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One Pan Roasted Herb Chicken and Wild Rice Recipe

One Pan Roasted Herb Chicken and Wild Rice Recipe

Rebecca
A comforting, flavor-packed one-dish meal where juicy herb-roasted chicken bakes alongside wild rice, mushrooms, orzo, and cheese — all soaked in savory broth and apple cider for a dish that’s rich, aromatic, and easy to prepare. Perfect for family dinners or meal prepping!
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 20 minutes
Course Main Dish
Cuisine American
Servings 6
Calories 679 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 6 chicken thighs skin-on or boneless
  • 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
  • 2 shallots chopped
  • 2 garlic cloves minced
  • 2 tbsp fresh thyme chopped
  • 1 tbsp fresh sage chopped
  • 1 tbsp Italian seasoning
  • ½ tsp chili powder
  • Salt & ground pepper to taste
  • 1½ cups wild rice blend dry
  • ½ cup orzo pasta dry
  • 1 cup mushrooms thinly sliced
  • 1 cup celery chopped
  • 1 cup Gouda cheese cubed
  • 1 cup apple cider or dry white wine
  • 2 cups chicken broth or bone broth
  • 6 tbsp salted butter

Instructions
 

  • Preheat your oven to 400°F. Grab a 9x13-inch baking dish or large oven-safe skillet. Toss the chicken thighs with olive oil, shallots, garlic, thyme, sage, Italian seasoning, and chili powder. Sprinkle a generous amount of salt and pepper over the chicken to season evenly. This step ensures every element is infused with flavor right from the start.
  • Spread the dry wild rice, orzo, mushrooms, and celery across the bottom of the pan to create a flavorful base. Slowly pour in the apple cider (or wine) and chicken broth, making sure everything settles in evenly. Place small pats of butter on top of the chicken and rice mixture to keep everything rich and moist as it bakes.
  • Cover the dish tightly with foil or a lid and transfer it to the oven. Bake for 45 minutes so the chicken cooks through and the rice absorbs all those flavorful juices. After removing the cover, bake for another 15–20 minutes to brown the chicken and allow the rice to cook fully. If the rice seems a little firm, stir in about ⅓ cup of water and bake for an extra 10 minutes.
  • Once out of the oven, take a moment to enjoy the irresistible aroma. Scoop warm servings of rice and vegetables onto plates, then top with chicken. Garnish each plate with fresh thyme or parsley for an elegant touch.

Notes

  • Herb Boost: Use fresh herbs whenever possible for superior flavor.
  • Butter Tip: Don’t skip the butter — it enriches the dish beautifully.
  • Liquid Adjustments: Substituting other grains like quinoa may require tweaking liquid amounts.
  • Toast the Orzo: Toast lightly before adding for a deeper nutty taste.
Keyword One Pan Roasted Herb Chicken and Wild Rice Recipe