Flavorful Slow Cooker Garlic Chicken with Wild Rice Medley
This delectable crock pot dish is a hearty fusion of tender chicken breasts and a delightful wild rice medley, infused with aromatic garlic. Inspired by classic casserole recipes, this version brings a punch of garlic flavor accompanied by the nutty taste of wild rice, which holds its shape beautifully in the slow cooker. Ideal for busy weeknights, it’s a complete meal that requires minimal preparation. For those who love a little crunch, the addition of vibrant bell pepper and onion brings both color and texture to the dish. Plus, utilizing vegetable or chicken broth adds richness without overwhelming flavors. A recent tweak includes adding the wild rice just before serving to ensure its firm, chewy texture, making this dish not only a family favorite but also a reliable and convenient option for any dinner table.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
7
Ingredients
Ingredients
Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts
3 1/2 lbs (Trimmed of excess fat)
Yellow Onion
1 small (Chopped)
Red Bell Pepper
1 medium (Chopped)
Garlic Cloves
6 (Peeled (or more, to taste))
Olive Oil
2 tablespoons (For sautéing)
Chicken or Vegetable Broth
14 ounces (Low sodium recommended)
Wild Rice Mix
1 (6 ounce) package (With seasoning packet)
Instructions
1
In your slow cooker, combine the chicken broth and the seasoning packet from the wild rice mix. Stir well to dissolve the seasoning.
2
Add the chopped onion, red bell pepper, garlic cloves, and olive oil to the broth mixture. Mix everything thoroughly until well combined.
3
Place the boneless, skinless chicken breasts on top of the mixture, ensuring they are evenly spaced.
4
Cover the slow cooker with its lid and cook on low heat for 5 to 6 hours, until the chicken is tender and cooked through.
5
For a firmer rice texture, about 30 minutes before serving, stir in the wild rice (not cooked but included from the package) and allow it to cook until tender.
6
Once everything is cooked, serve hot and enjoy the flavors of garlic, chicken, and wild rice!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main protein used in this slow cooker recipe?
The main protein is 3 1/2 lbs of boneless skinless chicken breasts, trimmed of excess fat.
How long does the chicken need to cook in the slow cooker?
The chicken should be cooked on low heat for approximately 5 to 6 hours until it is tender and cooked through.
When should I add the wild rice to the slow cooker?
For a firmer rice texture, the wild rice should be stirred in about 30 minutes before serving.
Does the wild rice need to be cooked before adding it to the crock pot?
No, the wild rice is added uncooked directly from the package into the slow cooker for the final 30 minutes of cooking.
What kind of broth is recommended for this dish?
You can use either chicken or vegetable broth; low sodium is recommended to control the salt content.
How many garlic cloves are required for this recipe?
The recipe calls for 6 garlic cloves, but you can add more if you prefer a stronger garlic flavor.
What vegetables are included in the recipe?
The recipe includes one small chopped yellow onion and one medium chopped red bell pepper.
Is there a specific seasoning needed for the rice?
Yes, the recipe utilizes the seasoning packet that comes included in the 6-ounce wild rice mix package.
Can I use olive oil in this recipe?
Yes, 2 tablespoons of olive oil are mixed into the broth and vegetable mixture for flavor and richness.
What is the primary flavor profile of this chicken dish?
The dish features a punchy garlic flavor combined with the nutty, earthy taste of wild rice.
Do I need to sear the chicken before putting it in the slow cooker?
No, the instructions state to place the raw chicken breasts directly on top of the broth and vegetable mixture.
How much broth is needed for the recipe?
The recipe requires 14 ounces of chicken or vegetable broth.
Is this recipe suitable for a busy weeknight?
Yes, it is described as an ideal meal for busy weeknights due to its minimal preparation and one-dish nature.
How should the garlic cloves be prepared?
The garlic cloves should be peeled before being added to the slow cooker mixture.
What can I do to ensure the wild rice has a firm, chewy texture?
Adding the rice only for the last 30 minutes of the cooking process prevents it from becoming mushy.
Can I substitute the red bell pepper with another color?
While the recipe specifies red bell pepper for color and texture, you can use other bell pepper varieties if preferred.
What is the first step in the instructions?
The first step is to combine the chicken broth and the seasoning packet from the wild rice mix in the slow cooker and stir well.
Do I need to pre-cook the onions and peppers?
No, they are added raw to the broth mixture and cook along with the chicken.
How many ingredients are in this recipe in total?
There are 7 main ingredients: chicken breasts, onion, red bell pepper, garlic, olive oil, broth, and a wild rice mix.
Is this a complete meal on its own?
Yes, it is considered a one-dish meal as it contains protein (chicken), starch (rice), and vegetables.
What should I do with the seasoning packet from the rice mix?
The seasoning packet should be dissolved into the chicken broth at the very beginning of the preparation.
What setting should I use on the slow cooker?
This recipe is designed to be cooked on the 'Low' heat setting.
How should the chicken breasts be spaced in the cooker?
The chicken breasts should be placed on top of the vegetable and broth mixture and spaced evenly.
Can I use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth?
Yes, vegetable broth is a perfectly acceptable substitute and adds richness without overwhelming the other flavors.
What is the texture of the wild rice like in this dish?
Wild rice is known for its nutty flavor and its ability to hold its shape well, resulting in a firm and chewy texture.
Is this recipe family-friendly?
Yes, it is tagged as a family-friendly and hearty meal, making it suitable for all ages.
How much wild rice is needed?
One 6-ounce package of wild rice mix (including the seasoning) is required.
How should the chicken be prepared before cooking?
The chicken breasts should be trimmed of any excess fat before being placed in the slow cooker.
Can I increase the amount of garlic?
Yes, the recipe notes that you can use 6 garlic cloves or more, according to your personal taste.
Should the dish be served hot?
Yes, once the rice and chicken are fully cooked, the dish should be served hot immediately.