Chicken Breasts with Wild Rice Alfredo

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 cups uncooked wild rice, rinsed and drained
• 1 can (14 oz) roasted garlic-seasoned chicken broth
• 1 cup water
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme leaves
• 2 tablespoons butter or margarine
• 6 boneless skinless chicken breast halves (about 2 lb)
• 1 package (8 oz) sliced fresh mushrooms (3 cups)
• 1 jar (7 oz) roasted red bell peppers, drained and chopped
• 1 jar (1 lb) Alfredo pasta sauce (2 cups)

Directions

1. In 2-quart saucepan, heat wild rice, broth and water to boiling over high heat. Reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer 45 to 60 minutes or until rice kernels are open and almost tender; drain if necessary. Stir in thyme. Spread rice in ungreased 13x9-inch glass baking dish.
2. Heat oven to 350°F. In 12-inch skillet, heat butter over medium-high heat. Cook chicken in butter 8 to10 minutes, turning once, until brown. Place on cooked rice. Add mushrooms to skillet. Cook 3 to 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until lightly browned. Stir in bell peppers and Alfredo sauce; pour over chicken.
3. Bake uncovered 45 to 55 minutes or until mixture is bubbly and juice of chicken is no longer pink when centers of thickest pieces are cut.

Makes 6 servings

Note: For the best flavor and texture, make sure the wild rice has cooked long enough to “pop” open to show its white insides. You may need to add more water during cooking.