Description
Pioneer Woman Chicken Rice Casserole blends hearty comfort with creamy elegance. Cheesy chicken and rice layers meld into a satisfying family dinner that draws eager smiles around the table.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein:
- 3 cups cooked chicken, cubed
- 6 ounces shredded Gruyere cheese
- ⅓ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Grains and Vegetables:
- 1 ½ cups uncooked wild rice, preferably whole, uncracked wild rice
- 1 large yellow onion, chopped
- 4 large carrots, peeled and sliced ¼-inch thick
- 4 stalks celery, sliced ¼-inch thick
- 16 ounces button mushrooms, sliced ¼-inch thick
- 3 cups English muffin bread, cut into ½-inch pieces
Seasonings and Liquids:
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 3 large cloves garlic, minced
- ⅓ cup all-purpose flour
- 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- ⅔ cup half-and-half
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons minced fresh parsley, plus more for garnish
- 1 teaspoon minced fresh thyme leaves, plus more for garnish
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
- ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
Instructions
- Prepare the wild rice by cooking it according to package directions until the grains split and curl into a “C” shape, revealing their tender interior. Drain excess liquid and set aside.
- In a large pot, melt 4 tablespoons (60 milliliters) of butter over medium-high heat. Sauté mushrooms, onions, carrots, and celery until vegetables soften and onions become translucent, approximately 10-15 minutes.
- Add minced garlic to the vegetable mixture and cook for an additional 2 minutes, releasing its aromatic flavors.
- Dust the sautéed vegetables with flour, stirring thoroughly to coat. Cook for 2 minutes to eliminate raw flour taste, then gradually incorporate chicken broth, stirring continuously.
- Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and cook for 4-5 minutes until the sauce thickens and reaches a smooth consistency.
- Pour in half-and-half cream, continuing to cook for 2-3 minutes to enhance the sauce’s richness and thickness.
- Season the sauce with soy sauce, fresh parsley, thyme, salt, and pepper, mixing ingredients until well combined.
- Gently fold in the cooked wild rice and cubed chicken, ensuring even distribution throughout the sauce.
- Incorporate Gruyere and Parmesan cheeses, stirring carefully to create a uniform mixture. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
- Transfer the mixture to a large casserole dish, cover with a lid or aluminum foil, and bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 20-25 minutes until edges begin to bubble.
- Remove from oven and evenly distribute bread cubes across the surface, leaving the outer edges exposed.
- Drizzle melted butter over the bread cubes, then sprinkle with remaining kosher salt and Parmesan cheese.
- Return uncovered casserole to the oven and bake for an additional 15 minutes, or until bread cubes turn golden brown and the casserole bubbles energetically.
- Remove from oven, garnish with fresh parsley and thyme, and serve immediately while hot and aromatic.
Notes
- Select premium wild rice with rich, nutty flavors that will elevate your entire casserole’s taste profile.
- Sauté vegetables gently until onions become translucent and release their natural sweetness, creating a deep flavor foundation.
- Mix flour gradually into cooked vegetables, whisking constantly to prevent clumping and ensure a silky smooth sauce consistency.
- Pour chicken broth and cream slowly while stirring, creating a velvety base that perfectly complements the wild rice’s hearty texture.
- Balance wild rice’s robust earthiness with carefully measured herbs, salt, and pepper to enhance every single bite’s complexity.
- Craft a golden-brown topping by generously coating bread crumbs with melted butter and freshly grated Parmesan cheese.
- Watch the casserole closely during baking to achieve a perfectly crisp, amber-colored crust that adds delightful crunch and visual appeal.
- Prep Time: 40 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 370
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 450 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 32 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 15 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg