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Chicken Wild Rice Casserole

Comforting Chicken Wild Rice Casserole for Cozy Evenings

This Chicken Wild Rice Casserole is a comforting, hearty meal packed with wholesome ingredients and a creamy sauce, perfect for cozy evenings.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Resting Time 15 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 15 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Lunch
Cuisine: American
Calories: 450
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Chicken
  • 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs Cut into 1-inch pieces
For the Vegetables
  • 8 ounces baby Bella mushrooms Sliced
  • 1 medium onion Chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic Minced
  • 1 cup celery Chopped
  • 1 cup carrots Chopped
For the Cream Sauce
  • 4 tablespoons butter
  • 1/3 cup flour
  • 2 cups milk
  • 2 cups chicken broth
For the Seasoning
  • 1 teaspoon thyme Fresh or dried
  • 1 teaspoon parsley Fresh or dried
  • 1 teaspoon basil Fresh or dried
  • 1 teaspoon paprika Adjust to taste
  • salt to taste
  • pepper to taste
For the Cheesy Finish
  • 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan
  • 1 cup sharp cheddar
For the Crunchy Topping
  • 1 cup panko breadcrumbs

Equipment

  • Dutch oven
  • Baking dish
  • Whisk
  • Cutting Board
  • Knife

Method
 

Step‑by‑Step Instructions
  1. Prep Chicken: Pat the boneless, skinless chicken dry with paper towels and season with salt, pepper, and paprika. Set aside.
  2. Sear Chicken: In a large Dutch oven, heat oil over medium-high heat. Add seasoned chicken to sear for 4-5 minutes until browned.
  3. Sauté Vegetables: In the same pot, sauté chopped onions, celery, and carrots for 5-7 minutes until tender. Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute.
  4. Caramelize Mushrooms: Add sliced baby Bella mushrooms and cook for 6-8 minutes. Combine with chicken and vegetables.
  5. Make Cream Sauce: Melt butter, whisk in flour to create a roux. Gradually add chicken broth and milk, whisking until thickened. Season and simmer.
  6. Combine Ingredients: Mix wild rice, cooked chicken, vegetables, and mushrooms into the sauce, ensuring everything is well coated.
  7. Assemble Casserole: Preheat oven to 350°F. Pour mixture into a greased baking dish. Layer with Parmesan, cheddar, and panko breadcrumbs.
  8. Bake: Cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Uncover for the last 5-10 minutes to brown the top.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 450kcalCarbohydrates: 45gProtein: 32gFat: 19gSaturated Fat: 10gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 5gCholesterol: 80mgSodium: 800mgPotassium: 800mgFiber: 3gSugar: 3gVitamin A: 15IUVitamin C: 25mgCalcium: 20mgIron: 10mg

Notes

Allow the casserole to rest for 10-15 minutes after baking for better serving.

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