Imagine coming home after a long day to the irresistible aroma of a comforting, creamy chicken dish wafting through your kitchen. Our Slow Cooker Creamy Chicken Wild Rice is not just a meal; it’s an experience that will warm your heart and satisfy your cravings. With just 15 minutes of prep and a hands-off cooking time of 6 hours, this American classic is perfect for busy weeknights or cozy family gatherings. Dive into a bowl of tender chicken, hearty wild rice, and rich cream that meld together to create a flavor explosion you won’t want to miss!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 6 hrs
Total Time: 6 hrs 15 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 1 lb chicken breasts
- 1 cup wild rice
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, diced
- 3 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 tsp thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Begin by gathering all your ingredients. You will need 1 pound of chicken breasts, 1 cup of wild rice, 1 chopped onion, 2 diced carrots, 3 cups of chicken broth, 1 cup of heavy cream, 1 teaspoon of thyme, and salt and pepper to taste.
- In a slow cooker, place the chicken breasts at the bottom. Make sure they are evenly spaced for even cooking.
- Next, add the chopped onion and diced carrots on top of the chicken. This will allow the vegetables to infuse their flavors into the chicken as it cooks.
- Rinse the wild rice under cold water to remove any excess starch. Once rinsed, add the wild rice to the slow cooker.
- Pour in the 3 cups of chicken broth, ensuring that the chicken and rice are fully submerged. This will help cook the rice and keep the chicken moist.
- Sprinkle the thyme over the mixture, and season with salt and pepper to taste. Stir gently to combine all ingredients without disturbing the chicken too much.
- Cover the slow cooker with its lid and set it to low heat. Allow it to cook for 6 hours. This slow cooking process will tenderize the chicken and allow the flavors to meld.
- After 6 hours, check the chicken for doneness. It should be cooked through and easily shred with a fork. If it’s not fully cooked, let it cook for an additional 30 minutes.
- Once the chicken is done, remove it from the slow cooker and shred it using two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker.
- Stir in the 1 cup of heavy cream into the mixture, allowing it to blend well with the rice and chicken. This will create a creamy texture.
- Let the mixture sit for an additional 10-15 minutes with the lid on to allow the flavors to meld further and the rice to absorb some of the cream.
- Before serving, taste and adjust seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed. Serve the creamy chicken wild rice warm, garnished with fresh herbs if desired.
Tips
- Choose the Right Chicken: Opt for boneless, skinless chicken breasts for easy shredding, but thighs can also add extra flavor and moisture if you prefer.
- Rinse the Rice: Don’t skip rinsing the wild rice! This step removes excess starch and helps achieve the perfect texture.
- Layering is Key: To ensure even cooking, layer your ingredients thoughtfully. Place the chicken at the bottom, followed by vegetables, and then the rice.
- Check for Doneness: After 6 hours, the chicken should shred easily. If it’s not quite there, give it an extra 30 minutes in the slow cooker.
- Creamy Finish: Stir in the heavy cream just before serving to create a luscious texture. Let it sit for a few minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
- Season to Taste: Don’t forget to taste your dish before serving! Adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper for the best flavor.
- Garnish for Flair: Elevate your dish by garnishing with fresh herbs like parsley or thyme for a pop of color and freshness.
- Make it Ahead: This dish is perfect for meal prep! You can make it a day in advance and reheat it for a quick and delicious dinner.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 380kcal
Carbohydrates: 25g
Protein: 30g
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 10g
Cholesterol: 110mg
