Description
A hearty, creamy, and kid-approved casserole that costs less than $2 per serving. This easy one-dish meal uses pantry staples and frozen chicken to provide a comforting family dinner with minimal cleanup.
Ingredients
- 2 lbs frozen chicken breasts (thawed and diced into 1-inch cubes)
- 1 box (6.4 oz) wild rice mix
- 1 can (10.5 oz) condensed cream of mushroom soup
- 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
- 1.5 cups frozen peas and carrots (rinsed to thaw slightly)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1 medium onion, diced (optional)
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp dried parsley
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch casserole dish with butter or cooking spray.
- Cook the wild rice mix according to package directions, substituting half the water with chicken broth for extra flavor. Drain excess liquid and fluff with a fork.
- In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Sauté diced onion until soft (3-4 minutes). Add diced chicken and cook until no longer pink on the outside (5-6 minutes). Stir in garlic powder.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked wild rice, chicken and onion mixture, cream of mushroom soup, chicken broth, frozen peas and carrots, and shredded cheese.
- Stir until well combined. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed.
- Pour the mixture into the prepared casserole dish and spread evenly.
- Cover tightly with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes.
- Remove foil and bake for another 10 minutes, or until the top is bubbly and slightly golden. For a crispy top, broil for the last 2 minutes.
- Let stand for 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
[‘Frozen chicken can be used directly from frozen, but thawing overnight ensures even cooking.’, ‘Rinsing frozen vegetables under warm water helps remove excess ice crystals and prevents a watery casserole.’, ‘This recipe freezes well. You can freeze it baked or unbaked. If unbaked, wrap tightly and bake at 350°F for 45 minutes covered, then 15 minutes uncovered.’, ‘Wild rice absorbs a lot of liquid; if the casserole looks dry, add extra broth or milk before baking.’]
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (approx. 1
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 3
- Sodium: 680
- Fat: 14
- Saturated Fat: 5
- Carbohydrates: 45
- Fiber: 4
- Protein: 25
Keywords: budget dinner, chicken casserole, wild rice, family meal, easy weeknight dinner, freezer friendly, creamy chicken, one pot meal