Creamy Chicken and Wild Rice Casserole
This Creamy Chicken and Wild Rice Casserole is the quintessential American comfort food, perfect for a warming March dinner. It combines succulent pieces of chicken with nutty wild rice, a colorful mix of carrots, celery, and mushrooms, all enveloped in a savory, creamy sauce. Baked until bubbly and golden, this dish is hearty, satisfying, and a fantastic way to feed a family, offering a complete meal in one delicious pan.
Equipment
Ingredients
Instructions
- 1Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Heat olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add chicken cubes and cook until lightly browned on all sides, about 5-7 minutes. Remove chicken and set aside.
- 2Add chopped onion, celery, carrots, and mushrooms to the same skillet. Sauté for 7-10 minutes, until vegetables begin to soften. Stir in minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- 3Stir in the uncooked wild rice blend, chicken broth, condensed cream of mushroom soup, milk, dried thyme, and black pepper. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then return the cooked chicken to the skillet. Season with salt to taste.
- 4Cover the skillet tightly with a lid or foil. Transfer to the preheated oven and bake for 45-50 minutes, or until the wild rice is tender and most of the liquid has been absorbed.
- 5Remove from the oven, stir gently. If using, sprinkle with shredded cheddar cheese over the top. Return to the oven (uncovered) for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the casserole is heated through and lightly golden on top.
- 6Let stand for 5-10 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley.
Nutrition
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use cooked chicken?
Yes, if you have leftover cooked chicken, you can add it in step 3 along with the raw wild rice and liquids. Adjust the initial cooking time for the chicken in step 1 to just a quick sear, or skip browning it if fully cooked. The overall baking time might be slightly reduced, so check for rice tenderness.
What if my wild rice isn't cooked through after the specified time?
Wild rice cooking times can vary. If it's still firm, add a little more chicken broth (about 1/4 to 1/2 cup), cover the casserole again, and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until tender.
Can I make this dairy-free?
To make it dairy-free, use a dairy-free cream of mushroom soup alternative, substitute milk with a non-dairy milk (like unsweetened almond milk), and omit the shredded cheddar cheese topping. Ensure your chicken broth is also dairy-free.
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RECIPE BY
Leckere Rezepte
We are a team of passionate cooks and food enthusiasts.
