Chicken Wild Rice
A hearty and comforting dish combining tender chicken, nutty wild rice, creamy soups, and crunchy almonds, perfect for family dinners and special gatherings alike.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Place long grain rice and Uncle Ben's seasoned rice in a buttered 9 x 13-inch pan.
- Pour cream of mushroom soup, cream of celery soup, and water over the rice mixture.
- Dip cut-up chicken thighs in melted margarine.
- Place the chicken on top of the rice mixture.
- Sprinkle the seasoning from Uncle Ben's rice over the chicken.
- Cover with foil and bake at 325°F for 1 hour.
- Uncover, sprinkle almonds on top, and bake for an additional 30 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding sautéed onions or garlic to the rice mixture. If you prefer a lighter option, substitute the cream of mushroom soup with a homemade mushroom sauce or a lower-fat alternative. You can also use brown rice instead of long grain rice for added nutrition. Be sure to check the cooking time if using different rice varieties to ensure it's fully cooked.
Serving Suggestions
This Chicken Wild Rice dish pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal. For a comforting side, serve with garlic bread or a fresh fruit salad. You can also browse more American recipes for similar comforting casseroles like the Great Casserole, which would complement this dish perfectly.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in a covered dish in the oven at 350°F until warmed through, or microwave in short intervals, stirring occasionally. If the dish seems dry, add a splash of water or broth before reheating to keep it moist.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Chicken Wild Rice contains roughly 746 calories, with 20g protein, 85g carbohydrates, and 37g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (41% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber and iron. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 678mg per serving (29% of the Daily Value).
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 boneless chicken thighs instead of bone-in?
Yes, boneless chicken thighs can be used in this recipe. They will cook faster, so reduce the baking time slightly, checking for doneness around 45 minutes. This substitution can make for easier serving and eating.
Is there a vegetarian version of this recipe?
Absolutely! You can substitute the chicken with hearty vegetables such as mushrooms, zucchini, or carrots. Use vegetable broth instead of water and a plant-based cream soup to maintain the creamy texture. This will create a delicious vegetarian casserole that everyone can enjoy.
Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the entire dish a day in advance. Assemble the ingredients in the pan, cover, and refrigerate. When you're ready to bake, simply add an extra 10-15 minutes to the cooking time to ensure it's heated through. This makes it a convenient option for busy weeknights or gatherings.
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).