Chicken Wild Rice Casserole

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Chicken wild rice casserole is a comforting dish that’s perfect for cozy family dinners. This recipe serves 6 people and takes about 2 hours to make, including prep and cooking time. You’ll love how the creamy sauce, tender chicken, and nutty wild rice come together in every bite.

This casserole is easy to make and packed with flavor. You’ll start by cooking the wild rice, then sautéing veggies and making a rich sauce. Mix everything together with shredded chicken and cheese, then bake until golden and bubbly. It’s a great way to use up leftover chicken or rotisserie chicken for a quick weeknight meal.

Exact Ingredients List

Here’s what you’ll need to make this tasty chicken wild rice casserole:

For the Rice and Chicken:

  • 1 cup wild rice blend
  • 2 1/2 cups chicken broth
  • 2 cups cooked, shredded chicken

For the Sauce:

  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 2 celery stalks, finely diced
  • 2 medium carrots, finely diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 8 oz mushrooms, sliced
  • 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
  • 2 cups milk (whole or 2%)
  • 1 cup chicken broth
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 teaspoon dried parsley
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)

For Assembly:

  • 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (optional)
  • 2 tablespoons melted butter (optional)

You can use rotisserie chicken to save time. The breadcrumbs and extra butter are optional but add a nice crunch to the top.

Instructions

You’ll start by cooking the wild rice. Rinse it well, then simmer in chicken broth for about 45 minutes. While that’s cooking, get your veggies ready.

Melt some butter in a big pan. Toss in your chopped onion, celery, carrots, and mushrooms. Cook them until they’re nice and soft. Add garlic for extra flavor.

Now it’s time to make the sauce. Sprinkle flour over the veggies and stir. Slowly pour in milk, broth, and cream. Keep stirring to avoid lumps. Add your spices and let it simmer until it thickens up.

Preheat your oven to 375°F. Mix the cooked rice, chicken, and veggie sauce in a big bowl. Add some cheese too. Pour this yummy mix into a baking dish.

Top it with more cheese. If you like, mix breadcrumbs with melted butter and sprinkle on top for extra crunch.

Bake for about 25-30 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the cheese is all bubbly and golden. Let it cool for a few minutes before you dig in. Enjoy your tasty casserole!

Possible Substitutes List

You can make this chicken wild rice casserole your own by switching up some ingredients. Here are some tasty options:

  • Rice: Try brown rice, quinoa, or barley instead of wild rice.
  • Chicken: Use turkey, pork, or even tofu for a vegetarian twist.
  • Veggies: Swap in your favorites like peas, broccoli, or bell peppers.
  • Cheese: Experiment with Swiss, Gruyere, or Monterey Jack.

For a lighter version:

  • Use low-fat milk instead of whole milk
  • Replace heavy cream with Greek yogurt
  • Choose lean ground turkey over chicken

Got dietary needs? Here are some ideas:

  • Gluten-free: Use gluten-free flour and breadcrumbs
  • Dairy-free: Try non-dairy milk and vegan cheese
  • Low-carb: Replace rice with cauliflower rice

Don’t have fresh mushrooms? Canned ones work too! Just drain and rinse them first.

Feel free to play around with herbs and spices. Rosemary, sage, or tarragon can add new flavors to your casserole.

Remember, cooking is all about having fun and making the dish your own. So go ahead and get creative!

How To Make It Diabetes-Friendly

To make this casserole more diabetes-friendly, you can make a few easy swaps. Use brown rice or quinoa instead of wild rice for more fiber. Replace the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour or almond flour.

Choose low-fat milk and reduced-fat cheese to cut down on saturated fat. Skip the heavy cream and use Greek yogurt for a protein boost. These changes will lower the carb and fat content.

Add more non-starchy veggies like bell peppers or broccoli. This increases fiber and nutrients without adding many carbs. You can also use less rice and more chicken to reduce the carb count further.

Try these portion sizes to keep carbs in check:

  • 1/2 cup cooked brown rice
  • 3 oz chicken breast
  • 1 cup mixed veggies
  • 1/4 cup low-fat cheese

Serve with a side salad for extra veggies and fiber. Remember to check your blood sugar after eating to see how this meal affects you.

Tips, Tricks & Storing

For the best results, use a wild rice blend. It gives a nice mix of textures and flavors. You can use rotisserie chicken to save time. Just shred it before adding to the casserole.

To make ahead, prepare the casserole up to the point of baking. Cover and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, let it sit at room temperature for 30 minutes first.

Here are some handy substitutions:

  • Swap milk for half-and-half for extra richness
  • Use different cheeses like Gruyère or Gouda
  • Add frozen peas or corn for more veggies

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven until hot throughout.

To freeze, let the casserole cool completely. Wrap tightly in foil and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

For a crispy top, broil the casserole for 2-3 minutes after baking. Keep a close eye on it to prevent burning.

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