1 tsp Fresh Thyme Leaves - can substitute ½ tsp dried thyme leaves
½ tsp Fresh Ground Black Pepper or to taste
¼ tsp Dried Sage
¼ tsp Dried Rosemary
Preparation:
Optional: Season the chicken breast to taste with salt and pepper - Heat a medium skillet over high heat until very hot - Add 2 Tbs olive oil and quick fry the chicken until golden brown on all sides (the chicken does not need to be cooked through - this is just to sear and brown the outside which adds a wonderful depth of flavor to the soup) - Transfer to slow cooker with remaining ingredients
Place the brown rice and wild rice in a fine mesh sieve and rinse well with cold water and transfer to the crock of a 6 quart slow cooker (Crock Pot®)
Add all remaining ingredients* - cover and cook on low for 8 hours (high for 4-5 hours) until chicken is cooked through and rice/wild rice is soft
Using a slotted spoon, remove the chicken (remove the bay leaves and discard while you're at it) and shred using a couple of forks
Return shredded chicken to the soup and thoroughly combine
Adjust seasoning
Serve hot along with some good crusty bread, or you favorite crackers
*If you season the chicken and fry before adding to the slow cooker, DO NOT add additional