Creamy Chicken with Cranberry – Pecan Wild Rice

Do you ever feel like you run out of weeknight meal ideas?  I know I do! That’s when I know it’s time to dig through my recipe folder and come up with a few fresh ideas to perk up our dinners. This wonderful recipe for creamy chicken with cranberry-pecan wild rice is one I recently re-discovered — and I’m so happy I did!

I used to make this dish all the time, but for some reason it fell off my radar. Thank goodness I filed it away, because now it’s back in our weekly meal rotation.

Boneless chicken breasts are browned in a skillet to juicy perfection, then topped with a luscious cream cheese sauce and paired with flavorful wild rice.

Finally, the addition of cranberries and pecans to the wild rice takes this meal over the top. 

In my opinion, dinner just doesn’t get any better than this! In fact, I think this dish is tastier than most restaurant offerings.

This wonderful recipe is one of our favorites, and I have a feeling it will become one of yours, too! 

And — since everyone seems to love it —  this is also a great meal to serve to guests!

Creamy Chicken with Cranberry-Pecan Wild Rice

Serves 4

Ingredients

6 oz. package long grain and wild rice mix (I like Near East brand)
2 Tbsp. flour (or gluten-free baking mix)
1/2 tsp. dried thyme
1/2 tsp. black pepper
1/2 tsp. sea salt (optional)
4 boneless skinless chicken breasts (preferably free range organic)
2 Tbsp. olive oil or butter
1/4 cup. dried cranberries (or dried cherries)
1/4 cup chopped pecans, toasted lightly in a small skillet
1 cup chicken broth (preferably free range organic)
6 oz. cream cheese or Neufchâtel (light cream cheese), cubed

Directions

1. Cook the wild rice mix as directed on package. Meanwhile, mix flour, thyme, pepper and salt in a large Zip Loc bag.  Add the chicken to the bag, seal, and shake to coat chicken. Heat oil or butter in large skillet over medium heat.
2. Add chicken and cook 6 to 7 minutes on each side or until done (165ºF).  Note:  if your chicken breasts are really thick, you might want to flatten them a bit with a meat mallet or the back of a heavy skillet before cooking.
3. Stir the cranberries and nuts into the cooked rice.  Remove the chicken from skillet and keep warm.  Reserve the pan drippings in the skillet.
4. Add chicken broth to skillet; stir to scrape up browned bits from skillet. Add cream cheese; cook on medium heat for 3 to 4 minutes, or until cream cheese is melted and sauce is thickened, stirring constantly with a wire whisk. Serve sauce with chicken and wild rice. 

Enjoy!  xo jane

Looking for more easy recipe ideas? Here are a few popular recipes and entertaining ideas on Jane at Home

Stacked Chicken Enchiladas with Green Sauce & Sour Cream

Crustless Mini Quiche with Spinach and Bacon

Quick and Easy Homemade Zuppa Toscana

Easy Sweet and Sour Chicken

Simple Classic Roast Chicken Recipe

Homemade Pasta e Fagioli Soup (Italian Chili)

Perfect Oat Flour Crepes (Gluten Free)

Chocolate Mousse with Ricotta Cheese

Perfect Crispy Oven Roasted Potatoes

Summer Pasta with Fresh Tomato, Basil and Shaved Parmesan

Invite Someone Over! How to Host a Casual Dinner Party in 10 Easy Steps