Chicken Wild Rice Casserole(Makes 12 Servings)
A hearty chicken and wild rice casserole with savory mushroom and onion flavors, perfect for family dinners and gatherings, offering comforting textures and rich aromas.
Ingredients
- 3/8 oz. dehydrated onion soup mix ⓘ
- 6 1/2 lb. frying chickens, chopped ⓘ
- 1 cup water ⓘ
- dash pepper ⓘ
- pinch thyme ⓘ
- 6 Tbsp. minced fresh parsley ⓘ
- 1 1/2 cups uncooked wild rice ⓘ
- 1 pint sour cream ⓘ
- 2 cups dry sherry ⓘ
- 1 tsp. salt
- 1/2 tsp. dried basil ⓘ
- 1 tsp. curry powder
- 10 1/2 oz. cream of mushroom soup ⓘ
Instructions
- Blend the dry onion soup into the sour cream and allow it to stand for 2 hours.
- Place the chopped frying chickens in a roasting pan.
- Pour the sherry and water over the chicken.
- Sprinkle all seasonings and minced parsley over the chicken.
- Cover the roaster tightly and bake at 300°F for 90 minutes or until the meat falls off the bones.
- Remove the chicken from the roaster, cover loosely, and set aside to cool.
- Strain the pan juices into a saucepan and simmer until reduced to 1 1/2 cups.
- Cook the wild rice according to package instructions.
- Combine the cooked rice with the reduced pan juices, mushroom soup, sour cream mixture, and seasonings.
- Return the mixture to the oven, bake until heated through and bubbly, about 20-30 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding sautéed mushrooms or diced celery to the mixture before baking. If you don't have dry sherry, white wine or chicken broth can work as substitutes. Also, for a quicker option, use rotisserie chicken instead of frying chickens, saving time without sacrificing flavor. This dish is reminiscent of other comforting American recipes, such as Chicken-Ham Noodle Casserole.
Serving Suggestions
This Chicken Wild Rice Casserole pairs beautifully with a fresh green salad or steamed vegetables for a balanced meal. You might also serve it with crusty bread or dinner rolls to soak up the delicious sauce. For an added touch, sprinkle with additional fresh parsley before serving, enhancing the visual appeal and flavor.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, place the casserole in a preheated oven at 350°F until heated through, about 20-25 minutes. For best results, cover with foil to prevent drying out. You can also microwave individual portions for a quick meal.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Chicken Wild Rice Casserole(Makes 12 Servings) contains roughly 136 calories, with 8g protein, 28g carbohydrates, and 2g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (233% of the Daily Value), iron (52% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (46% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium and protein. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 688mg per serving (30% 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 the dish, cover it tightly, and refrigerate until ready to bake. Just remember to adjust the baking time, as it may take a bit longer to heat through if it's cold from the refrigerator.
What can I substitute for wild rice?
If wild rice is unavailable, you can use brown rice or a quinoa blend as a substitute. Keep in mind that cooking times may vary, so check the package instructions and adjust the liquid accordingly for the best results.
Is it possible to make this dish gluten-free?
Yes, to make this casserole gluten-free, ensure your cream of mushroom soup is gluten-free, or make a homemade version. Additionally, check that the dry onion soup mix is gluten-free or create your own using gluten-free ingredients.
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).