I blame America’s Funniest Home Videos.
It’s quite the hazardous show if I have any say in this.
You see, I made a boo-boo. And I am a little grossed out that I just typed “boo-boo” and evenly amazed that I’m not backspacing over it. Anyway, I was on a MISSION. A MEAL PLANNING MISSION. After scouring Pinterest and my leaning tower of magazines (and a rather enthusiastic vote from my salivating-like-a-rhinoceros-in-heat husband) chicken and wild rice casserole found a place on the list. But you guys, I’ve only made a chicken and rice thingy one other time, so I got a little sweaty over the task. And I’m from the south! TISK TISK.
It appears that chicken and wild rice casseroles can be done a hundred million sixty billion four thousand 28,000 four gazillion billy bo-hillion 75.472 hundred and 81 different ways. SO WHO WAS RIGHT? Ugh, the stress! My over-active glands! (this is why I wear only black tanks, remember?)
(I apologize for bringing up sweat glands again.)
(But aren’t those asparagus spears just lovely?)
(Did that distraction work at all?)
(No? What about a joke? So a man walks into a b — okay okay.)
So I decided, whatevz, I’ll just wing it. I got this in the BAG. Er, casserole baking dish.
I turn on AFV to keep me company during all of this winging. Biggest. Mistake. Of. All. Time. As I’m pouring my chicken stock into the bowl to whisk with the condensed soup and yogurt, I got distracted and poured like 2 cups in BECAUSE this freaking DOG was balancing what, 6 hamsters on his nose while flame throwing, hula hooping and doing his taxes at the same time! Dogs can’t do that! THIS DOG COULD. I gotta find me a dog like that.
Two entire cups. . . . stupid dog.
Soooo yeaaaaah, hee hee HEE.
BUT, good news to all the lands: Flavor? Goodness gracious.
Rice cooked fully? Toothy, al dente, surprising perfection.
White bubbly cheddar on top? Honey child, please.
Veggies mushy? Nawt. At. Awl.
Chicken done? Juicy, tender, moi – SORRY.
Should you make this? I don’t even want to tell you what would happen if you didn’t.
SIX hamsters on his nose, you guys. SIX.
Chicken and Wild Rice Casserole:
What it took for 3-4:
* 1 cup uncooked wild rice
* 3 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
* 1 tsp Herbs de Provence
* 2 Tbs. extra-virgin olive oil
* 2 cloves garlic, minced
* 1/2 bunch asparagus, ends trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces
* 4 oz baby bella mushrooms, sliced
* 1 cup chicken stock (not two!)
* 1 (10.75 oz) can condensed chicken soup
* 2 Tbs. plain Greek yogurt
* 1 Tbs. mixed fresh herbs (I used thyme and oregano)
* 2 cups shredded white cheddar cheese
* coarse salt and freshly ground pepper
* fresh parsley for garnish
Preheat oven to 375.
Heat the oil in a medium skillet over medium-high. Add the garlic and bloom 30 seconds, or until fragrant. Add the asparagus and mushrooms and saute until the mushrooms start to brown and the asparagus pops in color, 4 minutes. Add a pinch of salt and pepper.
In a medium bowl, whisk together the broth, condensed soup and yogurt. Toss in those fresh herbs and whisky whisk a tad more.
Pour the mixture into a 9×13 baking dish. Add the rice and vegetables. Nestle it all in together. Cover and bake 30 minutes.
Remove from oven, and arrange the 3 chicken breasts right in the rice mixture. Sprinkle the Herbs de Provence over the dish, along with the shredded cheese. Cover and bake 30 more minutes. Remove the foil and check on your cheese. If it’s not browning like you like it, flip on the broiler and get it super bubbly and gorgeous.
Let sit about 5 minutes and serve. her. up. Garnish freshly chopped parsley!
You make my day! I love reading about your cooking adventures. No more pictures of Phillip?
Oh, HE WILL BE BACK. Rest assured. He will.
YERRM. You had me at six hamsters and then I fell over when you got to white bubbly cheddar.
I love AFV…as corny as it is! The recipe sounds great, too!
Love everything about this recipe Bev! Have a great weekend
I would love to watch you in the kitchen one day!!
This sounds delish!
lol you crack me up and I love this recipe. Chicken and rice is so great together.
I can still remember watching that show the first night it was on. It was a two hour special and I was in my room with my 13″ black and white TV. Pretty sure my jeans were tightly pinned at the ankles but I’ll leave the fashion references to you!
Hahahah, reasons I am glad there is not a television in my kitchen! Also this looks alllll kinds of delicious. Is it lunchtime yet?
hahaha you have the funniest stories! chickie and rice together are so good and so comforting and…bev, just hold me. errrr..
This is my kind of chicken and rice casserole. My mom still smothers hers in cream of mushroom soup and shredded cheese…which is probably why I haven’t eaten it in ages. This, however, sounds amazing!
Ohhhh, this looks great!
OMG! This sounds and looks AMAZING!!! Bookmarked (and pinned
)! I can’t wait to try this!
I don’t even like wild rice but you might have convinced me to try this just because of your funny story!
You’re the funniest. That’s all. Oh wait, that’s not all – this looks delicious.
This looks fab-u-loso! Asparagus and mushrooms… “honey-child” YUM
!
Chicken and rice casserole of any kind is the right kind in my book and yours is stunning.
I want to reach out and pluck one of those asparagus spears from that glass! YUM!
my husband would die for this. him and his casseroles or anything that sounds or looks or tastes or smells like a casserole. loves them!
I want this for lunch right this very second. THANKS!!!
Whateva, my dog can balance 7 hamsters on his nose. Just saying.
Looks fabulous, Bev! Enjoy your weekend, darling.
Honey child, PLEASE! Chicken ‘n rice belongs on every table! Love this!
I’m living the wild rice in this dish…and the fact that you reminded me of America’s funnier home videos…and the fact that you said honey child please
This is probably the most tender, juicy and moist chicken I’ve ever seen! Another beautiful dish Bev!
“Spice it Up”
Oh, Bev, how I have missed you this week. You know that this was one busy momma if I did not do my daily check-in with you.
This looks amazingly, amazingly, amazingly delicious!!!
I really like the wild rice and asparagus combo in this casserole!
Scoured the Internet for a tasty chicken and rice dinner to make on this chilly, rainy winter evening. Stumbled upon this recipe and was so anxious to make it. Turned out delicious! I used rosemary, thyme, and sage for my fresh spices. The bake filled my apartment with a wonderful aroma. My mouth watered for the entire hour it cooked. And it turned out A–MAZING! Thank you so much for sharing. Will be stored in my recipe box! Yuuuummmy!
I’m so happy to hear this! Thank you for letting me know!