Description
Hearty Chicken and Wild Rice Delight brings Wisconsin comfort to your dinner table with tender chicken nestled in creamy wild rice. Perfectly seasoned and packed with rich flavors, this classic Midwestern casserole will warm your heart and satisfy your hunger.
Ingredients
Scale
Proteins:
- 1 ¼ pounds (567 grams) boneless skinless chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 6 cups (1.4 liters) low-sodium chicken broth
Vegetables and Aromatics:
- 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
- 3 ribs celery, chopped
- 2 large carrots, peeled and chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh thyme
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh rosemary
Seasonings and Additional Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) vegetable oil
- 4 tablespoons (57 grams) butter
- ⅓ cup (42 grams) flour
- 1 cup (180 grams) wild rice blend
- 1 cup (240 milliliters) heavy cream
- 2 bay leaves
- Kosher salt
- Fresh ground black pepper
- 1/8 teaspoon smoked paprika
Instructions
- Warm a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat and add vegetable oil, creating a sizzling cooking surface for the chicken pieces seasoned with kosher salt, freshly ground black pepper, and smoky paprika.
- Carefully brown the chicken on both sides until thoroughly cooked, ensuring a golden exterior and tender interior. Transfer the chicken to a covered plate to retain warmth.
- In the same pot, melt butter and introduce diced onions, chopped celery, and sliced carrots, gently sautéing until the vegetables soften and release their aromatic essence.
- Reduce heat to low and introduce minced garlic, stirring for approximately 30 seconds to release its fragrant notes. Sprinkle flour evenly, stirring continuously to prevent clumping and create a smooth base.
- Pour in the wild rice blend, chicken broth (473 milliliters / 16 fluid ounces), and bay leaves, elevating the heat to medium and bringing the mixture to a gentle boil.
- Cover the pot, reduce heat to a low simmer, and allow the rice to cook for 40 minutes, or until the grains become tender and absorb the flavorful liquid.
- Reintegrate the cooked chicken into the pot, allowing the ingredients to meld together during a brief additional simmering period.
- Remove from heat and stir in heavy cream (118 milliliters / 4 fluid ounces), fresh thyme, and fragrant rosemary, creating a luxurious and creamy final touch to this hearty dish.
Notes
- Maximize flavor by browning chicken thoroughly before removing from the pot, ensuring each piece develops a rich, golden exterior that locks in delicious juices.
- Create a smooth base by gradually adding flour and stirring constantly to prevent clumping, which helps achieve a velvety texture in the final dish.
- Choose a wild rice blend for complex nutty undertones and varied textures that elevate this hearty chicken stew beyond ordinary recipes.
- Allow sufficient simmering time to help rice absorb liquid and develop tender consistency, typically 35-45 minutes depending on specific rice blend.
- Finish with fresh herbs like thyme and rosemary to brighten the rich, creamy sauce and add aromatic depth to the entire meal.
- Use low-sodium chicken broth to control salt levels, allowing you to season precisely without risking an overly salty result.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Lunch
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 425 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 350 mg
- Fat: 28 g
- Saturated Fat: 15 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 22 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 28 g
- Cholesterol: 120 mg