Spicy Southern Chicken and Rice Casserole
Serves: 6
Though there are infinite versions of the classic Southern chicken-and-wild rice pilaf, it tastes so good we couldnít resist adding another one. This recipe gives a wink to Cajun style with onions, celery, and bell peppersóand a dash of heat.
Prep Time: 15 min
Cook Time: 50 min
Ingredients:
| 2 Tbsps | vegetable oil, divided |
| 1 pound | , hot turkey sausage |
| 1 pound | , boneless, skinless chicken breast |
| 1 | medium yellow onion |
| 3 | celery stalks, minced |
| 1 | green bell pepper, seeded and minced |
| 1 tsp | freshly ground black pepper |
| 1 tsp | kosher salt |
| 2 1/2 cups | chicken broth |
| 1 cup | wild rice or wild rice blend |
| 1 Tbsp | flat-leaf parsley, minced |
| 2 Tbsps | sliced almonds |
Directions:
1. Preheat the oven to 375° F.
2. Heat 1 tablespoon of the oil in a large, high-sided sauté pan or skillet over medium-high heat.
3. Add the turkey sausage, and cook for 5 minutes until browned, stirring occasionally to break up the chunks. Transfer to a deep, square casserole dish.
4. Add the remaining oil to the skillet, then add the chicken and cook about 2 minutes per side until browned. Transfer to the casserole dish.
5. Add the onion, celery and bell pepper to the skillet and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Cook, stirring frequently, for 3-5 minutes until the vegetables are crisp-tender.
6. Add the chicken broth to the skillet and bring to a simmer.
7. Pour the rice into the casserole dish over the sausage and chicken, then pour the contents of the skillet into the casserole dish.
8. Stir to combine, then cover and bake for 20 minutes, then uncover and bake for 15-20 minutes more until the rice is tender and the chicken is cooked through.
9. Top with parsley and almonds, if desired, and serve.
