Crockpot Herb Butter Chicken and Wild Rice Recipe

I absolutely love sharing this Crockpot Herb Butter Chicken and Wild Rice Recipe with you because it’s one of those magical dishes that feels like a warm hug after a long day. The slow-cooked chicken gets so tender and infused with herb butter goodness, while the wild rice and veggies soak up all those rich flavors. Trust me, this combo is a guaranteed family favorite and works perfectly for busy weeknights or cozy weekends when you want to come home to something effortless yet impressive.

What makes this Crockpot Herb Butter Chicken and Wild Rice Recipe stand out is how flexible it is—whether you’re cooking low and slow in the crockpot, using an Instant Pot for speed, or going the skillet-to-oven route for a little extra crust. I’ve found that adding fresh sage and broiling the buttered chicken at the end gives it this amazing, savory finish that you’ll keep craving. Honestly, I’ve turned this into a go-to for both weeknight dinners and when guests pop by unexpectedly.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

The ingredients in this Crockpot Herb Butter Chicken and Wild Rice Recipe come together to create layers of flavor and texture that feel both wholesome and special. Using a wild rice blend gives you that nutty, chewy rice while the fresh herbs and butter add a cozy, aromatic touch.

• Wild rice blend: I like mixing wild and brown rice for a great nutty flavor and a bit of chewiness.
• Yellow onion: Adds sweetness and depth; chopping it finely helps it cook evenly.
• Dried parsley: A subtle herb that complements the fresh sage and thyme nicely.
• Carrots: Cut into 1-inch pieces—they hold up well and add a sweet crunch.
• Sliced cremini mushrooms: These bring earthiness and moisture to the dish.
• Chopped celery: For that classic flavor trio with carrots and onion, boosting aroma and texture.
• Extra virgin olive oil: Enhances richness and helps seasonings stick to the chicken.
• Kosher salt and black pepper: Essential for balancing flavors—don’t be shy here.
• Low sodium chicken broth: Keeps the dish moist and adds extra savory notes without overpowering.
• Boneless chicken breasts or thighs: I prefer thighs for juiciness, but breasts work if you want leaner meat.
• Dried thyme, rosemary, and paprika: Classic herbs that bring warmth and complexity.
• Cayenne pepper: Gives a subtle kick, which you can adjust or omit based on your spice tolerance.
• Garlic cloves: Smashed to release that garlicky goodness throughout the dish.
• Salted butter: The star for finishing—melts into the meat and rice for rich, silky flavor.
• Fresh sage leaves: Adds an herbal brightness that pairs beautifully with the butter.
• Parmesan rind (optional): Adds a wonderful umami depth to the broth—if you have it, definitely toss it in!

Variations

One of the things I love about this Crockpot Herb Butter Chicken and Wild Rice Recipe is how easy it is to play around with based on what’s in your kitchen or your mood. I often switch up the herbs or add different veggies to keep it fresh and exciting.

• Switch the protein: I’ve tried bone-in chicken thighs for extra flavor, and it was incredible, though it does need a bit more cooking time.
• Make it vegetarian: Omit the chicken and add extra mushrooms and some white beans to create a hearty plant-based version.
• Add heat: For those who like it spicy, a pinch more cayenne or some chopped jalapeños really wakes up the dish.
• Use different herbs: Fresh rosemary and thyme elevate it beautifully, but fresh oregano or tarragon create interesting twists.

How to Make Crockpot Herb Butter Chicken and Wild Rice Recipe

Step 1: Prep the Vegetables and Rice

Start by combining the wild rice blend, chopped onion, carrots, mushrooms, celery, and dried parsley in your crockpot bowl. I like to season generously with kosher salt and freshly cracked black pepper here because the veggies will absorb a lot of flavor. Drizzle 1 tablespoon of olive oil over and toss everything together—it helps the seasoning stick and adds richness even before cooking.

Step 2: Season and Add the Chicken

In a separate bowl, toss your chicken with the remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil and all the dried herbs (thyme, rosemary), paprika, cayenne, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Getting the chicken well-coated means every bite bursts with flavor. Place the seasoned chicken right on top of the rice and veggies in the crockpot, then tuck the smashed garlic cloves around it. If you have a parmesan rind, add it now for an incredible savory boost.

Step 3: Cook Low and Slow

Cover and cook on low for 5-6 hours (or high for 2-3 hours if you’re short on time). This slow cooking is what makes the chicken so tender and allows the rice to absorb all that delicious broth and herb flavor. When I first tried this, I was amazed at how the kitchen filled with the scent of garlic and herbs—it’s such a wonderful slow cooker aroma!

Step 4: Broil the Herb Butter Chicken

Preheat your broiler to high. Carefully remove the chicken and garlic from the crockpot and set them on a baking sheet. Arrange the butter slices and fresh sage leaves around them. Broil for 1-3 minutes until the butter bubbles and the sage gets crisp. Then, peel the garlic cloves, chop them up, and mix into the melted butter on the pan. Toss the chicken in this glorious herb butter—you’ll find it makes the flavor unforgettable.

Step 5: Fluff and Serve

Finally, fluff the rice and veggies in the crockpot with a fork to separate the grains and distribute the veggies evenly. Serve the juicy buttered chicken right on top or alongside, and don’t forget to drizzle any remaining herb butter from the pan over everything. My family goes crazy for this little finishing touch—it just wraps up the dish perfectly.

How to Serve Crockpot Herb Butter Chicken and Wild Rice Recipe

Garnishes

I love topping this dish with a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or a few extra crispy sage leaves if I have them left over. A little fresh lemon zest or a squeeze of lemon juice at the table can also brighten flavors beautifully. These simple garnishes really elevate the presentation and add a fresh pop that balances the richness of the butter.

Side Dishes

Since this recipe is so hearty with chicken, rice, and veggies in one, I often keep sides light—roasted green beans, steamed broccoli, or a crisp mixed greens salad work wonders. Sometimes I whip up a quick cucumber yogurt raita or tzatziki for a cool contrast that complements the herbs and butter perfectly.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I like serving this dish in individual ramekins, layering the wild rice and veggies first, then placing the buttered chicken on top. Drizzling the remaining herb butter over each serving and adding a few edible flowers or extra fresh herbs can turn this cozy meal into something fancy and festive.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftovers store beautifully in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. I usually separate the chicken from the rice and veggies if possible, so the rice doesn’t get too mushy. When ready to eat, just warm gently and toss again in any leftover herb butter for that fresh flavor.

Freezing

I’ve frozen this recipe a couple of times by portioning it into freezer-safe containers right after cooking and cooling completely. Frozen portions last about 2 months. When thawed in the fridge overnight, it reheats nicely without losing too much texture, especially if you add a splash of broth or a pat of butter while warming.

Reheating

I recommend reheating leftovers gently on the stovetop with a little broth or butter to keep the rice moist and the chicken tender. Microwaving works fine too—just cover loosely and heat in short bursts, stirring in between, to avoid drying out the dish.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Crockpot Herb Butter Chicken and Wild Rice Recipe holds a special place in my kitchen because it ticks all the boxes—simple prep, hearty ingredients, and a rich, comforting flavor that always impresses. Whether you’re feeding a busy family or looking for a hands-off dinner that feels thoughtful and homemade, this recipe delivers every time. I can’t wait for you to try it and hear how much your family loves it as much as mine does!

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