Description
A delicious chicken wild rice casserole baked to perfection, combining tender chicken, wild rice, and a creamy white sauce.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 pound (454 g) boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into cubes
- 1 tablespoon (15 ml) oil (olive oil recommended)
- ½ cup (75 g) finely chopped onion
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 8 oz (227 g) mushrooms, sliced
- 1 ½ cup (270 g) uncooked wild rice blend
- 4 ¼ cups (1 L) chicken broth (low-sodium preferred)
- ¼ cup (57 g) butter
- 3 tablespoons (24 g) flour
- 1 cup (240 ml) milk
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt & pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat the oven to 400°F (204°C). This ensures even cooking for the casserole and helps develop a golden top.
- Step 2: While the oven heats, bring the chicken broth to a boil. Cook the wild rice blend according to package instructions, monitoring closely to avoid undercooking or mushiness.
- Step 3: Heat oil over medium-high heat in a large skillet. Season the cubed chicken with salt and pepper. Add to the hot skillet and sear for 2-3 minutes per side until chicken pieces are browned and juices are locked in. Remove chicken from the skillet. If chicken is not browned properly, continue cooking for an additional 2 minutes.
- Step 4: To the same skillet, add the chopped onion, garlic, and sliced mushrooms. Cook for 5-7 minutes until softened and slightly browned, releasing a rich aroma. Remove from heat.
- Step 5: Melt butter in the skillet. Stir in flour and cook until it is lightly golden brown. Gradually whisk in milk until smooth, ensuring no lumps form.
- Step 6: Season the sauce with thyme, salt, and pepper. Cook for 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens and becomes velvety. Visual cue is a smooth, creamy texture coating the back of a spoon. If sauce becomes too thick, whisk in ¼ cup (60 ml) chicken broth to loosen.
- Step 7: In the casserole dish, mix together the cooked wild rice, browned chicken, sautéed vegetables, and white sauce until evenly coated.
- Step 8: Bake the casserole in the preheated oven for about 20 minutes until it is hot, bubbly, and has a lightly golden top. Stir the casserole halfway through baking if desired to ensure even heating.
Notes
- Room Temperature: Store casserole covered in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days to maintain moisture.
- Refrigeration: Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Reheat thoroughly before serving.
- Freezing: Portion casserole and wrap tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. Freeze up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
- For properly browned chicken, cook an extra 2 minutes if initial sear is insufficient. This enhances flavor and texture.
- When rice is undercooked, check 5 minutes before package timing. Add more broth and simmer longer if needed.
- If sauce is too thick, add ¼ cup (60 ml) chicken broth while cooking sauce to achieve desired consistency.
- Stir casserole halfway through baking to ensure even heating and prevent cold spots.
- When reheating leftovers, add a splash of chicken broth to maintain moistness and flavor.
- Serve this casserole alongside fresh arugula salad or steamed green beans. Garlic roasted zucchini or mashed cauliflower offer complementary flavors and nutrients.
- Use leftovers as filling for stuffed peppers, baked potatoes, quesadillas, or mix into omelets for a hearty meal.
- Top with freshly chopped parsley, a sprinkle of cheese, a drizzle of lemon juice, or a creamy mushroom sauce to enhance flavor.
- Substitute non-dairy milk for a dairy-free white sauce option.
- Use different mushroom varieties for diverse umami profiles.
- Replace chicken breasts with chicken thighs for richer flavor and moisture.
- Use boneless, skinless chicken breasts for tender, juicy meat.
- Choose a high-quality wild rice blend for earthy flavor and chewy texture.
- Low-sodium chicken broth controls saltiness and enriches the casserole’s overall flavor.
- For best texture, grate your own sharp cheddar cheese if adding cheese to variation.
- Dice onion evenly to ensure uniform cooking in sauté step.
- Select firm, crisp celery if incorporating additional vegetables for crunch and freshness.
Nutrition
- Calories: Not specified
- Sugar: Not specified
- Sodium: Not specified
- Fat: Not specified
- Saturated Fat: Not specified
- Unsaturated Fat: Not specified
- Trans Fat: Not specified
- Carbohydrates: Not specified
- Fiber: Not specified
- Protein: Not specified
- Cholesterol: Not specified