Slow Cooker Creamy Chicken and Rice Soup

$- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken thighs - 1 cup brown rice (rinsed) - 1 medium onion (chopped) - 3 garlic cloves (minced) - 3 carrots (diced) - 2 celery stalks (diced) - 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth - 1 cup heavy cream (or coconut cream for dairy-free) - 1 teaspoon dried thyme - 1 teaspoon dried rosemary - Salt and pepper to taste - Fresh parsley (chopped, for garnish) The ingredients for Slow Cooker Creamy Chicken and Rice Soup are simple and fresh. You need chicken thighs for a rich flavor. Brown rice gives this soup a hearty feel. Chopped onion and minced garlic add depth to the taste. Dice some carrots and celery for crunch and sweetness. Use low-sodium chicken broth to keep it healthy. Cream makes the soup rich and smooth. If you want a dairy-free option, coconut cream works well. Thyme and rosemary bring a lovely aroma. Don’t forget salt and pepper for seasoning. Fresh parsley is the final touch. It adds color and freshness. You can easily find all these ingredients at your local grocery store. Gathering these ingredients ensures a cozy and delicious meal. Enjoy the process of making this comforting soup! First, gather your ingredients. You will need boneless chicken thighs, brown rice, onion, garlic, carrots, and celery. Chop the onion and dice the carrots and celery into small pieces. This helps them cook evenly. Mince the garlic into tiny bits. Rinse the brown rice under cold water. This removes excess starch and helps it cook better. Set all your chopped and rinsed ingredients aside for the next step. Now it’s time to layer everything in the slow cooker. Start by adding the chicken thighs at the bottom. Then, add the rinsed brown rice, chopped onion, minced garlic, diced carrots, and diced celery on top. Pour in the low-sodium chicken broth. This broth adds flavor and makes the soup hearty. Sprinkle dried thyme and rosemary over the mixture. Add salt and pepper to taste. Cover the slow cooker and choose your cooking time. If you set it on low, let it cook for 6-8 hours. For a quicker option, set it on high for 3-4 hours. The chicken should be tender when done. When cooking is complete, remove the chicken thighs carefully. Use two forks to shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces. Return the shredded chicken back into the pot. Next, stir in the heavy cream or coconut cream for a rich, creamy texture. Let the soup warm on high for about 15 more minutes. Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning if needed. This is your chance to get the flavor just right! To make your soup creamier, add heavy cream towards the end. If you prefer, use coconut cream for a dairy-free option. This change adds richness and smoothness. For the rice, choose brown rice for a nutty flavor. It holds its texture well during cooking. If you want a softer soup, you can use white rice, but keep an eye on the cooking time. To boost flavor, use dried thyme and rosemary. These herbs add warmth and depth. Taste your soup before serving. Adjust salt and pepper to suit your taste. If you like it spicy, consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes. Serve your soup hot in warm bowls. For a pop of color, sprinkle fresh parsley on top. This adds freshness and looks nice. Pair it with crusty bread for a complete meal. This combo is perfect for dipping! {{image_2}} You can make this soup dairy-free by using coconut cream instead of heavy cream. Coconut cream adds a rich, creamy texture while keeping the soup light. It also brings a hint of sweetness that balances flavors well. To use coconut cream, just replace the cup of heavy cream with an equal amount of coconut cream. Stir it in at the end, just like you would with the heavy cream. If you want a change from chicken, you can swap it with turkey. Turkey thighs work well and give a similar taste. For a veggie option, try adding chickpeas or lentils. They add protein and texture without meat. Just make sure to adjust cooking times. Cook until the veggies are soft and the flavors meld. Adding more veggies brightens the soup and adds nutrition. You can toss in peas or corn for a sweet crunch. Spinach or kale can also add color and nutrients. Just add these veggies in the last hour of cooking. This way, they stay vibrant and do not turn mushy. Feel free to experiment with your favorite vegetables to make this soup your own! After enjoying your soup, save the leftovers. First, let the soup cool down. Then, place it in airtight containers. This keeps it fresh. Use glass or BPA-free plastic containers for storage. These options are safe and sturdy. Store the soup in the fridge for up to three days. To reheat, pour the soup into a pot over medium heat. Stir often to prevent sticking. Heat until the soup is warm throughout. You can also use a microwave. Place the soup in a microwave-safe bowl. Heat in one-minute bursts, stirring in between. This way, you keep the flavor and texture. If you want to freeze the soup, cool it first. Pour the cold soup into freezer-safe containers. Leave some space at the top for expansion. You can freeze it for up to three months. To thaw, move it to the fridge overnight. Reheat it on the stove or in the microwave. This keeps the taste fresh and delicious. Yes, you can use frozen chicken thighs for this soup. Just remember to add about an extra hour to your cooking time if you use frozen meat. This allows the chicken to cook fully and reach the right temperature. Using frozen chicken can save you time and still make a tasty meal. If you want to swap brown rice, try white rice or quinoa. White rice cooks faster, so check it after 2 to 3 hours if you use it. Quinoa adds a nice texture and is a good choice for a nutty flavor. You can also try cauliflower rice for a low-carb option. To make this soup gluten-free, ensure your broth is gluten-free. Use rice instead of noodles, as they are often gluten-free. Check labels on all packaged items to avoid hidden gluten. This way, everyone can enjoy the soup without worry. This creamy chicken and rice soup lasts about three to four days in the fridge. Store it in an airtight container to keep it fresh. If you notice any strange smells or colors, it’s best to toss it. Always reheat the soup to a safe temperature before eating. This recipe is easy and packed with flavor. I shared the ingredients, steps, and tips to make a tasty slow cooker soup. You can adjust flavors and add veggies to suit your taste. Don't forget to garnish for a pretty dish! With these methods, you'll serve a satisfying meal anytime. Enjoy your cooking and make it your own!$

Slow Cooker Creamy Chicken and Rice Soup

Warm up with this Cozy Creamy Chicken and Rice Soup that's perfect for chilly nights! With juicy chicken thighs, hearty brown rice, and creamy goodness in every bite, this slow cooker recipe takes minimal effort and delivers maximum flavor. Whether you choose heavy or coconut cream, you'll love the rich taste. Click through to explore the full recipe and make your cozy meal tonight! #ChickenAndRiceSoup #ComfortFood #SlowCookerRecipes #CozyRecipes

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Ingredients

1 pound boneless, skinless chicken thighs

1 cup brown rice, rinsed

1 medium onion, chopped

3 garlic cloves, minced

3 carrots, diced

2 celery stalks, diced

4 cups low-sodium chicken broth

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

1 teaspoon dried thyme

1 teaspoon dried rosemary

Salt and pepper to taste

Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

In the slow cooker, add the chicken thighs, brown rice, chopped onion, minced garlic, diced carrots, and diced celery.

Pour the chicken broth over the ingredient mixture and stir to combine.

Season with dried thyme, dried rosemary, salt, and pepper.

Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until the chicken is cooked through and tender.

Once cooked, remove the chicken thighs from the slow cooker and shred them using two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the pot.

Stir in the heavy cream (or coconut cream) and let it warm for an additional 15 minutes on high.

Taste and adjust the seasoning if necessary before serving.

Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 7 hours | Servings: 6

- Presentation Tips: Serve the soup in warm bowls, garnished with fresh chopped parsley for a burst of color and fresh flavor. Accompany with crusty bread for a complete meal.