Cheesy Chicken and Wild Rice Delight
This Cheesy Chicken and Wild Rice Delight is a comforting dish that combines the hearty flavors of seasoned chicken and wild rice with a creamy, cheesy sauce that the whole family will love. Perfect for meal prep, this casserole can be made in bulk and frozen for future dinners, making it an excellent choice for busy weeknights or for sharing with friends and family in need. With a blend of tender vegetables, rich sour cream, and flavorful cheddar, this dish guarantees a satisfying meal with every bite. It's also easily adaptable to suit dietary preferences by using lighter ingredients, so everyone can enjoy a delicious serving.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
12
Ingredients
Ingredients
quick-cooking long grain and wild rice mix
2 (6 1/4 ounce packages, cooked according to package directions)
butter
1/4 (cup)
onions
2 (medium, chopped)
celery
4 (stalks, chopped)
water chestnuts
2 (8 ounce cans, sliced and drained)
cooked chicken
5 (cups, chopped)
cheddar cheese
1 (lb, shredded (divided into 4 cups))
cream of mushroom soup
2 (10 3/4 ounce cans, undiluted)
sour cream
16 (ounces)
milk
1 (cup)
salt
1/2 (teaspoon)
pepper
1/2 (teaspoon)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2
Prepare the wild rice according to the package instructions and set it aside once cooked.
3
In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onions, celery, and drained water chestnuts. Sauté until the vegetables are tender and the onions are translucent, about 5-7 minutes.
4
In a very large mixing bowl, combine the cooked wild rice, sautéed vegetable mixture, 3 cups of shredded cheddar cheese, chopped cooked chicken, cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, milk, salt, and pepper. Stir until well combined.
5
Pour the mixture into a lightly greased 15x10 inch baking dish or a 4-quart casserole. Spread it evenly.
6
Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes until bubbling.
7
Remove from the oven and sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese on top. Return to the oven and bake for an additional 5 minutes or until the cheese is melted and golden.
8
Let it cool slightly before serving. Enjoy your Cheesy Chicken and Wild Rice Delight!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Cheesy Chicken and Wild Rice Delight?
Cheesy Chicken and Wild Rice Delight is a comforting casserole combining seasoned chicken, wild rice, and vegetables in a creamy cheddar sauce.
Can I freeze this casserole?
Yes, this casserole can be made in bulk and frozen for future dinners, making it an excellent freezer-friendly option.
What oven temperature is required for baking?
The oven should be preheated to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius).
How much chicken is needed for the recipe?
The recipe calls for 5 cups of chopped cooked chicken.
What type of cheese is recommended?
The recipe uses shredded cheddar cheese, specifically 1 pound divided into 4 cups.
How much total cheese is used in the dish?
A total of 4 cups (1 pound) of shredded cheddar cheese is used in the recipe.
When should I add the final layer of cheese?
The final cup of shredded cheddar should be sprinkled on top after the initial 30-minute bake, then baked for an additional 5 minutes.
How long does the casserole take to bake initially?
The casserole should bake for 30 minutes in the preheated oven until bubbling.
What size baking dish should be used?
You can use a lightly greased 15x10 inch baking dish or a 4-quart casserole dish.
Does the rice need to be cooked before mixing?
Yes, the wild rice should be prepared according to the package instructions before being mixed with the other ingredients.
What vegetables are included in this recipe?
The recipe includes medium chopped onions, chopped celery stalks, and sliced water chestnuts.
How long should I sauté the vegetables?
The onions, celery, and water chestnuts should be sautéed in butter for 5 to 7 minutes until tender.
What type of soup is used in the base?
The recipe requires two 10.75 ounce cans of undiluted cream of mushroom soup.
How much sour cream is needed?
The recipe calls for 16 ounces of sour cream.
Is milk used in this casserole?
Yes, the recipe includes 1 cup of milk to help create the creamy sauce.
How much butter is used to sauté the vegetables?
Use 1/4 cup of butter for sautéing the vegetable mixture.
How many cans of water chestnuts are required?
You will need two 8 ounce cans of sliced and drained water chestnuts.
Is this dish suitable for meal prep?
Yes, it is specifically noted as being perfect for meal prep because it can be made in bulk.
Can I adapt this recipe for dietary preferences?
Yes, the dish is easily adaptable by using lighter ingredients to suit specific dietary needs.
How many stalks of celery are used?
The recipe requires 4 stalks of chopped celery.
What type of rice mix is needed?
The recipe uses two 6.25 ounce packages of quick-cooking long grain and wild rice mix.
Should the casserole cool before serving?
Yes, it is recommended to let the dish cool slightly before serving for better consistency.
Is this dish considered comfort food?
Yes, it is described as a comforting and hearty meal for the whole family.
Is this a southern cooking recipe?
Yes, the recipe is tagged under southern cooking.
How much salt and pepper should be added?
Add 1/2 teaspoon of salt and 1/2 teaspoon of pepper to the mixture.
How many onions are required?
The recipe calls for 2 medium onions, chopped.
What is the final texture of the dish?
The dish features tender vegetables and chicken in a rich, bubbling, and creamy cheesy sauce.
Is this recipe easy to prepare?
Yes, it is categorized as an easy dinner option suitable for busy weeknights.
How much cheese goes into the initial mixture?
Three cups of shredded cheddar are combined in the mixing bowl with the other ingredients before baking.
Can I share this meal with friends?
Yes, this casserole is recommended for sharing with friends and family who may be in need of a hearty meal.