Chicken And Wild Rice Casserole With Butternut Squash And Cranberries
If you're looking for a comforting and hearty meal that's perfect for cold nights, look no further than chicken and wild rice casserole with butternut squash and cranberries. This dish is packed with flavor and nutrition, making it a great choice for a family dinner or a weekend meal with friends.
Ingredients:
For this recipe, you'll need the following ingredients:
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 cup uncooked wild rice
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 2 cups butternut squash, peeled and cubed
- 1 cup dried cranberries
- 1/2 cup chopped celery
- 1/2 cup chopped onion
- 1/2 cup chopped carrots
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried sage
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans
Instructions:
1. Preheat your oven to 375°F.
2. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook until lightly browned, about 5 minutes.
3. Add the onion, celery, and garlic to the skillet and cook until the vegetables are tender, about 5 minutes.
4. Add the butternut squash, carrots, dried cranberries, dried thyme, dried sage, salt, and black pepper to the skillet. Cook for another 5 minutes or until the butternut squash is slightly softened.
5. In a separate pot, cook the wild rice according to the package instructions using chicken broth instead of water.
6. Once the rice is done, add it to the skillet with the chicken and vegetables. Stir to combine all the ingredients.
7. Transfer the mixture to a 9x13-inch baking dish. Sprinkle the chopped pecans over the top of the casserole.
8. Cover the dish with foil and bake for 30 minutes.
9. Remove the foil and bake for another 10-15 minutes or until the top is golden brown and the casserole is heated through.
Health Benefits:
This chicken and wild rice casserole with butternut squash and cranberries is not only delicious, but it's also packed with nutrients. Here are some of the health benefits of the ingredients:
- Chicken is a great source of protein, which is important for building and repairing tissues in the body.
- Wild rice is high in fiber, which can help promote digestive health and keep you feeling full for longer periods of time.
- Butternut squash is rich in vitamins and minerals, including vitamin A, vitamin C, and potassium. It's also low in calories and high in fiber.
- Cranberries are loaded with antioxidants and have been shown to have anti-inflammatory properties.
- Pecans are a good source of healthy fats and protein. They also contain fiber, vitamins, and minerals.
Conclusion:
Chicken and wild rice casserole with butternut squash and cranberries is a delicious and healthy meal that's perfect for any occasion. This recipe is easy to make and can be customized to your liking by adding your favorite vegetables or spices. Plus, it's a great way to use up leftover chicken or rice. Give it a try and see how it becomes a family favorite!