Slow Cooker Chicken and Wild Rice Soup

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Ingredients: Begin by prepping all your vegetables. Dice the onion, chop the carrots and celery, and mince the garlic. Rinse the wild rice to remove excess starch.
2. Add to Slow Cooker: Place the chicken breasts or thighs in the bottom of the slow cooker. Add the rinsed wild rice, diced onion, chopped carrots, celery, garlic, thyme, parsley, and bay leaf. Pour in the chicken broth, ensuring all ingredients are submerged. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
3. Cook on Low: Cover the slow cooker and cook on the low setting for 6 to 7 hours, or on high for 3 to 4 hours, until the chicken is tender and the wild rice is fully cooked. The chicken should shred easily when tested with a fork.
4. Shred the Chicken: After the cooking time has elapsed, remove the chicken from the slow cooker. Use two forks to shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces. Return the shredded chicken to the soup.
5. Make the Soup Creamy: In a separate bowl, whisk together the half-and-half (or heavy cream) and flour (if using). This will help thicken the soup and add a rich, creamy texture. Stir this mixture into the soup and let it cook for an additional 10-15 minutes on low until the soup thickens and becomes velvety.
6. Final Adjustments: Taste the soup and adjust seasoning with more salt and pepper, if needed. Remove the bay leaf.
7. Serve and Enjoy: Ladle the warm soup into bowls and serve with a slice of crusty bread or a side salad.

Tips and Variations:

• Use Bone-In Chicken: For extra flavor, you can use bone-in chicken breasts or thighs. After cooking, remove the bones before shredding the chicken.
• Make it Gluten-Free: If you prefer a gluten-free version, skip the flour and use cornstarch to thicken the soup. Add it at the end of cooking by mixing 2 tablespoons of cornstarch with cold water and stirring it into the soup.
• Add Extra Vegetables: Feel free to incorporate other vegetables like mushrooms, parsnips, or spinach for added flavor and nutrition.
• Use Pre-Cooked Chicken: To speed up the process, you can use pre-cooked or rotisserie chicken. Simply add it in during the last 30 minutes of cooking to heat through.

Why You’ll Love This Soup:

1. Simple to Make: With just a few ingredients and minimal prep, this slow-cooker recipe is incredibly easy to prepare.
2. Comforting and Hearty: The wild rice and chicken make this soup filling, while the creamy broth adds a smooth richness.
3. Perfect for Meal Prep: This soup keeps well for leftovers and can even be frozen for future meals, making it a great option for meal prepping.
4. Customizable: You can adjust the seasonings or add extra vegetables to suit your taste or dietary preferences.

Final Thoughts:

This Slow Cooker Chicken and Wild Rice Soup is a delicious and comforting dish that’s perfect for cold days. It’s an easy-to-make meal that combines wholesome ingredients with a creamy texture and rich flavor. Whether you’re looking for a satisfying dinner or a nourishing lunch, this recipe checks all the boxes for taste, nutrition, and convenience. Enjoy it as a family favorite that will warm you from the inside out!