W2 Recipe: Chicken Wild Rice Hotdish

Cooking Connection: Chicken and Wild Rice Hotdish

Chicken and wild rice hotdish is a hearty, comforting dish that reflects radical hospitality and Jesus’ openness to share a meal with sinners and outcasts. In Minnesota culture, a hotdish is often prepared to bring comfort and care to others—whether for a potluck, a family gathering, or as a gesture of support during hard times. Its simplicity and heartiness symbolize the abundant grace Jesus offers: it nourishes both body and soul, just as God’s love nourishes us. Preparing and sharing this dish becomes a tangible act of hospitality, mirroring Jesus’ call to extend welcome and compassion to those on the margins, inviting everyone to share in the feast of grace.

Recipe for Chicken and Wild Rice Hotdish:

Ingredients:

• 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced

• 2 cups cooked wild rice

• 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom or cream of chicken soup

• 1 cup milk

• 1/2 cup sour cream

• 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional)

• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder

• 1/4 teaspoon onion powder

• Salt and pepper to taste

• 1/2 cup bread crumbs or crushed crackers for topping

• 2 tablespoons butter, melted

Optional Additions:

• Sautéed mushrooms

• Diced carrots or celery

• A pinch of fresh thyme or parsley

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).

2. In a large mixing bowl, combine cooked chicken, cooked wild rice, cream of mushroom/chicken soup, milk, sour cream, and optional cheese. Mix well.

3. Season with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Stir in any optional vegetables or herbs.

4. Pour the mixture into a greased 9x13-inch baking dish.

5. In a small bowl, combine bread crumbs or crushed crackers with melted butter. Sprinkle over the top of the hotdish.

6. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until heated through and the topping is golden and crispy.

7. Serve warm, sharing the meal with family or friends, and reflect on how food can foster community and connection.