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Crockpot Herb Butter Chicken and Wild Rice

Crockpot Herb Butter Chicken and Wild Rice

iamwinfred
This Crockpot Herb Butter Chicken and Wild Rice is the ultimate hands-off comfort meal, combining tender slow-cooked chicken, nutty wild rice, and a fragrant herb butter sauce that transforms simple ingredients into something truly special. With just 15 minutes of prep, the slow cooker does all the work, filling your kitchen with an irresistible aroma while you go about your day.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 4 hours 30 minutes
Total Time 4 hours 45 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 6 servings
Calories 445 kcal

Equipment

  • 6-quart slow cooker Or larger
  • Sharp chef's knife
  • Cutting board
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Wooden spoon or silicone spatula
  • Small mixing bowl
  • Fine-mesh strainer For rinsing rice
  • Meat thermometer (optional)

Ingredients
  

  • 2 lbs boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs about 900g
  • 1.5 cups wild rice blend about 270g, rinsed
  • 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth about 950ml
  • 6 tbsp unsalted butter about 85g, divided
  • 3 garlic cloves minced
  • 2 tbsp fresh thyme leaves or 2 tsp dried
  • 2 tbsp fresh rosemary chopped, or 2 tsp dried
  • 1 tbsp fresh sage chopped, or 1 tsp dried
  • 2 tbsp fresh parsley chopped
  • 1 medium onion diced
  • 2 medium carrots diced into ½-inch pieces
  • 2 celery stalks diced into ½-inch pieces
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 0.5 tsp black pepper
  • 0.5 tsp onion powder
  • 0.25 tsp red pepper flakes optional
  • 2 tbsp all-purpose flour for thickening sauce
  • 0.5 cup heavy cream about 120ml, optional for extra richness
  • fresh herbs for garnish

Instructions
 

  • Rinse the wild rice blend under cold water for 30 seconds. Pat chicken dry with paper towels, then dice the onion, carrots, and celery into uniform ½-inch pieces and mince the garlic.
  • Soften 4 tablespoons of butter for 10 minutes, then mix in the minced garlic, thyme, rosemary, sage, salt, pepper, onion powder, and red pepper flakes (if using) until fully combined.
  • Grease the slow cooker insert, then add vegetables as the base layer, followed by an even layer of rinsed wild rice, and pour the chicken broth over everything.
  • Season chicken on both sides with salt and pepper, nestle the pieces evenly on top of the rice, and place small dollops of the herb butter directly on each piece of chicken.
  • Cover and cook on HIGH for 4–5 hours or LOW for 6–7 hours, avoiding lifting the lid, until chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F and rice is tender.
  • Remove the chicken to rest, then whisk 2 tablespoons of flour with ¼ cup cooking liquid and stir it back in along with the remaining butter and heavy cream (if using) until the sauce thickens.
  • Slice chicken into ½-inch pieces, return to the crockpot, stir in fresh parsley, and let sit for 5 minutes before garnishing with extra herbs and serving.

Notes

  • Always rinse wild rice before cooking to remove excess starch and prevent gummy texture.
  • Chicken thighs stay moister than breasts during long slow cooking — use them for best results.
  • Resist lifting the lid during cooking; each peek adds 15–20 minutes to the cook time.
  • Start checking for doneness at the minimum cooking time to avoid dry, overcooked chicken.
  • Fresh herbs add brighter flavor than dried — use them when possible, especially for garnish.
  • If the rice is still firm at the end of cooking, add ½ cup hot broth and cook an additional 30–60 minutes.
  • Leftovers keep in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 4 days, or frozen for up to 3 months.
  • When reheating, add a splash of broth to restore the creamy consistency as the rice absorbs liquid during storage.
  • To prep ahead, layer all ingredients (except broth and herb butter) in the insert the night before and refrigerate; add 30 minutes to cook time when starting cold.
  • For a dairy-free version, substitute olive oil for butter and omit the heavy cream, adding a splash of extra broth if needed.

Nutrition

Serving: 1ServingCalories: 445kcalCarbohydrates: 35gProtein: 38gFat: 16gSaturated Fat: 9gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 4gCholesterol: 125mgSodium: 520mgPotassium: 620mgFiber: 3gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 60IUVitamin C: 8mgCalcium: 6mgIron: 15mg
Keyword crockpot chicken and wild rice, easy crockpot dinner, herb butter chicken, slow cooker herb butter chicken, wild rice slow cooker
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