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Chicken Wild Rice Casserole

Chicken Wild Rice Casserole

  • Author: Kevin
  • Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings 1x
  • Diet: Gluten Free

Description

This Chicken Wild Rice Casserole combines tender chicken, nutty wild rice, and creamy (plant-based) cheese with savory smoked turkey bacon in a comforting, hearty dish perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions. Easy to prepare and customizable, it offers rich flavors using simple ingredients and is ideal for make-ahead meals.

Ingredients

Scale

Proteins

  • 2 cups cooked chicken breast or thighs, cubed
  • 4 strips smoked turkey bacon

Grains

  • 1 cup wild rice blend

Vegetables and Aromatics

  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 cup mushrooms, chopped (optional but recommended)

Liquids and Sauces

  • 2 cups chicken broth
  • 2 tablespoons vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural)
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar (natural)

Other Ingredients

  • 1 cup creamy (plant-based) cheese, shredded
  • 1 teaspoon natural gelling agent
  • 2 tablespoons fresh herbs (thyme and parsley), chopped
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Wild Rice: Cook the wild rice blend according to package instructions, usually about 45 minutes until tender but still chewy. Drain and set aside.
  2. Cook the Chicken and Turkey Bacon: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the smoked turkey bacon until crispy. Remove, chop into bite-sized pieces, and set aside. In the same skillet, sear the chicken breasts or thighs until golden on both sides and fully cooked through. Remove and cube the chicken.
  3. Sauté Aromatics and Mushrooms: Using the skillet with the rendered turkey bacon fat, sauté the diced onions and minced garlic until fragrant and translucent. Add the chopped mushrooms and cook until their moisture evaporates and they brown slightly.
  4. Combine Ingredients and Make Sauce: Return the chicken and turkey bacon to the skillet, then add the cooked wild rice, chicken broth, vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural), apple cider vinegar (natural), and season with salt and pepper. Sprinkle in the natural gelling agent and stir continuously until the sauce thickens and coats everything evenly.
  5. Bake the Casserole: Transfer the mixture into a greased casserole dish. Top with shredded creamy (plant-based) cheese and sprinkle with fresh herbs. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 25 to 30 minutes, until bubbly and golden on top.

Notes

  • Use leftover cooked chicken to save time.
  • Toast the wild rice briefly before cooking for extra nuttiness.
  • Do not skip the onion and garlic they’re essential for depth of flavor.
  • Let the casserole rest for 10 minutes after baking to settle and thicken.
  • If the mixture appears dry before baking, add more chicken broth for a creamy consistency.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 cup
  • Calories: 350 kcal
  • Sugar: 2 g
  • Sodium: 550 mg
  • Fat: 12 g
  • Saturated Fat: 3 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 32 g
  • Fiber: 4 g
  • Protein: 30 g
  • Cholesterol: 60 mg

Keywords: chicken casserole, wild rice casserole, plant-based cheese, smoked turkey bacon, comforting meals, gluten free casserole

Find it online: https://yumwayrecipes.com/chicken-wild-rice-casserole/