Chicken Wild Rice Casserole
Chicken Wild Rice Casserole is a hearty, comforting dish that brings warmth and satisfaction on a chilly day. This casserole combines savory chicken and a blend of wild rice, complemented by the creamy goodness of mushroom soup and cheese. Perfect for families or gatherings, this dish is easy to prepare and boasts a delightful mix of textures and flavors. In this article, we will share a Recipe with Step-by-Step directions to guide you through making this delicious casserole that will leave your loved ones coming back for seconds.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
There are a multitude of reasons to love Chicken Wild Rice Casserole. First and foremost, it is a one-dish meal that requires minimal prep, making it a fantastic option for busy weekdays or those special family gatherings. The tender chicken combined with the nutty, chewy wild rice creates a delightful flavor, while the creaminess of mushroom soup and the sharpness of cheddar cheese bring everything together beautifully. Not only is this casserole easy to make, but it is also family-friendly, appealing to both adults and children alike. Additionally, it can easily be customized with your favorite vegetables or seasonings, making it a versatile addition to your recipe collection.
Ingredients
To make Chicken Wild Rice Casserole, gather the following ingredients:
- 2 cups boneless, skinless chicken breasts (diced)
- 1 cup wild rice blend
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup (low-sodium)
- 2 cups chicken broth (low-sodium)
- 1 cup carrots (chopped)
- 1 cup celery (chopped)
- 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese (shredded)
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 tsp dried parsley
- 2 tbsp olive oil
For Chicken Wild Rice Casserole –
Imagine a warm, bubbling casserole fresh from the oven, topped with golden, melted cheddar cheese. Your kitchen will be filled with the inviting aroma of sautéed vegetables and herbs mingling with tender chicken. The wild rice blend adds a beautiful texture, while the creamy mushroom soup makes every bite utterly satisfying. It’s not just a meal but a delightful dining experience that will make everyone feel at home.
Step-by-Step Directions
Follow these simple steps to create your Chicken Wild Rice Casserole:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a large baking dish with olive oil or cooking spray.
In a skillet, add 2 tablespoons of olive oil and sauté chopped onions, carrots, and celery until softened (about 5 minutes).
Add diced chicken, dried thyme, and dried parsley to the skillet and cook until chicken is no longer pink (about 7-10 minutes).
In a mixing bowl, combine the sautéed mixture with uncooked wild rice, cream of mushroom soup, and chicken broth. Mix well until all ingredients are evenly coated.
Transfer the mixture to the greased baking dish and cover with foil. This will help trap moisture as the casserole cooks.
Bake for 45-50 minutes until the rice is tender and has absorbed most of the liquid, creating a rich and creamy base for your casserole.
Remove the foil, sprinkle cheddar cheese on top for that irresistible cheesy finish, and bake uncovered for an additional 10-15 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
For Chicken Wild Rice Casserole –
Each step brings you closer to a dish that is comforting, flavorful, and sure to satisfy even the pickiest eaters. The blending of ingredients creates a beautiful harmony, and the final baking transforms it all into a delicious casserole that looks as good as it tastes.
Tips & Tricks
- For extra flavor, marinate the diced chicken in your favorite spices for a couple of hours before cooking.
- Adding sautéed mushrooms can enhance the flavor profile and add another layer of texture.
- To make the dish lighter, try substituting Greek yogurt for cream of mushroom soup.
- If you prefer a bit more crunch, consider adding some toasted almonds or walnuts on top before serving.
- This casserole can be prepared ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator overnight. Just bake it when you’re ready.
Serving Suggestions & Pairings
Chicken Wild Rice Casserole is delightful on its own but pairs beautifully with a fresh side salad or steamed green vegetables. Consider serving with a simple arugula salad drizzled with a tangy vinaigrette or roasted broccoli for a nutritious balance to the meal. A slice of warm, crusty bread can also complement the dish, making it feel even more comforting.
Nutritional Information
While exact nutritional values can vary based on portion sizes and specific ingredient brands, a typical serving of Chicken Wild Rice Casserole contains approximately:
- Calories: 350
- Protein: 30g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fat: 10g
- Fiber: 3g
Keep in mind that by switching to low-sodium broth and cream of mushroom soup, you can reduce the sodium content significantly as well.
Storing Tips & Variations For Chicken Wild Rice Casserole
To store leftover Chicken Wild Rice Casserole, let it cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container. It can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For longer storage, consider freezing the casserole before baking. Simply cover it tightly with foil or plastic wrap and freeze for up to three months. To bake from frozen, simply increase the baking time by about 10-15 minutes, ensuring it cooks all the way through.
For variations, you can replace the chicken with turkey or even use chickpeas as a vegetarian option. Try incorporating different vegetables such as peas, bell peppers, or spinach for added nutrition and variety.
Conclusion For Chicken Wild Rice Casserole
Chicken Wild Rice Casserole is not just another meal—it’s a warm hug in a dish that brings joy to the dining table. So why not try your hand at this tasty recipe? It’s a delightful way to bring family together and create lasting memories around the dinner table. Your loved ones will surely appreciate the effort, and you’ll enjoy the simplicity and deliciousness of this casserole.
FAQs
1. Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare it the night before and store it in the fridge until you’re ready to bake it.
2. Can I use brown rice instead of wild rice?
You can, but please note that the cooking time may change. Brown rice typically takes longer to cook.
3. Is this casserole gluten-free?
If you use gluten-free cream of mushroom soup, this casserole can easily be made gluten-free.
4. How do I reheat leftovers?
Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through or microwave individual portions until hot.
5. What can I substitute for the chicken?
You can use turkey or even a vegetarian substitute like chickpeas, tofu, or tempeh for a meatless version.
Chicken Wild Rice Casserole
A hearty casserole combining savory chicken and wild rice with creamy mushroom soup and cheese, perfect for family gatherings.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Total Time: 75 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 2 cups boneless, skinless chicken breasts (diced)
- 1 cup wild rice blend
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup (low-sodium)
- 2 cups chicken broth (low-sodium)
- 1 cup carrots (chopped)
- 1 cup celery (chopped)
- 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese (shredded)
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 tsp dried parsley
- 2 tbsp olive oil
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a large baking dish with olive oil or cooking spray.
- In a skillet, add 2 tablespoons of olive oil and sauté chopped onions, carrots, and celery until softened (about 5 minutes).
- Add diced chicken, dried thyme, and dried parsley to the skillet and cook until chicken is no longer pink (about 7-10 minutes).
- In a mixing bowl, combine the sautéed mixture with uncooked wild rice, cream of mushroom soup, and chicken broth. Mix well until all ingredients are evenly coated.
- Transfer the mixture to the greased baking dish and cover with foil.
- Bake for 45-50 minutes until the rice is tender and has absorbed most of the liquid.
- Remove the foil, sprinkle cheddar cheese on top, and bake uncovered for an additional 10-15 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Notes
For extra flavor, marinate the chicken in your favorite spices before cooking. Consider adding sautéed mushrooms or nuts for texture.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
