Frequently Asked Questions
What is Creamy Herbed Chicken and Rice Bake?
It is a comforting casserole made with cooked chicken, a long grain and wild rice blend, and a savory cream of chicken sauce with mushrooms and white wine.
What type of chicken should I use?
The recipe calls for 3 cups of cooked chicken, which can be either shredded or cubed.
What kind of rice is needed?
You will need one 6-ounce package of long grain and wild rice blend, prepared according to the package instructions.
Can I use a substitute for sauterne?
Yes, you can use any white wine as a substitute for sauterne in this recipe.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe makes approximately 4 to 6 servings.
What size baking dish is required?
A 2-quart baking dish is recommended for this chicken and rice bake.
What is the oven temperature for baking?
Preheat your oven to 350ยฐF (175ยฐC).
How long does the casserole bake in total?
It bakes for a total of 40 to 45 minutes: 25 minutes covered and 15 to 20 minutes uncovered.
Do I need to cook the rice before putting it in the casserole?
Yes, the rice should be fully cooked according to package directions before layering it in the baking dish.
What vegetables are included in the sauce?
The sauce includes sliced celery, drained canned mushrooms, and chopped pimientos.
Is the mushroom canned or fresh?
The recipe specifies using two 3-ounce cans of sliced mushrooms, which should be drained.
How do I prepare the sauce?
Combine the wine and cream of chicken soup in a skillet, then stir in butter, celery, mushrooms, and pimientos until well combined and boiling.
What is the first step in layering the dish?
The first step is to spoon the cooked rice into the bottom of the baking dish and spread it evenly.
Should I cover the dish while it bakes?
Yes, cover the dish with aluminum foil for the first 25 minutes of baking.
When do I remove the foil?
Remove the foil after the initial 25 minutes and bake for another 15 to 20 minutes.
How much butter is used?
The recipe calls for 1/4 cup of cubed butter.
What is the purpose of the pimientos?
Chopped pimientos add a touch of color and mild flavor to the creamy sauce.
How much cream of chicken soup is needed?
One 10-ounce can of cream of chicken soup is required.
Can I use rotisserie chicken for this recipe?
Yes, rotisserie chicken is an excellent choice for the 3 cups of cooked, shredded or cubed chicken.
How do I know when the bake is finished?
The dish is done when it is heated through and the sauce is bubbly.
Do I need to sautรฉ the celery beforehand?
No, the celery is added directly into the soup mixture in the skillet and will soften during the baking process.
What can I serve with this chicken and rice bake?
It pairs well with a side salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.
Is this a good recipe for weeknight dinners?
Yes, because it uses pre-cooked chicken and rice, it is quick to assemble and easy to prepare.
Should the soup mixture be boiling before pouring it?
Yes, bring the soup and vegetable mixture to a gentle boil before pouring it over the chicken layer.
Can I use fresh mushrooms instead of canned?
While the recipe calls for canned, you can use fresh mushrooms, though you may want to sautรฉ them briefly first.
How much celery is used?
The recipe uses 1/2 cup of sliced celery.
Is there any salt added to the recipe?
The recipe does not list extra salt, as the soup, rice blend, and butter usually provide sufficient seasoning.
What kind of wine is sauterne?
Sauterne is a type of sweet white wine often used in cooking for its distinct flavor.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes, you can double the ingredients and use a larger baking dish, though you may need to adjust the baking time slightly.
How should I store leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 4 days.