Description

This Chicken Wild Rice Casserole is a warm, comforting dish combining tender chicken, nutty wild rice blend, and smoky turkey bacon with melty plant-based cheese and a creamy texture. Enhanced with natural vegetarian Worcestershire sauce, apple cider vinegar, and herbs, it offers a hearty, flavorful, and easy one-dish meal perfect for family dinners.

Ingredients

Scale

Protein

2 chicken breasts, diced into bite-sized pieces
6 slices smoked turkey bacon, cut into small strips

Grains and Staples

1 cup wild rice blend
1 ½ cups vegetable broth

Aromatics and Vegetables

1 medium onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced

Dairy and Sauces

1 cup plant-based cheese, freshly grated
2 tablespoons vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural)
1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar (natural)

Binding and Flavor Enhancers

1 teaspoon natural gelling agent
1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves (or ½ teaspoon dried thyme)
½ teaspoon ground black pepper
¼ teaspoon smoked paprika

Instructions

Prepare Ingredients: Cook the wild rice blend according to package instructions until tender but slightly chewy. Meanwhile, dice the chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces, chop onions and garlic finely, and cut smoked turkey bacon into small strips.
Cook the Chicken and Bacon: In a large skillet, cook the smoked turkey bacon over medium heat until crispy and browned. Remove from skillet, then add chicken pieces and sauté until just cooked through and lightly golden. Remove and set aside.
Sauté Aromatics: Using the bacon drippings left in the skillet, sauté onions and garlic until soft and fragrant, about 3 to 5 minutes. This builds the base flavor for the casserole.
Combine and Simmer: Add the cooked wild rice, chicken, bacon, vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural), apple cider vinegar (natural), vegetable broth, herbs, and spices to the skillet with onions and garlic. Stir well to combine flavors and bring everything to a gentle simmer for 5 minutes.
Add Cheese and Natural Gelling Agent: Mix in the plant-based cheese and natural gelling agent thoroughly. The cheese will melt into a creamy coating while the gelling agent helps bind the casserole, making it cozy and sliceable once baked.
Bake the Casserole: Transfer the whole mixture into a baking dish and spread evenly. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 25 to 30 minutes until the top is golden and bubbling slightly.

Notes

Cook rice ahead to reduce total cooking time.
Do not overcook chicken to avoid dryness during baking.
Use freshly grated plant-based cheese for better melting and flavor.
Let the casserole rest for 10 minutes after baking to set before serving.
Customize herbs such as rosemary, sage, or parsley to change the aromatic profile.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 350
Sugar: 2g
Sodium: 550mg
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Unsaturated Fat: 7g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 35g
Fiber: 3g
Protein: 28g
Cholesterol: 55mg

Keywords: Chicken Wild Rice Casserole, comfort food, smoky turkey bacon, plant-based cheese, creamy casserole, easy dinner, one-dish meal