Go Back
Chicken and Wild Rice Casserole

Chicken and Wild Rice Casserole

The ultimate comfort food, this Chicken and Wild Rice Casserole is creamy, hearty, and easy to make. Packed with tender chicken, wild rice, and a hint of sweetness from cranberries, it’s the perfect solution for weeknight dinners or holiday gatherings. Bring this delicious dish to your table tonight!
Prep Time 25 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: American
Calories: 420

Ingredients
  

  • 1 cup uncooked wild rice blend
  • 4 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil (divided)
  • 1 ¼ pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs (cut into bite-sized pieces)
  • 1 medium yellow onion (diced)
  • 1 small butternut squash (about 1 ½ pounds, peeled and cut into ½-inch pieces)
  • ½ teaspoon kosher salt
  • ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
  • 1 tablespoon chopped fresh thyme (plus additional for garnish)
  • ¾ cup dried cranberries (preferably reduced sugar)
  • ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese (divided, about 2 ounces)

Equipment

  • Oven
  • Wooden Spoon
  • Peeler
  • Grater
  • Blender
  • Cutting Board
  • Baking Sheet
  • Skillet
  • Mixing Bowl
  • Chef's Knife

Method
 

  1. Cook the wild rice according to package directions. Drain off any excess cooking liquid and set aside.
  2. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F. Lightly coat a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray and set aside.
  3. In a large, deep skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced chicken and sauté until the chicken is cooked through and no longer pink on the inside, about 6 minutes. Remove to a paper towel-lined plate and set aside.
  4. With a paper towel, carefully wipe the skillet clean. Heat the remaining 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium. Add the diced butternut squash, onion, salt, and pepper. Sauté until the onion begins to soften, about 2 minutes.
  5. Cover and cook, stirring occasionally, until the squash is tender but still retains some chew, about 6 to 8 minutes. Stir in the thyme, cranberries, reserved chicken, rice, and 1/4 cup of Parmesan cheese. Mix well to combine all those delightful flavors.
  6. Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly. Bake in the oven for 20 minutes, then remove from the oven and sprinkle with the remaining 1/4 cup of Parmesan cheese. Bake for an additional 5 minutes, until the cheese melts.
  7. Sprinkle with additional chopped fresh thyme before serving warm.

Notes

  • Tip 1: Bake the casserole completely, then let cool to room temperature. Cover it tightly, then freeze for up to 3 months.
  • Tip 2: Let thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then reheat, covered, in a 350 degree oven until warmed through.
  • Tip 3: You could also try freezing the casserole unbaked.
  • Tip 4: Let thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then bake as directed.