Creamy Mushroom Chicken with Wild Rice Recipe
Introduction
Creamy Mushroom Chicken and Wild Rice is a comforting, hearty dish perfect for weeknight dinners. The tender chicken pairs beautifully with earthy mushrooms and nutty wild rice, all enveloped in a rich, creamy sauce.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 8 ounces mushrooms, sliced
- 1 cup wild rice
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper, then cook until golden brown on both sides and cooked through, about 5-6 minutes per side. Remove the chicken and set aside.
- Step 2: In the same skillet, add the chopped onion and garlic. Sauté until softened, about 2 minutes. Add the sliced mushrooms and cook until they release their moisture and begin to brown, about 5 minutes.
- Step 3: Stir in the wild rice, chicken broth, and heavy cream. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan.
- Step 4: Return the chicken breasts to the skillet, nestling them into the rice and sauce. Cover and simmer on low heat until the rice is tender and has absorbed most of the liquid, about 40-45 minutes.
- Step 5: Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed, then serve warm with a sprinkle of fresh herbs if desired.
Tips & Variations
- Use low-fat cream or half-and-half for a lighter version of the sauce.
- Swap wild rice for brown rice or quinoa for a different texture.
- Add fresh thyme or rosemary while simmering to enhance the flavor.
- For extra vegetables, stir in some spinach or peas in the last 5 minutes of cooking.
Storage
Store leftover creamy mushroom chicken and wild rice in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth or cream to loosen the sauce if it thickens.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?
Yes, but thaw it completely before cooking to ensure even cooking and the best texture.
Is it possible to make this dish dairy-free?
Absolutely. Substitute the heavy cream with coconut cream or a plant-based cream alternative for a dairy-free version.
PrintCreamy Mushroom Chicken with Wild Rice Recipe
Creamy Mushroom Chicken and Wild Rice is a comforting and hearty dish featuring tender chicken cooked to perfection, combined with earthy mushrooms and nutty wild rice, all enveloped in a rich and creamy sauce. This one-pot meal is perfect for a cozy dinner that balances protein, grains, and savory flavors in a creamy texture.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Total Time: 65 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Chicken
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or butter
Mushrooms and Sauce
- 8 ounces cremini or button mushrooms, sliced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Rice
- 1 cup wild rice blend, rinsed
- 2 ½ cups chicken broth or water
Instructions
- Prepare the chicken: Season the chicken breasts generously with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil or butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken breasts and cook for about 5-7 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through. Remove chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Sauté mushrooms and aromatics: In the same skillet, add a tablespoon of olive oil if needed. Sauté the chopped onions until translucent, about 3 minutes. Add minced garlic and sliced mushrooms, cooking until the mushrooms are browned and tender, approximately 6-8 minutes.
- Add liquids and seasonings: Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring to combine. Sprinkle in dried thyme, and season with salt and pepper. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
- Simmer with wild rice: Add the rinsed wild rice blend to the skillet, stirring to incorporate with the sauce. Nestle the browned chicken breasts back into the skillet with the rice and sauce.
- Cook the dish together: Cover the skillet with a tight-fitting lid and reduce the heat to low. Let everything simmer gently for 40-45 minutes, or until the wild rice is fully cooked, tender, and has absorbed the creamy sauce, and the chicken is very tender.
- Rest and serve: Once cooked, remove from heat and let the dish rest covered for 5 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken slightly. Serve warm, spooning the creamy mushroom sauce and wild rice alongside the tender chicken breasts.
Notes
- Wild rice blend often includes other rice varieties; cooking times may vary slightly, so check rice tenderness as you cook.
- You can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or a dairy-free cream alternative for a lighter or lactose-free option.
- For extra flavor, add fresh herbs like parsley or thyme just before serving.
- Use a wide skillet or sauté pan with a lid to ensure even cooking and proper simmering.
- Leftovers store well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and can be reheated gently on the stovetop or microwave.
Keywords: Creamy Mushroom Chicken, Wild Rice, One-Pot Meal, Comfort Food, Chicken Dinner
