Ingredients
Equipment
Method
Preparation
- Begin by patting the chicken dry with paper towels, then season it generously with salt and pepper. Heat a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat and add a splash of oil. Once the oil is shimmering, sear the chicken pieces until they are opaque but not fully cooked, about 3-4 minutes on each side. Remove the chicken and set it aside.
- In the same Dutch oven, add the diced onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté these aromatic vegetables for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally until they're tender and fragrant. Afterward, add minced garlic and sauté for another minute until you can smell the garlic's richness.
- Now, in the leftover oil and juices, add sliced mushrooms to the pot. Sauté them over medium heat for about 5-6 minutes until they become deeply golden and tender. Combine the mushrooms with the sautéed vegetables and return the seared chicken to the pot.
- In a separate saucepan, melt 4 tablespoons of butter over medium heat and whisk in an equal amount of flour to form a roux. Cook this mixture for about 2 minutes until it turns light golden. Gradually whisk in chicken broth and milk, stirring continuously until the sauce thickens and bubbles, around 5-7 minutes.
- Once the cream sauce is thickened, pour it over the chicken and vegetable mixture. Add the pre-cooked wild rice to the pot, stirring everything gently until well combined.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish, then transfer the chicken and rice mixture into it. Spread the contents evenly. Top the dish with freshly grated cheddar and Parmesan cheese, followed by a sprinkle of panko breadcrumbs.
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and place it in the preheated oven. Bake for 30-35 minutes or until the casserole bubbles and the cheese is melted. For a golden finish, uncover it in the last 10 minutes of baking. Allow it to rest for a few minutes before serving.
Nutrition
Notes
Feel free to customize with your favorite ingredients or allow the casserole to cool completely before refrigerating or freezing.
