Wild Rice Harvest Casserole
A hearty and comforting wild rice casserole featuring tender chicken, savory mushrooms, and crunchy cashews, all baked to perfection with creamy mushroom soup and fragrant poultry seasoning. This dish offers a rich, nutty flavor profile and is ideal for family dinners or entertaining guests who love flavorful, wholesome comfort food.
Ingredients
- 4 to 5 cups diced cooked chicken ⓘ
- 1 cup chopped celery ⓘ
- 2 tablespoons butter or margarine
- 2 (10 3/4 oz) cans condensed cream of mushroom soup ⓘ
- 2 cups chicken broth ⓘ
- 1 (4 1/2 oz) jar sliced mushrooms, drained ⓘ
- 1 small onion, chopped ⓘ
- 1 cup uncooked wild rice, rinsed and drained ⓘ
- 1/4 teaspoon poultry seasoning ⓘ
- 3/4 cup cashew pieces ⓘ
- chopped fresh parsley ⓘ
Instructions
- In a skillet, brown the diced cooked chicken and chopped celery in butter.
- In a large bowl, combine the undiluted cream of mushroom soup and chicken broth until smooth.
- Add the drained sliced mushrooms, chopped onion, rinsed wild rice, poultry seasoning, and the cooked chicken mixture to the bowl.
- Pour the mixture into a greased 13 x 9 x 2-inch baking dish.
- Cover and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 1 hour.
- Uncover and bake for an additional 30 minutes.
- Stir the casserole, then sprinkle with cashew pieces.
- Return to the oven and bake for 15 minutes or until the rice is tender.
- Garnish with chopped fresh parsley before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider using leftover roast chicken; this will enhance the depth of the dish. If you prefer a vegetarian option, substitute the chicken with cooked lentils or chickpeas, and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. You can also add other vegetables like bell peppers or carrots for extra nutrition and color.
Serving Suggestions
This Wild Rice Harvest Casserole can be served as a main dish alongside a fresh green salad or roasted vegetables for a complete meal. It pairs beautifully with a side of crusty bread or rolls. For a heartier option, consider serving it with a warm bowl of Hearty Bean Soup to round out the meal.
Storage & Reheating
Store 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 (175°C) for about 20-25 minutes, or until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions, covered, for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Wild Rice Harvest Casserole contains roughly 308 calories, with 13g protein, 46g carbohydrates, and 12g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (76% of the Daily Value), calcium (38% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (35% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 609mg per serving (26% 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 assemble the casserole a day in advance. Cover it tightly and store it in the refrigerator. When you're ready to bake, add an extra 10-15 minutes to the cooking time to ensure it heats through properly.
What can I substitute for wild rice?
If wild rice is unavailable, you can use brown rice or a blend of white and brown rice. However, be mindful that cooking times may vary; brown rice generally takes longer to cook than wild rice.
Can I freeze this casserole?
Absolutely! Freeze the casserole before baking, ensuring it's well-covered to prevent freezer burn. When ready to eat, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and bake as instructed, adding extra time if needed until heated through.
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).