Chicken and Wild Rice Bake

Savory One-Pan Chicken and Wild Rice Bake Recipe

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Looking for a dinner solution that’s both satisfying and easy to clean up? This one-pan chicken and wild rice bake is the perfect answer.

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Imagine tender chicken baked to perfection alongside nutty wild rice, all enveloped in a savory and aromatic blend of herbs and spices. It’s a dish that brings comfort and flavor to your table without the hassle of multiple pots and pans.

This recipe is all about simplicity and deliciousness. With just a few ingredients, you can create a wholesome meal that the whole family will love. Plus, the leftovers (if there are any) are just as delightful the next day!

Creating the Perfect One-Pan Meal

This hearty one-pan chicken and wild rice bake simplifies dinner preparation while delivering satisfying flavors.

With golden-brown chicken thighs resting atop nutty wild rice, this dish combines comfort with convenience.

The inclusion of colorful vegetables not only enhances the presentation but also adds nutritional value, making it a wholesome choice for families.

Flavorful Ingredients

The magic of this dish lies in its ingredients.

Using bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs ensures a rich flavor, while the wild rice provides a delightful texture and earthy taste.

Complementing these core elements are fresh vegetables like carrots and celery, which contribute to the overall heartiness and brightness of the meal.

Cooking Techniques

To achieve the best results, the cooking process starts with sautéing the vegetables.

This step releases their natural sweetness and builds a flavor base for the rice and chicken.

Once the vegetables are soft, the wild rice is added alongside chicken broth and spices, creating a savory blend that will infuse every component of the dish.

Oven-Baking for Convenience

Transferring the skillet to the oven is key for evenly cooking the chicken and allowing the rice to absorb all the aromatic flavors.

Covering the skillet helps retain moisture, ensuring the chicken remains juicy while the rice cooks to perfection.

After about 50 minutes, the result is a beautifully baked dish, ready to impress.

Serving Suggestions

Presentation matters, especially when showcasing a comforting dish like this one.

Garnishing with fresh parsley not only adds a pop of color but also brightens the flavors.

Serve the meal directly from the skillet for a rustic, inviting dining experience.

Perfect for Any Occasion

This one-pan meal is versatile, suitable for both weeknight dinners and special occasions.

It’s a dish that invites everyone to gather around the table, enjoying hearty, home-cooked flavors.

And the best part? Leftovers are just as delightful, making it an excellent make-ahead option.

Easy One-Pan Chicken and Wild Rice Bake

This one-pan chicken and wild rice bake features juicy chicken thighs paired with hearty wild rice, fresh vegetables, and a blend of savory spices. It’s a comforting dish that’s both wholesome and richly flavored, perfect for busy weeknights.

Ingredients

  • 4 chicken thighs bone-in and skin-on
  • 1 cup wild rice rinsed
  • 2 cups chicken broth
  • 1 medium onion diced
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 cup carrots diced
  • 1 cup celery diced
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • Fresh parsley for garnish optional

Instructions

  1. Preheat the Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Sauté the Chicken: In a large oven-safe skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add salt and pepper to the chicken thighs. Add the chicken to the pan and sauté until just browned on both sides (they will not be fully cooked at this stage.). Remove from the pan and set aside.
  3. Sauté the Vegetables: In that same large oven-safe skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion, garlic, carrots, and celery. Sauté until the vegetables are soft and fragrant, about 5-7 minutes.
  4. Add Rice and Broth: Stir in the wild rice, chicken broth, thyme, paprika, salt, and pepper. Bring to a gentle simmer.
  5. Place Chicken: Nestle the chicken thighs skin-side up into the rice mixture. Make sure they are evenly spaced.
  6. Bake: Cover the skillet with a lid or foil and transfer it to the preheated oven. Bake for 45-50 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the rice is tender. The chicken should read 165 degrees F at the deepest part of the chicken when it is done.
  7. Serve: Remove from the oven, let it rest for a few minutes, then garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

Cook and Prep Times

  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 50 minutes
  • Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes

Nutrition Information

  • Servings: 4 servings
  • Calories: 450kcal
  • Fat: 20g
  • Protein: 36g
  • Carbohydrates: 30g

This recipe is part of my 119 Hearty Winter Recipes You’ll Love When It Gets Cold. Just click that link to see all the amazing options!

Jeff Campbell
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