Wild rice is a staple ingredient in many holiday dishes, and it's no surprise that it makes a perfect addition to any Christmas feast. Not only is it gluten-free and packed with nutrients, but its unique nutty flavor and chewy texture add a delicious twist to traditional holiday recipes. If you're looking for a festive and flavorful dish to serve this Christmas, look no further than this wild rice Christmas recipe.
Main Ingredients: Brown Rice, Wild Rice, Water, Bay Leaf, Seasoning
This recipe takes beer can chicken to the next level by adding a side dish that is just as delicious. The wild rice pilaf is made with bold and flavorful ingredients such as mushrooms, leeks, and pecans. Once the chicken is done cooking, the rice absorbs all the delicious juices from the beer can, making for a truly mouthwatering meal.
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Wild Rice Pilaf
Main Ingredients: Carrots, Celery, Onion, Garlic, Long Grain White Rice
If you want to keep it simple and classic, this recipe is for you. The beer can chicken is seasoned with a blend of herbs and spices before being placed on the grill. And the wild rice pilaf is dressed up with dried cranberries and chopped apples, giving it a sweet and tangy flavor that pairs perfectly with the chicken.
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Mushroom Wild Rice Pilaf
Main Ingredients: Wild Rice, Butter, Yellow Onion, Vegetable Broth, Dried
This beer can chicken recipe is all about the mushrooms. The chicken is rubbed with a garlic and mushroom seasoning, and the wild rice pilaf is loaded with sautéed mushrooms. The result is a meal that is rich and savory, perfect for a cozy dinner at home.
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Harvest Wild Rice Pilaf
Main Ingredients: Butter, Onion, Garlic, Celery, Wild Rice, Olive Oil
If you're looking for a recipe that incorporates fall flavors, this one is for you. The beer can chicken is rubbed with a blend of warm spices, and the wild rice pilaf is filled with butternut squash and dried cranberries. The combination of flavors and textures is sure to be a hit with your family and friends.
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Instant Pot Wild Rice Pilaf
Main Ingredients: Olive Oil, Brown Onions, Garlic, Mushrooms, White Wine
Short on time? This recipe is perfect for you! The beer can chicken is cooked in an Instant Pot, resulting in a tender and flavorful chicken in just a fraction of the time. And the wild rice pilaf is also made in the Instant Pot, making for a quick and convenient meal that doesn't skimp on taste.
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Chicken Wild Rice Pilaf
Main Ingredients: Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts, Wild Rice, Carrots
This recipe is the perfect fusion of beer can chicken and chicken wild rice soup. The chicken is cooked with a creamy and flavorful wild rice mixture, resulting in a dish that is comforting and satisfying. It's like soup, but better!
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Pecan Wild Rice Pilaf
Main Ingredients: Chicken Stock, Water, Ground Nutmeg, Ground Ginger
Looking for a recipe that is a little bit sweet and a little bit savory? Look no further than this pecan wild rice pilaf. The chicken is rubbed with a sweet and tangy glaze, and the wild rice pilaf is loaded with toasted pecans. This recipe is a great way to add some crunchy and nutty goodness to your beer can chicken.
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Leeks & Wild Rice Pilaf
Main Ingredients: Leeks, Small Carrots, Radishes, Leafy Greens, Garlic
Leeks may not be the first thing that comes to mind when you think of beer can chicken, but trust us, they work perfectly together. The leeks add a mild and sweet flavor to the chicken, while the wild rice pilaf is loaded with leeks and bursting with flavor. This recipe is a great way to add some unexpected and delicious elements to your meal.
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Southwest Wild Rice Pilaf
Main Ingredients: Lime Juice, Brown Rice, Wild Rice, Red Onion, Green
Get ready to spice things up with this recipe! The chicken is rubbed with a fiery and flavorful southwest seasoning, and the wild rice pilaf is filled with colorful and zesty ingredients like corn, black beans, and bell peppers. This dish is perfect for those who like a little heat in their food.
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Cauliflower Wild Rice Pilaf
Main Ingredients: Wild Rice, Puy Lentils, Cumin Powder, Cayenne, Ground
If you're looking for a low-carb option, this recipe is for you. The wild rice in the pilaf is replaced with nutty and tasty cauliflower rice, and the chicken is rubbed with a spicy and tangy seasoning. This recipe is a great way to enjoy beer can chicken while still sticking to your dietary needs.
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Wild Rice Pilaf With Mushrooms
Main Ingredients: Olive Oil, Onions, Bell Pepper, Garlic Cloves, Fresh
This recipe is similar to the mushroom wild rice pilaf mentioned earlier, but with a twist. The chicken is rubbed with a smokey and savory BBQ seasoning, and the wild rice pilaf is filled with earthly and umami mushrooms. The result is a meal that is packed with flavor and perfect for a summer BBQ.
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Lentil Mushroom Wild Rice Pilaf
Main Ingredients: Medium Yellow Onion, Minced Garlic, Vegetable Broth
If you're looking for a protein-packed option, this recipe is for you. The wild rice pilaf is loaded with lentils and mushrooms, giving it a meaty and satisfying texture. And the chicken is rubbed with a blend of herbs and spices that complements the lentils and mushrooms perfectly.
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Pomegranate & Pistachio Wild Rice Pilaf
Main Ingredients: Wild Rice, Garlic Cloves, Olive Oil, Chicken Stock
This recipe is a sweet and savory sensation. The chicken is rubbed with a sweet and tangy pomegranate glaze, and the wild rice pilaf is filled with crunchy and flavorful pistachios. This dish is perfect for a holiday meal or a special occasion.
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Cranberry Apple Wild Rice Pilaf
Main Ingredients: Extra Virgin Olive Oil, Yellow Onion, Minced Garlic
This recipe is a classic combination that never disappoints. The chicken is rubbed with a simple and delicious herb seasoning, and the wild rice pilaf is filled with sweet and tart cranberries and apples. This dish is perfect for a fall dinner or a cozy night in.
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Cranberry Apple Pecan Wild Rice Pilaf
Main Ingredients: Low Sodium Chicken Broth, Apple Juice, Dijon Mustard
Take the previous recipe up a notch by adding some pecans to the mix. The chicken is rubbed with the same herb seasoning, but the addition of pecans to the wild rice pilaf adds a crunchy and nutty element that takes this dish to the next level.
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Mushroom Long Grain and Wild Rice Pilaf
Main Ingredients: Chopped Onion, Chopped Celery, Crimini Mushrooms
This recipe is perfect for those who prefer a milder flavor. The chicken is rubbed with a simple and savory seasoning, and the wild rice pilaf is a combination of long grain and wild rice, with the addition of earthy and flavorful mushrooms. This dish is a great way to enjoy beer can chicken without any overpowering flavors.
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Venison Steak with Wild Rice Pilaf
Main Ingredients: Venison Steaks, Salt, Wild Rice, Venison, Mushrooms
Yes, you read that right. This recipe is not for chicken, but for venison steak cooked using the same beer can method. The result is a tender and flavorful steak that pairs perfectly with the wild rice pilaf. This recipe is a great way to switch things up and impress your dinner guests.
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Butternut Squash and Wild Rice Pilaf
Main Ingredients: Butternut Squash, Melted Butter, Salt, Black Pepper
This recipe is another great option for those following a low-carb diet. The chicken is rubbed with a sweet and savory glaze, and the wild rice pilaf is made with healthy and delicious butternut squash. This dish is perfect for a cozy fall dinner.
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Duck Breast with Wild Rice Pilaf
Main Ingredients: Dried Mushrooms, Hot Water, Duck Fat, Minced Onion
For those who want to try something a little different, this recipe is for you. The duck breast is cooked using the same beer can method, resulting in a juicy and flavorful meat that pairs perfectly with the wild rice pilaf. This dish is perfect for a special occasion or a fancy dinner at home.
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Stuffed Acorn Squash with Wild Rice Pilaf
Main Ingredients: Acorn Squash, Wild Rice, Broth, Celery, Onion, Garlic
Finally, we have a recipe for those who want to get creative and have some fun in the kitchen. Instead of stuffing a whole chicken with a beer can, this recipe stuffs delicious and colorful acorn squash with a wild rice pilaf mixture. The result is a meal that is not only tasty but also visually appealing.
Ingredients:
1 cup of wild rice
1 tbsp olive oil
1 onion, diced
2 cloves of garlic, minced
1 cup of mushrooms, sliced
1 cup of dried cranberries
1 tsp dried thyme
1 tsp dried rosemary
1 tsp dried sage
1 cup of vegetable broth
Salt and pepper to taste
Optional: chopped pecans or walnuts for garnish
Start by cooking 1 cup of wild rice according to the package instructions. While the rice is cooking, heat 1 tbsp of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add 1 diced onion and 2 cloves of minced garlic to the skillet and cook until the onions are translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
Add 1 cup of sliced mushrooms to the skillet and cook until they are tender, about 5 minutes. Next, stir in 1 cup of dried cranberries, 1 tsp each of dried thyme, rosemary, and sage, and 1 cup of vegetable broth. Bring the mixture to a simmer and let it cook for about 5 minutes, until the cranberries have plumped up.
Once the wild rice is cooked, drain any excess water and add it to the skillet with the vegetable mixture. Stir everything together and let it cook for an additional 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
To add a festive touch, garnish the dish with chopped pecans or walnuts before serving. This wild rice Christmas recipe is a delicious and healthy addition to any holiday spread. Your guests will love the combination of nutty wild rice, sweet cranberries, and savory herbs. Plus, it's a great option for those with dietary restrictions, making it a crowd-pleaser for all. Give this recipe a try this Christmas and enjoy the unique flavors and textures of wild rice in every bite.
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