This casserole is a delicious medley of tender chicken, nutritious spinach, and hearty wild rice, all baked together in a creamy and cheesy sauce. It’s the perfect combination of flavors and textures, with the rice adding a delightful chewiness and the spinach providing a vibrant touch of green. Best of all, this recipe comes together in under 30 minutes, making it a convenient option for a quick and satisfying dinner. Let’s get cooking!
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4–6 servings 1x
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced
- 2 cups cooked wild rice
- 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup shredded cheese (such as cheddar or mozzarella)
- 1 cup milk
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh herbs for garnish, if desired
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the diced onion and minced garlic, and sauté until the onion becomes translucent and fragrant.
- Sprinkle the flour over the onions and garlic, stirring well to create a roux. Cook for 1-2 minutes to remove the raw flour taste.
- Slowly pour in the milk and chicken broth, stirring constantly to combine. Continue cooking until the mixture thickens and comes to a gentle simmer.
- Remove the skillet from heat and stir in the shredded cheese until melted and smooth. Season with dried thyme, salt, and pepper.
- In a greased casserole dish, layer the cooked wild rice, chopped spinach, and cooked chicken. Pour the cheese sauce over the ingredients, ensuring they are evenly coated.
- Cover the casserole dish with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 15 minutes. Then, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbling and the top is golden brown.
- Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before garnishing with fresh herbs and serving. This dish pairs well with a side of steamed vegetables or a fresh salad.
Notes
Cook the wild rice and chicken in advance to save time. You can use leftover chicken or rotisserie chicken for added convenience. Feel free to add other vegetables of your choice, such as mushrooms or bell peppers, to enhance the flavor and nutritional value of the casserole. Experiment with different types of cheese to customize the flavor. Sharp cheddar, smoked Gouda, or a combination of cheeses can take the casserole to another level. Add a sprinkle of breadcrumbs or Parmesan cheese on top before baking for a crunchy and golden crust. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Simply reheat in the oven or microwave before serving. Enjoy!
*Please keep in mind that the following nutritional information is based on estimates and can vary depending on the specific brands and ingredients used.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 380mg
- Fat: 13g
- Carbohydrates: 26g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 24g
- Cholesterol: 65mg
