Chicken and Wild Rice Casserole: The Ultimate Comfort Food Recipe
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Indulge in this cozy, and comforting Chicken and Wild Rice Casserole. This recipe is perfect for those busy weeknights or any time you crave a nourishing dish that brings warmth and satisfaction to the table. Featuring tender chicken, the unique nutty flavor of wild rice, and a blend of aromatic herbs, this casserole is a flavorful, one-pan sensation that the entire family will absolutely love! It is a great way to have a hearty healthy meal with minimal effort.
Looking for more great ways to cook with rice and beans? Discover 12 of My Favorite Bean & Rice Recipes – Easy, Delicious, and Budget-Friendly!
Why Choose Chicken and Wild Rice Casserole?
This Chicken and Wild Rice Casserole is not only delicious but also incredibly nutritious! Wild rice is naturally packed with fiber, protein, and essential vitamins and minerals, making it a healthy and hearty complement to the tender chicken. It is a great way to have a good and balance meal with a variety of vitamins. This meal is also a one-pan wonder, which means minimal cleanup and maximum flavor with a simple baking process! Perfect for those busy evenings or for anyone who enjoys a straightforward, satisfying meal.
Pro Tips for the Perfect Chicken and Wild Rice Casserole:
- Achieve Fluffy Rice: The key to a perfect casserole is ensuring the wild rice fully absorbs the broth during cooking. This will result in a delightfully fluffy and tender texture, enhancing the overall taste and mouthfeel of the dish. If the rice is too dry, add a bit more broth during baking.
- Prevent Sticking: To avoid the frustration of a stuck-on casserole, use a non-stick baking pan or thoroughly grease your baking dish before adding the ingredients. This simple step will make serving and cleaning up a breeze, allowing you to enjoy your meal without any hassle. You can use cooking spray or a light coating of oil.
- Boost the Flavor Profile: Elevate the taste of your casserole by toasting the wild rice in a dry skillet before baking. This process will bring out a deeper, more pronounced nutty flavor that perfectly complements the other ingredients. This is an optional step but it adds a lot to the overall flavor.
- Customize Your Casserole: Feel free to get creative with your ingredients! Add sliced mushrooms, sweet peas, or colorful bell peppers to boost the veggie content and nutritional value of the casserole. For those who enjoy a bit of heat, consider adding some diced jalapeños for a spicy kick. Get creative and use what you have!
Serving Suggestions for Chicken and Wild Rice Casserole:
This versatile casserole can stand alone as a complete and satisfying meal, offering a harmonious blend of protein, grains, and vegetables. However, to create an even more complete and enjoyable dining experience, consider serving it alongside a fresh side salad with a light vinaigrette, roasted seasonal vegetables, or a warm, crusty bread for soaking up the delicious sauce. To drink, it pairs beautifully with a crisp, light white wine such as Pinot Grigio, or a refreshing glass of iced tea.
Storing Your Leftover Casserole:
- Refrigerating: To properly store leftover Chicken and Wild Rice Casserole, transfer it to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 5 days. This will ensure that the casserole remains fresh and safe to eat.
- Freezing: For longer storage, cool the casserole completely before placing it in a freezer-safe container. Properly frozen, it can be stored for up to 3 months without significant loss of flavor or texture. When ready to enjoy, thaw the casserole in the refrigerator overnight and reheat it with a splash of chicken broth to restore moisture and refresh the flavors.
Chicken and Wild Rice Casserole Recipe
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 40 minutes
Servings: 6
Ingredients:
- 2-3 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- ¼ yellow onion, diced
- 1 tbsp minced garlic
- ½ tsp dried thyme
- ½ tsp dried rosemary
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- ½ tsp chili powder
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp pepper
- 1 ½ cups uncooked wild rice
- ½ cup uncooked orzo
- 2 large carrots, sliced
- 2 large ribs celery, diced
- 3 ¼ cups chicken broth
- 6 tbsp butter, sliced thin
Cooking Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Thoroughly spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with non-stick cooking spray to prevent the casserole from sticking.
- In the prepared baking dish, combine the chicken, olive oil, diced onion, minced garlic, dried thyme, dried rosemary, Italian seasoning, chili powder, salt, pepper, uncooked wild rice, uncooked orzo pasta, sliced carrots, diced celery, and chicken broth. Gently stir all of the ingredients together to ensure that they are well combined and that the chicken pieces are not overlapping each other.
- Evenly distribute the slices of butter over the top of the casserole mixture. This will add richness and flavor as the casserole bakes.
- Tightly cover the baking dish with aluminum foil to trap in the moisture and promote even cooking. Bake in the preheated oven for 65 minutes.
- Carefully remove the foil from the baking dish. Stir the casserole slightly to redistribute the ingredients. Continue baking for an additional 20 minutes, or until the wild rice is tender and the chicken is cooked through.
Hi! I’m Julia Pacheco, a published cookbook author and passionate food creator. I love creating delicious, budget-friendly meals that bring people together. From helping my mom in the kitchen as a child, to navigating life while on WIC and food stamps, I understand the importance of making every meal count.
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Chicken and Wild Rice Casserole
Julia Pacheco
10
minutes
1
hour
30
minutes
1
hour
40
minutes
6
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