Chicken Wild Rice Casserole (Print Version)

# Ingredients:

01 - 1 1/2 cups wild rice blend, uncooked.
02 - 1 1/2 pounds chicken pieces.
03 - 2 tablespoons olive oil.
04 - 2 tablespoons butter, unsalted.
05 - 1 yellow onion, diced.
06 - 3 celery stalks, chopped.
07 - 3 carrots, chopped.
08 - 6 garlic cloves, minced.
09 - 8 ounces mushrooms, sliced.
10 - 2 cups chicken broth.
11 - 2 cups milk.
12 - 1/3 cup flour.
13 - 2 cups cheddar cheese, divided.
14 - 1/2 cup parmesan cheese.
15 - 3/4 cup panko breadcrumbs.

# Instructions:

01 - Heat oven to 350°F. Season chicken with salt, pepper, paprika.
02 - Sear chicken in oil until opaque. Remove from pot.
03 - Sauté onions, carrots, celery until tender. Add garlic briefly. Remove from pot.
04 - Brown mushrooms in butter until golden. Remove from pot.
05 - Make roux with butter and flour. Whisk in broth and milk. Simmer until thick. Add cheese and seasonings.
06 - Mix sauce with cooked rice, chicken, and vegetables. Transfer to baking dish.
07 - Add remaining cheese and toasted panko crumbs.
08 - Cover and bake 30-35 minutes until bubbly.

# Notes:

01 - Use wild rice blend, not pure wild rice.
02 - Can prep 2 days ahead.
03 - Freezes well up to 3 months.