Crockpot Creamy Chicken & Wild Rice Stew
This cozy chicken and wild rice dish is creamy like risotto but made entirely in your slow cooker. The rice absorbs the broth, the chicken turns tender enough to shred, and the final stir with a quick cream sauce brings everything together into a thick, satisfying stew. Perfect for fall nights or as a warm, rustic holiday main.
🧡 Why You’ll Love It
- Feels like chicken pot pie filling — creamy and rich
- All-in-one slow cooker meal (no stovetop time until the final 5 minutes)
- Freezer-friendly and reheats beautifully
- Crowd-pleaser for both casual dinners and holidays
- Naturally gluten-free option
🧂 Ingredients
Base
- 1 ½ lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- 1 cup uncooked wild rice blend (not instant)
- 1 medium yellow onion, finely diced
- 2 medium carrots, peeled and diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 4 ½ cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 tsp kosher salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp dried thyme
- ½ tsp dried rosemary
- ½ tsp poultry seasoning
- 2 bay leaves
To Finish
- 3 Tbsp butter
- 3 Tbsp all-purpose flour (or cornstarch for GF)
- ¾ cup heavy cream or half-and-half
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan (optional but recommended)
- 1 Tbsp fresh lemon juice (balances the richness)
Garnish (optional)
- Fresh thyme or parsley
- Cracked black pepper
(Helpful tools: silicone whisk, fat separator, garlic press, and ladle set.)
🍳 Steps
- Assemble the base (5 minutes).
Rinse the wild rice blend in a fine-mesh strainer. Add rice, onion, carrots, celery, garlic, chicken, broth, salt, pepper, thyme, rosemary, poultry seasoning, and bay leaves to the slow cooker. Give it a quick stir to combine evenly. - Cook (6–7 hours on LOW or 3½–4 hours on HIGH).
The rice should be tender and the chicken fully cooked (165°F). It will look brothy at first — that’s expected. - Shred chicken.
Remove chicken to a cutting board, shred with two forks, and set aside. - Make the cream sauce.
In a small saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook for 1 minute (this removes the raw taste). Gradually whisk in the cream until smooth and slightly thickened — 2 to 3 minutes. - Combine & thicken.
Stir the shredded chicken, cream mixture, and Parmesan (if using) into the slow cooker. Mix until creamy. Let it sit 10–15 minutes uncovered to thicken — the rice will absorb the liquid and create that stew-like texture you see in the photo. - Finish.
Stir in lemon juice. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper. Garnish with fresh thyme or parsley before serving.
💡 Helpful Tips & Substitutions
Rice texture:
Wild rice blends give the perfect bite — chewy but soft enough to hold the creamy sauce. 100% wild rice will stay firmer and nuttier; both work.
To make ahead for holidays:
Assemble everything (except cream, butter, and flour) the night before, store covered in the fridge, and cook the next day. Finish with the cream sauce right before serving.
For thicker stew:
Use 4 cups broth instead of 4½ and rest 15–20 minutes before serving.
Add-ins for more flavor:
- 1 cup sliced mushrooms for earthiness
- ½ cup chopped butternut squash or sweet potato for fall sweetness
- ¼ cup dried cranberries stirred in at the end for a festive touch
- ¼ cup toasted slivered almonds for crunch
Dairy-free option:
Swap butter for olive oil and use full-fat coconut milk instead of cream. Skip the Parmesan.
🎁 Serving Ideas
- Holiday version: Serve in shallow bowls, topped with thyme and a sprinkle of dried cranberries or almonds.
- Family-style dinner: Pair with crusty bread or flaky biscuits for soaking up sauce.
- Lighter side: Add a green salad with tart vinaigrette to balance the richness.
- Leftovers: Spoon over mashed potatoes or toast for a quick, satisfying meal the next day.
🕒 Make-Ahead & Storage
- Prep ahead: Chop veggies, rinse rice, and season chicken 1 day ahead.
- Refrigerate: Store leftovers up to 4 days in airtight containers.
- Freeze: Freeze up to 2 months in single portions; thaw overnight in the fridge.
- Reheat: Microwave or warm on stovetop with a splash of broth or milk to loosen.
This Crockpot Creamy Chicken & Wild Rice Stew is everything you want from comfort food — creamy, hearty, and full of flavor, but effortless enough for a busy day. It’s a natural fit for Thanksgiving leftovers, Christmas Eve dinner, or any night you want a meal that feels like a hug in a bowl.