Crockpot Chicken and Wild Rice

Crockpot Chicken and Wild Rice Recipe from USA

Region / culture: USA | Preparation time: 20 minutes | Cooking time: 4 hours | Servings: 6

Introduction

Crockpot Chicken and Wild Rice is a delicious and hearty dish that is perfect for a cozy night in. This recipe combines tender chicken, flavorful wild rice, and creamy mushroom soup for a comforting meal that is sure to please the whole family.

History

The origins of Crockpot Chicken and Wild Rice are not entirely clear, but slow cooker recipes have been popular for decades. This dish likely originated as a way to create a simple and satisfying meal using ingredients that are easy to find and affordable.

Ingredients

4 skinned and boned chicken breasts (about 2 lb or 907 g)
1 cup chopped onion
1 cup chopped celery
5 garlic cloves, pressed
2 (6 oz or 170 g) packages uncooked long grain and wild rice mix (like Uncle Ben's)
2 (14 oz or 397 g) cans chicken broth with roasted garlic
2 (10.75 oz or 305 g) cans cream of mushroom soup
1 (8 oz or 227 g) package fresh mushrooms, sliced
1 (8 oz or 227 g) can sliced water chestnuts, drained
1 cup chopped walnuts, toasted
2 tbsp butter

How to prepare

In a large nonstick skillet, brown the chicken over medium-high heat with a light coating of grease. Remove the chicken from the pan and cut it into 0.5 inch pieces.
Add the onion, celery, and garlic to the pan. Sauté for 3-4 minutes or until tender.
In a 5 qt (4.73 liter) slow cooker, combine the rice mix and the remaining 6 ingredients.
Stir in the chicken and vegetables.
Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 4 hours or until the rice is tender and the liquid is absorbed.

Variations

For a lighter version, you can use low-fat cream of mushroom soup and omit the walnuts.
Add in some dried cranberries or raisins for a touch of sweetness.
Experiment with different types of mushrooms, such as shiitake or cremini, for a unique flavor.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to brown the chicken before adding it to the slow cooker. This will help to seal in the juices and add extra flavor to the dish.

- Toasting the walnuts before adding them to the recipe will enhance their nutty flavor and add a delicious crunch.

- For a creamier texture, you can stir in a little extra cream of mushroom soup towards the end of the cooking time.

Serving Suggestions

Crockpot Chicken and Wild Rice pairs well with a side salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal. It can also be served over cooked quinoa or brown rice for added fiber.

Cooking Techniques

Slow cooking allows the flavors of the chicken, rice, and vegetables to meld together, creating a rich and savory dish. The low and slow cooking process also ensures that the chicken stays tender and juicy.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don't have wild rice mix, you can use a combination of white and brown rice instead. You can also substitute chicken thighs for the chicken breasts for a different flavor.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the ingredients for Crockpot Chicken and Wild Rice ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator until you are ready to cook. Simply combine everything in the slow cooker and set it to cook when you are ready.

Presentation Ideas

Serve Crockpot Chicken and Wild Rice in a large serving bowl garnished with fresh parsley or chopped green onions for a pop of color. You can also sprinkle some extra toasted walnuts on top for added crunch.

Pairing Recommendations

This dish pairs well with a crisp white wine, such as Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc. For a non-alcoholic option, try serving it with a glass of sparkling water with a splash of lemon.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Leftover Crockpot Chicken and Wild Rice can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply microwave until heated through or warm on the stovetop over low heat.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Crockpot Chicken and Wild Rice contains approximately 400 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Crockpot Chicken and Wild Rice contains approximately 40 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Crockpot Chicken and Wild Rice contains approximately 20 grams of fat.

Proteins

Each serving of Crockpot Chicken and Wild Rice contains approximately 30 grams of protein.

Vitamins and minerals

Crockpot Chicken and Wild Rice is a good source of vitamin A, vitamin C, iron, and calcium.

Alergens

This recipe contains nuts (walnuts) and dairy (cream of mushroom soup), so it may not be suitable for those with nut or dairy allergies.

Summary

Crockpot Chicken and Wild Rice is a balanced meal that provides a good mix of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins. It is also rich in vitamins and minerals, making it a nutritious choice for dinner.

Summary

Crockpot Chicken and Wild Rice is a comforting and satisfying dish that is perfect for a cozy night in. With tender chicken, flavorful wild rice, and creamy mushroom soup, this recipe is sure to become a family favorite. Enjoy!

How did I get this recipe?

I can still remember the exact moment I discovered this recipe for Crockpot Chicken and Wild Rice. It was a warm summer day, and I was visiting my dear friend Margaret at her cozy farmhouse in the countryside. Margaret was known for her delicious home-cooked meals, and on that particular day, she had prepared a mouthwatering dish that left me craving for more.

As we sat down at the rustic wooden table in her kitchen, the savory aroma of the slow-cooked chicken and wild rice filled the room. Margaret beamed with pride as she served me a generous portion of the hearty dish, topped with a sprinkle of fresh herbs from her garden.

I took my first bite and was immediately transported to a culinary paradise. The chicken was tender and juicy, the wild rice was perfectly cooked, and the flavorful broth infused with herbs and spices was simply divine. I couldn't help but ask Margaret for the recipe, eager to recreate this delectable dish in my own kitchen.

Margaret chuckled, her eyes twinkling with mischief, as she revealed that the recipe was a closely guarded family secret that had been passed down through generations. But she could sense my genuine interest and love for cooking, so she graciously agreed to share the recipe with me.

She led me to her well-worn recipe book, filled with handwritten notes and splattered with food stains from years of use. As she flipped through the pages, she finally landed on the cherished recipe for Crockpot Chicken and Wild Rice. The ingredients were simple and wholesome, the instructions clear and easy to follow.

I eagerly jotted down the recipe in my own notebook, making sure to capture every detail and tip that Margaret shared with me. She explained how the slow cooking process allowed the flavors to meld together and the chicken to become tender and succulent. She also shared her secret ingredient – a splash of white wine – that added a subtle depth of flavor to the dish.

Armed with Margaret's recipe and her invaluable cooking wisdom, I returned home to my own kitchen, eager to put my newfound knowledge to the test. I gathered all the ingredients – chicken thighs, wild rice, vegetables, herbs, and of course, a bottle of white wine – and eagerly set to work.

I seasoned the chicken with a blend of herbs and spices, seared it to golden perfection, and then placed it in the crockpot along with the wild rice, vegetables, and broth. I added a generous splash of white wine, just as Margaret had instructed, and set the crockpot to low, allowing the ingredients to simmer and meld together slowly over the course of the day.

As the hours passed, my kitchen filled with the irresistible aroma of the simmering chicken and wild rice. I couldn't resist peeking into the crockpot every now and then, stirring the ingredients gently and marveling at how the flavors were developing and intensifying.

Finally, after hours of anticipation, the dish was ready. I lifted the lid of the crockpot and was greeted by a sight that made my mouth water – the chicken was fall-apart tender, the wild rice perfectly cooked, and the broth rich and flavorful, with hints of herbs and wine dancing on my taste buds.

I served myself a generous portion of the Crockpot Chicken and Wild Rice, just as Margaret had done for me that fateful day at her farmhouse. With each bite, I could taste the love and care that had gone into creating this dish, as well as the memories of my dear friend Margaret and the culinary adventures we had shared together.

As I sat down to enjoy my meal, I couldn't help but feel grateful for the gift of Margaret's recipe and the joy it had brought into my life. Cooking had always been a passion of mine, but with this dish, I had truly found my culinary calling – a recipe that was not just a dish, but a journey of discovery, friendship, and love. And for that, I would always be thankful to my dear friend Margaret and the delicious Crockpot Chicken and Wild Rice that had brought us together.