Description
This Chicken Wild Rice Casserole is a cozy and comforting one-dish meal combining tender chicken, nutty wild rice, smoky turkey bacon, mushrooms, and melted plant-based cheese in a creamy, flavorful sauce. It offers a rich, filling dinner perfect for cold evenings or family gatherings, with flexible ingredients and simple preparation.
Ingredients
Scale
Proteins
- 2 cups diced chicken breasts
- 4 slices smoked turkey bacon, chopped
Grains
- 1 cup wild rice blend
Vegetables and Aromatics
- 1 small onion, finely diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup mushrooms, sliced
Dairy Alternatives
- 1 cup plant-based cheese, shredded or diced
Liquids and Sauces
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural)
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar (natural)
Thickeners and Seasonings
- 1 teaspoon natural gelling agent
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme, chopped
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Rice: Cook the wild rice blend according to package instructions until tender but still chewy. Drain any excess water and set aside.
- Cook the Chicken: In a large skillet over medium heat, sauté the diced chicken breasts until golden and cooked through. Remove from skillet and set aside, keeping the flavorful juices in the pan.
- Sauté the Vegetables and Bacon: Add chopped smoked turkey bacon, diced onion, minced garlic, and sliced mushrooms to the skillet. Cook until onions are translucent and mushrooms release their moisture, forming a savory base.
- Combine the Sauce and Ingredients: Stir in the plant-based cheese, vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural), apple cider vinegar (natural), chicken broth, and natural gelling agent. Mix until smooth and creamy. Fold in cooked chicken, wild rice, fresh thyme, fresh parsley, and season with salt and black pepper to taste.
- Bake the Casserole: Transfer the mixture to a greased casserole dish. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 25-30 minutes, until bubbly and golden on top. Let rest for a few minutes before serving.
Notes
- Avoid overcooking the wild rice to keep its chewy texture.
- Use a quality plant-based cheese that melts smoothly for the creamiest result.
- Take time sautéing veggies and bacon to develop richer flavors.
- Let casserole rest 10 minutes before serving to firm up and slice cleanly.
- The casserole tastes even better the next day as flavors deepen.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (about 1/6th of casserole)
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 550 mg
- Fat: 12 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 28 g
- Cholesterol: 60 mg
Keywords: chicken casserole, wild rice casserole, comfort food, plant-based cheese, creamy casserole, baked casserole, turkey bacon, gluten free, one dish meal
