Crock Pot Chicken Wild Rice for Cozy Evenings at Home

There’s something about a slow-cooked meal that feels like a warm hug after a long day. This crock pot chicken wild rice recipe is exactly that kind of comfort—hearty, creamy, and quietly filling. It’s the kind of dinner you come home to when the world feels a bit too busy and all you want is something that’s ready and waiting.

I remember the first time I made this dish. I was juggling a million things, trying to squeeze dinner in between calls and a messy kitchen that I hadn’t quite gotten around to cleaning. Somehow, the aroma of mushrooms and herbs simmering away in the crock pot became my little escape. The chicken turned out tender enough to shred with two forks, and the wild rice soaked up the broth so perfectly that every bite felt like a small celebration. I probably stirred it a few times too many, nervous it might dry out, but that’s part of the charm—this recipe lets you slow down, but you might still find yourself hovering, just a little.

Why You’ll Love It

• Hands-off cooking means you can focus on what matters, even if you peek a bit too often.
• The creamy broth adds richness without feeling heavy, perfect for winding down.
• It’s simple — and that’s kind of the point. No complicated steps, just cozy flavors.
• Wild rice gives a nutty texture that’s more interesting than plain rice but just as easy.
• It makes enough to feed a crowd, or to enjoy leftovers that taste even better the next day.

If you’re worried about your crock pot or if you tend to forget about it, don’t sweat it. This recipe is forgiving, and since it’s a one-pot meal, cleanup is a breeze.

Crock Pot Chicken Wild Rice

Print Recipe

A comforting and hearty crock pot recipe featuring tender chicken breasts cooked with wild rice, mushrooms, vegetables, and a creamy broth for an easy and delicious meal.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 4 hours 30 minutes
• Total Time: 4 hours 45 minutes
• Yield: 6

Ingredients

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1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts
1 cup wild rice blend, rinsed
1 medium onion, diced
2 medium carrots, peeled and diced
2 celery stalks, diced
8 ounces cremini mushrooms, sliced
3 cloves garlic, minced
4 cups low sodium chicken broth
1 cup water
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1 teaspoon dried parsley
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 cup heavy cream

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Instructions

Spray the inside of the crock pot with non-stick cooking spray.
Place the rinsed wild rice blend in the bottom of the crock pot.
Add the diced onion, diced carrots, diced celery, sliced mushrooms, and minced garlic on top of the rice.
Place the chicken breasts on top of the vegetables and rice.
Pour the chicken broth and water over all the ingredients in the crock pot.
Sprinkle the dried thyme, dried parsley, salt, and black pepper evenly over the ingredients.
Cover the crock pot with the lid and cook on high for 4 to 4 1/2 hours, or until the chicken is cooked through and the rice is tender.
Remove the chicken breasts from the crock pot and shred them using two forks.
Return the shredded chicken to the crock pot and stir in the heavy cream until well combined.
Cover and cook on low for an additional 15 minutes to heat through and thicken the creamy broth.
Serve hot and enjoy.

Kitchen Notes: You don’t need fancy equipment here—just a reliable slow cooker. I usually serve this with a simple green salad or steamed veggies to keep things light. Sometimes I add a splash of lemon juice at the end to brighten the creamy broth, but that’s me experimenting. If you want to switch it up, you could try swapping the wild rice blend for quinoa, or adding a handful of fresh spinach near the end for some color. Mushrooms can be cremini or button, depending on what you have, and I’ve even tossed in frozen peas when I was out of fresh veggies. It’s flexible, which is part of the charm.

FAQ

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts? Yes, thighs work well and can be even more tender, but cooking time should be about the same.

Is it okay to add the cream earlier? I recommend stirring it in at the end to keep the texture smooth and avoid curdling.

Can I freeze leftovers? You can, but the texture might change slightly. I find it tastes best refrigerated for a few days.

Ready to cozy up with this comforting crock pot chicken wild rice? Give it a try tonight and see how something simple can feel so satisfying.