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–+ servings
Rustic wooden board with a bowl of chicken wild rice chowder and cream linen napkin for a cozy presentation.

Chicken Wild Rice Chowder

This Slow Cooker Chicken Wild Rice Chowder combines tender chicken, veggies, and a wild rice blend that melts in to make a creamy, hearty broth. It’s comfort food made easy, perfect for cozy nights or meal prep.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 5 hours
Servings 6

Ingredients  

  • 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp pepper
  • 1/2 tsp dried rosemary
  • 1 tsp dried thyme
  • 1 onion diced
  • 2 carrots sliced
  • 2 celery ribs sliced
  • 3 garlic cloves minced
  • 4 cups chicken broth
  • 2 cups water
  • 1 cup uncooked wild rice blend rinsed
  • 2 tbsp butter
  • 1 cup heavy cream or half and half

Method 

  • Add chicken, salt, pepper, rosemary, thyme, onion, carrots, celery, garlic, chicken broth, and water to the slow cooker.
  • Cook on LOW for 3 hours, then stir in the rinsed wild rice blend.
  • Continue cooking on LOW for another 2 hours, or until the rice is tender and the broth has thickened into a creamy chowder.
  • Remove chicken, shred it with two forks, and return it to the slow cooker. Stir in the butter and heavy cream until smooth and creamy.
  • Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve warm and enjoy.
Start Cooking

Notes

TIP: Every wild rice blend cooks differently. If yours has more wild rice, it may need an extra 30 to 60 minutes on LOW. The grains should be tender but not firm. If the broth thickens to much before the wild rice portion of the rice blend is done, add a splash of extra broth or water while it finishes cooking.
  • Texture: This chowder has a thick, creamy consistency because the softer grains in the wild rice blend gently melt into the broth, creating a rich, velvety base.
  • Chicken options: Boneless, skinless chicken thighs can replace breasts for a deeper flavor. Thighs may need 5 1/2–6 hours on LOW if thick or bone in.
  • Half and half substitute: Half and half works beautifully if you prefer a lighter chowder. Add it right before serving so it doesn’t curdle in the slow cooker.
  • Greek yogurt option: For a tangy twist, stir in Greek yogurt once the chowder has cooled slightly. Add off the heat to prevent curdling.
  • Cook on HIGH: Cook chicken and vegetables on HIGH for 2 hours, then add rice and cook another 1 to 1½ hours. Total cook time: about 3 to 3½ hours.
  • Dairy-free: Substitute full-fat coconut milk or unsweetened dairy-free creamer.
  • Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat gently with a splash of broth or milk. Freeze before adding cream for best results.