Wild Rice And Chicken Bake
A hearty baked chicken and wild rice dish with creamy mushroom flavor, tender chicken, and colorful vegetables, perfect for family dinners or comfort food cravings.
Ingredients
- 6 1/4 oz. package quick-cooking long grain and wild rice ⓘ
- 1 1/2 cups water ⓘ
- 10 3/4 oz. can condensed cream of mushroom soup ⓘ
- 8 oz. can sliced water chestnuts, drained
- 1 medium carrot, shredded ⓘ
- 3/4 cup frozen green peas
- 3 whole medium chicken breasts, skinned, boned and halved lengthwise ⓘ
- 1/8 teaspoon paprika ⓘ
- 1/8 teaspoon pepper
Instructions
- Place uncooked rice and half of the flavor packet in a 3-quart rectangular baking dish.
- Stir in water, cream of mushroom soup, sliced water chestnuts, frozen peas, and shredded carrots.
- Arrange chicken breasts over the rice mixture.
- Sprinkle paprika and pepper over the chicken.
- Cover and bake in a 350°F oven for about 50 minutes or until chicken and rice are tender.
- Let stand for 10 minutes before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding sautéed onions or garlic to the rice mixture. You can substitute the water chestnuts with sliced mushrooms for a different texture. If you prefer a creamier dish, use a mix of cream of mushroom and cream of chicken soup. This recipe is versatile; you can add other vegetables like bell peppers or corn for added nutrition.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this dish with a simple side salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal. It pairs beautifully with the flavors of Scrumptious Zucchini or a light garlic bread. A glass of white wine can enhance the dish's flavors, making it perfect for a cozy dinner or family gathering.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in a microwave-safe dish and cover with a damp paper towel to retain moisture. Heat in the microwave until warmed through, or reheat in the oven at 350°F until hot, ensuring the chicken stays moist.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Wild Rice And Chicken Bake contains roughly 326 calories, with 19g protein, 47g carbohydrates, and 8g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (195% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (57% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (51% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron and calcium. At about 326 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 brown rice instead of wild rice?
Yes, you can use brown rice, but you will need to adjust the cooking time. Brown rice typically requires a longer cooking time and more liquid, so ensure you follow the package instructions for best results.
Is there a way to make this dish healthier?
Absolutely! You can use skinless chicken breasts, reduce the amount of cream of mushroom soup, or substitute it with a low-fat version. Adding more vegetables like broccoli or spinach can also increase the nutritional value of this dish.
Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the rice mixture and arrange the chicken on top a day in advance. Cover and refrigerate, then bake when ready to serve. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if starting from cold.
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).