Chicken & Wild Rice Casserole

I like casseroles that have all the benefits of casseroles, without ending up in the “midwest slop,” as I like to call it, category. I’m from the midwest! I will defend our name!

The concept for this baked casserole is kind of like a cousin of mac and cheese. Except you substitute the mac for rice. The milk for vegetable broth. Add some vegetables and keep all the cheese. It’s a really good and feels like comfort food, but a bit healthier.

THE RECIPE

INGREDIENTS

1 cup rice
8 ounces wild rice
3 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or a rotisserie chicken!)
¼ cup olive oil, divided
½ teaspoon salt, divided
¾ teaspoon pepper, divided
1 onion, diced
2 stalks celery, diced
4 carrots, chopped
4 cloves garlic, minced
4 tablespoons butter
¼ cup wheat flour
2 and ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
1 cup vegetable broth
½ teaspoon garlic powder

INSTRUCTIONS

Prepare rice according to package instructions. I used to use a rice cooker, but lately I've been using my instant pot. And there's always the classic stovetop method.
Preheat oven to 450 degrees. Arrange chicken in a 9×13, foil-lined baking dish. Drizzle chicken with 2 tablespoons olive oil and season with ¼ teaspoon salt and ¼ teaspoon pepper. Roast for 45 minutes. Shred or slice chicken. Lower oven temperature to 350 degrees.
Saute onion, celery, carrots, and garlic in a skillet with 2 tablespoons olive oil over medium heat for 7-8 minutes, until tender. Set vegetables aside.
Melt butter in skillet over medium heat, stirring in wheat flour. Add 2 cups of shredded cheddar, vegetable broth, garlic powder, ¼ teaspoon salt, and ½ teaspoon pepper. Stir sauce until cheese is melted, about 2-3 minutes.
In a 9x13 baking dish, mix together rice, shredded chicken, vegetables, and cheese sauce. Top with ½ cup cheddar cheese. Bake for 25 minutes.

This recipe adapted by: rachelschultz.com