Chicken-And-Wild Rice Casserole
+3 photos

Chicken-And-Wild Rice Casserole

Chicken and wild rice casserole is a tried-and-true chicken casserole that wins over family and guests time and time again. It's also special enough for a holiday meal when the standard turkey or ham won't do.

Ingredients

  • package sliced almonds

    toasted

    1
  • boxes fast-cooking long-grain and wild rice mix
    2
  • 25 cup butter
  • celery ribs

    chopped

    4
  • onions

    chopped

    2 medium
  • chopped cooked chicken
    5 c
  • cans cream of mushroom soup
    2
  • cans chopped water chestnuts

    drained

    2
  • container sour cream
    1
  • milk
    1 c
  • 5 teaspoon table salt
  • 5 teaspoon freshly ground pepper
  • shredded cheddar cheese

    divided

    4 c
  • cooking spray
  • soft

    fresh breadcrumbs

    2 c

Directions

  1. 1

    Toast almonds: Preheat oven to 350°F. Bake almonds in a single layer in a shallow pan 4 to 6 minutes or until toasted and fragrant, stirring halfway through.

  2. 2

    Make rice: Prepare rice mixes according to package directions.

    Step 2
  3. 3

    Make casserole filling: Meanwhile, melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat; add celery and onions. Sauté 10 minutes or until tender. Stir in chicken, next 6 ingredients, rice, and 3 cups cheese. Spoon mixture into a lightly greased 15- x 10-inch baking dish or 2 (11- x 7-inch) baking dishes. Top with breadcrumbs.

    Step 3
  4. 4

    Bake casserole: Bake at 350°F for 35 minutes. Sprinkle with remaining 1 cup cheese, and top with toasted almonds. Bake 5 minutes.

    Step 4
Chicken-And-Wild Rice Casserole
+3

Chicken-And-Wild Rice Casserole

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About this Recipe

Looking for a comforting, crowd-pleasing dish that feels both special and familiar? This Chicken-And-Wild Rice Casserole is a true classic, winning over family and guests time and time again, and special enough for a holiday meal.

What makes this casserole a consistent favorite is the satisfying blend of hearty wild rice, tender chicken, and a rich, creamy sauce. The careful combination of ingredients, from the savory cream of mushroom soup to the tangy sour cream and milk, creates a deeply flavorful base. The inclusion of toasted almonds and crisp water chestnuts provides an irresistible textural contrast that elevates this dish beyond a simple weeknight meal.

Prepare for a deeply savory and wonderfully creamy experience. Each spoonful delivers succulent chunks of chicken, the distinctive chew of wild rice, and the satisfying crunch from the toasted almonds and water chestnuts. The chopped celery and onions add a subtle aromatic background, while the melted shredded cheddar cheese binds everything together with a comforting richness. It's a truly substantial and warming dish, designed to nourish and delight.

While delicious as is, you can easily adapt this casserole to your pantry or preferences. Try substituting pecans or walnuts for the almonds, or experiment with a different melty shredded cheese blend, such as Gruyère or Monterey Jack, in place of cheddar for a subtle flavor shift. If you prefer a milder onion flavor, you can use sweet onions.

Serve this hearty casserole as the star of your next family dinner, or as a standout entree for a holiday feast when you want something a little different from the usual fare. It's a complete meal on its own, perfect for gathering around the table.

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