Description
Rustic chicken and wild rice delight brings comfort from Minnesota’s northern kitchens, combining tender meat with nutty grain. Savory herbs and creamy sauce create a satisfying meal that warms hearts and nourishes souls on chilly evenings.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 ¼ lbs (567 g) boneless skinless chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 cup (180 g) wild rice blend
- 6 cups (1.4 L) low-sodium chicken broth
- 4 tbsps (57 g) butter
- 1 cup (240 mL) heavy cream
- 2 tbsps (30 mL) vegetable oil
- 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
- 3 ribs celery, chopped
- 2 large carrots, peeled and chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp chopped fresh thyme
- 1 tbsp chopped fresh rosemary
- ⅓ cup (42 g) flour
- 2 bay leaves
- Kosher salt
- Fresh ground black pepper
- 1/8 tsp smoked paprika
Instructions
- Sear Protein: Heat a large pot over medium flame, sizzle chicken pieces seasoned with kosher salt, black pepper, and paprika in vegetable oil until golden brown and fully cooked. Remove chicken and set aside.
- Build Aromatics: In the same pot, melt butter and sauté onions, celery, and carrots until softened. Add minced garlic and dust with flour, stirring to create a smooth, fragrant base without lumps.
- Create Foundation: Introduce wild rice blend, chicken broth, and bay leaves. Increase heat to medium, bringing the mixture to a gentle boil. Reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 40 minutes until rice is tender and liquid is absorbed.
- Integrate and Finish: Return chicken to the pot, allowing flavors to meld. Remove from heat and stir in heavy cream, fresh thyme, and rosemary, transforming the dish into a creamy, luxurious ensemble that marries all ingredients into a harmonious, comforting meal.
Notes
- Chicken Browning Technique: Achieve a golden-brown exterior by ensuring the chicken is dry before seasoning and cooking at medium-high heat to create a perfect sear.
- Rice Cooking Precision: Use a timer to track the 40-minute cooking period, checking liquid absorption and preventing overcooking or undercooking of the wild rice blend.
- Herb Freshness Tip: Chop fresh thyme and rosemary just before adding to maximize their aromatic oils and enhance the dish’s overall flavor profile.
- Cream Integration Hack: Temper the heavy cream by slowly stirring it into the hot mixture to prevent curdling and maintain a smooth, velvety texture.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Lunch
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 7
- Calories: 430
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 480 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 36 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 25 g
- Cholesterol: 100 mg