Crockpot Creamy Chicken Wild Rice Stew: Comfort in Every Spoonful
Imagine the warm, soothing aroma of tender chicken, hearty wild rice, and creamy vegetables slowly simmering together, filling your home with comfort and anticipation. Crockpot Creamy Chicken Wild Rice Stew is the ultimate cozy meal, perfect for chilly evenings, family gatherings, or when you simply crave something hearty and nourishing. The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity: it allows flavors to meld effortlessly in a slow cooker, delivering a rich, satisfying stew with minimal hands-on time. The creamy texture, combined with tender chunks of chicken and earthy wild rice, creates a dish that’s both wholesome and indulgent. Each spoonful is packed with flavor, warmth, and the kind of homestyle goodness that makes everyone at the table feel cared for.
Ingredients Needed
| Ingredient | Quantity | Approximate Calories |
|---|---|---|
| Boneless, skinless chicken breasts | 1 lb (450g) | 680 kcal |
| Wild rice | 1 cup (uncooked) | 670 kcal |
| Carrots, diced | 2 medium | 50 kcal |
| Celery, diced | 2 stalks | 20 kcal |
| Onion, diced | 1 medium | 45 kcal |
| Garlic, minced | 3 cloves | 15 kcal |
| Chicken broth | 4 cups | 60 kcal |
| Heavy cream | 1 cup | 820 kcal |
| Olive oil | 1 tablespoon | 120 kcal |
| Fresh thyme | 1 teaspoon | 5 kcal |
| Salt | To taste | 0 kcal |
| Black pepper | To taste | 0 kcal |
| Lemon juice | 1 tablespoon (optional) | 4 kcal |
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
- Prepare the vegetables and chicken
Dice the carrots, celery, onion, and mince the garlic. Cut chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces. - Sauté for extra flavor (optional)
In a small skillet, heat olive oil and sauté the onions, garlic, and carrots for 3–5 minutes until fragrant. This step enhances the depth of flavor but can be skipped for convenience. - Combine ingredients in the crockpot
Place the chicken, wild rice, sautéed vegetables (or raw if skipping sauté), celery, thyme, salt, pepper, and chicken broth into the slow cooker. - Cook
Cover and cook on low for 6–7 hours or high for 3–4 hours, until the chicken is tender and the wild rice is fully cooked. - Add cream and finish seasoning
Stir in the heavy cream and optional lemon juice. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper to taste. Cook on low for an additional 15–20 minutes until heated through. - Serve warm
Ladle the stew into bowls, garnish with fresh herbs if desired, and enjoy the comforting flavors.
Tips for Customizing the Recipe
- Vegetable variety: Add mushrooms, peas, or corn for extra texture and color.
- Dairy-free option: Substitute coconut milk or cashew cream for heavy cream.
- Make it heartier: Add diced potatoes or parsnips to bulk up the stew.
- Herb variations: Use rosemary, sage, or parsley instead of thyme for different flavor notes.
- Spice it up: Add a pinch of cayenne or smoked paprika for subtle heat.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving – Approximate, 6 servings)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 415 kcal |
| Protein | 30 g |
| Fat | 18 g |
| Carbohydrates | 35 g |
| Fiber | 3 g |
| Sugar | 3 g |
Serving Suggestions
Crockpot Creamy Chicken Wild Rice Stew pairs wonderfully with crusty bread, dinner rolls, or a side salad for a complete meal. For added indulgence, serve with a sprinkle of grated parmesan or fresh herbs on top. Leftovers reheat beautifully and make for an excellent lunch the next day.
Crockpot Creamy Chicken Wild Rice Stew: Comfort in Every Spoonful
6
servings15
minutes6
hours300
kcalIngredients
1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
1 cup wild rice (uncooked)
2 medium carrots, diced
2 stalks celery, diced
1 medium onion, diced
3 garlic cloves, minced
4 cups chicken broth
1 cup heavy cream
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 teaspoon fresh thyme
Salt, to taste
Black pepper, to taste
1 tablespoon lemon juice (optional)
Directions
- Dice vegetables and cut chicken into bite-sized pieces.
- (Optional) Sauté onions, garlic, and carrots in olive oil for 3–5 minutes to enhance flavor.
- Add chicken, wild rice, celery, sautéed (or raw) vegetables, thyme, salt, pepper, and chicken broth into the crockpot.
- Cover and cook on low for 6–7 hours or high for 3–4 hours, until chicken and rice are tender.
- Stir in heavy cream and optional lemon juice. Adjust seasoning as needed. Cook 15–20 minutes more on low.
- Serve warm, garnished with fresh herbs if desired.
Recipe Video
Notes
- For best results, rinse the wild rice before adding it to the crockpot to prevent it from becoming too mushy. Using firm chicken ensures it stays tender while slow-cooking. If you prefer richer flavor, sauté the onions, garlic, and carrots before adding them to the crockpot.
FAQs
1. Can I use brown rice instead of wild rice?
Yes, brown rice can be substituted, but adjust the cooking time slightly, as brown rice may take longer to become tender in the crockpot.
2. Can I make this stew ahead of time?
Absolutely. Prepare the stew in the morning and let it cook slowly throughout the day. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
3. Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts. Increase the cooking time by about 30–60 minutes on low to ensure the chicken cooks thoroughly.
4. How do I make the stew creamy without heavy cream?
For a lighter or dairy-free version, use coconut milk, cashew cream, or unsweetened almond milk instead of heavy cream.
5. Can I add more vegetables?
Yes, this stew is versatile. Add mushrooms, peas, corn, or diced potatoes for extra nutrition and texture.
Conclusion
Crockpot Creamy Chicken Wild Rice Stew is a comforting, hearty, and flavorful dish that brings warmth and satisfaction to the table with minimal effort. Its creamy texture, tender chicken, and nutty wild rice make every spoonful feel indulgent while still being wholesome. Perfect for busy days or cozy family dinners, this slow-cooked stew is a reliable, crowd-pleasing recipe that will become a favorite in your meal rotation.
