On chilly days in our little town, there’s nothing quite like the heartwarming aroma of a homemade soup simmering away in the kitchen. Today, I have a special treat to share: a Slow Cooker Creamy Chicken and Wild Rice Soup with mushrooms. This soup is the ultimate comfort food, combining tender chicken, earthy wild rice, and hearty mushrooms in a silky, creamy broth. It’s the perfect meal for busy days when you want something nutritious for the family without spending hours in the kitchen.

A Family Favorite

This soup holds a dear place in my heart as it often becomes a centerpiece for family gatherings. It invites everyone to slow down, savor the moments together, and warm their hearts and bellies.

The Perfect Pairing

While this soup is quite filling on its own, I love to serve it with a crusty loaf of bread for dipping. The crispness of the bread perfectly complements the creamy texture of the soup. For a fresh touch, steam some greens or prepare a crisp salad on the side. And for those extra cold evenings, make sure to cozy up with a warm blanket on your lap as you enjoy a comforting bowl of this delicious soup.

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 cup uncooked wild rice blend
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 3 carrots, peeled and diced
• 3 celery stalks, diced
• 8 ounces of fresh mushrooms, sliced
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 2 teaspoons garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon dried parsley
• 1/2 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper (or to taste)
• 2 cups of water
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour

Directions

1. Start by preparing the vegetables. Dice the carrots and celery, slice the mushrooms, and chop the onion.
2. Place the chicken breasts at the bottom of your slow cooker.
3. Add the prepared vegetables on top, along with the wild rice blend.
4. Pour in the chicken broth and water, and sprinkle the garlic powder, thyme, parsley, salt, and pepper over the mixture.
5. 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.
6. About 30 minutes before the cooking time is up, remove the chicken from the slow cooker, shred it using two forks, and place it back into the soup.
7. In a bowl, mix the heavy cream and flour together, ensuring no lumps remain. Stir this mixture into the soup to thicken it.
8. Allow the soup to cook for an additional 30 minutes or until it reaches the desired thickness.

Grab a comforting bowl of this chicken and wild rice soup and savor the warmth and deliciousness. Your taste buds will thank you!

Bonus Recipe: Bacon Wrapped Brussels Sprouts

Are you looking for a delicious and easy appetizer that will impress your guests? Look no further than these Bacon Wrapped Brussels Sprouts! With just a few simple ingredients and the help of an air fryer, you can create a mouthwatering treat that everyone will love. Whether you’re hosting a party or just want to indulge in a tasty snack, these bacon-wrapped sprouts are a winner.

Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
• 2 cloves garlic
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. In a bowl, mix together the olive oil, balsamic vinegar, garlic, salt, and pepper. This flavorful mixture will be the secret to the amazing taste of your bacon-wrapped Brussels sprouts.
2. Add 1 & 1/2 pounds of Brussels sprouts to the bowl. Make sure to wash them thoroughly and halve them if needed. Toss the sprouts in the mixture to ensure they are evenly coated.
3. Take each Brussels sprout and wrap it with half a piece of bacon. To keep everything in place, secure the bacon with a toothpick.
4. Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) to ensure even cooking.
5. Place the bacon-wrapped Brussels sprouts in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Make sure they have enough space to cook evenly without touching each other too closely.
6. Cook the sprouts in the air fryer for 15 minutes. The bacon will turn crispy and the Brussels sprouts will become tender.
7. Once the cooking time is up, carefully remove the bacon-wrapped Brussels sprouts from the air fryer. Let them cool slightly before serving.
8. These Bacon Wrapped Brussels sprouts can be served as an appetizer or a side dish. They are sure to be a hit at any gathering.

So, why wait? Get your air fryer ready and try this delicious recipe today. Your taste buds will thank you!