Gina Lloyd'S Chicken And Wild Rice Casserole
Gina Lloyd's Chicken and Wild Rice Casserole offers a hearty, comforting blend of tender chicken, wild rice, vegetables, and melty cheese, topped with Parmesan. Perfect for family dinners or entertaining, it combines creamy flavors with savory bacon and artichokes for a satisfying meal.
Ingredients
- 4 cups cooked wild rice ⓘ
- 3 boneless skinless chicken breasts ⓘ
- 4 tablespoons butter or margarine ⓘ
- 10 medium mushrooms ⓘ
- 10 scallions ⓘ
- 2 cans cream of chicken soup ⓘ
- 1/2 cup heavy cream ⓘ
- 1/2 cup sherry ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon salt ⓘ
- 2 cans artichoke hearts ⓘ
- 2 cups grated carrots ⓘ
- 10 slices bacon
- 3 cups grated Mozzarella cheese ⓘ
- grated Parmesan cheese ⓘ
Instructions
- Cook wild rice according to package directions.
- In a large skillet, melt butter or margarine and cook sliced mushrooms and chopped scallions until tender.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine cooked wild rice, cooked chicken breasts (diced), sautéed vegetables, cream of chicken soup, heavy cream, sherry, and salt (if using).
- Add drained and quartered artichoke hearts, grated carrots, crumbled bacon, and grated Mozzarella cheese to the mixture, stirring well.
- Transfer the mixture to a greased casserole dish.
- Top with grated Parmesan cheese.
- Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 30-35 minutes until bubbly and golden on top.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider using rotisserie chicken instead of raw chicken breasts to save time and enhance taste. You can substitute white wine for sherry if preferred. If you like a bit of crunch, add some toasted nuts or breadcrumbs on top before baking. This dish also works well with different cheese varieties like cheddar or Gruyere for a unique twist.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this casserole warm, garnished with fresh herbs like parsley or chives for a pop of color. It pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad or steamed vegetables for a well-rounded meal. For a comforting side, consider serving it alongside creamy mashed potatoes or a warm bread roll.
Storage & Reheating
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the casserole in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20-25 minutes, or until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions, covering them to retain moisture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Gina Lloyd'S Chicken And Wild Rice Casserole contains roughly 2316 calories, with 54g protein, 156g carbohydrates, and 169g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (333% of the Daily Value), protein (108% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (99% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2811mg per serving (122% 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 ingredients in the dish, cover it tightly with plastic wrap or foil, and refrigerate. Just add an extra 10-15 minutes to the baking time when you’re ready to cook it.
What can I substitute for heavy cream?
If you want a lighter option, you can use half-and-half or a combination of milk and sour cream. For a dairy-free alternative, consider using coconut cream or a plant-based cream substitute that suits your dietary needs.
Is there a vegetarian version of this casserole?
Yes, you can easily make this dish vegetarian by omitting the chicken and bacon. Replace them with additional vegetables like bell peppers and zucchini, and consider using vegetable broth instead of chicken soup for added depth of flavor.
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).