Best 2 Favorite Chicken And Wild Rice Casserole Recipes

Craving a hearty and comforting meal? Look no further than the classic chicken and wild rice casserole! This dish features tender chicken, fluffy wild rice, savory vegetables, and a creamy sauce, all baked together in a casserole dish until golden brown and bubbly. Whether you're a seasoned home cook or just starting out in the kitchen, this guide will help you navigate the world of chicken and wild rice casseroles, providing you with the tools and knowledge to create a dish that will become a family favorite.

Here are our top 2 tried and tested recipes!

FAVORITE CHICKEN AND WILD RICE CASSEROLE

Favorite Chicken and Wild Rice Casserole image

I found this in Southern Living several years ago and make it often, especially when bringing a meal to someone. It freezes well which is good since the recipe is much more than my family can eat. I usually make it either in 2 2qt baking dishes or 3 9x9 pans for freezing and add a little extra cheese on top. Light sour cream, lowfat milk and Healthy Request soup work well for a lower fat version.

Provided by LonghornMama

Categories Chicken

Time 1h5m

Yield 10 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 12

Ingredients

2 (6 1/4 ounce) packages quick-cooking long grain and wild rice mix
1/4 cup butter
2 medium onions, chopped
4 stalks celery, chopped
2 (8 ounce) cans sliced water chestnuts, drained
5 cups chopped cooked chicken
1 lb shredded cheddar cheese, divided (4 cups)
2 (10 3/4 ounce) cans cream of mushroom soup, undiluted
16 ounces sour cream
1 cup milk
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon pepper

Steps:

Prepare rice according to package directions; set aside.
Saute onion, celery and water chestnuts in butter until tender.
In a very large bowl, combine rice, onion mixture, 3 cups cheese, chicken, soup, sour cream, milk, salt and pepper.
Pour into a lightly greased 15x10 inch baking dish or 4 qt casserole.
Bake at 350 for 30 minutes.
Sprinkle with remaining 1 cup cheese and bake 5 minutes.

LESLIE'S FAVORITE CHICKEN-AND-WILD RICE CASSEROLE

Leslie's Favorite Chicken-And-Wild Rice Casserole image

This is similiar to others, but this one incorporates almonds for some added crunch! You can make and freeze the casserole ahead, or make two small casseroles.

Provided by Peggy V.

Categories Poultry

Time 1h5m

Yield 1 casserole, 10-12 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 14

Ingredients

2 (6 1/4 ounce) packages fast-cooking long grain and wild rice blend
1/4 cup butter
4 celery ribs, finely chopped
2 medium vidalia onions, finely chopped
2 (8 ounce) cans sliced water chestnuts, drained
5 cups chopped cooked chicken
4 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
2 (10 1/4 ounce) cans 98% fat-free cream of mushroom soup, undiluted
1 (16 ounce) container light sour cream
1 cup skim milk
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon pepper
1/2 cup soft breadcrumbs
1 (2 1/4 ounce) package sliced almonds, toasted

Steps:

Prepare rice mixes according to package directions. Melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat; add celery and onion. Saute 10 minutes or until tender. Stir in water chestnuts, rice, chicken, 3 cups cheese, and next 5 ingredients.
Spoon mixture into a lightly greased 15x10 baking dish or a 4 quart baking dish. Top casserole with breadcumbs. Bake at 350 degrees for 35 minutes. Sprinkle with remaining 1 cup cheese and almonds; bake 5 more minutes.
You can divide this casserole evenly between 2 11x7 baking dishes. Bake as directed above or freeze casserole up to 1 month. Remove form freezer, and let stand at room temperature 1 hour. Bake, covered, at 350 degrees for 30 minutes. Uncover casserole, and bake 55 more minutes. Sprinkle with remaining 1 cup cheese adn almonds, and bake 5 more minutes.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 488.8, Fat 32.5, SaturatedFat 17, Cholesterol 128.5, Sodium 561.4, Carbohydrate 15.9, Fiber 2.5, Sugar 3.1, Protein 33.6

Tips:

Mise en Place: Before you start cooking, make sure you have all your ingredients and tools ready to go. This will help you stay organized and avoid scrambling around in the middle of cooking.
Use High-Quality Ingredients: The better the quality of your ingredients, the better your casserole will taste. Look for organic, free-range chicken and wild rice, and use fresh vegetables whenever possible.
Cook the Wild Rice Properly: Wild rice takes longer to cook than white or brown rice, so make sure you allow enough time for it to cook through. You can cook it in a rice cooker or on the stovetop according to the package directions.
Don't Overcook the Chicken: Chicken can quickly become dry and tough if it's overcooked. Cook it just until it reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
Use a Creamy Sauce: A creamy sauce adds richness and flavor to the casserole. You can use a simple béchamel sauce or a more flavorful sauce made with cheese, mushrooms, or vegetables.
Add Some Crunch: A topping of crispy fried onions or breadcrumbs adds a nice textural contrast to the casserole. You can also add some chopped nuts or seeds for extra crunch.

Conclusion:

Chicken and wild rice casserole is a classic comfort food that's perfect for a weeknight meal or a special occasion. It's easy to make and can be tailored to your own taste preferences. With a few simple tips, you can make a delicious and satisfying casserole that your family and friends will love.