Chicken and Wild Rice Casserole

Indulge in a hearty and comforting meal with our Chicken and Wild Rice Casserole recipe. This dish combines tender chicken, wholesome wild rice, flavorful vegetables, and creamy sauce, all baked to perfection for a satisfying dinner that will warm your soul. In this blog post, we’ll provide you with detailed instructions, cook notes, variations, and even keto and low-carb versions to suit different dietary preferences.

Ingredients:

Gather the following ingredients to make Chicken and Wild Rice Casserole:

• 1 1/2 cups wild rice blend
• 3 cups chicken broth
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 cup sliced mushrooms
• 1 cup diced carrots
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 3/4 cups milk
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 1/2 cup slivered almonds or crumbled crispy bacon for topping (optional)

Instructions:

Follow these simple steps to create your Chicken and Wild Rice Casserole:

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. Cook Rice: In a large saucepan, combine the wild rice blend and chicken broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 45-50 minutes, or until rice is tender and liquid is absorbed.
3. Prepare Chicken Mixture: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add diced onion and minced garlic, and cook until softened, about 3-4 minutes. Add the diced chicken breasts, dried thyme, salt, and black pepper. Cook until chicken is browned and cooked through, about 5-6 minutes.
4. Add Vegetables: Stir in the sliced mushrooms and diced carrots, and cook for an additional 3-4 minutes, until vegetables are slightly softened.
5. Make Sauce: Sprinkle the flour over the chicken and vegetable mixture, stirring to combine. Cook for 1-2 minutes, then gradually stir in the milk until smooth. Cook, stirring constantly, until sauce thickens, about 5 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and sour cream until well combined.
6. Assemble Casserole: In the prepared baking dish, layer half of the cooked wild rice, followed by half of the chicken mixture. Repeat the layers with the remaining rice and chicken mixture.
7. Bake: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until heated through and bubbly.
8. Add Toppings: If desired, sprinkle slivered almonds or crumbled crispy bacon over the top of the casserole during the last 5 minutes of baking.
9. Serve: Once baked, remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley if desired.

Cook Notes and Variations:

Here are some tips and variations to enhance your Chicken and Wild Rice Casserole:

• Creamy Texture: For an even creamier texture, add extra sour cream or cream cheese to the sauce mixture.
• Vegetable Variations: Feel free to customize the vegetable mix to your liking. Peas, bell peppers, or broccoli would all be delicious additions.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free flour or a cornstarch slurry to thicken the sauce for a gluten-free version of this casserole.

Keto and Low-Carb Versions:

For those following a keto or low-carb diet, here’s how you can modify the recipe:

Keto Version:

• Rice Substitute: Replace the wild rice blend with cauliflower rice for a low-carb option.
• Flour Substitute: Use almond flour or coconut flour instead of all-purpose flour to thicken the sauce.

Low-Carb Version:

• Carb-Conscious Vegetables: Choose low-carb vegetables such as zucchini, cauliflower, or spinach to reduce the carb content of the casserole.
• Dairy Modifications: Opt for full-fat dairy products and omit or reduce the amount of milk to lower the carb count.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):

Let’s address some common questions about making Chicken and Wild Rice Casserole:

Q: Can I use pre-cooked chicken for this recipe? A: Yes, you can use pre-cooked chicken or rotisserie chicken to save time. Simply add the cooked chicken to the skillet along with the vegetables and heat through.

Q: Can I freeze leftovers? A: Absolutely! Chicken and Wild Rice Casserole freezes well. Once cooled, portion the leftovers into airtight containers or freezer-safe bags and freeze for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw the casserole in the refrigerator overnight and bake in a preheated oven until heated through.

Q: Can I omit the sour cream? A: While sour cream adds creaminess to the dish, you can omit it if desired or substitute with Greek yogurt for a similar tangy flavor.

With its hearty combination of tender chicken, flavorful vegetables, creamy sauce, and nutty wild rice, our Chicken and Wild Rice Casserole is sure to become a family favorite. Whether you’re craving comfort food on a chilly evening or looking for a crowd-pleasing dish to share with loved ones, this recipe delivers on taste and satisfaction. Plus, with keto and low-carb variations available, it’s a versatile option that can accommodate different dietary needs. So gather your ingredients and enjoy a delicious homemade meal that will warm your heart and soul!