Harvest Chicken and Wild Rice Medley
Indulge in the cozy flavors of fall with this hearty Harvest Chicken and Wild Rice Medley. This comforting dish features succulent bone-in chicken thighs simmered to perfection with seasonal vegetables and a delightful blend of wild rice and sweet apples. The inclusion of smoky bacon and a hint of spicy mustard elevates the flavor profile, making it a perfect dish for cool autumn evenings or winter gatherings. Serve it warm alongside your favorite bread for a complete meal that the whole family will love.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
13
Ingredients
Ingredients
carrots
3 (sliced)
garlic
1/2 tablespoon (minced)
onion
1 medium (diced)
celery
2 ribs (chopped)
bacon
6 slices (cooked and crumbled)
bone-in chicken thighs
6 (seasoned)
poultry seasoning
1 tablespoon
bay leaves
2
spicy mustard
1 teaspoon
chicken stock
2 cups
apple cider
1 cup
wild rice blend
1 (8 ounce) package
apple
1 (chopped)
Instructions
1
In a large crock pot, layer the sliced carrots, diced onion, minced garlic, and chopped celery.
2
In a skillet over medium heat, cook the bacon until crispy. Reserve a few tablespoons of the bacon fat and crumble the bacon before adding it to the crock pot.
3
Season the chicken thighs with poultry seasoning and salt and pepper to taste. In the same skillet, add the chicken thighs to the reserved bacon fat and brown on both sides, approximately 4 minutes per side.
4
Transfer the browned chicken thighs into the crock pot. Add the spicy mustard, bay leaves, chicken stock, and apple cider, stirring gently to combine.
5
Cover and cook on high for 4 hours or low for 8 hours until the chicken is tender and fully cooked.
6
30 minutes before serving, add the wild rice blend and chopped apple to the crock pot. If desired, debone the chicken and chop it into bite-sized pieces or leave it whole.
7
Increase the heat to high (if not already on high) and ensure the rice absorbs all the liquid, stirring occasionally until the rice is fully cooked and flavorful.
8
Remove bay leaves before serving. Enjoy the dish warm, garnished with additional fresh herbs if desired.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Harvest Chicken and Wild Rice Medley?
It is a comforting autumn-inspired dish featuring bone-in chicken thighs, seasonal vegetables, wild rice, and sweet apples simmered in a slow cooker.
What type of chicken is best for this recipe?
The recipe calls for 6 bone-in chicken thighs as they remain succulent and flavorful during the slow cooking process.
Can I use boneless chicken thighs instead?
Yes, you can use boneless thighs, but you may need to reduce the cooking time slightly to ensure they do not become overcooked.
What vegetables are included in the medley?
The dish includes sliced carrots, diced onion, minced garlic, and chopped celery.
How is the bacon prepared for this dish?
Six slices of bacon are cooked in a skillet until crispy, then crumbled and added to the crock pot.
Do I need to brown the chicken before slow cooking?
Yes, browning the seasoned chicken thighs in reserved bacon fat for about 4 minutes per side enhances the flavor and texture.
What seasoning is used for the chicken?
The chicken is seasoned with one tablespoon of poultry seasoning plus salt and pepper to taste.
What liquid base is used for the sauce?
The recipe uses a flavorful combination of 2 cups of chicken stock and 1 cup of apple cider.
Can I substitute apple juice for apple cider?
Yes, apple juice can be used as a substitute, though apple cider provides a deeper, more seasonal flavor profile.
How long does the chicken cook in the crock pot?
Cook on high for 4 hours or on low for 8 hours until the chicken is tender and fully cooked.
When should I add the wild rice?
Add the wild rice blend 30 minutes before you are ready to serve the dish.
What type of rice should I use?
An 8-ounce package of wild rice blend is recommended for the best texture and flavor.
When do the apples get added?
The chopped apple is added at the same time as the wild rice, approximately 30 minutes before serving.
Should I peel the apple?
The recipe does not specify peeling, so you can leave the skin on for extra texture and nutrients or peel it if you prefer a softer consistency.
What should I do with the bay leaves?
You should remove the two bay leaves from the crock pot before serving the meal.
Is there a specific way to serve the chicken?
You can leave the chicken thighs whole or debone and chop them into bite-sized pieces 30 minutes before serving.
What is the purpose of the spicy mustard?
One teaspoon of spicy mustard is added to the liquid to elevate the flavor profile with a hint of tang and spice.
What if the rice hasn't absorbed all the liquid?
If needed, increase the heat to high and stir occasionally until the rice is fully cooked and the liquid is absorbed.
What is a good side dish for this medley?
This hearty meal is best served warm alongside your favorite crusty bread.
How many servings does this recipe make?
While not explicitly stated, the use of 6 chicken thighs generally serves 4 to 6 people.
Can I make this recipe on a stovetop?
While designed for a crock pot, you could adapt it for a heavy-bottomed pot by simmering on low heat, monitoring the liquid levels closely.
Is this recipe suitable for winter gatherings?
Yes, its cozy flavors and hearty ingredients make it perfect for both autumn and winter meals.
What kind of apple is best to use?
Firm apples like Honeycrisp, Fuji, or Granny Smith work well as they hold their shape during the final 30 minutes of cooking.
Does the recipe contain dairy?
Based on the ingredient list, this recipe is naturally dairy-free.
How do I store leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
Can I freeze this dish?
Yes, you can freeze it, though the texture of the rice and apples may soften slightly upon reheating.
What is the best way to reheat it?
Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a splash of chicken stock if the rice has absorbed too much moisture.
Can I add other herbs?
Fresh herbs like rosemary, thyme, or parsley can be used as a garnish to enhance the fall flavors.
Is the bacon fat necessary?
Browning the chicken in the reserved bacon fat adds a smoky depth of flavor that defines the dish.
How much prep time is required?
Prep involves slicing vegetables, cooking bacon, and browning chicken, which typically takes about 20-30 minutes before the slow cooking begins.