Description

A cozy, one-pot dinner featuring tender wild rice, rotisserie chicken, and a rich cheesy sauce. This easy weeknight meal is freezer-friendly and perfect for busy families.

Ingredients

Scale

3 tablespoons unsalted butter
1 medium yellow onion, finely diced
2 medium carrots, diced
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup wild rice blend
2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
1 cup heavy cream
2 cups shredded rotisserie chicken
1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
1/2 cup Gruyère cheese, grated
1 teaspoon dried thyme
Salt and black pepper to taste
Optional: 1 cup frozen peas
Optional: 1 cup sliced mushrooms

Instructions

Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
Dice the onion and carrots, and mince the garlic. Shred the chicken and grate the cheese.
Heat butter in a large oven-safe skillet over medium heat. Add onions and carrots, sautéing for 5-7 minutes until translucent and tender.
Add garlic and thyme, cooking for 1 minute until fragrant.
Add wild rice blend to the skillet and toast for 1-2 minutes.
Pour in chicken broth and heavy cream. Stir to combine, scraping up browned bits. Simmer for 5-7 minutes until rice starts to soften.
Remove skillet from heat. Stir in shredded chicken and half of the cheese. Season with salt and pepper.
If using, stir in mushrooms or peas.
Sprinkle remaining cheese on top.
Bake for 20-25 minutes until cheese is bubbly and golden, and rice is tender.
Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

Toast the rice to enhance flavor. Use low-sodium broth to control saltiness. Grate your own cheese for better melting. Let the casserole rest before serving to thicken the sauce. If rice is crunchy, add more broth and bake longer. If sauce is too thick, add more broth or cream.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Category: Main Course
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 480
Sugar: 4
Sodium: 520
Fat: 22
Saturated Fat: 12
Carbohydrates: 45
Fiber: 3
Protein: 22

Keywords: chicken casserole, wild rice, one pot meal, easy dinner, comfort food, rotisserie chicken, creamy rice