Name: Chicken and Wild Rice Casserole
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 tablespoons butter; 1 small onion, diced; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded; 1 1/2 cups wild rice, cooked; 1 cup frozen peas and carrots; 1/4 cup flour; 2 cups chicken broth; 1 cup heavy cream; 1 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon black pepper; 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme; 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder; 1/4 teaspoon onion powder; 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese

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This Chicken and Wild Rice Casserole is a comforting dish that combines tender chicken, savory wild rice, and vegetables in a creamy sauce. It's a delicious, easy-to-make meal that’s perfect for cozy family dinners or a weeknight treat. With just a few simple ingredients, you’ll have a dish that’s both hearty and satisfying.

Ingredients

2 tablespoons butter

1 small onion, diced

2 cloves garlic, minced

2 cups cooked chicken, shredded

1 ½ cups wild rice, cooked

1 cup frozen peas and carrots

¼ cup flour

2 cups chicken broth

1 cup heavy cream

1 teaspoon salt

½ teaspoon black pepper

½ teaspoon dried thyme

½ teaspoon garlic powder

¼ teaspoon onion powder

1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese

(Tip: You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add onion and garlic, and sauté for 3-4 minutes until the onion is soft and fragrant.

Stir in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes to form a roux.

Gradually add the chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring constantly until the mixture thickens, about 5-7 minutes.

Stir in the salt, pepper, thyme, garlic powder, and onion powder.

Add the shredded chicken, cooked wild rice, and frozen peas and carrots. Stir to combine.

Pour the mixture into a greased 9x13-inch baking dish and top with the shredded cheddar cheese.

Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbly and the cheese is melted and golden.

Serve warm and enjoy!

Servings and Timing

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cooking Time: 35 minutes

Total Time: 50 minutes

Servings: 6 servings

Variations

Add more vegetables: You can customize the casserole with other vegetables like mushrooms, bell peppers, or spinach. Just sauté them along with the onion and garlic.

Use different cheese: While cheddar is the classic choice, you can use other cheeses like mozzarella or a blend of your favorites for a different flavor.

Swap the meat: Instead of chicken, you can use turkey or rotisserie chicken for a quicker option. For a vegetarian version, consider adding beans or extra veggies.

Spicy twist: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce to the sauce for some heat.

Storage/Reheating

To store leftovers, let the casserole cool completely, then cover it tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil. Keep it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, I recommend placing it in the oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions for about 2 minutes or until hot.

FAQs

Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

Yes! You can assemble the casserole ahead of time, cover it, and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. Just bake it as directed when ready to serve.

Can I freeze this casserole?

Definitely. After assembling the casserole, cover it tightly and freeze it for up to 3 months. To bake, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and bake as usual, or bake it directly from frozen, but it may take a bit longer to cook.

Can I use brown rice instead of wild rice?

Yes, you can substitute cooked brown rice for wild rice. The flavor and texture will be slightly different, but it will still be delicious.

Is this casserole gluten-free?

To make it gluten-free, you can swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free flour blend or cornstarch to thicken the sauce.

Can I use a different protein?

If you don’t have chicken, you can use other cooked meats like turkey, pork, or even cooked sausage. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time if necessary.

Conclusion

This Chicken and Wild Rice Casserole is a comforting, satisfying dish that’s sure to become a family favorite. It’s easy to make, delicious, and customizable to suit your taste preferences. Whether you're making it for a family dinner or meal prepping for the week, this casserole is the perfect choice for any occasion. Enjoy the creamy, cheesy goodness that’ll warm you up from the inside out!

Recipe:

Chicken and Wild Rice Casserole

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Author: Cheryl
Total Time: 50 minutes
Yield: 6 servings

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Description

This Chicken and Wild Rice Casserole is a comforting and easy-to-make meal that combines tender chicken, wild rice, and vegetables in a creamy, cheesy sauce. Perfect for cozy family dinners or meal prepping, this casserole is a hearty, satisfying dish that’s sure to please everyone at the table.

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add onion and garlic, sauté for 3-4 minutes until softened.
Stir in flour and cook for 1-2 minutes to form a roux.
Gradually add chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring constantly until the sauce thickens, about 5-7 minutes.
Stir in salt, pepper, thyme, garlic powder, and onion powder.
Add shredded chicken, cooked wild rice, and frozen peas and carrots. Stir to combine.
Pour mixture into a greased 9x13-inch baking dish and top with shredded cheddar cheese.
Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbly and the cheese is golden and melted.
Serve warm and enjoy!