Chicken Wild Rice Casserole Recipe

Introduction

This Chicken Wild Rice Casserole is a comforting, hearty dish perfect for family dinners. Combining tender chicken, nutty wild rice, and a creamy sauce, it’s topped with buttery bread cubes for a satisfying crunch. Easy to prepare and full of flavor, it’s sure to become a favorite.

Ingredients

• 1 onion, chopped
• 5 carrots, chopped
• 5 celery stalks, chopped
• 1 cup wild rice
• 3 cups chicken broth
• 1 lb chicken breasts, cut into small pieces
• 10 tbsp butter, divided
• 1 tsp salt
• ½ tsp poultry seasoning
• 4 tbsp flour
• 2 cups milk
• 3-4 cups cubed bread (sturdy, dry, or day-old bread works best)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat the 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.
2. Step 2: 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. Gradually whisk in the milk to form a smooth, creamy sauce.
3. Step 3: Melt the remaining 6 tablespoons of butter separately. Toss the cubed bread in this melted butter. This step is optional if you prefer to skip the crispy topping.
4. Step 4: After the rice mixture has baked, remove the foil. Add the raw chicken pieces and the creamy sauce to the dish, stirring everything together to combine. Arrange the buttered bread cubes evenly on top.
5. Step 5: Increase the oven temperature to 450°F. Bake uncovered for 20 to 30 minutes until the chicken is fully cooked and no longer pink, and the bread cubes are golden brown.
6. Step 6: Once baked, garnish with additional salt, pepper, or fresh parsley if desired. Serve warm and enjoy!

Tips & Variations

• Use day-old or slightly dry bread cubes for a crispier topping that won’t get soggy.
• For extra flavor, try adding sautéed mushrooms or chopped fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary to the casserole.
• Substitute half the wild rice for white rice if you prefer a softer texture.
• Make it dairy-free by using plant-based butter and milk alternatives.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven at 350°F until warmed through to maintain the casserole’s texture. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it may make the bread topping soggy.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use cooked chicken instead of raw chicken?

Yes, you can add cooked chicken at the assembly stage. If doing so, bake only until everything is heated through and the topping is golden, reducing the final bake time.

Is it necessary to cover the dish with foil during the first baking?

Covering with foil traps steam, allowing the wild rice and vegetables to cook properly and stay moist. Skipping this step might result in undercooked rice or dried-out veggies.

Chicken Wild Rice Casserole Recipe

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★★★★★

4.7 from 150 reviews

This hearty Chicken Wild Rice Casserole combines tender chicken, aromatic vegetables, creamy sauce, and nutty wild rice baked to perfection with a crispy buttered bread topping. It’s a comforting, wholesome meal perfect for family dinners or potlucks.

• Author: Sophie
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
• Total Time: 2 hours 5 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Vegetables and Rice

• 1 onion, chopped
• 5 carrots, chopped
• 5 celery stalks, chopped
• 1 cup wild rice
• 3 cups chicken broth

Chicken and Sauce

• 1 lb chicken breasts, cut into small pieces
• 10 tbsp butter, divided
• 1 tsp salt
• ½ tsp poultry seasoning
• 4 tbsp flour
• 2 cups milk

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 baking, melt 4 tablespoons of butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Add the flour, salt, and poultry seasoning. Cook, stirring constantly, for 1 minute to form a roux. Gradually whisk in the milk to create a smooth, creamy sauce and cook until thickened.
3. Optional topping: Melt the remaining 6 tablespoons of butter. Toss the cubed bread in the melted butter to coat evenly. This topping will add a golden, crunchy layer on the casserole.
4. Assemble the casserole: Remove the foil from the baking dish after the rice has cooked. Add the raw chicken pieces and creamy sauce to the dish and stir everything to combine well. Evenly arrange the buttered bread cubes on top of the mixture for the topping.
5. Bake: Increase the oven temperature to 450°F. Bake the uncovered casserole for an additional 20-30 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked through (no pink remains) and the bread cubes are golden brown and crisp.
6. Serve: Remove from oven and, if desired, garnish with freshly ground salt, pepper, or chopped parsley for extra flavor and color. Serve warm and enjoy your comforting casserole!

Notes

• Using day-old bread helps create a crunchier topping.
• The casserole can be prepared a day in advance and baked just before serving.
• Adjust seasoning to taste before adding the topping.
• To avoid overcooking chicken, check at 20 minutes during the final bake.
• Substituting half-and-half for milk will make the sauce richer.

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