Description

A warm and comforting Chicken Wild Rice Casserole featuring tender chicken, nutty wild rice blend, and a creamy plant-based sauce. This wholesome dish is perfect for family dinners or cozy nights, combining vibrant flavors and satisfying textures in a hearty, nourishing meal.

Ingredients

Scale

Protein and Grains

2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced
2 cups pre-cooked wild rice blend

Vegetables and Aromatics

1 cup sliced mushrooms
1 medium onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup celery, finely chopped
1 cup carrots, finely chopped

Sauces and Seasonings

1 tablespoon vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural)
1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar (natural)
Salt, to taste
Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Dairy Alternatives and Thickeners

2 tablespoons plant-based butter
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour or natural gelling agent
2 cups plant-based milk (your favorite variety)
1/4 cup plant-based cheese (optional)

Herbs

2 tablespoons fresh parsley or thyme, chopped

Instructions

Prepare the Ingredients: Cook the wild rice according to package instructions. Shred or dice cooked chicken. Finely chop onion, garlic, celery, carrots, and mushrooms for even cooking.
Sauté the Vegetables: Heat plant-based butter in a large pan over medium heat. Add onion, garlic, celery, and carrots. Sauté for 5-7 minutes until tender and fragrant. Add mushrooms and cook until they release their moisture and begin to brown.
Make the Creamy Sauce: Sprinkle flour or natural gelling agent over the cooked vegetables and stir to coat. Slowly pour in plant-based milk while stirring continuously to avoid lumps. Add vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural), apple cider vinegar (natural), salt, and freshly ground pepper. Simmer gently until the sauce thickens into a luscious base.
Combine Chicken and Wild Rice: Add cooked chicken and wild rice to the creamy sauce. Mix thoroughly until everything is evenly coated. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Fold in fresh herbs and plant-based cheese (optional) for extra flavor.
Bake and Serve: Transfer mixture into a greased casserole dish. Bake in a preheated oven at 180°C (350°F) for 25-30 minutes until the top is golden and bubbly. Let rest briefly before serving to allow flavors to meld.

Notes

Use leftover cooked chicken such as rotisserie chicken to save time.
Cook wild rice ahead of time to reduce preparation duration.
Do not overcook vegetables to maintain slightly firm texture after baking.
Add a splash of plant-based milk if casserole seems dry before baking to adjust creaminess.
This dish freezes well and can be doubled for make-ahead meals.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 cup
Calories: 320
Sugar: 4g
Sodium: 450mg
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Unsaturated Fat: 7g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 28g
Fiber: 3g
Protein: 22g
Cholesterol: 0mg

Keywords: Chicken casserole, wild rice casserole, plant-based casserole, easy family dinner, creamy chicken rice bake, gluten-free casserole