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Adding the asparagus and peas to the slow cooker for the last 20 minutes of cooking and leaving the lid off ensures that the vegetables stay bright green and are perfectly done with- out getting mushy.

Chicken & Wild Rice Soup With Asparagus & Peas

extra-virgin olive oil, divided

bone-in chicken thighs, skin removed

cloves garlic, divided

unsalted chicken broth

medium leek, white and pale green parts only, sliced

large carrot, halved lengthwise and sliced 1/4 inch thick

wild rice

kosher salt

ground pepper

ounces asparagus, trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces

English peas, fresh or frozen (thawed)

chopped fresh parsley

chopped fresh chives

lemon juice

-inch-thick slices whole-wheat baguette, toasted

Heat 1 tablespoon oil in a large nonstick skil- let over medium-high heat. Add chicken and cook, turning once, until deep golden brown, about 5 minutes total. Transfer to a 5- to 6-quart slow cooker. Finely chop 6 garlic cloves and add to the slow cooker along with broth, leek, carrot, wild rice, salt and pepper.

Cover and cook until the chicken is cooked through and the rice is tender, 3 hours on High or 6 hours on Low. Transfer the chicken to a clean cutting board and shred into bite-size pieces; discard bones.

Add asparagus and peas to the slow cooker, cook on High, uncovered, until the vegetables are bright green and tender, 15 to 20 minutes. Stir in the shredded chicken, parsley, chives and lemon juice.

Halve the remaining garlic clove and rub the cut sides over both sides of toasts. Drizzle the toasts with the remaining 1 tablespoon oil. Serve the soup with the toasts.