Description
Hearty chicken wild rice casserole delivers comfort from Minnesota kitchens with creamy textures and robust flavors. Home cooks savor this classic midwestern dish that welcomes you to the table with warmth and satisfaction.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 cups chicken, shredded (rotisserie)
- 2 cups wild rice, cooked (from ¾ cup uncooked)
- 4 tbsps (60 g) butter
- 3 tbsps all-purpose flour
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup milk (or half-and-half)
- 8 oz (226 g) mushrooms, sliced
- ½ cup panko breadcrumbs (or crushed Ritz crackers)
- ½ cup cheddar cheese, shredded
- ¼ cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp dried thyme
- ½ tsp smoked paprika (optional)
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp onion powder
- 2 tbsps butter, melted
- 2 tbsps parsley, chopped (for garnish, optional)
Instructions
- Rice Preparation: Thoroughly rinse wild rice and simmer in salted water until grains become tender and liquid is mostly absorbed, about 45-50 minutes.
- Vegetable Sauté: Caramelize onions, celery, garlic, and mushrooms in a skillet, infusing with thyme, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper until vegetables are translucent and fragrant.
- Sauce Creation: Craft a luxurious base by whisking butter and flour into a golden roux, gradually blending chicken broth and milk while continuously stirring to prevent lumps, then incorporate garlic powder, onion powder, cheddar, and parmesan until smooth and slightly thickened.
- Casserole Assembly: Merge cooked wild rice, shredded chicken, sautéed vegetables, and creamy sauce in a large bowl, ensuring even distribution of ingredients, then transfer to a baking dish.
- Breadcrumb Topping: Combine panko breadcrumbs with melted butter and generously scatter over the casserole surface for a crisp, golden exterior.
- Baking Process: Roast in a preheated oven until the top achieves a rich golden-brown color and edges become effervescent, creating a tantalizing textural contrast.
- Serving Finale: Rest the casserole momentarily to allow ingredients to settle, then garnish with fresh parsley for a vibrant presentation and serve immediately.
Notes
- Rice Rinsing Technique: Thoroughly rinse wild rice under cold water to remove excess starch and prevent clumping, ensuring each grain cooks separately and maintains a perfect texture.
- Vegetable Sautéing Secret: Cook vegetables on medium heat until they become translucent and release their natural moisture, concentrating flavors and preventing a watery casserole.
- Sauce Smoothness Strategy: Whisk continuously while adding liquid to the roux to prevent lumps, creating a silky-smooth sauce that coats ingredients evenly and enhances overall taste.
- Gluten-Free Adaptation: Substitute regular flour with gluten-free flour blend or cornstarch, and use gluten-free breadcrumbs to make the casserole suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Category: Dinner, Lunch
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 7
- Calories: 330
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 15 g
- Saturated Fat: 9 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 34 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 22 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg