Name: Slow Cooker Herbed Chicken and Rice Pilaf
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: PT-487704H14M25S
Total time: PT-487704H14M25S
Cuisine: American / Comfort Food
Ingredients: 1 1/2 cups wild rice blend (wild and brown rice mix); 3 cups low sodium chicken broth; Juice of 1 lemon; 2 teaspoons dried parsley; 1 carrot, cut into 1-inch pieces; 1 cup wild mushrooms, torn; 2 pounds bone-in chicken breast and/or thighs; 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil; 2 tablespoons fresh thyme leaves; 1 tablespoon fresh chopped sage; Kosher salt and pepper, to taste; 4 shallots, halved; 1 sprig fresh rosemary

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

You’ll love this dish because it’s an all-in-one meal that’s bursting with fresh herb flavors. Wild rice adds a nutty texture, while chicken breast or thighs stay juicy and tender in the slow cooker. Aromatic herbs like thyme, sage, parsley, and rosemary infuse the dish, and wild mushrooms and carrots add depth and color. The lemon juice brightens the flavors, making every bite satisfying and fresh.

Ingredients

(Tip: Full measurements are in the recipe card below.)

1 1/2 cups wild rice blend (wild and brown rice mix)
3 cups low sodium chicken broth
Juice of 1 lemon
2 teaspoons dried parsley
1 carrot, cut into 1-inch pieces
1 cup wild mushrooms, torn
2 pounds bone-in chicken breast and/or thighs
2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
2 tablespoons fresh thyme leaves
1 tablespoon fresh chopped sage
Kosher salt and pepper, to taste
4 shallots, halved
1 sprig fresh rosemary

Directions

Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Season chicken with salt and pepper. Sear chicken pieces on both sides until golden, about 3–4 minutes per side. Transfer to the slow cooker.
In the slow cooker, combine wild rice, chicken broth, lemon juice, dried parsley, carrots, mushrooms, shallots, thyme, sage, and rosemary. Stir gently to combine.
Nestle the seared chicken on top of the rice and vegetable mixture.
Cover and cook on low for 5–6 hours, or on high for 3–4 hours, until the chicken is fully cooked and the rice is tender.
Remove the rosemary sprig and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
Serve hot, spooning the herbed rice and vegetables alongside the chicken.

Servings and Timing

This recipe serves 6 people.
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 5–6 hours (slow cooker)
Total time: 5–6 hours 15 minutes

Variations

Add peas or green beans during the last 30 minutes of cooking for extra vegetables.
Substitute bone-in chicken with boneless thighs or drumsticks.
Use vegetable broth and omit chicken for a vegetarian-friendly version.
Add a splash of white wine to the rice for extra depth of flavor.
Sprinkle toasted almonds or pine nuts on top before serving for a crunchy finish.

Storage/Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave until warmed through. Rice may dry slightly; add a splash of chicken broth when reheating if needed.

FAQs

Can I make this on the stovetop?

Yes! Simmer the rice with broth, herbs, and vegetables in a covered pot, adding seared chicken on top, until the rice is tender and chicken is cooked through, about 35–40 minutes.

Can I use only white or brown rice instead of a wild rice blend?

Yes, but cooking times may vary. Brown rice may need slightly longer, and white rice less, so adjust accordingly.

Can I prepare this ahead of time?

Yes, assemble the ingredients in the slow cooker insert and refrigerate up to 24 hours before cooking.

Can I freeze leftovers?

Yes, store in airtight containers in the freezer for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

What can I serve with this dish?

A crisp green salad, roasted vegetables, or a side of garlic bread pairs beautifully.

Conclusion

Slow Cooker Herbed Chicken and Rice Pilaf is a flavorful, comforting meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights or lazy weekends. With tender chicken, nutty wild rice, earthy mushrooms, sweet carrots, and fresh herbs, this dish brings a wholesome, aromatic twist to classic chicken and rice. Easy to prepare, slow-cooked to perfection, and satisfying for the whole family, it’s sure to become a staple in your recipe rotation.