Brined Oven-Baked Chicken in Wild Rice & Broth is one of those quietly impressive comfort dishes that feels both rustic and nourishing. Brining the chicken first is the key step that sets this recipe apart: a simple salt-and-water soak deeply seasons the meat and helps it retain moisture during baking, resulting in juicy, flavorful chicken every time.
When baked directly on a bed of wild rice, the chicken slowly releases its savory juices into the grains below, creating a naturally rich, aromatic dish without needing heavy sauces or extra fats. Wild rice is especially well suited here because of its nutty flavor and chewy texture, which holds up beautifully as it absorbs the broth and chicken drippings. As the dish bakes, the rice gently simmers in broth, becoming tender while taking on layers of flavor from herbs, garlic, and onion.