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Cozy Creamy Chicken and Wild Rice Casserole with Mushrooms

cozy creamy chicken and wild rice casserole with mushrooms - featured image
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A rich and creamy chicken and wild rice casserole with deeply caramelized mushrooms, tender chicken, and a luscious herb-infused sauce. Perfect for cozy nights and sure to become a family favorite.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 1 cup wild rice blend (e.g., Lundberg)
  • 8 ounces cremini mushrooms, sliced
  • 4 ounces shiitake mushrooms, sliced
  • 1 medium yellow onion, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 3 cups low-sodium chicken broth
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves (or 1 teaspoon dried)
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary, crushed
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour (or 1:1 gluten-free flour blend)
  • Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Position a rack in the middle.
  2. Season chicken pieces with salt and pepper. Heat 1 tablespoon butter and olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken and cook until golden brown on all sides, about 5-7 minutes. Transfer to a plate and set aside.
  3. In the same skillet, add remaining 1 tablespoon butter. Add sliced cremini and shiitake mushrooms. Spread in an even layer and cook undisturbed for 4-5 minutes until deeply browned. Stir once and cook another 3-4 minutes until glossy and shrunken. Let any liquid cook off until pan is mostly dry.
  4. Add diced onion to mushrooms and cook for 3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until softened. Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  5. Sprinkle flour over mushroom mixture and stir constantly for 1 minute to cook out raw flour taste.
  6. Slowly pour in chicken broth while stirring constantly, scraping up browned bits from the bottom. Bring to a gentle simmer; mixture will thicken slightly.
  7. Stir in heavy cream, fresh thyme, and crushed rosemary. Add wild rice blend and return chicken to skillet, nestling into the liquid.
  8. Bring to a gentle boil, then cover skillet with lid or aluminum foil. Transfer to oven and bake for 40-45 minutes. Halfway through, stir gently to ensure even rice cooking.
  9. After 40 minutes, remove foil and check rice. It should be tender and most liquid absorbed. If rice is still firm, cover and bake another 10 minutes. If dry, add a splash of broth.
  10. Once rice is tender, remove from oven and let rest 5 minutes. Sauce will continue to thicken. Taste and adjust salt and pepper. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve warm.

Notes

Don’t rush the mushrooms; let them brown undisturbed for deep flavor. Use a wild rice blend for best texture. Season in layers for maximum flavor. Let casserole rest 5-10 minutes before serving to thicken sauce.

Nutrition

Keywords: chicken casserole, wild rice casserole, creamy chicken casserole, mushroom casserole, comfort food, easy dinner

Find it online: https://sparklechew.com/cozy-creamy-chicken-and-wild-rice-casserole-with-mushrooms/