Chicken Breasts And Wild Rice
Creamy chicken and wild rice baked with mushrooms and Parmesan create a hearty, comforting dish perfect for family dinners or entertaining guests.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cook wild rice in boiling water until kernels open, about 30 to 40 minutes.
- Drain the cooked rice.
- Spread the rice in a buttered 9 x 13-inch baking dish.
- In a bowl, combine cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, undrained sliced mushrooms, and sherry.
- Pour half of this mixture over the rice in the baking dish.
- Skin the chicken breasts and arrange them over the soup mixture.
- Spread the remaining soup mixture over the chicken breasts.
- Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese over the top.
- Cover the dish and bake at 375°F for 30 minutes.
- Uncover and bake for an additional 30 minutes until golden and bubbly.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider marinating the chicken breasts in a mixture of sherry, garlic, and herbs before cooking. If wild rice is hard to find, you can substitute with brown rice, but adjust the cooking time accordingly. To enhance creaminess, stir in a little cream cheese with the soup mixture. You can also add vegetables like spinach or broccoli for extra nutrition.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this dish with a simple green salad or steamed vegetables for a balanced meal. It pairs beautifully with My Broccoli And Rice Casserole for a comforting dinner. For an extra touch, offer some crusty bread on the side to soak up the creamy sauce. A light white wine could complement the dish's flavors nicely.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place individual portions in the microwave and heat in 1-minute intervals until warmed through. Alternatively, reheat in the oven at 350°F covered with foil to prevent drying out, until heated thoroughly.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Chicken Breasts And Wild Rice contains roughly 305 calories, with 24g protein, 34g carbohydrates, and 8g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (48% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin D and calcium. At about 305 calories per serving, it is a lighter, protein-rich choice.
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use other types of rice instead of wild rice?
Yes, you can substitute wild rice with brown rice or even white rice. However, cooking times may vary. Brown rice will take longer to cook, about 45 minutes, while white rice typically cooks in about 15 minutes. Make sure to adjust the liquid ratios accordingly.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dish up to the baking step, cover it, and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, simply add an extra 10-15 minutes to the baking time to ensure it heats through properly.
What can I substitute for cream of mushroom soup?
If you prefer a healthier option, you can use homemade cream of mushroom soup or a blend of Greek yogurt and a bit of broth. This gives a similar creamy texture while reducing the sodium content. You could also use other cream soups like cream of chicken or celery.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).