Such a hearty recipe! I love making this dish so much, I do it at least 24 times a year!

This Chicken and Wild Rice Casserole is a deeply satisfying and flavorful dish, perfect for a comforting family dinner. Tender chicken and vegetables are enveloped in a creamy, savory sauce, all mixed with earthy wild rice. Baked to bubbly perfection, it’s a wholesome and delicious meal in one convenient dish.

Chicken and Wild Rice Casserole

Ingredients:

Instructions:

1. Preheat Oven & Cook Rice: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Cook the 1 1/2 cups wild rice blend in 3 cups chicken broth according to the package instructions. Once done, set the cooked rice aside.
2. Sauté Aromatics: In a large skillet (preferably oven-safe if you want to use the same pan for baking, otherwise a separate casserole dish is needed later), heat 2 tablespoons olive oil over medium heat. Add the 1 medium diced onion and 2 minced cloves garlic, sautéing until the onion is translucent, about 3-5 minutes.
3. Cook Chicken: Increase the heat to medium-high. Add the 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts (cut into bite-sized pieces) to the skillet. Season with 1 teaspoon dried thyme, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is browned on all sides and cooked through.
4. Sauté Vegetables: Stir in the 1 cup sliced mushrooms and 1 cup diced carrots with the chicken. Continue to cook for another 5 minutes until the vegetables are tender-crisp.
5. Make Sauce: Sprinkle 1/4 cup all-purpose flour over the chicken and vegetable mixture in the skillet, stirring to coat evenly for about 1 minute. Gradually pour in the 1 3/4 cups milk, stirring continuously as the mixture thickens to create a creamy sauce.
6. Combine & Assemble: Remove the skillet from heat. Gently stir in the cooked wild rice, 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, and 1/2 cup sour cream until everything is well combined and coated in the sauce.
7. Bake: Transfer the mixture into a greased casserole dish (if not using an oven-safe skillet). If desired, sprinkle the top with 1/2 cup slivered almonds or crumbled crispy bacon for a pleasant crunch. Bake uncovered for about 25-30 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbly around the edges and the top gets a touch golden brown.
8. Rest & Serve: Let the casserole sit for 5 minutes after removing it from the oven. This allows the flavors to meld further and the sauce to set slightly. Serve warm.

Enjoy this comforting Chicken and Wild Rice Casserole!