Craving a comforting meal that's both nutritious and incredibly delicious? Get ready to transform your dinner routine with the ultimate Wild Rice Kale Chicken Casserole that will have your family begging for seconds! This mouthwatering dish combines the earthy richness of wild rice, the hearty nutrition of kale, and tender shredded chicken into one irresistible one-pan wonder that's guaranteed to become your new favorite weeknight meal.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 45 mins
Total Time: 1 hrs
Cuisine: American
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 1 cup wild rice, uncooked
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- 2 cups kale, chopped
- 1 cup cream of mushroom soup
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9x13 inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter.
- In a medium saucepan, combine the wild rice and chicken broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 45-50 minutes until rice is tender and liquid is absorbed.
- While the rice is cooking, wash and finely chop the kale, removing any tough stems. Set aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked shredded chicken, cream of mushroom soup, grated Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly until well incorporated.
- Once the wild rice is cooked, fluff with a fork and let it cool slightly for 5 minutes.
- Add the cooked wild rice and chopped kale to the chicken mixture, stirring gently to combine all ingredients evenly.
- Transfer the entire mixture to the prepared baking dish, spreading it out in an even layer.
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes.
- Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes until the top is golden brown and slightly crispy.
- Remove from oven and let the casserole rest for 10 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to settle and the dish to set.
- Serve hot, garnishing with additional Parmesan cheese or fresh herbs if desired.
Tips
- • For the most tender chicken, use leftover rotisserie chicken or freshly poached chicken breasts • Make sure to remove the tough stems from kale to ensure a smooth texture • Allow the casserole to rest for 10 minutes after baking to help it set and enhance flavor melding • For extra crispiness, sprinkle some breadcrumbs or additional Parmesan cheese on top during the last 15 minutes of baking • This casserole can be prepared ahead of time and refrigerated, just add 10-15 minutes to the baking time if cooking from cold • Experiment with different herbs like thyme or rosemary to customize the flavor profile • For a gluten-free version, use a gluten-free cream of mushroom soup
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 350kcal
Carbohydrates: 30g
Protein: 25g
Fat: 15g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Cholesterol: 75mg
