Heavenly Chicken and Wild Rice Casserole with Savory Mushrooms

Delightful Chicken, Mushroom, and Wild Rice Casserole

Prep Time: 1 hour 25 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour
Total Time: 2 hours 25 minutes
Yield: 6 servings

Description

This casserole is nothing short of heavenly! Infused with a blend of aromatic spices and cooked in a flavorful broth, this dish brings a delightful medley of chicken, mushrooms, and wild rice that will have everyone raving. The secret to its amazing taste lies in cooking the rice in the broth from the chicken, which adds a rich, savory depth to the dish. Perfect for a comforting family dinner, this recipe is best enjoyed with freshly cooked chicken, ensuring every bite is packed with flavor.

Ingredients

• 3 boneless, skinless chicken breast halves
• 1 quart water
• 1 cup sour cream
• 1 cup white wine
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 tablespoon curry powder
• 1/2 cup chopped celery
• 1 cup finely chopped onion
• 2 cups sliced mushrooms
• 1 cup wild rice (or white rice if preferred)

Instructions

1. Prepare the Broth:

   • In a large saucepan, combine 1 quart of water, 1 cup of white wine, 1 teaspoon salt, 1 tablespoon curry powder, 1/2 cup chopped celery, and 1 cup finely chopped onion. Stir to mix well.
   • Add the 3 chicken breast halves to the saucepan. Cover and bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat.
   • Once boiling, reduce the heat and let it simmer for 1 hour.

2. Cook the Chicken:

   • After the chicken has simmered, remove the saucepan from heat and strain the mixture, reserving the broth for later use.
   • Allow the chicken to cool, then transfer it to the refrigerator. Once cooled, cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces.

3. Prepare the Rice:

   • Cook 1 cup of wild rice (or white rice) according to the package directions. Instead of using water, substitute with the reserved broth to enhance the flavor of the rice.

4. Combine Ingredients:

   • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
   • In a large bowl, combine the bite-sized pieces of chicken, 2 cups of sliced mushrooms, and the cooked rice.
   • Stir in 1 cup of sour cream and 1 can of cream of mushroom soup (or cream of chicken soup for a different twist). Mix everything thoroughly until well combined.

5. Assemble the Casserole:

   • Lightly grease or spray a 9 x 13 inch baking dish with cooking spray.
   • Spoon the chicken and rice mixture into the prepared dish, spreading it out evenly.

6. Bake:

   • Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 1 hour, or until the casserole is bubbly and golden brown on top.
   • Note: If the mixture has been chilled before baking, allow it to stand at room temperature for 30 minutes before placing it in the oven.

Serving Suggestions

This casserole pairs wonderfully with a simple green salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal. Enjoy the comforting, rich flavors of this delightful dish that’s sure to become a family favorite!

Feel free to adjust seasoning and ingredients according to your preferences, and savor the wonderful flavors that make this casserole truly special. 🌟🍽️🍗