thank you smitten kitchen for this broccoli, cheddar and wild rice casserole recipe. and thank you meghann for recommending it. and also for suggesting the addition of chicken. you saved me from having to hear big b suggest it afterward. just as you suspected, this went from side dish to meal with that singular extra ingredient::
i baked two bone in, skin on chicken breasts at 375 for about 40 minutes (place on parchment lined sheet, drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper before baking). then just cube it up once it's cool. i stirred the chicken in with the wild rice and broccoli and continued with the recipe. i was worried the addition would effect the sauciness of my casserole, but somehow it looks like mine was a lot more saucy and cheesy than hers. all's well that ends well. i served it up with salad and some roasted cabbage. it was delicious! perfect for our rainy sunday. everyone, even ellie, gobbled it up. and no extra tips from big b for next time! success all around!