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Cheesy Chicken and Wild Rice Casserole with Crispy Onion Topping

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This comforting casserole features tender chicken, nutty wild rice, creamy cheese sauce, and a golden crispy onion topping. It’s an easy, crowd-pleasing dinner perfect for busy weeknights or potlucks.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 3 cups cooked chicken breast or thighs, shredded (about 1 lb raw or 400g; rotisserie chicken works)
  • 3 cups cooked wild rice blend (from about 1 cup dry wild rice blend, 180g)
  • 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
  • 1 cup sour cream
  • 1/2 cup mayonnaise
  • 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1 1/2 cups frozen mixed vegetables (carrot-pea-corn blend or similar)
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped (about 1/2 cup)
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil (for sautéing)
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning or dried thyme
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt (plus more to taste)
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper (plus more to taste)
  • 1 1/2 cups crispy fried onions (such as French’s)
  • Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Cook the wild rice blend according to package instructions (about 40-45 minutes simmering in salted water) to yield 3 cups cooked. Set aside.
  2. If using raw chicken, season 1 lb chicken breasts or thighs with salt and pepper and roast at 400°F for 20-25 minutes until cooked through. Let cool, then shred or chop. (Rotisserie chicken or leftovers can be used.)
  3. In a large skillet over medium heat, add olive oil. Sauté chopped onion for 3-4 minutes until translucent, then add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
  4. In a large mixing bowl, combine cooked wild rice, shredded chicken, sautéed onions and garlic, frozen mixed vegetables, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, mayonnaise, Italian seasoning or thyme, salt, pepper, cheddar cheese, and mozzarella cheese. Stir until thoroughly combined.
  5. Preheat oven to 375°F. Lightly grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish. Spoon the mixture into the dish and spread evenly, pressing down gently.
  6. Cover the dish loosely with foil and bake for 25 minutes.
  7. Remove foil and sprinkle crispy fried onions evenly over the top. Return to the oven, uncovered, for another 10-15 minutes or until onions are golden and casserole is bubbling.
  8. Let casserole cool for 10 minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley if desired.

Notes

For gluten-free, use gluten-free soup and crispy onions. For dairy-free, substitute plant-based cheese and yogurt. Add extra veggies or swap in turkey or ham for the chicken. Add crispy onions only during the last 10-15 minutes of baking to keep them crunchy. Let casserole rest before slicing for best texture.

Nutrition

Keywords: chicken casserole, wild rice casserole, cheesy casserole, easy dinner, comfort food, crispy onion topping, potluck, family meal

Find it online: https://bitefuljoy.com/cheesy-chicken-and-wild-rice-casserole-recipe-best-easy-dinner-with-crispy-onion-topping/