Cheesy Chicken and Wild Rice Casserole

How to make Cheesy Chicken and Wild Rice Casserole Recipe - I have made this casserole so many times I could quite possibly prepare it with my eyes closed. The cheesy sauce that is added to the wild rice and vegetables is good enough to eat with a spoon right out of the saucepan. Have the kids help measure and add the vegetables to the pot. My boys love helping with this recipe. This is a great recipe if you are feeding a group or want to enjoy leftovers for a couple days. Enjoy with a simple salad.

Ingredients:
3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
1 1⁄2 cups peeled and diced carrot
1 1⁄4 cups finely chopped white onion
1 cup diced celery
2 tablespoons minced garlic
2 cups shredded cooked chicken breast
2 cups steamed white rice
2 cups cooked wild rice
1 teaspoon kosher salt
1⁄2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1⁄4 teaspoon garlic salt
Cheese Sauce
4 tablespoons (1⁄2 stick) butter
1⁄4 cup all-purpose flour
1⁄4 teaspoon salt
1⁄4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
2 cups chicken broth
3 1⁄2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided

Method:
1. Preheat the oven to 350°F and spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray.

2. Heat the olive oil in a Dutch oven or large pot over medium heat. Add the carrot, onion, and celery and cook, stirring, until tender, about 10 minutes. Add the garlic and cook, stirring, for 1 minute. Add chicken, white and wild rices, salt, pepper, and garlic salt and cook, stirring until hot, about 5 minutes, then reduce the heat to low.

3. To make the cheese sauce, melt the butter in a medium saucepan over medium-high heat. Add the flour, salt, and pepper, whisking to combine. Slowly add the chicken broth, whisking continuously until the liquid thickens and starts to boil. Add 2 cups of the cheese, stirring until melted.

4. Pour the cheese sauce over the rice mixture and stir to combine, then transfer to the prepared baking dish. Top with the remaining 11⁄2 cups cheese and bake for 25 to 30 minutes, until the cheese is melted. Serve immediately.