Hearty Chicken, Wild Rice, and Veggie Family Casserole

• 1 1/2 cups cooked wild rice (about 1/2 cup uncooked)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded or cubed
• 2 cups mixed vegetables (e.g., carrots, peas, corn, green beans), fresh or frozen
• 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
• 1 cup milk (whole or 2%)
• 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9x13-inch casserole dish.
2. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté for about 5 minutes until softened. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
3. Sprinkle the flour over the onions and garlic, stirring constantly to form a roux. Gradually whisk in the chicken broth and milk, stirring until the sauce thickens and is smooth (about 4-5 minutes).
4. Add the dried thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper to the sauce, stirring to combine.
5. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked wild rice, cooked chicken, mixed vegetables, and creamy sauce. Stir well to evenly distribute the ingredients.
6. Pour the mixture into the prepared casserole dish and spread evenly. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese on top.
7. Cover the casserole with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Then remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is golden and bubbly.
8. Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving. This allows it to set and makes serving easier.

Chef tips

• Cook the wild rice ahead of time to save prep time. Use instant wild rice for faster cooking if pressed for time.
• Frozen mixed vegetables work well and save chopping time; just thaw or quickly steam before adding to avoid excess moisture.
• To make it dairy-free, substitute milk with unsweetened almond milk and use dairy-free cheese or omit cheese topping.
• Use leftover rotisserie chicken to reduce overall cooking time and add extra flavor.