Description
This Chicken and Wild Rice Casserole is a hearty and comforting dish combining tender cubed chicken, flavorful wild rice, and earthy mushrooms in a creamy, cheesy sauce. Perfect for a family dinner, it offers a blend of savory herbs and melted cheddar cheese baked to bubbly perfection.
Ingredients
Scale
Rice and Vegetables
- 6 ounces wild rice mixture (1 package)
- 1 small onion, diced
- 6 ounces brown mushrooms or cremini, sliced
Chicken and Seasoning
- 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts, cubed
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- ½ teaspoon dried basil
- ¼ teaspoon dried thyme leaves
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
Sauce and Cheese
- 1 can condensed cream of mushroom soup
- ⅓ cup sour cream
- 2 tablespoons chicken broth
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese, divided
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a 9×13 inch baking dish with heavy-duty foil to ensure easy cleanup and prevent sticking.
- Sauté Onion and Mushrooms: In a saucepan over medium heat, cook the diced onion and sliced mushrooms until they are slightly softened and aromatic, enhancing their flavor for the casserole.
- Cook Wild Rice: Add the wild rice mixture and the required water to the saucepan, then cook according to the package directions until the rice is tender and fluffy.
- Prepare Chicken: While the rice cooks, toss the cubed chicken breasts with dried basil, dried thyme, salt, and black pepper. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat and brown the chicken on all sides until it is nearly cooked through, sealing in juices.
- Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, mix the cooked rice, browned chicken, cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, chicken broth, and half (½ cup) of the shredded cheddar cheese. Stir well until all components are evenly combined.
- Assemble and Bake: Spread the mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish and cover it with the heavy-duty foil. Bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes, allowing flavors to meld.
- Add Cheese Topping: Remove the foil carefully and sprinkle the remaining ½ cup of cheddar cheese over the casserole. Return to the oven and bake for an additional 5 to 7 minutes until the cheese is melted and the casserole is bubbly.
- Rest and Serve: Let the casserole rest for 10 minutes after baking to allow it to set, making it easier to serve and enjoy.
Notes
- Chicken & wild rice casserole is a creamy & cheesy casserole that everyone loves, making it perfect for family dinners or potlucks.
- Be sure to brown the chicken properly to develop deeper flavor and ensure it is cooked through.
- Using heavy-duty foil in the baking dish helps with easy cleanup and prevents sticking.
- You can substitute sour cream with Greek yogurt for a lighter option.
- Feel free to add vegetables like peas or carrots to increase nutritional value and color.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 299 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 496 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 9 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 1 g
- Carbohydrates: 8 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 25 g
- Cholesterol: 90 mg
