Oh, do I have the perfect cozy dinner for you! This healthy crockpot chicken & wild rice stew has been my go-to comfort food for years – it’s the kind of meal that fills your kitchen with the most incredible aroma while doing all the work for you. I discovered this recipe during those crazy busy weeks when I needed something nourishing but didn’t have time to babysit the stove. Just toss everything in before work, and come home to a hearty stew packed with tender chicken, chewy wild rice, and all those good-for-you veggies. Trust me, it’s the definition of “set it and forget it” cooking!
Why You’ll Love This Healthy Crockpot Chicken & Wild Rice Stew
Let me tell you why this stew has become my weeknight hero! First off, the prep is so simple – just chop, dump, and walk away. No babysitting required. But the real magic? That wild rice turns gloriously chewy while soaking up all the flavors. And those tender chicken pieces? They practically melt in your mouth. Plus, with all those veggies, you’re getting a bowl full of goodness without even trying. It’s comfort food that actually loves you back – hearty, wholesome, and hands-off. What’s not to adore?
Ingredients for Healthy Crockpot Chicken & Wild Rice Stew
Here’s everything you’ll need to make this cozy stew – I promise it’s nothing fancy! Grab these simple ingredients:
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts (thighs work too!)
- 1 cup wild rice (about 6 oz)
- 3 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 cup diced carrots (about 2 medium)
- 1 cup diced celery (2-3 stalks)
- 1 cup diced onion (1 medium)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 tsp dried rosemary
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp salt
Ingredient Notes & Substitutions
No wild rice? Brown rice works but may need less liquid. Turkey or mushrooms make great chicken swaps! I insist on low-sodium broth – you can always add more salt later. Fresh herbs? Double the amount if you’ve got them. And if your carrots come with tops, save those greens for garnish – they add such a pretty, fresh touch!
How to Make Healthy Crockpot Chicken & Wild Rice Stew
Okay, let’s get cooking! This is so easy you’ll wonder why you don’t make it every week. First, take those chicken breasts and lay them right in the bottom of your crockpot – no need to brown them first (though you totally can if you’re feeling fancy). Now pile on your wild rice, then all those beautiful diced veggies – carrots, celery, onion, and garlic. I like to toss in the garlic last so it doesn’t stick to the bottom.
Next comes the liquid magic – pour that golden chicken broth over everything. It should just cover the ingredients but not drown them. Now sprinkle all your seasonings right on top – thyme, rosemary, pepper, and salt. Don’t stir! I know it’s tempting, but leaving everything layered helps the flavors develop perfectly.
Pop the lid on and here’s your choice: For tender, fall-apart chicken, go with 6 hours on low. In a hurry? 3 hours on high works too. When time’s up, grab two forks and shred that chicken right in the pot. Give it all a good stir – the rice will have soaked up so much flavor and the chicken will be unbelievably tender!
Tips for Perfect Stew
Watch your rice – if it gets too soft, try reducing liquid slightly next time. Too thick? Add a splash of broth when serving. And here’s my secret: if your crockpot runs hot, check at 5 hours. That wild rice should be chewy but not mushy – it’s the star of the show!
Serving Suggestions for Healthy Crockpot Chicken & Wild Rice Stew
Oh, let me tell you how we love to serve this cozy stew! A slice of crusty whole grain bread is perfect for soaking up every last drop of that flavorful broth. Sometimes I’ll whip up a simple green salad with lemon vinaigrette to brighten things up. On chilly nights, we go all in with warm, buttery biscuits – because why not? The stew’s hearty enough to stand alone too, especially when you top it with a handful of fresh parsley or those pretty carrot greens I mentioned earlier!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
This stew keeps like a dream! Store leftovers in airtight containers – they’ll stay fresh in the fridge for 3 days (though ours never lasts that long). For freezing, portion it into freezer bags and lay flat – it’ll keep for 1 month. To reheat, just warm gently on the stove with a splash of broth to loosen it up. Microwave works too – stir every minute to keep it creamy. Pro tip: The flavors actually deepen overnight, so don’t be afraid to make extra!
Nutritional Information
Here’s the scoop on what’s in each comforting bowl (estimates vary based on ingredients): About 280 calories, 25g protein, and 35g carbs per serving. It’s packed with 4g fiber too – comfort food that fuels you right!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use brown rice instead of wild rice?
Absolutely! Brown rice works well, but reduce the broth by 1/4 cup since it absorbs less liquid. Cooking time might decrease slightly too – start checking at 5 hours on low.
How can I thicken the stew if it’s too watery?
Easy fix! Remove the lid for the last 30 minutes of cooking to let some liquid evaporate. Or mix 1 tbsp cornstarch with 2 tbsp cold water and stir it in – it’ll thicken up beautifully.
Can I make this stew vegetarian?
You bet! Swap chicken for mushrooms or white beans, and use veggie broth. The wild rice and veggies make it hearty enough to satisfy even meat-lovers at my table.
Why does my wild rice sometimes come out crunchy?
Older wild rice takes longer to cook. Next time, soak it for 1 hour before adding, or give it an extra 30 minutes in the crockpot. And always check your rice’s package instructions!
Final Thoughts
There you have it – my absolute favorite healthy comfort food that couldn’t be easier to make! Give this stew a try and let me know how your family loves it. Nothing makes me happier than hearing how my recipes become part of your kitchen traditions too. Happy slow cooking!
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Hearty Healthy Crockpot Chicken & Wild Rice Stew in 6 Hours
- Total Time: 6 hours 15 mins
- Yield: 6 servings
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
A hearty and healthy stew made with chicken, wild rice, and vegetables, cooked slowly in a crockpot for maximum flavor.
Ingredients
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup wild rice
- 3 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 cup diced carrots
- 1 cup diced celery
- 1 cup diced onion
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 tsp dried rosemary
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp salt
Instructions
- Place chicken breasts at the bottom of the crockpot.
- Add wild rice, carrots, celery, onion, and garlic.
- Pour chicken broth over the ingredients.
- Sprinkle thyme, rosemary, pepper, and salt.
- Cover and cook on low for 6 hours or high for 3 hours.
- Shred chicken with forks before serving.
Notes
- Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freeze for up to 1 month.
- Add more broth if you prefer a thinner stew.
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 6 hours
- Category: Stew
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American