Creamy Spinach & Chicken Wild Rice Soup
Warm up with this wholesome and hearty Creamy Spinach & Chicken Wild Rice Soup, perfect for chilly days or busy weeknights. This slow cooker recipe brings together tender chunks of chicken, nutty wild rice, and vibrant spinach in a creamy broth that oozes comfort. It's incredibly adaptable—you can use leftover chicken or even throw in uncooked chicken breasts to simmer alongside the other ingredients. Rich in flavor yet simple to prepare, this soup is a family favorite that can be enjoyed with crusty bread or a fresh side salad.
6
Servings
N/A
Calories
8
Ingredients
Ingredients
water
3 cups (measured)
reduced-sodium chicken broth
1 (14 ounce) can (canned)
reduced-fat reduced-sodium condensed cream of chicken soup
1 (10 3/4 ounce) can (canned)
wild rice
2/3 cup (uncooked, rinsed and drained)
dried thyme
1/2 teaspoon (crushed)
black pepper
1/4 teaspoon (ground)
cooked chicken
3 cups (chopped (about 1 pound) or cooked turkey)
fresh spinach
2 cups (coarsely chopped)
Instructions
1
In a slow cooker, combine the water, chicken broth, cream of chicken soup, uncooked wild rice, dried thyme, and black pepper.
2
Cover and cook on LOW for 7 to 8 hours, or on HIGH for 3-1/2 to 4 hours until the rice is tender.
3
If using uncooked chicken, add whole chicken breasts at the start. Once cooked, remove the chicken, shred or chop it, and return it to the slow cooker.
4
In the last 30 minutes of cooking, stir in the chopped chicken and fresh spinach until the spinach wilts and is heated through.
5
Serve hot and enjoy your comforting bowl of soup!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main dish in this recipe?
The main dish is a Creamy Spinach & Chicken Wild Rice Soup.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe makes 6 servings.
What are the primary ingredients needed?
The main ingredients include chicken, wild rice, fresh spinach, chicken broth, and cream of chicken soup.
Can I cook this soup in a slow cooker?
Yes, this recipe is specifically designed for a slow cooker.
How long does it take to cook on the LOW setting?
It takes 7 to 8 hours on the LOW setting.
What is the cooking time on the HIGH setting?
On the HIGH setting, it takes 3-1/2 to 4 hours.
Can I use uncooked chicken breasts?
Yes, you can add whole uncooked chicken breasts at the start and shred them once cooked.
What type of rice is used for this soup?
The recipe calls for 2/3 cup of uncooked wild rice.
Can I substitute the chicken with another protein?
Yes, you can use cooked turkey instead of chicken.
When should I add the fresh spinach?
Add the fresh spinach in the last 30 minutes of cooking.
Does the wild rice need to be prepared before adding?
The wild rice should be rinsed and drained before being added to the slow cooker.
What kind of broth is recommended?
The recipe suggests using reduced-sodium chicken broth.
How much water is required?
You will need 3 cups of water.
What spices are used for seasoning?
The soup is seasoned with dried thyme and ground black pepper.
How should the spinach be prepared?
The spinach should be coarsely chopped.
What size can of cream of chicken soup is needed?
Use one 10 3/4 ounce can of reduced-fat reduced-sodium condensed cream of chicken soup.
Is this recipe considered easy to make?
Yes, it is tagged as an easy recipe with simple preparation steps.
What makes this soup creamy?
The combination of condensed cream of chicken soup and the starches from the rice creates a creamy texture.
How much chicken is required for the recipe?
You need 3 cups of chopped chicken, which is approximately 1 pound.
What is a good side dish for this soup?
It pairs well with crusty bread or a fresh side salad.
Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh?
While fresh is recommended, you can use frozen spinach if you thaw it and squeeze out the excess moisture first.
Is this soup healthy?
Yes, it is tagged as healthy and uses reduced-sodium and reduced-fat ingredients.
Do I need to cook the chicken before putting it in the slow cooker?
You can use either pre-cooked chicken or raw chicken breasts that cook during the process.
How do I handle raw chicken breasts if I use them?
Cook them whole in the pot, then remove, shred or chop, and return them to the soup at the end.
What is the texture of the wild rice when finished?
The wild rice should be tender but still have a slightly nutty bite.
What should I do if the soup is too thick?
You can stir in a little extra chicken broth or water to reach your desired consistency.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Yes, it is a great slow cooker meal that can be prepared in advance.
Can I add other vegetables like carrots or celery?
Yes, adding aromatic vegetables like carrots and celery would complement the flavors well.
How many ingredients total are in this recipe?
There are 8 ingredients in this recipe.
How should I store leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.