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Delicious Marry Me Chicken Casserole

Featured in Chicken & Turkey Done Right.

This recipe reinvents the popular Marry Me Chicken as a one-pan dish with wild rice, chicken breasts, parmesan cream, and sun-dried tomatoes.
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Emily Watson
Updated on Mon, 10 Mar 2025 03:26:26 GMT
Baked chicken on a rice base with veggies, sprinkled with breadcrumbs and basil in a casserole dish. Pin it
Baked chicken on a rice base with veggies, sprinkled with breadcrumbs and basil in a casserole dish. | thefamilycooks.com

Classic Chicken & Wild Rice Casserole

This hearty chicken casserole combines tender meat, nutty wild rice, and a rich cream sauce into pure comfort food perfection. The addition of sun-dried tomatoes and aged Parmesan creates layers of deep, satisfying flavor that elevate this dish beyond ordinary casseroles.

Key Ingredients

  • Boneless chicken breasts
  • Wild rice blend
  • Sun-dried tomatoes
  • Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese
  • Heavy cream
  • Tomato paste
  • White wine
  • Fresh basil
  • Aromatics (onion, garlic)

Preparation Method

  1. Partially cook wild rice until just tender
  2. Prepare cream sauce with tomato paste and wine
  3. Layer rice, chicken, and sauce in casserole dish
  4. Top with grated cheese
  5. Bake until golden and bubbling
  6. Garnish with fresh basil before serving

Versatile Serving Options

This casserole transitions seamlessly from casual weeknight dinners to elegant entertaining. The rich flavors and creamy texture make it a crowd-pleasing dish that works for any occasion.

Storage Instructions

Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days in the refrigerator. Freeze portions for up to 3 months. Reheat in the oven, adding fresh cheese and herbs to refresh the dish.

Nutritional Benefits

Wild rice provides essential fiber and nutrients, while lean chicken delivers quality protein. The combination creates a satisfying, balanced meal that offers both comfort and nutrition.

A close-up view of seasoned chicken breasts cooked with herbs, sun-dried tomatoes, and grains in a creamy sauce, presented in a skillet. Pin it
A close-up view of seasoned chicken breasts cooked with herbs, sun-dried tomatoes, and grains in a creamy sauce, presented in a skillet. | thefamilycooks.com

Suggested Side Dishes

Serve alongside roasted seasonal vegetables like broccoli or asparagus. A crisp green salad with vinaigrette provides fresh contrast. Crusty bread pairs perfectly for soaking up the flavorful sauce.

Recipe Variations

Substitute chicken thighs for breasts or quinoa for rice. Add fresh spinach for extra nutrients and color. The versatile base recipe adapts well to different ingredients while maintaining its signature creamy texture.

Chef's Tips

Use authentic Parmigiano-Reggiano and oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes for best results. Pre-cooking the rice ensures perfect texture and optimal sauce absorption during baking.

Kitchen Success

The inviting aroma of this casserole draws everyone to the kitchen. Its proven combination of tender chicken, creamy sauce, and flavorful add-ins consistently delivers satisfying results.

Recipe Foundation

The balanced combination of wild rice, chicken, and cream sauce creates a foundation for textural contrast and flavor depth. Sun-dried tomatoes add concentrated bursts of flavor throughout the dish.

Community Feedback

Home cooks consistently report this recipe's reliability for special occasions and family meals alike. Its adaptability and crowd-pleasing results make it a trusted addition to recipe collections.

Make-Ahead Tips

Prepare this casserole in advance for convenient meal planning. The flavors develop beautifully overnight, making it ideal for next-day serving. Portion and freeze for quick future meals.

Entertaining Excellence

This casserole elevates any gathering with its rich flavors and elegant presentation. The make-ahead capability allows hosts to focus on guests rather than last-minute preparation.

Customization Options

Enhance the base recipe with sautéed mushrooms, roasted peppers, or smoked paprika. These variations maintain the dish's integrity while offering opportunities for personalization.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Why is the rice partially cooked first?
To make sure the rice cooks perfectly without turning mushy or staying undercooked in the casserole.
→ Can I try a different type of rice?
The recipe works best with a wild and long-grain rice mix, but plain rice might need changes to liquid amounts or cooking times.
→ What wine should I use?
Go for a dry white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio. Sweet wines can mess up the sauce's balance.
→ Can I cook this ahead of time?
Prepare the parts in advance, but wait to assemble and bake until you're ready to serve—the rice will keep soaking up liquid if left too long.
→ Why not clean out the Dutch oven after cooking chicken?
The browned bits left behind, called fond, add lots of flavor to the sauce and make the casserole taste better.

Chicken Casserole Dish

A casserole spin on the viral Marry Me Chicken, featuring creamy sun-dried tomato sauce, tender chicken, and wild rice—perfect for the whole family.

Prep Time
35 Minutes
Cook Time
30 Minutes
Total Time
65 Minutes

Category: Poultry

Difficulty: Intermediate

Cuisine: American

Yield: 4 Servings (1 3-quart casserole)

Dietary: Gluten-Free

Ingredients

01 2 1/2 cups of chicken stock, split
02 1 1/2 teaspoons of kosher salt, used in two parts
03 2 packages (6 oz each) of uncooked wild and long-grain rice mix
04 2 tablespoons of olive oil
05 1/4 cup of unsalted butter, separated into portions
06 4 pieces of boneless, skinless chicken breasts (6 oz each)
07 1/4 teaspoon of ground black pepper
08 3/4 cup of chopped sun-dried tomatoes
09 1 finely chopped large shallot
10 6 cloves of garlic, minced
11 1 teaspoon of oregano in its dried form
12 1/2 teaspoon of crushed red pepper flakes
13 2 tablespoons of tomato paste
14 1/2 cup of white wine (dry variety)
15 1/2 cup of heavy cream
16 1 tablespoon of balsamic vinegar
17 1 1/2 oz of grated Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese
18 Fresh basil, roughly chopped, for garnish

Instructions

Step 01

Bring 2 cups of the stock and some salt to a boil. Add the rice, then cook it for 15 minutes, partially covering it, just until it’s softer but not done.

Step 02

In a mix of oil and butter, cook your chicken breasts until they’re golden brown, about 6 minutes on each side. Let them rest once they’re done.

Step 03

Sauté tomatoes, shallot, garlic, and the spices in what’s left of the butter. Stir in tomato paste, wine, and more stock, then reduce it down. Toss in cream, balsamic vinegar, and cheese at the end.

Step 04

Mix the rice and sauce in a baking dish. Place the chicken on top and bake at 350°F for 30 minutes. At the end, sprinkle on more cheese and basil.

Notes

  1. The fond leftover from the chicken adds lots of flavor to the dish.
  2. Don’t fully cook the rice before it goes in the oven.
  3. It’s important to rest the chicken before combining it with the casserole.

Tools You'll Need

  • Dutch oven
  • 3-quart baking dish
  • Medium saucepan

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • dairy

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 650
  • Total Fat: 35 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 45 g
  • Protein: 42 g