Indulge in the heartwarming comfort of Lorraine Hanson’s Wild Rice Chicken Dinner—a casserole that combines tender chicken, crisp green beans, delightful water chestnuts, and crunchy almonds. This flavorful dish offers a delightful medley of textures and tastes that make it a complete and satisfying meal. The convenience of using ready-to-serve wild rice makes this casserole a breeze to put together, perfect for busy days when you crave a comforting homemade meal.
INGREDIENTS:
- 2 packages (8.8 ounces each) ready-to-serve long grain and wild rice
- 2 packages (16 ounces each) frozen French-style green beans, thawed
- 2 cans (10¾ ounces each) condensed cream of celery soup, undiluted
- 2 cans (8 ounces each) sliced water chestnuts, drained
- ⅔ cup chopped onion
- 2 jars (4 ounces each) sliced pimientos, drained
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- ½ cup 2% milk
- 1 teaspoon pepper
- 6 cups cubed cooked chicken
- 1 cup slivered almonds, divided
PREPARATIONS:
- Heat the ready-to-serve wild rice according to package directions. In a Dutch oven, combine thawed green beans, condensed cream of celery soup, water chestnuts, chopped onion, drained pimientos, mayonnaise, milk, and pepper. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat, cover, and simmer for 5 minutes. Stir in the cubed cooked chicken and heated rice, and cook for an additional 3-4 minutes until the chicken is heated through.
- Transfer half of the mixture to a serving dish, and sprinkle it with ½ cup of slivered almonds. Serve this portion immediately. Pour the remaining mixture into a greased 13×9-inch baking dish, and let it cool. Once cooled, sprinkle the remaining slivered almonds on top. If you prefer to freeze the dish for future use, cover it and store it in the freezer for up to 3 months.
YIELD: 2 casseroles (6-8 servings each)
PREP/TOTAL TIME: 30 minutes
SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS:
- Consider adding a touch of your favorite herbs and spices to the casserole for a personalized flavor profile.
TIPS:
- For a more substantial meal, serve the casserole with a side of fresh salad or steamed vegetables.
Lorraine Hanson’s Wild Rice Chicken Dinner is a testament to the beauty of simplicity and convenience in cooking, without compromising on flavor and satisfaction. This delectable casserole brings together tender chicken, crisp green beans, and the delightful crunch of water chestnuts and almonds. The convenience of ready-to-serve wild rice makes this dish a time-saving solution for busy individuals seeking a wholesome and comforting meal.
The combination of thawed green beans, cream of celery soup, water chestnuts, chopped onion, drained pimientos, mayonnaise, milk, and pepper creates a luscious and creamy sauce that envelops the tender cubed cooked chicken and the flavorful wild rice. The dish is elevated with the addition of slivered almonds, providing a delightful crunch and nutty undertones.
Whether served immediately or frozen for future enjoyment, this casserole is a versatile and satisfying option for any occasion. The flavors meld together beautifully, creating a harmonious and comforting dining experience that will be cherished by both family and guests.
Wild rice’s distinct nutty flavor and chewy texture add a unique touch to the casserole, enhancing the overall taste and creating a delightful interplay of flavors and textures. This wholesome grain, grown in the pristine lakes and rivers of Minnesota, Wisconsin, and Canada, contributes to the casserole’s comforting and hearty appeal.
In conclusion, Lorraine Hanson’s Wild Rice Chicken Dinner presents an enticing array of textures and tastes that make it a delightful addition to any dinner table. The combination of tender chicken, crisp green beans, and flavorful wild rice is complemented by the delightful crunch of water chestnuts and almonds. Embrace the ease of preparation and the heartwarming comfort of this casserole, which showcases the charm of ready-to-serve wild rice.
