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As the weather turns chilly and the days grow shorter, there’s nothing quite like a warm bowl of soup to bring a sense of comfort and coziness. The Cozy Comfort Slow Cooker Chicken & Wild Rice Soup is the perfect answer to those cold evenings when you seek something hearty yet nourishing. This recipe combines tender chicken, nutty wild rice, and an array of vibrant vegetables, all simmered together to create a deliciously creamy and satisfying meal.

Slow Cooker Chicken & Wild Rice Soup

Warm up this chilly season with Cozy Comfort Slow Cooker Chicken & Wild Rice Soup, a hearty and nourishing dish that's easy to prepare. This recipe blends tender chicken, nutty wild rice, and fresh vegetables into a creamy delight that fills the soul. Perfect for busy families, it requires minimal effort while delivering maximum flavor. Enjoy the comforting aroma as it simmers in your kitchen, making it an ideal choice for any weeknight gathering.
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Ingredients
  

1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts

1 cup wild rice, rinsed and drained

1 medium onion, finely diced

3 cloves garlic, minced

3 medium carrots, peeled and diced

3 celery stalks, diced

1 cup sliced mushrooms (button or Cremini)

6 cups low-sodium chicken broth

1 teaspoon dried thyme

1 teaspoon dried rosemary

1 bay leaf

1 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)

1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

1 cup heavy cream or coconut milk (for a dairy-free option)

2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Juice of 1 lemon (optional for brightness)

Instructions
 

Prep the Chicken: Begin by placing the boneless, skinless chicken breasts at the bottom of the slow cooker. Ensure they lie flat so they cook evenly throughout the process.

    Add Wild Rice: Spread the rinsed and drained wild rice evenly over the chicken. This will create a flavorful foundation for the soup.

      Layer the Vegetables: Gently add the diced onion, minced garlic, diced carrots, diced celery, and sliced mushrooms atop the rice and chicken.

        Pour the Broth: Carefully pour the low-sodium chicken broth over the layered ingredients, ensuring that everything is submerged for optimal flavor infusion.

          Season: Sprinkle in the dried thyme, rosemary, bay leaf, salt, and black pepper. Stir gently to combine all the ingredients but take care not to disturb the chicken at the bottom.

            Set the Slow Cooker: Cover the slow cooker with its lid and set it to low for 6-8 hours. Alternatively, you can set it to high for 3-4 hours, depending on your schedule and need.

              Shred the Chicken: Once the cooking time is complete and the chicken is tender, carefully remove the chicken breasts from the slow cooker. Use two forks to shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces.

                Return the Chicken: Place the shredded chicken back into the soup, stirring to combine everything well.

                  Stir in Cream: Add the heavy cream or coconut milk to the soup, stirring to create a rich, creamy texture. Allow it to heat through on low for an additional 30 minutes.

                    Finish with Freshness: Just before serving, if desired, stir in the fresh lemon juice to add a burst of brightness. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley for a pop of color.

                      Serve: Ladle the warm, comforting soup into bowls and enjoy the heartwarming flavors of your homemade chicken and wild rice soup!

                        Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 15 minutes | 7-8 hours | 6 servings

                          Presentation Tips: Serve the soup in rustic bowls topped with extra parsley and a lemon wedge on the side for an inviting, flavorful touch!