Chicken, Sausage And Wild Rice Casserole
A hearty casserole combining savory chicken, sausage, wild rice, and vegetables, seasoned with herbs for a comforting, flavorful dish ideal for family dinners or gatherings.
Ingredients
- 1 lb pork sausage ⓘ
- 1 lb sliced mushrooms ⓘ
- 2 medium onions sliced ⓘ
- 1 cooked chicken, boned and cut in bite-size pieces ⓘ
- 2 cups wild rice ⓘ
- 1/4 cup flour ⓘ
- 1/2 cup heavy cream ⓘ
- 2 1/2 cups chicken broth ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon monosodium glutamate ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon thyme ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon marjoram ⓘ
Instructions
- Saute pork sausage and set aside.
- In drippings, saute sliced mushrooms and sliced onions.
- Add cooked sausage and cooked chicken to the mushroom and onion mixture.
- Cook wild rice according to package directions.
- In a separate pan, mix flour with heavy cream until smooth.
- Add chicken broth to the cream mixture and cook until thickened.
- Add seasonings (monosodium glutamate, oregano, thyme, marjoram, salt, pepper) to the sauce.
- Combine the cooked rice, sausage, chicken, mushrooms, and onions with the sauce.
- Transfer the mixture to a 10 x 12-inch baking dish.
- Bake at 350°F for 25 to 30 minutes until heated through and bubbly.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter version, consider using turkey sausage instead of pork. You can substitute half of the heavy cream with Greek yogurt for a creamier texture while reducing fat. If wild rice is unavailable, brown rice can work in a pinch, but adjust cooking time as needed. Ensure to season to your taste, as some sausages may be saltier than others.
Serving Suggestions
This casserole pairs beautifully with a fresh green salad or steamed vegetables for a balanced meal. Consider serving it alongside garlic bread or a warm baguette to soak up the delicious sauce. For a comforting twist, you might also enjoy it with a side of Hockey Puck Potatoes to complete your dinner.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the casserole in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 15-20 minutes or until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions on medium heat, checking frequently to avoid overheating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Chicken, Sausage And Wild Rice Casserole contains roughly 529 calories, with 18g protein, 83g carbohydrates, and 22g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (164% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (131% of the Daily Value), and calcium (96% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 744mg per serving (32% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the casserole a day in advance. Assemble it without baking, cover tightly, and refrigerate. When ready to serve, bake directly from the fridge, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time to ensure it's heated through.
Can I use brown rice instead of wild rice?
Yes, brown rice is a suitable substitute, but keep in mind that it has a different cooking time. Be sure to cook it separately according to package instructions and mix it in with the other ingredients just before baking.
What can I add for extra flavor?
You can enhance the flavor by adding garlic or bell peppers when sautéing the mushrooms and onions. A splash of white wine in the cream sauce can also add depth. Experiment with your favorite spices to customize the dish to your liking.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).