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Creamy Slow Cooker Chicken and Wild Rice Soup

Creamy Slow Cooker Chicken and Wild Rice Soup
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A comforting and nourishing Creamy Slow Cooker Chicken and Wild Rice Soup featuring tender chicken, wholesome wild rice, and a luscious creamy broth simmered to perfection. Easy to prepare, rich in nutrients, and perfect for cozy meals any day.

Ingredients

Protein

  • Chicken breasts or thighs (about 1.5 to 2 pounds, boneless or bone-in)

Grains

  • Wild rice blend (1 cup, rinsed)

Vegetables

  • Carrots (2 medium, finely chopped)
  • Celery stalks (2, finely chopped)
  • Onion (1 medium, finely chopped)
  • Garlic cloves (2, minced)

Liquids

  • Chicken broth (4 cups)
  • Heavy cream or coconut milk (1 cup)

Herbs & Seasoning

  • Fresh thyme or other fresh herbs (1-2 teaspoons)
  • Salt (to taste)
  • Black pepper (to taste)

Instructions

  1. Prepare and Layer Ingredients: Chop the carrots, celery, onion, and garlic finely. Place the chicken in the bottom of the slow cooker, then layer the chopped vegetables on top. Add the rinsed wild rice blend, followed by the fresh herbs, salt, and pepper.
  2. Pour in the Broth: Gently pour the chicken broth over the layered ingredients, making sure everything is submerged. This infuses flavor and provides the liquid base for slow cooking the soup.
  3. Slow Cook Until Tender: Set the slow cooker to low and cook for 6 to 8 hours or on high for 3 to 4 hours. The chicken will become tender, and the wild rice will absorb the broth’s flavors while softening perfectly.
  4. Shred the Chicken: After cooking completes, remove the chicken and shred it with two forks. Return the shredded meat to the soup and stir well to combine evenly.
  5. Add the Cream and Final Seasoning: Slowly stir in the heavy cream or coconut milk, warming through without boiling. Taste and adjust salt and pepper, then sprinkle fresh herbs for brightness before serving.

Notes

  • Use bone-in chicken for extra flavor and enriched broth.
  • Rinse wild rice thoroughly to remove excess starch, preventing gummy texture.
  • Cook slow and low for best flavor and tenderness.
  • Add cream only at the end to avoid curdling and keep soup silky smooth.
  • Garnish with fresh herbs right before serving to enhance aroma and taste.
  • For a dairy-free version, substitute heavy cream with coconut milk or cashew cream.
  • Add extra vegetables like mushrooms, spinach, or kale midpoint for more nutrients.
  • Add a spicy kick with cayenne pepper or smoked paprika if desired.
  • Substitute wild rice with brown rice for quicker cooking and softer texture.
  • To thicken soup if too runny, mix 1 tbsp cornstarch or flour with cold water and stir in, or simmer uncovered to reduce liquid.

Nutrition

Keywords: slow cooker soup, creamy chicken soup, wild rice soup, comforting soup, healthy chicken soup, dairy-free soup option, easy slow cooker recipe

Find it online: https://marysplate.com/creamy-slow-cooker-chicken-and-wild-rice-soup/