Description
Butternut Squash Chicken Wild Rice Casserole Recipe
Ingredients:
2 cups cooked wild rice
2 cups butternut squash, peeled and cubed
2 chicken breasts, cooked and diced
1/2 cup dried cranberries
1/2 cup pecans, roughly chopped
1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
2 tbsp olive oil
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp thyme (fresh or dried)
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
Instructions:
Roast the Butternut Squash:
Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
Toss the butternut squash with olive oil, salt, pepper, and thyme.
Spread on a baking sheet and roast for 20-25 minutes, until tender and lightly browned.
Prepare the Chicken:
Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper, then cook and dice them into bite-sized pieces.
Assemble the Casserole:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked wild rice, roasted butternut squash, chicken, cranberries, pecans, and half the Parmesan cheese.
Mix well and transfer to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
Sprinkle the remaining Parmesan cheese on top.
Bake:
Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 20-25 minutes, until heated through and the cheese is melted.
Garnish & Serve:
Garnish with extra thyme and serve warm!
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Servings: 6
#HeartyMeals #AutumnFavorites #ComfortFood
Step-by-Step Guide
Follow these detailed instructions for a foolproof casserole. First, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and prepare the squash. Toss the cubes with 2 tbsp olive oil, minced garlic, thyme, salt, and pepper. Roast for 20-25 minutes until caramelized at the edges. While the squash roasts, season and cook your chicken breasts. You can pan-sear, bake, or use a rotisserie chicken for convenience. Once cooked, dice the chicken. In a large bowl, combine the cooked wild rice, roasted squash, diced chicken, dried cranberries, chopped pecans, and half of the Parmesan cheese. Stir gently until everything is evenly distributed. Transfer this mixture to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Top with the remaining Parmesan cheese. Reduce the oven temperature to 375°F (190°C) and bake the assembled casserole for 20-25 minutes, until it’s bubbling and the top is golden.
Serving Suggestions
This hearty casserole is a complete meal on its own, but it pairs beautifully with a simple side salad of arugula with a lemon vinaigrette to cut through the richness. For a creamier texture, serve each portion with a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt. It also makes an excellent side dish for a holiday table alongside a roasted turkey or ham. Leftovers are fantastic for lunch the next day and reheat wonderfully in the oven or microwave.
How-to Summary
To summarize: Roast cubed butternut squash with oil and seasonings. Cook and dice chicken. Mix squash, chicken, cooked wild rice, cranberries, pecans, and half the Parmesan in a bowl. Transfer to a baking dish, top with remaining cheese, and bake at 375°F until hot and golden.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this casserole ahead of time? Yes, assemble the casserole (without the final bake) up to a day in advance. Cover and refrigerate. Add 5-10 minutes to the baking time when cooking from cold.
Can I use a different type of rice? Wild rice blend or brown rice are excellent substitutes. Avoid quick-cooking rice as it may become mushy.
How should I store leftovers? Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F for best texture.
Is there a vegetarian alternative? Absolutely. Omit the chicken and add an extra cup of roasted squash or a can of rinsed chickpeas for protein.
Can I freeze this casserole? It freezes well after baking. Cool completely, portion, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Avoid overcooking the wild rice beforehand, as it will soften further during baking. Ensure your butternut squash cubes are uniformly sized for even roasting. Do not skip the roasting step for the squash, as this concentrates its flavor. Finally, resist the urge to overmix when combining ingredients to maintain distinct textures.
Conclusion
This Butternut Squash Chicken Wild Rice Casserole is the epitome of cozy, flavorful comfort food. It masterfully balances savory, sweet, and nutty elements in one satisfying dish. Perfect for weeknight dinners or special gatherings, its make-ahead flexibility is a major bonus. We hope this enhanced guide helps you create a memorable meal that will become a seasonal favorite in your home.