Description
Comfort meets sophistication in this hearty chicken wild rice casserole, blending creamy textures with earthy wild rice and tender chicken. Hearty midwestern flavors combine perfectly, promising a satisfying meal that welcomes families around the dinner table with warmth and deliciousness.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Protein:
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded (rotisserie works great!)
Grains and Base:
- 2 cups cooked wild rice (from about ¾ cup uncooked)
- ½ cup panko breadcrumbs (or crushed Ritz crackers)
Vegetables and Aromatics:
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 8 ounces (226 grams) mushrooms, sliced
Sauce and Seasoning Ingredients:
- 4 tablespoons (60 grams) butter
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup milk (or half-and-half for extra creaminess)
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
Cheese and Topping:
- ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons butter, melted
- 2 tablespoons chopped parsley (for garnish, optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the wild rice by thoroughly rinsing under cold water, then place in a saucepan with water and a touch of salt. Simmer gently until the grains become tender and absorb most of the liquid, approximately 45-50 minutes.
- While the rice cooks, warm a skillet and sauté onions, celery, garlic, and mushrooms until they release their aromatic flavors and soften. Season with thyme, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper, then set aside.
- Create a velvety sauce by melting butter and whisking in flour to form a golden roux. Slowly incorporate chicken broth and milk, stirring continuously to prevent lumps from forming.
- Enhance the sauce with garlic powder, onion powder, and a blend of cheddar and Parmesan cheeses, stirring until the mixture becomes smooth and slightly thickened.
- Combine the cooked wild rice, tender shredded chicken, sautéed vegetables, and creamy sauce in a large mixing bowl, ensuring all ingredients are evenly distributed.
- Transfer the mixture to a prepared baking dish, creating an even layer for consistent cooking.
- Prepare a crispy topping by mixing panko breadcrumbs with melted butter, then sprinkle generously over the casserole surface.
- Bake in a preheated oven until the top turns golden brown and the edges become bubbly, creating a delightful contrast of textures.
- Allow the casserole to rest briefly, which helps the ingredients settle and makes serving easier. Garnish with fresh parsley for a pop of color and added freshness before serving.
Notes
- Customize wild rice cooking by using chicken or vegetable broth instead of water for extra depth of flavor.
- Swap regular butter with ghee or olive oil to make the recipe more heart-healthy and suitable for different dietary needs.
- Ensure chicken is shredded finely and evenly to create a consistent texture throughout the casserole.
- Choose low-sodium chicken broth to control salt content and make the dish more diet-friendly.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Category: Dinner, Lunch
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 452
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 634 mg
- Fat: 21 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 38 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 29 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg