Creamy Mushroom Chicken and Wild Rice Recipe
Introduction
This Creamy Mushroom Chicken and Wild Rice dish combines tender chicken and earthy mushrooms in a rich, creamy sauce. It’s a comforting meal that’s simple to prepare and perfect for weeknight dinners.
Ingredients
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 8 oz mushrooms, sliced
- 1 cup wild rice, cooked
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 tablespoon olive oil or butter
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat olive oil or butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper, then cook until golden brown and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes per side. Remove chicken and set aside.
- Step 2: In the same skillet, add sliced mushrooms and cook until they release their moisture and turn golden, about 5 minutes.
- Step 3: Stir in the cooked wild rice and pour in the heavy cream. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
- Step 4: Return the chicken breasts to the skillet, spoon some sauce over them, and let everything simmer together for 5 minutes to meld the flavors.
- Step 5: Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed, then serve warm with the creamy mushroom sauce spooned over the chicken.
Tips & Variations
- For extra flavor, add minced garlic when cooking the mushrooms.
- Use a mix of wild and brown rice or substitute with quinoa for a different texture.
- Swap heavy cream with coconut milk for a dairy-free version.
- Fresh herbs like thyme or parsley can enhance the dish’s aroma and taste.
Storage
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of cream or broth if the sauce has thickened too much.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes, boneless chicken thighs work well and remain juicy. Adjust cooking time since thighs may take slightly longer.
Is it necessary to cook the wild rice before adding?
Yes, wild rice typically requires pre-cooking separately since it takes longer to cook than the chicken and mushrooms. Use pre-cooked or leftover wild rice for best results.
PrintCreamy Mushroom Chicken and Wild Rice Recipe
Creamy Mushroom Chicken and Wild Rice is a comforting one-pot meal featuring tender chicken and earthy mushrooms simmered with nutty wild rice in a rich, creamy sauce. This hearty dish is perfect for a cozy dinner and balances protein, vegetables, and whole grains in a flavorful combination.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Protein and Vegetables
- 2 cups cooked chicken, diced or shredded
- 8 oz mushrooms, sliced
Grains
- 1 cup wild rice, uncooked
Dairy and Liquids
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 cups chicken broth or water
Seasonings
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil or butter for cooking
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken and Mushrooms: Heat olive oil or butter in a large skillet or saucepan over medium heat. Add the sliced mushrooms and cook until they start to soften and release their juices, about 5 minutes. Add the cooked chicken pieces and stir to combine.
- Add Rice and Liquid: Pour in the wild rice and the chicken broth or water. Stir the ingredients to combine well.
- Simmer the Mixture: Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and let it simmer gently for about 45-50 minutes, or until the wild rice is tender and has absorbed the liquid.
- Incorporate Cream: Once the rice is cooked, stir in the heavy cream. Allow the mixture to simmer uncovered for an additional 5-10 minutes, until the sauce is creamy and slightly thickened.
- Season and Serve: Season the dish with salt and black pepper to taste. Stir well and serve hot as a comforting main course.
Notes
- You can substitute chicken broth with vegetable broth for a lighter taste.
- Use low-fat cream to reduce calories if preferred.
- Wild rice takes longer to cook, so ensure the rice is tender before adding cream.
- Adding fresh herbs like thyme or parsley can enhance flavor.
- For a dairy-free option, substitute cream with coconut milk or a plant-based cream alternative.
Keywords: mushroom chicken wild rice creamy dinner one-pot meal comfort food
