Joanna Gaines Dedication Casserole

This creamy, comforting Joanna Gaines Dedication Casserole is made with rotisserie chicken, wild rice, and artichoke hearts, and is ready in under an hour. Pulling this golden, cheesy dish from the oven reveals a bubbling layer of sharp cheddar giving way to a savory filling. I love making this simple dinner on busy weeknights when my family needs something hearty.

Why This Classic Works

When I first flipped through the cookbook, I underestimated this humble recipe. I assumed the water chestnuts would feel out of place, but they actually provide the perfect crunch against the soft rice.

The real surprise was using the marinade from the jarred artichokes directly in the mix. It infuses the whole dish with a bright, tangy flavor that cuts through the rich cream cheese beautifully.

Joanna Gaines Dedication Casserole Ingredients

• 3 (6.2-ounce) boxes fast-cook long grain and wild rice blend
• 4 cups shredded rotisserie chicken
• 1 (8-ounce) block cream cheese, cut into cubes
• 1 (12-ounce) jar marinated quartered artichoke hearts, undrained
• 1 (8-ounce) can diced water chestnuts, drained
• 1 tablespoon fresh tarragon, minced and divided
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 pound sharp yellow cheddar cheese, freshly grated
• Nonstick vegetable oil spray

How To Make Joanna Gaines Dedication Casserole

1. Prep the oven and pan: Preheat your oven to 375°F and coat a deep 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray. Cook the wild rice according to the package directions.
2. Mix the base: In a large mixing bowl, combine the warm cooked wild rice, shredded rotisserie chicken, cream cheese cubes, undrained artichoke hearts, and drained water chestnuts.
3. Season the filling: Add half of the minced fresh tarragon, the garlic powder, kosher salt, and black pepper to the bowl. Stir everything together until well incorporated.
4. Assemble the dish: Spread the chicken and rice mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish. Generously top it with the grated sharp cheddar cheese.
5. Bake and garnish: Bake for 30 to 40 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbling around the edges. Sprinkle with the remaining fresh tarragon right before serving.

Recipe Tips

• Shred your own cheese: Pre-packaged shredded cheese contains anti-caking agents that prevent it from melting smoothly into a cohesive crust.
• Do not drain the artichokes: The oily, seasoned marinade acts as the primary liquid for the casserole, so dumping it out will leave the dish completely dry.
• Use warm rice: Mixing the ingredients while the freshly cooked rice is still hot helps soften the cream cheese block, making it much easier to stir evenly.

What To Serve With Dedication Casserole

Since this is a heavy, comforting meal, a light mixed greens salad tossed with a simple lemon vinaigrette offers a refreshing contrast. A side of roasted green beans or warm garlic bread is also perfect for soaking up any extra creamy sauce left on the plate.

How To Store

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. To make it ahead, assemble the casserole without baking, cover it tightly, and refrigerate overnight. Let the dish sit at room temperature for an hour before placing it in the oven.

FAQs

Can I freeze this casserole?
Yes, wrap the unbaked casserole tightly in aluminum foil and freeze for up to three months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before baking as directed.

What kind of chicken works best?
A store-bought rotisserie chicken is the fastest option and adds great flavor. You can also use plain boiled or oven-roasted chicken breasts shredded with two forks.

Can I substitute the wild rice?
While the fast-cook rice blend offers a specific herbaceous flavor, you can use regular white or brown rice. Just be sure to add extra seasoning or chicken broth to compensate for the missing flavor packets.

Nutrition

• Calories: 635 kcal
• Total Fat: 39 g
• Saturated Fat: 18 g
• Cholesterol: 120 mg
• Sodium: 1150 mg
• Total Carbohydrate: 28 g
• Protein: 36 g

Try More Recipes:

• Joanna Gaines Tiramisu
• Joanna Gaines Pecan Pie
• Joanna Gaines Almond Cookies

Joanna Gaines Dedication Casserole

Recipe by Imen Dridi

Servings

8

servings

Prep time

15

minutes

Cooking time

40

minutes

Total time

55

minutes

This creamy, savory Joanna Gaines Dedication Casserole combines tender rotisserie chicken, wild rice, and tangy artichoke hearts for a comforting family dinner. Ready in under an hour, this bubbly, cheddar-topped bake is the perfect hearty, fuss-free meal for busy weeknights.

Ingredients

• 3 (6.2-ounce) boxes fast-cook long grain and wild rice blend

• 4 cups shredded rotisserie chicken

• 1 (8-ounce) block cream cheese, cut into cubes

• 1 (12-ounce) jar marinated quartered artichoke hearts, undrained

• 1 (8-ounce) can diced water chestnuts, drained

• 1 tablespoon fresh tarragon, minced and divided

• 1 teaspoon garlic powder

• 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt

• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

• 1 pound sharp yellow cheddar cheese, freshly grated

• Nonstick vegetable oil spray

Directions

• 1. Prep the oven and pan: Preheat your oven to 375°F and coat a deep 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray. Cook the wild rice according to the package directions.
• 2. Mix the base: In a large mixing bowl, combine the warm cooked wild rice, shredded rotisserie chicken, cream cheese cubes, undrained artichoke hearts, and drained water chestnuts.
• 3. Season the filling: Add half of the minced fresh tarragon, the garlic powder, kosher salt, and black pepper to the bowl. Stir everything together until well incorporated.
• 4. Assemble the dish: Spread the chicken and rice mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish. Generously top it with the grated sharp cheddar cheese.
• 5. Bake and garnish: Bake for 30 to 40 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbling around the edges. Sprinkle with the remaining fresh tarragon right before serving.