Chicken Wild Rice Bake (Printable)

Tender chicken with wild rice and vegetables, baked in a creamy, cheesy casserole for a warm dinner.

# Ingredient list:

→ Poultry

01 - 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (approx. 1.2 lbs), cut into bite-size pieces

→ Rice

02 - 1 cup uncooked wild rice blend (about 6.4 oz)

→ Vegetables

03 - 1 medium onion, finely chopped
04 - 2 celery stalks, diced
05 - 2 medium carrots, sliced
06 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
07 - 1 cup sliced mushrooms (about 5.3 oz)
08 - 1 cup frozen peas (about 5.3 oz)

→ Dairy & Broth

09 - 1 1/2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
10 - 1 cup whole milk
11 - 1/2 cup heavy cream or sour cream
12 - 1 cup shredded Swiss or Gruyère cheese (about 3.5 oz)

→ Pantry & Spices

13 - 2 tablespoons olive oil
14 - 1 teaspoon dried thyme
15 - 1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary
16 - 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
17 - 1/2 teaspoon salt, or to taste

→ Topping

18 - 1/2 cup breadcrumbs or gluten-free crumbs (about 1.2 oz)
19 - 2 tablespoons melted butter

# Step-by-Step Guide:

01 - Preheat the oven to 375°F. Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish thoroughly.
02 - Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Cook onion, celery, carrots, and mushrooms for 5 to 6 minutes until softened. Add garlic and sauté for 1 more minute.
03 - Add chicken pieces to the skillet. Stir and cook until the chicken is lightly browned but not fully cooked, approximately 3 to 4 minutes.
04 - Stir in the wild rice, thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper. Remove the skillet from heat.
05 - In a large bowl, whisk together chicken broth, milk, and heavy cream or sour cream until well combined.
06 - Add the sautéed chicken and vegetable mixture along with frozen peas into the bowl. Stir thoroughly to blend all ingredients.
07 - Transfer the combined mixture to the prepared baking dish. Spread shredded cheese evenly on top.
08 - In a small bowl, combine breadcrumbs with melted butter. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the cheese layer.
09 - Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake for 50 minutes.
10 - Remove the foil and continue baking an additional 20 minutes until the topping is golden and the rice is tender.
11 - Allow the dish to rest for 10 minutes before serving to let flavors meld.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • One-pot meal
  • Freezer-friendly
02 -
  • Use certified gluten-free broth and crumbs for a gluten-free dish
  • Adding almonds to the topping enhances flavor and texture
03 -
  • Substitute rotisserie chicken and reduce baking time by 15 minutes
  • A dash of smoked paprika adds depth
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