Sunday Dinner: Creamy chicken and wild rice casserole

There are so many options when cooking with rice. The varieties of rice -- and meals -- seem endless. This creamy chicken and wild rice casserole is a great Sunday dinner dish! It's quick to make and will help free up some of your family time.

Free up some time to make cookies!

Casseroles sometimes get a bad rap, but they've come a long way from the memories of some childhood meals! There are a bunch of benefits to making a delicious casserole for dinner. From the comfort-food appeal to the ease of prep to great-tasting, hearty options, you'll find something to please your entire family! This casserole is not only delish, but you can put it together quickly, using your valuable free time for other things. At this time of year, use your free time wisely -- say, to bake cookies! After you prep your casserole, read on for fun ideas and recipes for holiday goodies!

Creamy chicken and wild rice casserole recipe

Serves 6 people

Ingredients:

• 3 cups cooked, chopped chicken breasts
• 2 cups cooked wild rice
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1/2 cup chopped onion
• 3 tablespoons flour
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1/2 cup milk
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
• 1/2 cup shaved Parmesan cheese

Directions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F and grease a medium casserole dish. Evenly arrange chicken and rice in the casserole dish.
2. In a small saucepan over medium-high heat, heat the oil and cook the onion, stirring often, for about two minutes. Sprinkle in the flour and cook, stirring, for about one minute; whisk in the broth and bring to a simmer.
3. Whisk in the milk and bring back to a simmer; season with salt and pepper. When the sauce just thickens, pour it over the chicken and rice, shaking the dish to evenly distribute the ingredients.
4. Sprinkle with cheese and bake for 25 minutes or until lightly browned.

It's the time of year for cookies galore! Why not turn a "must-do" into a fun family activity and bake and decorate holiday cookies together? Whether there are a few of you or a crowd big enough for an assembly line, you'll have fun together measuring, telling tales of holidays past, decorating and, of course, tasting your creations!

When the time comes to serve up your creations, you'll have fond memories (that will last a lifetime) of the teamwork and family fun that took place.

While you're at it, consider baking several batches of cookies to share with others this season. Bake and take them together as a family to a senior center, homeless shelter or the new family on the block. It's the season for sharing, after all!

Try these Sunday dinner recipes

Orange-glazed tilapia
Crockpot chicken and dumplings
Baked shells with winter squash
Chili-glazed pork with sweet potatoes