Description
This comforting Chicken Wild Rice Casserole is the ultimate family meal that combines tender chicken, earthy wild rice, and a creamy mushroom base. Perfect for busy weeknights, this dish is easy to prepare and delivers a deliciously satisfying experience that everyone will love. With its gooey cheese topping and wholesome ingredients, it’s not just a casserole; it’s a heartwarming gathering around the dinner table.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1.5 lbs boneless skinless chicken breasts, diced (or 3 cups cooked shredded chicken)
- 1 cup dry long-grain wild rice blend (cooked to yield ~3 cups)
- 8 oz cremini mushrooms, sliced
- 2 medium carrots, diced
- 2 ribs celery, diced
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter (divided)
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1.5 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half)
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 cup shredded Gruyère or white cheddar cheese
- 1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- Fresh chopped parsley (for garnish)
Instructions
- Sear Chicken & Sauté Veggies: Melt 1 tbsp butter in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear diced chicken for 5 minutes until golden. Add mushrooms, carrots, celery, onion, and garlic. Sauté for 5 minutes until veggies soften.
- Whisk Cream Sauce: In a saucepan over medium heat, melt 2 tbsp butter and whisk with flour for 1 minute. Whisk in chicken broth and heavy cream. Stir in Dijon, thyme, Parmesan, and black pepper. Simmer for 3 minutes until thickened.
- Mix in Baking Dish: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Combine cooked wild rice, seared chicken, sautéed veggies, and pour the warm cream sauce over top. Toss until coated.
- Bake & Serve: Top with shredded Gruyère or cheddar. Bake uncovered for 25 to 30 minutes until bubbling and golden brown on top. Garnish with parsley and serve hot!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 540mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 70mg