Cozy Chicken Wild Rice Casserole Comfort Food Sorted

Recipe Introduction

Quick Hook

Ever feel like you need a massive hug? This Chicken wild rice casserole is basically that, but in food form.

Honestly, is there anything more comforting than a creamy, cheesy bake? It's a symphony of flavors that hits all the right spots!

Brief Overview

This classic dish is a Midwestern staple, a testament to simple ingredients creating something truly special. It is super easy, it only takes about an hour from start to finish.

This recipe yields six generous servings, perfect for a family dinner or a casual get-together.

Main Benefits

One of the best things about this casserole is it's packed with protein and fiber, making it surprisingly good for you.

It is the perfect comfort food casserole for a chilly evening. What makes this recipe extra special? It's the easy casserole recipe part.

Cozy Chicken Wild Rice Casserole Comfort Food Sorted Recipe Card

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Preparation time:20 Mins

Cooking time:40 Mins

Servings:6 servings

Ingredients:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 450g/1 lb), cut into 1-inch cubes
• 1 cup (180g) wild rice, rinsed
• 3 cups (710ml) low-sodium chicken broth
• 1 tbsp olive oil or butter
• 1 cup (120g) finely diced carrots
• 1 cup (110g) finely diced celery
• 1 medium sweet onion (about 150g), chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• 2 cans (298g / 10.5 oz each) condensed cream of mushroom soup (reduced sodium preferred)
• 1/2 cup (120ml) sour cream or Greek yogurt (optional)
• 1 cup (115g) shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• 1 cup (60g) panko breadcrumbs
• 2 tbsp melted butter

Instructions:

• Cook wild rice according to package directions using chicken broth. Drain any excess liquid.
• Heat olive oil (or melt butter) in a large skillet over medium heat. Add onions, carrots, and celery. Sauté until softened, about 5-7 minutes.
• Add diced chicken and minced garlic to the skillet. Cook until chicken is cooked through and no longer pink, about 5-7 minutes. Season with salt and pepper.
• In a large bowl, combine the cooked wild rice, cream of mushroom soup, and the sautéed chicken and vegetable mixture. Gently stir to combine. If using, stir in sour cream or Greek yogurt.
• Pour the mixture into a greased 9x13 inch baking dish. Top evenly with shredded cheddar cheese and panko breadcrumbs. Drizzle with melted butter.
• Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 35-40 minutes, or until bubbly, golden brown, and heated through.

Nutrition Facts

Calories:415 calories

Fat:16g

Fiber:3g

Recipe Info

Category:Main Course

Cuisine:American

look into into Creamy Chicken Casserole Bliss

This Chicken wild rice casserole recipe is seriously nostalgic for me. My nan used to make something similar. You know, those dishes that just stick in your mind?

Now, let's talk ingredients. We're aiming for a rich, creamy chicken casserole here, so don't skimp on the good stuff.

The base is built on a hearty foundation of chicken, wild rice, and a medley of vibrant veggies.

Building the Ultimate Casserole: Ingredients You Need

Alright, let's gather our bits and bobs for this chicken casserole with wild rice .

• Chicken: 450g/1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts.
• Wild rice: 1 cup.
• Chicken broth: 3 cups low-sodium.
• Olive oil or butter: 1 tbsp.
• Carrots: 1 cup, finely diced.
• Celery: 1 cup, finely diced.
• Sweet onion: 1 medium, chopped.
• Garlic: 3 cloves, minced.
• Salt and pepper.
• Condensed cream of mushroom soup: 2 cans (298g / 10.5 oz each), reduced sodium preferred.
• Sour cream or Greek yogurt: Optional 1/2 cup.
• Shredded sharp cheddar cheese: 1 cup.
• Panko breadcrumbs: 1 cup.
• Melted butter: 2 tbsp.

Unleash the Variations

Feel free to get creative with wild rice casserole variations . Add mushrooms, swap the cheese, or even use leftover turkey.

The possibilities are endless. This also makes a great make ahead casserole recipe .

From Weeknight Dinners to Potlucks

This recipe is ideal for a weeknight dinner casserole because it's so straightforward. It's also a total winner for potluck casserole ideas .

A Chicken and rice casserole with vegetables is always a welcome addition. I think you will love it.

Ingredients & Equipment: Let's Get Started!

Alright, folks, let's talk ingredients for this amazing Chicken wild rice casserole recipe . Don't worry, it's all pretty straightforward. It will give the best Comfort food casserole ever.

Main Ingredients: The Stars of the Show

First, we need the chicken. You'll want 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts. That is around 450g/1 lb . Cut them into cubes, about 1-inch size.

Quality matters here! Look for chicken that's plump and pink, not pale or slimy. Next up, wild rice! 1 cup (180g) of rinsed wild rice is perfect.

I like to give it a good rinse to get rid of any extra starch. You'll need 3 cups (710ml) of low-sodium chicken broth.

For the veggie base: 1 tbsp of olive oil or butter, 1 cup (120g) finely diced carrots, 1 cup (110g) finely diced celery and 1 medium sweet onion (around 150g ), chopped.

Don't forget 3 minced cloves of garlic.

And finally: 2 cans ( 298g/10.5 oz each ) of reduced sodium condensed cream of mushroom soup and optionally 1/2 cup (120ml) sour cream or Greek yogurt.

For the topping: 1 cup (115g) shredded sharp cheddar cheese, 1 cup (60g) panko breadcrumbs, and 2 tbsp melted butter.

Seasoning Notes: Flavor Boosters

Salt and pepper are a must, of course! But don't be shy with your seasoning. A little bit of dried thyme or rosemary can work wonders.

I personally love a pinch of smoked paprika for a bit of depth. This Chicken casserole with wild rice is easy to adapt.

You can substitute the cream of mushroom soup with cream of chicken or celery if you prefer. Use herbs such as oregano, thyme, rosemary.

Equipment Needed: Simple Tools

You really don't need fancy gadgets for this Easy casserole recipe . A large skillet or Dutch oven is essential for sautéing the veggies and chicken.

You'll also need a big bowl to mix everything together. You can use a spatula or a wooden spoon. Finally, a 9x13 inch baking dish.

If you don't have a baking dish, you can use a similarly sized oven-safe dish.

My own Chicken wild rice casserole adventures started in my tiny college kitchen. I had no fancy equipment, but I learned to make do with what I had.

This is perfect for a Weeknight dinner casserole . Remember, cooking is all about having fun and experimenting. Use whatever you got.

This Creamy chicken casserole will impress even the picky eaters.

Cooking Method: Casserole Bliss!

Alright, let’s dive into the nitty-gritty of making our famous Chicken wild rice casserole . Honestly, this is one of those easy casserole recipe that's practically foolproof.

Trust me, even I can't mess it up, and that's saying something.

Prep Like a Pro

First, the mise en place . It sounds fancy, right? It just means getting everything ready. Dice your carrots, celery, and onion.

Mince the garlic. Cube the chicken. Having all this ready before you start cooking will save you so much time and stress.

You know that panic when you realize you forgot to chop the onions halfway through? Yeah, avoid that!

I always cook extra rice. I toss it in salads or use it for a quick stir-fry later in the week.

Boom, time saved. Also, remember to wash your hands before you start. Food safety first, always!

Getting Down to Business: Step-by-Step

Here’s how to make this comfort food casserole :

1. Cook the wild rice. Use chicken broth for extra flavor. Drain after.
2. Sauté your veggies. It takes about 5- 7 minutes . They should be soft.
3. Add the chicken and garlic. Cook for another 5- 7 minutes . No pink chicken here!
4. Mix rice, chicken, and cream of mushroom soup together. Maybe sour cream too.
5. Put it in your dish. Top with cheese and breadcrumbs. Drizzle with butter.
6. Bake at 350° F ( 175° C) for 35- 40 minutes . It should be bubbly and golden.

Pro Tips: Casserole Edition

One of my top tips? Don't overcook the chicken! Dry chicken in a creamy chicken casserole is a crime. Also, toasting the panko breadcrumbs before adding them to the casserole gives the topping a fantastic crunch.

Don't skip the cheese either! The cheese helps bind it all together and adds a beautiful flavor. And I like to use panko breadcrumbs over regular bread crumbs, which get crispier.

If you are thinking ahead, this is a great make ahead casserole recipe . Prepare the filling the day before. Store it in the fridge.

Then just add the topping and bake!

This Chicken wild rice casserole recipe is perfect. It’s the ultimate weeknight dinner casserole , or even a hit at potluck casserole ideas .

So, next time you're looking for a little something to fill you up, give it a go!

Recipe Notes: Elevating Your Chicken Wild Rice Casserole

This Chicken Wild Rice Casserole recipe is already fab, but let's talk about taking it from "nice" to "Oh my gosh, this is amazing!" I've tweaked this recipe countless times.

So trust me, these tips will make your casserole sing.

Serving Suggestions: Plating Like a Pro

Presentation matters, you know? I like to scoop this creamy chicken casserole into a nice dish. Then, I garnish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley.

A side of steamed green beans or a simple salad really balances the richness. A crisp glass of Pinot Grigio also hits the spot.

It cuts through the comfort food casserole perfectly. Honestly, even a basic bread roll is welcome for soaking up all that yummy sauce.

Storage Tips: Keepin' it Fresh

Got leftovers? Lucky you! Refrigerate the Chicken Wild Rice Casserole in an airtight container for up to 3 days. To freeze, let it cool completely.

Then, wrap tightly in foil and freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat in the oven at 350° F ( 175° C) until heated through.

Add a splash of chicken broth if it seems dry. You can even portion the make ahead casserole recipe before freezing for easy single servings!

Wild Rice Casserole Variations: Tailor to Your Taste!

Want to mix things up? For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free cream of mushroom soup. Also switch to gluten-free breadcrumbs.

Veggie swap? Add some roasted butternut squash during fall. It adds a touch of sweetness. One time, I used leftover cooked turkey instead of chicken.

It was still delicious. These wild rice casserole variations are seriously endless.

Nutrition Basics: A Little Bit About the Goodness

Okay, so each serving clocks in at about 415 calories. You get a good 27g of protein, mainly from the chicken.

The wild rice adds fibre. This is important for gut health. The chicken casserole with wild rice also gives you a decent dose of vitamins and minerals.

Just remember that the sodium is a bit high at 654mg, so maybe go easy on the salt when seasoning.

It makes the perfect potluck casserole ideas with all the nutritious properties, if balanced!

So, there you have it! Some extra tips and tricks to really nail this Chicken wild rice casserole. Don't be afraid to experiment and make it your own.

You've got this!. It will be your favorite easy casserole recipe ever!