Crockpot Herb Butter Chicken and Wild Rice is a hearty, comforting dinner that combines tender chicken, wild rice, vegetables, and fragrant herbs. Cooked in a slow cooker, instant pot, or skillet, this dish is simple to prepare and perfect for cozy weeknight meals. Finished with a drizzle of brown garlic sage butter, it’s a flavorful and wholesome one-pot dinner.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

For the Rice and Vegetables:

• 1 cup wild rice
• 1 onion, diced
• 2 carrots, chopped
• 1 cup mushrooms, sliced
• 2 celery stalks, chopped
• 1 teaspoon dried parsley
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 4 cups chicken broth

For the Chicken:

• 1 1/2 pounds chicken breasts
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• Salt and black pepper, to taste

For the Finishing Touch:

• 3 tablespoons butter
• 4 garlic cloves, smashed
• 6 sage leaves

Directions

Crockpot Method:

1. Combine wild rice, onion, carrots, mushrooms, celery, dried parsley, salt, and pepper in the crockpot. Toss with 1 tablespoon olive oil and pour in chicken broth.
2. Toss chicken with olive oil, thyme, rosemary, paprika, cayenne, salt, and pepper. Place chicken in the crockpot with smashed garlic cloves.
3. Cover and cook on LOW for 5-6 hours or HIGH for 2-3 hours.
4. Preheat broiler to high. Remove chicken and garlic, placing them on a baking sheet. Add butter and sage, then broil for 1-3 minutes until crisp.
5. Fluff the rice with a fork and serve with chicken, vegetables, and any remaining butter from the pan drizzled on top.

Instant Pot Method:

1. Combine rice, vegetables, parsley, salt, pepper, olive oil, and chicken broth in the Instant Pot.
2. Toss chicken with seasonings and place in the Instant Pot with garlic. Cook on high pressure for 20 minutes.
3. Release pressure and follow broiling steps as above to crisp the chicken. Serve with rice and butter.

Skillet Method:

1. Preheat oven to 425°F. Sear chicken seasoned with olive oil and spices in a skillet until golden. Add butter, sage, and garlic, then remove to a plate.
2. In the same skillet, cook rice, vegetables, and parsley in olive oil for 1-2 minutes. Add broth and bring to a boil.
3. Add chicken and juices back to the skillet. Cover and simmer for 15 minutes, then bake uncovered for 15 minutes. Serve with garlic butter drizzled over the top.

Nutrients

• Calories: 643 kcal
• Protein: 38 g
• Carbohydrates: 35 g
• Fat: 38 g
• Saturated Fat: 13 g
• Cholesterol: 125 mg
• Sodium: 700 mg
• Fiber: 4 g
• Sugar: 4 g

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe is a standout for its simplicity, versatility, and comforting flavors. The Crockpot Herb Butter Chicken and Wild Rice combines everyday ingredients into a restaurant-quality meal without requiring extensive culinary expertise. Here’s why it’s bound to become a favorite:

• One-Pot Convenience: Cooking everything in one pot or slow cooker means minimal cleanup, making it an excellent option for busy cooks.
• Rich Layers of Flavor: From the herby chicken to the nutty wild rice and the decadent garlic sage butter, every element of this dish is infused with flavor.
• Customizable Cooking Methods: Whether you prefer the hands-off ease of a crockpot, the speed of an Instant Pot, or the control of a stovetop skillet, this recipe adapts effortlessly to your preferred method.
• Nutrient-Rich Ingredients: Packed with lean protein, fiber-rich wild rice, and an array of vegetables, this dish is as nutritious as it is satisfying.
• Perfect for Leftovers: The flavors intensify over time, making this dish a great candidate for meal prep or enjoying as leftovers.

Key Features of Crockpot Herb Butter Chicken and Wild Rice

• Tender, Herby Chicken: The chicken breasts are seasoned with a blend of thyme, rosemary, paprika, and cayenne, infusing them with robust flavor. Cooking them in the same pot as the rice allows the juices to enhance the overall dish.
• Nutty Wild Rice: Wild rice adds a nutty, earthy dimension to the dish, complementing the rich flavors of the chicken and vegetables.
• Hearty Vegetables: Carrots, celery, mushrooms, and onion add texture, color, and nutrients to the dish, making it a well-rounded meal.
• Brown Garlic Sage Butter: The final drizzle of garlic sage butter is what elevates this recipe from homey to indulgent. The butter browns slightly under the broiler, adding a nutty aroma and golden richness to the dish.

Cooking Methods: Slow Cooker, Instant Pot, and Skillet

This recipe shines for its adaptability across multiple cooking methods, allowing you to choose what works best for your schedule and kitchen setup:

• Slow Cooker (Crockpot): Perfect for busy days, the slow cooker method allows the flavors to meld over several hours, resulting in tender chicken and perfectly cooked wild rice. Simply set it and forget it, then finish the chicken under the broiler for a crispy, golden exterior.
• Instant Pot: If you’re short on time, the Instant Pot is a lifesaver. The pressure cooking method locks in flavor and tenderness in just 20 minutes, delivering the same delicious results as the slow cooker in a fraction of the time.
• Skillet: For a more hands-on approach, the skillet method provides a beautiful sear on the chicken and ensures the vegetables and rice are cooked to perfection. Baking the dish in the oven adds a touch of crispness, making it feel both rustic and refined.

Health Benefits of This Recipe

This dish isn’t just a treat for your taste buds—it’s also packed with nutrients to support a healthy, balanced diet:

• Protein-Packed Chicken: The chicken breasts provide a lean source of protein, essential for muscle repair and maintaining energy levels.
• Whole-Grain Wild Rice: Wild rice is a fiber-rich grain that offers a nutty flavor while being lower in calories and higher in nutrients than traditional white rice.
• Vegetable Goodness: Carrots, celery, mushrooms, and onions add vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, supporting overall health and well-being.
• Healthy Fats: Olive oil and butter contribute heart-healthy fats, while the moderate fat content makes this dish both satisfying and flavorful.
• Low Sodium Option: By using a low-sodium chicken broth, you can easily control the salt content in the recipe, making it suitable for those watching their sodium intake.

Tips for Perfect Results

To ensure your Crockpot Herb Butter Chicken and Wild Rice turns out perfectly every time, keep these tips in mind:

• Choose the Right Rice: Wild rice is ideal for this dish due to its firm texture and nutty flavor. Avoid substituting with white rice, as it may become mushy during the long cooking process.
• Don’t Skip the Broiling Step: Crisping the chicken under the broiler with garlic sage butter adds a layer of richness and visual appeal that takes the dish to the next level.
• Monitor the Liquid: If using a slow cooker, ensure there’s enough chicken broth to keep the rice moist and prevent it from drying out. You can always add more broth if needed.
• Use Fresh Herbs if Available: While dried thyme and rosemary work beautifully, fresh herbs will add an extra burst of flavor and fragrance.
• Adjust the Heat: If you prefer a milder dish, reduce or omit the cayenne pepper. For more spice, add a pinch of red pepper flakes.

Serving Suggestions

This hearty dish is a complete meal on its own, but it can be paired with additional sides for an elevated dining experience:

• Fresh Salad: Serve alongside a crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette to balance the richness of the dish.
• Crusty Bread: A slice of warm, crusty bread is perfect for soaking up the flavorful broth and butter.
• Seasonal Vegetables: Complement the dish with roasted asparagus, steamed broccoli, or sautéed greens.
• Wine Pairing: Pair with a glass of Chardonnay or Pinot Grigio for a light, refreshing contrast to the hearty flavors.

Variations to Try

While the original recipe is a classic, you can customize it to suit your preferences or dietary needs:

• Make It Vegetarian: Swap the chicken for chickpeas or firm tofu, and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
• Add More Vegetables: Include additional veggies like zucchini, bell peppers, or sweet potatoes for added texture and flavor.
• Use a Different Grain: Quinoa or farro can be used in place of wild rice for a unique twist.
• Dairy-Free Option: Replace the butter with olive oil or a dairy-free alternative to make the dish dairy-free.
• Spicy Twist: Add a sprinkle of red pepper flakes or a drizzle of hot sauce for a spicy kick.

Make-Ahead and Storage Tips

This dish is an excellent candidate for meal prep, as the flavors deepen over time. Here’s how to store and reheat it:

• Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• Freeze: Portion the dish into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
• Reheat: Warm the dish in the oven at 350°F or on the stovetop over low heat. Add a splash of chicken broth if needed to prevent drying out.

Conclusion

Crockpot Herb Butter Chicken and Wild Rice is more than just a recipe—it’s a comforting, flavorful hug in a bowl. This dish combines the convenience of one-pot cooking with gourmet flavors that are sure to impress. Whether you’re preparing it for a weeknight family dinner or a special occasion, its rich, herby taste and creamy textures will make it an instant favorite.