Slow Cooker Creamy Chicken Wild Rice Soup

INGREDIENTS

1 lb

Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts (– cut into 1 ½’’ cubes)

Kosher Salt & Ground Black Pepper (to taste)

8 oz

Bacon (- cooked & crumbled)

1 cup

Uncooked Wild Rice (- rinsed*)

4 cloves

Garlic (– peeled & minced)

Parmesan Rind + ½ cup grated parmesan (, plus more for garnish)

small Yellow Onion (– peeled & diced)

large Carrots (– peeled & diced)

large Stalks Celery (– diced)

1 tbsp

Fresh Thyme Leaves (, plus more for garnish)

1/2 tsp

EACH: Dried Sage & Dried Rosemary

5 cups

Low-Sodium Chicken Stock (depending on desired thickness)

1 cup

Dry White Wine (optional)

4 oz

Cream Cheese (– at room temperature & cut into small cubes)

1 1/2 cups

Half and Half (*)

1/4 cup

Cornstarch