Introduction
Delicious Chicken Wild Rice Casserole is a cozy comfort food favorite that is sure to warm your heart and satisfy your taste buds. This hearty dish combines tender chicken, nutty wild rice, and a creamy sauce, creating a mouthwatering combination of flavors and textures. Whether you’re serving it for a family dinner or bringing it to a potluck, this casserole is guaranteed to be a hit. Let’s dive into the details of this irresistible recipe and learn how to make it step by step.
The Recipe Card
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour
Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
Servings: 6
Ingredients:
– 1 cup wild rice
– 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
– 1 onion, diced
– 2 cloves of garlic, minced
– 1 cup mushrooms, sliced
– 1 cup frozen peas
– 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
– 2 cups chicken broth
– 1 cup heavy cream
– 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
– 2 tablespoons butter
– 1 teaspoon dried thyme
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Cook the wild rice according to the package instructions. Set aside.
2. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
3. In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the diced onion and minced garlic, and cook until the onion is translucent.
4. Add the sliced mushrooms to the skillet and cook until they release their moisture and start to brown.
5. Sprinkle the flour over the mushroom mixture and stir until well combined.
6. Slowly pour in the chicken broth, stirring constantly to avoid lumps.
7. Stir in the heavy cream and dried thyme. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
8. Add the cooked wild rice, shredded chicken, frozen peas, and half of the shredded cheddar cheese to the skillet. Stir until well combined.
9. Transfer the mixture to a greased casserole dish and sprinkle the remaining shredded cheddar cheese on top.
10. Cover the casserole dish with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
11. Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy!
Recipe Notes or Tips
– For a twist, you can substitute the chicken with cooked turkey or even leftover rotisserie chicken.
– If you prefer a vegetarian version, you can omit the chicken and add extra vegetables like carrots and celery.
– Feel free to customize the seasoning according to your taste preferences. You can add herbs like rosemary or thyme for extra flavor.
– Serve the casserole with a side salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.
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Detailed Instructions
1. Cook the wild rice according to the package instructions. Set aside.
2. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
3. In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the diced onion and minced garlic, and cook until the onion is translucent.
4. Add the sliced mushrooms to the skillet and cook until they release their moisture and start to brown.
5. Sprinkle the flour over the mushroom mixture and stir until well combined.
6. Slowly pour in the chicken broth, stirring constantly to avoid lumps.
7. Stir in the heavy cream and dried thyme. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
8. Add the cooked wild rice, shredded chicken, frozen peas, and half of the shredded cheddar cheese to the skillet. Stir until well combined.
9. Transfer the mixture to a greased casserole dish and sprinkle the remaining shredded cheddar cheese on top.
10. Cover the casserole dish with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
11. Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy!
FAQs Section
Q: Can I use a different type of rice?
A: While wild rice adds a unique flavor and texture to this casserole, you can substitute it with other types of rice, such as brown rice or a wild rice blend.
Q: Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
A: Absolutely! You can prepare the casserole up to the baking step and refrigerate it overnight. When you’re ready to serve, simply bake it as directed.
Q: Can I freeze the leftovers?
A: Yes, you can freeze any leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw the casserole in the refrigerator overnight before reheating it in the oven.
Serving Suggestions
This Chicken Wild Rice Casserole pairs well with a fresh green salad and some crusty bread. You can also serve it with steamed vegetables or roasted potatoes for a more substantial meal. Don’t forget to garnish it with some freshly chopped parsley for an added touch of freshness.
Nutrition Information
Calories per serving: 450
Carbohydrates: 30g
Protein: 25g
Fat: 25g
Sodium: 600mg
Fiber: 4g
User Reviews or Comments
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Related Recipes or Links
If you enjoyed this Chicken Wild Rice Casserole, you might also like these recipes:
– Creamy Chicken and Mushroom Pasta
– Cheesy Broccoli Rice Casserole
– Baked Chicken Parmesan
Feel free to explore our website for more delicious recipes!
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Delicious Chicken Wild Rice Casserole: A Cozy Comfort Food Favorite!
A cozy comfort food favorite featuring tender chicken, nutty wild rice, and a creamy sauce, creating a mouthwatering combination of flavors and textures.
Ingredients
- 1 cup wild rice
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 cup mushrooms, sliced
- 1 cup frozen peas
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
Directions
- Cook the wild rice according to the package instructions. Set aside.
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the diced onion and minced garlic, and cook until the onion is translucent.
- Add the sliced mushrooms to the skillet and cook until they release their moisture and start to brown.
- Sprinkle the flour over the mushroom mixture and stir until well combined.
- Slowly pour in the chicken broth, stirring constantly to avoid lumps.
- Stir in the heavy cream and dried thyme. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Add the cooked wild rice, shredded chicken, frozen peas, and half of the shredded cheddar cheese to the skillet. Stir until well combined.
- Transfer the mixture to a greased casserole dish and sprinkle the remaining shredded cheddar cheese on top.
- Cover the casserole dish with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
- Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy!
Nutrition Facts
