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For this slow cooker creamy chicken wild rice soup, you will need: - 2 cups cooked wild rice - 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts - 4 cups chicken broth - 1 cup heavy cream - 1 cup carrots, diced - 1 cup celery, diced - 1 medium onion, chopped - 2 cloves garlic, minced These ingredients create a rich base for the soup. The wild rice adds a nutty flavor, while the chicken provides heartiness. You will also need these pantry staples: - 1 teaspoon dried thyme - 1 teaspoon dried rosemary - Salt and pepper to taste - 2 tablespoons olive oil These spices enhance the taste, giving it a warm, comforting aroma. You can customize the soup with these optional additions: - 1 cup frozen peas - Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish) Adding peas gives a pop of color and sweetness. Fresh parsley adds freshness and a lovely touch. Feel free to get creative with what you have on hand! Start by peeling and dicing the carrots and celery. Make sure they are in even pieces. Chop one medium onion and mince two garlic cloves. Set all your prepared ingredients aside. This makes cooking easier and faster. In a medium skillet, heat two tablespoons of olive oil. Use medium heat until the oil is shiny. Add the chopped onion, diced carrots, and diced celery. Sauté for about five minutes. Stir occasionally. You want the vegetables to become soft and smell good. Now, transfer the sautéed vegetables to the slow cooker. Spread them out evenly in the bottom. Next, place one pound of boneless, skinless chicken breasts on top of the veggies. Pour in four cups of chicken broth. Then, add the minced garlic, one teaspoon of dried thyme, and one teaspoon of dried rosemary. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Stir gently to mix everything without moving the chicken. Cover the slow cooker with its lid. Set it to cook on low for six to seven hours or on high for three to four hours. The chicken will become tender and fully cooked during this time. To enhance the taste of your soup, use good quality chicken broth. Homemade broth works best if you have time. The more flavors, the better! Add fresh herbs like parsley and thyme at the end for a bright taste. You can also include a splash of lemon juice for a zesty kick. Don’t forget salt and pepper; they make a big difference. Taste as you go, and adjust the seasoning to your liking. For that rich and creamy texture, heavy cream is key. Stir it in after cooking, and let the soup heat through. If you're looking for a lighter option, you can use half-and-half or coconut cream. Mix in the cooked wild rice, as it soaks up the creamy goodness. This will keep your soup thick and satisfying. Avoid adding cream too early, as it can curdle during long cooking. Shredding chicken is simple! After cooking, take the chicken out of the slow cooker. Use two forks to pull apart the chicken into bite-sized pieces. This method works well and is quick. If you have a stand mixer, you can use it to shred chicken in seconds. Just place the cooked chicken in the bowl and mix on low speed. It’s fast and easy, making cleanup a breeze! {{image_4}} You can easily make this soup gluten-free. Just use gluten-free chicken broth. For a dairy-free version, swap heavy cream for coconut milk. This change keeps the soup creamy and adds a hint of sweetness. Always check labels on your ingredients to ensure they fit your diet. Want to switch up the grain? You can use brown rice instead of wild rice. Just remember to adjust the cooking time. Brown rice takes longer to cook—about 30 minutes more. Quinoa is also a great choice. It cooks faster and adds protein. Use 1 cup of quinoa and reduce the broth by half a cup. Feel free to get creative with spices. Add a pinch of cayenne for heat, or use Italian seasoning for a twist. Fresh herbs like dill or basil can also brighten the flavor. If you love garlic, toss in an extra clove. Each change gives the soup a new personality. Experiment and find your favorite blend! You can store leftover soup in the fridge. Use an airtight container to keep it fresh. Your creamy chicken wild rice soup lasts up to three days in the fridge. Make sure it cools down before storing. This helps prevent bacteria growth and keeps your soup safe to eat. If you want to save some for later, freezing works great. Use freezer-safe containers or bags to avoid freezer burn. The soup can stay good for about three months in the freezer. Just remember to leave some space in the container for expansion. This keeps your soup tasty when you thaw it. When you're ready to enjoy your soup again, reheating is easy. You can use a pot on the stove over medium heat. Stir often to warm it evenly. If frozen, let it thaw overnight in the fridge first. You can also microwave it. Just heat in short bursts, stirring in between. Make sure it's hot throughout before serving. Enjoy your warm, creamy delight! Slow Cooker Creamy Chicken Wild Rice Soup lasts about 3-4 days in the fridge. Store it in an airtight container to keep it fresh. If you want to enjoy it later, you can freeze it. It freezes well for up to three months. Just make sure to let it cool before freezing. Yes, you can use frozen chicken! Just add it to the slow cooker without thawing. The cooking time will stay the same. Ensure the chicken reaches a safe internal temperature of 165°F. This method saves time and makes meal prep easier. This soup pairs well with many sides. Here are some ideas: - Crusty bread or rolls - A simple green salad - Garlic bread - Crackers or breadsticks These sides add texture and flavor to your meal. Absolutely! This soup is great for meal prep. You can make a large batch and divide it into portions. It reheats well, so it's perfect for quick lunches or dinners. Just store it in the fridge or freezer, and you’ll have a delicious meal ready to go! This blog post covered all you need for Slow Cooker Creamy Chicken Wild Rice Soup. We explored main ingredients and useful pantry staples. I shared step-by-step cooking instructions and helpful tips for flavor and texture. You learned how to adjust the recipe for different diets and how to store leftovers. Now you can enjoy this delicious dish anytime, knowing exactly how to make it. Dive in and let your kitchen work its magic.

Slow Cooker Creamy Chicken Wild Rice Soup

Cozy up with a bowl of Warm & Cozy Slow Cooker Creamy Chicken Wild Rice Soup that's perfect for chilly days! This delicious recipe combines tender chicken, hearty wild rice, and creamy goodness, all made effortlessly in your slow cooker. With simple ingredients and easy steps, you can enjoy a comforting meal that’s ready to warm your soul. Click through to explore this scrumptious recipe and create a heartwarming dinner tonight!
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Ingredients
  

2 cups cooked wild rice

1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts

4 cups chicken broth

1 cup heavy cream

1 cup carrots, diced

1 cup celery, diced

1 medium onion, chopped

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 teaspoon dried thyme

1 teaspoon dried rosemary

Salt and pepper to taste

2 tablespoons olive oil

1 cup frozen peas

Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions
 

Prepare the Ingredients: Begin by peeling and dicing the carrots and celery into uniform pieces. Chop the onion and mince the garlic cloves, then set all the prepared ingredients aside for easy access during cooking.

    Sauté the Vegetables: In a medium skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat until shimmering. Add the chopped onion, diced carrots, and celery. Sauté for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are softened and slightly fragrant.

      Transfer to Slow Cooker: Carefully transfer the sautéed vegetable mixture into the slow cooker, spreading it evenly across the bottom.

        Add Chicken: Place the boneless chicken breasts directly on top of the sautéed vegetables in the slow cooker, ensuring they are evenly distributed.

          Add Liquids and Spices: Pour the chicken broth over the chicken and vegetables. Then, add the minced garlic, dried thyme, dried rosemary, along with salt and pepper to taste. Gently stir the mixture to combine all the ingredients without disturbing the chicken.

            Cook: Cover the slow cooker with its lid and set it to cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. The chicken should become fully cooked and tender during this time.

              Shred Chicken: Once the cooking time is up, carefully remove the chicken breasts from the slow cooker and place them on a cutting board. Use two forks to shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces and then return the shredded chicken back into the soup.

                Make it Creamy: Stir in the heavy cream and the cooked wild rice into the soup mixture. Mix well to ensure everything is evenly combined. Allow it to continue cooking on low for an additional 30 minutes to heat through.

                  Finish with Peas: Just before serving, stir in the frozen peas and let them warm through in the soup for about 5 minutes.

                    Serve and Garnish: Use a ladle to serve the creamy chicken wild rice soup into bowls. Garnish each bowl with a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley for a touch of color and freshness.

                      Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 20 mins | 7 hours | 6-8 servings