Juicy and Flavorful Chicken Spectacular Recipe
This Chicken Spectacular Recipe is like nothing you’ve ever tasted. I’m not saying this to brag, but because it’s the truth. If you’re looking for a meal that will impress your guests and make them come back for seconds, then you’ve found it.
It’s a classic southern dish that I learned from Paula Deen’s family cookbook. I made some tweaks to the recipe to make it my own and I can confidently say that it’s one of the best chicken dishes out there.
The creamy texture mixed with long-grain wild rice and French-style green beans is a perfect combination of flavors that will have you salivating before you even put it in the oven. But don’t take my word for it, try it out for yourself and see how this chicken spectacular recipe will delight your senses.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This chicken spectacular recipe is a dish that will leave a lasting impression on your taste buds. Trust me; you’ll love it.
Firstly, the ingredient list includes tantalizing elements like water chestnuts, French-style green beans, onion, mushroom, and pimientos- together creating a juicy, flavorful meal that will have you craving more.
Secondly, this recipe incorporates Uncle Ben’s wild rice which enriches the outcome and tends to be slightly healthier than other rice alternatives. Moreover, the long grain wild rice adds a unique texture to the chicken casserole that elevates this dish beyond traditional cream of chicken and white rice casseroles.
Thirdly, this spectacular recipe is ideal for large families or group gatherings as it yields enough for everyone to savor the taste. The recipe calls for three cups of cooked cubed chicken breast meat combined with three cups of cooked wild rice making it limitless in serving size possibilities.
Lastly, this particular recipe hails from Paula Deen’s family cookbook which assures that food lovers who have had the privilege to indulge in her creations confirm its excellence. It has also been rated highly on food.com with glowing reviews from satisfied customers who choose this recipe over other classic southern style chicken recipes.
In conclusion, if you are in search of a good recipe that satisfies your hunger and provides nutritional benefits too, then look no further! This chicken spectacular casserole is the best chicken casserole recipe you’ll ever come across. The flavors are simply outstanding, and the calories and nutrition are balanced as well. So what’s stopping you? Let’s get cooking!
Ingredient List
Here are the ingredients you will need to create this spectacular chicken rice casserole recipe:
For the Casserole:
- 1 package (6 oz) Uncle Ben’s Long Grain Wild Rice (cooked 1-2 cups)
- 4 chicken breasts, cooked and cubed
- 2 cans French style green beans, drained
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 1 can sliced water chestnuts, drained
- 1 jar sliced mushrooms, drained
- 1 jar pimientos, drained
For the Sauce:
- 1 can condensed cream of celery soup (10.75 ounce)
- 3 cups cooked chicken (breast meat), cubed
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 1 cup milk
Make sure you have all these ingredients on hand before starting to cook. Don’t substitute any of these because they all work together to create the perfect flavor in this recipe.
The Recipe How-To
Now, let’s dive into the fun part, the Recipe How-To. This recipe makes a classic Southern chicken rice casserole that will leave your taste buds in awe. Trust me, this dish is simply unforgettable.
Ingredients:
- 1 package Uncle Ben’s Long Grain and Wild Rice cooked
- 3 cups cooked, cubed chicken breast meat
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 1 can French style green beans, drained
- 1 can water chestnuts, sliced (optional)
- 1 can cream of chicken soup
- 1 can cream of celery soup
- 1 jar sliced pimientos (optional)
- 2 cups mayonnaise
Instructions:
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Start by cooking the Uncle Ben’s Long Grain and Wild Rice per package instructions. You will need one cup of uncooked wild rice to yield three cups of cooked rice.
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Preheat your oven to 350°F.
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In a bowl, mix the cooked rice, cubed chicken, chopped onions, drained green beans, and sliced water chestnuts.
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In another bowl mix together the cream of chicken soup and cream of celery soup until well combined.
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Add the mixed soups to the bowl with other ingredients and mix thoroughly.
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Add two cups of mayonnaise to the mixture and combine everything well.
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Pour everything into a greased baking dish.
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Top with sliced pimentos for an added pop of color.
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Bake for about an hour or until it is fully cooked through and bubbly on top.
Substitutions and Variations
Are you looking to mix things up with this classic Chicken Spectacular recipe? I’ve got some ideas for variations that will take this dish to the next level.
First off, if you’re not a fan of water chestnuts, you can easily substitute them with some sliced almonds for an added crunch. You can also try swapping out the French style green beans for some fresh broccoli, asparagus or even carrots to add some more color and texture.
For a vegetarian option, why not try using a meat alternative like tofu or jackfruit in place of the chicken breast meat? Or if you’re looking to cut back on some calories but still want that protein boost, consider using a leaner protein like turkey or pork.
If you’re feeling adventurous and want to switch things up in a big way, try replacing the Uncle Ben’s wild rice with other types of grains like quinoa or farro – both are fantastic sources of nutrition and have an earthy flavor that pairs well with creamy dishes like Chicken Spectacular.
Lastly, for a more indulgent version of this classic recipe, swap out the cream celery soup for something richer like cream of mushroom or even homemade béchamel sauce. Trust me, it will take this dish from good to unforgettable.
With these simple substitutions and variations, you’ll have plenty of options to keep your taste buds guessing and your guests impressed at your next dinner party.
Serving and Pairing
Now that you’ve prepared this mouth-watering Chicken Spectacular, it’s time to serve it up and delight your guests. This casserole can be a complete meal on its own, but if you’d like to add some side dishes, there are plenty of options to consider.
One of my favorite sides to pair with this dish is a simple green salad. The fresh greens help to balance the richness of the creamy casserole, while the vinaigrette dressing adds a tangy touch. If you prefer cooked vegetables, steamed asparagus or roasted Brussels sprouts would make a great addition.
For those who love the flavors of the South, cornbread is another great option. The rich, buttery bread pairs perfectly with the creamy chicken and wild rice casserole.
If you’re looking for an easy pairing, you can also serve this Chicken Spectacular with a crusty loaf of bread or warm dinner rolls.
When selecting beverages to serve alongside this dish, white wine or a light beer would be ideal choices for the adults. Kids or non-alcohol drinkers could enjoy a glass of lemonade or iced tea.
No matter what you choose to pair with this dish, your guests are sure to be impressed with the explosion of flavors that the Chicken Spectacular provides.
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
As someone who has thrown many parties, I know how important it is to prep ahead and be able to store and reheat dishes without sacrificing their deliciousness. Luckily, this Chicken Spectacular recipe is perfect for make-ahead meals and can be easily stored and reheated.
To make ahead, you can assemble the casserole in a baking dish and refrigerate it overnight. When you are ready to bake it, preheat your oven to 350°F and bake the casserole for about 30 minutes or until heated through. If you want to save time on the day of your party, this step is essential.
For storing leftovers, transfer the cooled down casserole into an airtight container and store it in your refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, simply microwave individual servings or bake the entire casserole at 350°F for about 15 minutes or until heated through.
One thing to note is that if you plan on freezing the casserole, I recommend doing so without adding the French-style green beans. Simply freeze only the rice and chicken mixture without topping it with green beans or fried onions. When you are ready to serve the casserole, just add the green beans and fried onions on top before baking.
Overall, this Chicken Spectacular recipe is not only a good party dish but also makes great leftovers that can be enjoyed later without losing any of its indulgent flavor.
Tips for Perfect Results
To ensure the perfect outcome of this Chicken Spectacular Recipe, here are some tips I highly recommend considering. Trust me; following them will make a significant difference in the outcome.
Firstly, for the chicken breast meat, ensure you use boneless and skinless ones. This will ease the preparation process while ensuring that the chicken takes up all the flavors adequately.
Secondly, if you don’t have Uncle Ben’s wild rice, don’t worry; you can use any long-grain wild rice you prefer. However, remember to factor in the quantity required in the recipe food before substituting.
Thirdly, when cooking the rice, ensure that it is well-cooked but not overcooked. This will prevent your rice from becoming mushy while retaining its unique texture and flavor.
Fourthly, to add some crunch to your Chicken Spectacular Recipe, opt to use fresh water chestnuts instead of canned ones. Fresh water chestnuts have a great crunch compared to canned ones.
Additionally, for a tangier taste, you can consider using less mayonnaise and more sour cream when preparing the creamy sauce.
Moreover, when it comes to baking the chicken rice casserole, an important tip is to preheat your oven for about 10-15 minutes before sliding your casserole dish into it. Also, cover your casserole dish with foil paper as soon as it enters the oven; this will keep all moisture intact for better results.
Another crucial tip is that if you want the chicken spectacular casserole ready ahead of time for guests or a dinner party, prepare everything beforehand but hold off on mixing everything together; mix everything together just before baking it.
Lastly and most importantly, experiment with different ingredients depending on what you have available in your pantry; sometimes improvisation can turn into a new family favorite recipe.
Bottom Line
In conclusion, the Highly Rated Chicken Spectacular Recipe is one that you cannot afford to miss. Its flavorful taste and unique blend of ingredients make it a hit at any party or family dinner. From its creamy celery soup to its crunchy water chestnuts, you can be assured of an exceptional dining experience that will leave you craving more.
It is without a doubt, one of the best chicken recipes out there, and I urge you to try it out for your next occasion. Whether you’re looking to impress guests, satisfy your hunger or feed a large family, this spectacular casserole recipe from Paula Deen’s Family Cookbook has got you covered.
With straightforward instructions and easy-to-find ingredients, nothing is stopping you from preparing this full chicken meal at home. Check out food.com for more details on calories and nutrition facts.
Trust me when I say that once you taste this masterpiece, there’s no going back to your regular chicken casserole recipe. All in all, it’s a good recipe that will become your go-to option whenever you feel like indulging in some comfort food.
In summary, I strongly believe that this Chicken Spectacular Recipe deserves a spot on your table today. So what are you waiting for? Grab some Uncle Ben’s Wild Rice and get cooking!
Highly Rated Chicken Spectacular Recipe
Ingredients
- 3 cups cooked chicken
- 1 (6 ounce) package Uncle Bens wild rice, cooked as directed
- 1 (10 3/4 ounce) can cream of celery soup
- 1 (3 ounce) jar pimientos, diced
- 1 can mushroom, sliced and drained
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cans French style green beans, drained
- 1 cup mayonnaise (do not substitute)
- 1 cup water chestnut, sliced and drained
- salt and pepper
Instructions
- Mix all ingredients and a large bowl.
- Pour into a 13x9 baking dish.
- Bake at 350 degrees for 25-30 minutes.
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Anna is a culinary expert who specializes in grilling delicious BBQ dishes. She also enjoys sharing her recipes and experiences with her foodie community on her blog. She’s the total package for any backyard barbecue!