6 g |
| Celery, diced | 1 cup (100 g) | 100 g | 53 kcal | 1.2 g | 13.0 g | 1.2 g |
| Onion, diced | 1 medium (150 g) | 150 g | 80 kcal | 1.4 g | 25.8 g | 0.4 g |
| Mushrooms, sliced | 8 ounces (227 g) | 227 g | 67 kcal | 5.8 g | 13.9 g | 1.7 g |
| Low-sodium chicken broth | 4 cups (960 ml) | 960 g | 102 kcal | 5.6 g | 12.4 g | 4.7 g |
| Baby spinach | 3 cups (90 g) | 90 g | 28 kcal | 2.2 g | 6.0 g | 0.9 g |
| Low-fat milk | 3/4 cup (180 ml) | 180 g | 115 kcal | 5.1 g | 16.7 g | 6.6 g |
| Dried thyme | 1 teaspoon (2 g) | 2 g | 8 kcal | 0.1 g | 1.7 g | 0.5 g |
| Dried parsley | 1 teaspoon (2 g) | 2 g | 1 kcal | 0.0 g | 0.2 g | 0.0 g |
| Calculated full-recipe total | 6 servings | full recipe | 1974 kcal | 172.8 g | 171.0 g | 67.2 g |
| Calculated full-recipe total | 6 servings | full recipe | 1974 kcal | 172.8 g | 171.0 g | 67.2 g |
How This Nutrition Estimate Was Prepared
- Each ingredient has an explicit base amount.
- Generic food-composition estimates are aligned with USDA FoodData Central principles.
- Full-recipe values are divided by the listed yield before display rounding.
- Optional ingredients are excluded unless measured in the base recipe.
Accuracy note: These numbers are credible estimates, not laboratory analysis. Use exact package labels when precision is important.
Ingredients
Soup
Seasoning
Professional Step-by-Step Preparation
Equipment
6-quart slow cooker, cutting board, chef knife, measuring tools, mixing spoon, serving ladle, and a food thermometer for checking animal proteins.
Before You Start
Wash produce, keep raw animal proteins separate from ready-to-eat foods, measure ingredients before cooking, and use a food thermometer where appropriate.
Combine the soup ingredients
Add the chicken, wild rice, carrots, celery, onion, mushrooms, broth, garlic, thyme, parsley, black pepper, and a small pinch of salt to the slow cooker.
Success tip: Keep the slow cooker covered during the main cooking period unless the recipe specifically asks you to stir or add an ingredient near the end.
Cook until the rice is tender
Cook on low for about 7 hours until the rice is tender and the chicken shreds easily.
Success tip: Keep the slow cooker covered during the main cooking period unless the recipe specifically asks you to stir or add an ingredient near the end.
Shred the chicken
Remove the chicken, shred it, and return it to the soup.
Success tip: Keep the slow cooker covered during the main cooking period unless the recipe specifically asks you to stir or add an ingredient near the end.
Add milk and spinach
Stir in the milk and spinach for the final 5 to 10 minutes until the greens wilt.
Success tip: Keep the slow cooker covered during the main cooking period unless the recipe specifically asks you to stir or add an ingredient near the end.
Adjust consistency and serve
Serve hot.
Success tip: Keep the slow cooker covered during the main cooking period unless the recipe specifically asks you to stir or add an ingredient near the end.
Potential Benefits and Things to Consider
Potential Benefits
- This soup is cozy and practical, especially for readers who want a homemade meal that reheats well and can be paired with a salad or fruit for a fuller plate.
- Slow-cooker preparation reduces active cooking time and can make planned leftovers easier.
- The measured recipe format makes portions and nutrition estimates easier to compare with other meals on the site.
Things to Consider
- Slow cookers vary, so tenderness and liquid level should be checked near the end of the cooking window.
- Broth, canned foods, sauces, and toppings can change sodium and calorie totals between brands.
- Contains milk if finished with dairy milk. Check broth ingredients and rice blends for allergen statements when needed.
Who May Enjoy This Recipe?
It May Work Well For
- Busy adults and households that want a mostly hands-off slow-cooker meal.
- Active adults looking for practical meals with transparent estimated nutrition.
- Readers who prefer familiar supermarket ingredients and make-ahead options.
Best Times to Eat It
- Lunch or dinner
- Meal prep when stored and reheated safely
- Before or after training according to individual preference and energy needs
How to Adjust It for Different Goals
For fewer calories
Reduce calorie-dense toppings, oils, or grain portions slightly and keep vegetables generous.
For more protein
Increase the main lean protein or add another measured protein-rich ingredient that fits the recipe.
For more energy
Add a larger portion of whole grains, starchy vegetables, bread, fruit, or another carbohydrate source according to your training needs.
Substitutions, Dietary Notes, and Allergens
Practical Substitutions
- Use kale instead of spinach.
- Use evaporated skim milk for a slightly richer finish.
- Use chicken thighs if you prefer darker meat.
Allergen Information
Contains milk if finished with dairy milk. Check broth ingredients and rice blends for allergen statements when needed.
Always check packaged ingredient labels because formulations and cross-contact statements can change between brands and countries.
Storage and Meal Preparation
Refrigerate for up to 4 days. The rice will continue to absorb liquid, so add extra broth when reheating.
Keep perishable food at 40°F (4°C) or below. Do not leave perishable food at room temperature for more than 2 hours, or 1 hour above 90°F (32°C). Reheat leftovers until hot throughout.
Frequently Asked Questions
Refrigerate for up to 4 days. The rice will continue to absorb liquid, so add extra broth when reheating.
Increase the main protein-rich ingredient modestly or pair the meal with a protein-rich side such as Greek yogurt, beans, tofu, eggs, fish, or lean poultry where appropriate.
Yes. Kale works well if spinach is not available.
Each listed ingredient is assigned a generic USDA-aligned food-composition estimate by gram weight. Ingredient values are totaled for the full recipe and divided by the stated yield.
It is a general healthy-meal idea. Individual nutrition needs differ, especially with allergies, medical conditions, pregnancy, prescribed diets, or sport-specific fueling requirements.
No. This page is educational and does not diagnose, treat, or provide individualized nutrition advice.
Nutrition and Safety Note
This page is for general education. It does not diagnose, treat, or provide individualized diet advice. People with allergies, medical conditions, pregnancy, prescribed diets, or specific nutrition requirements should seek qualified professional guidance.
Nutrition Data Source
Read our Nutrition Calculation Methodology for details on weights, estimates, rounding, and limitations.
