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Chicken Wild Rice Casserole Recipe

Chicken Wild Rice Casserole Recipe
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★★★★★

4.9 from 24 reviews

This comforting Chicken Wild Rice Casserole combines tender chicken, hearty wild rice, and a creamy sauce, topped with crispy buttered bread cubes. Baked to golden perfection, it is a satisfying one-dish meal perfect for family dinners.

Ingredients

Scale

Vegetables

  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 5 carrots, chopped
  • 5 celery stalks, chopped

Rice & Broth

  • 1 cup wild rice
  • 3 cups chicken broth

Chicken & Dairy

  • 1 lb chicken breasts, cut into small pieces
  • 10 tbsp butter, divided
  • 2 cups milk

Seasonings & Dry Ingredients

  • 1 tsp salt
  • ½ tsp poultry seasoning
  • 4 tbsp flour

Topping

  • 3–4 cups cubed bread (sturdy, dry, or day-old bread works best)

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 350°F. In a large baking dish, combine the chopped onion, carrots, celery, wild rice, and chicken broth. Cover tightly with foil and bake for 1 hour and 15 minutes to cook the rice and soften the vegetables.
  2. Prepare the sauce: While the rice is cooking, melt 4 tablespoons of butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Add the flour, salt, and poultry seasoning, cooking for 1 minute to create a roux. Gradually whisk in the milk until the sauce is smooth and creamy, then remove from heat.
  3. Optional topping: Melt the remaining 6 tablespoons of butter and toss it with the cubed bread. This will create a delicious, buttery topping that crisps during baking. You may skip this step if you prefer no topping.
  4. Assemble the casserole: When the rice is done, remove the foil. Add the raw chicken pieces and the creamy sauce to the baking dish. Stir thoroughly to combine all ingredients evenly. Spread the buttered bread cubes evenly over the top of the mixture.
  5. Bake: Increase the oven temperature to 450°F. Bake the casserole uncovered for 20 to 30 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked through (no pink remains) and the bread cubes on top are golden brown and crispy.
  6. Serve: Remove from oven and garnish with salt, freshly ground black pepper, or chopped parsley for a fresh, vibrant finish. Serve hot and enjoy this hearty, comforting casserole.

Notes

  • Use sturdy, dry, or day-old bread cubes to ensure a crispy topping that doesn’t become soggy.
  • If you want a lighter version, reduce the butter quantity or substitute with a low-fat alternative.
  • Ensure chicken is cooked through before serving to avoid any food safety issues.
  • Wild rice adds a nutty flavor and chewy texture; if unavailable, substitute with a wild rice blend.
  • This casserole can be made ahead by preparing the components separately and assembling before baking.

Nutrition

Keywords: Chicken casserole, wild rice recipe, comfort food, baked casserole, creamy chicken dish

Find it online: https://frommamamaya.com/chicken-wild-rice-casserole-recipe/