Certainly! Here’s a detailed and enticing recipe for “Herbed Chicken & Wild Rice Casserole” tailored for the “Love With Recipes” site. This comforting dish is perfect for those who appreciate hearty, one-dish meals. 😊
Herbed Chicken & Wild Rice Casserole
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 6 hours
Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes
Servings: 4
Description:
Imagine coming home to a wonderfully aromatic kitchen, where a savory blend of chicken, wild rice, and herbs awaits you. This Herbed Chicken & Wild Rice Casserole is a delightfully simple yet satisfying dish that combines tender chicken with flavorful wild rice in a creamy sauce. Although I haven’t yet tried this recipe myself, I’m eager to share it with you as it comes highly recommended. It was discovered in a newsletter, though I can’t recall exactly which one. Nonetheless, it promises to be a fantastic addition to your recipe collection. 🍽️
Ingredients:
- 1 to 1 1/2 pounds of chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 6 to 8 slices of bacon, chopped
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 to 3 tablespoons butter
- 1 package of long grain and wild rice mix (approximately 6.5 to 8 ounces), with seasoning packet reserved
- 1 cup of water
- 1 can (10.5 ounces) of cream of mushroom soup or cream of chicken soup
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
-
Prepare the Ingredients:
Begin by cutting the chicken into bite-sized pieces. Set aside. Chop the bacon into small pieces, ready for cooking. -
Sauté the Chicken:
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil and butter over medium heat. Add the chicken pieces and cook until they are very lightly browned, about 5-7 minutes. The chicken doesn’t need to be fully cooked at this stage, just enough to get a bit of color and flavor. Add the mushrooms if using, and sauté until softened. Remove from heat and set aside. -
Layer the Crockpot:
Place the chopped bacon evenly on the bottom of a 3 1/2-quart or larger crockpot. This will create a flavorful base for the casserole. -
Add the Rice:
Open the package of long grain and wild rice mix, and pour the rice over the bacon in the crockpot. Make sure to reserve the seasoning packet that comes with the rice mix for later use. -
Layer the Chicken:
Arrange the lightly browned chicken pieces over the rice in the crockpot. This layer of chicken will infuse its flavor into the rice as it cooks. -
Prepare the Sauce:
In a mixing bowl, combine the cream of mushroom (or chicken) soup with 1 cup of water. Stir well to blend the ingredients into a smooth mixture. Pour this mixture over the chicken and rice layers in the crockpot. -
Season the Dish:
Sprinkle the reserved seasoning packet from the rice mix over the top. Next, add the dried thyme, rosemary, and parsley. Season with salt and pepper to taste. -
Cook the Casserole:
Cover the crockpot with its lid and set it to cook on LOW for 5 to 6 hours. The dish is ready when the rice is tender and the chicken is fully cooked. During cooking, the flavors meld together beautifully, creating a rich, comforting dish. -
Final Touches:
Once cooking is complete, give the casserole a gentle stir to combine the layers. Taste and adjust the seasoning if necessary. -
Serve and Enjoy:
Serve the Herbed Chicken & Wild Rice Casserole hot, right from the crockpot. This dish pairs wonderfully with a simple green salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal. 🌿
Notes:
- Rice Mix Variations: If you prefer a different flavor, you can use other types of long grain rice mixes. Just be sure to adjust the liquid as needed according to the package instructions.
- Creamy Option: For a creamier casserole, you can add a cup of shredded cheese on top during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
- Vegetable Add-Ins: Feel free to add vegetables like peas, carrots, or bell peppers for extra nutrition and flavor.
Nutritional Information (per serving):
- Calories: 287.4
- Fat Content: 15.1 grams
- Saturated Fat Content: 4.3 grams
- Cholesterol Content: 81.7 milligrams
- Sodium Content: 642.6 milligrams
- Carbohydrate Content: 6.5 grams
- Fiber Content: 0.4 grams
- Sugar Content: 1.1 grams
- Protein Content: 30.5 grams
Enjoy this simple yet flavorful Herbed Chicken & Wild Rice Casserole that’s sure to become a favorite in your home! With its easy preparation and delightful taste, it’s perfect for both busy weeknights and cozy weekends. 🌟🍗🍚
