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Chicken Wild Rice Casserole Recipe

Chicken Wild Rice Casserole Recipe
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★★★★★

5.1 from 18 reviews

A hearty and comforting Chicken Wild Rice Casserole combining tender chicken, wholesome wild rice, and a creamy homemade sauce, topped with buttery bread cubes baked to golden perfection. Perfect for family dinners and cozy meals.

Ingredients

Scale

Vegetables and Rice

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

Protein

  • 1 lb chicken breasts, cut into small pieces

Butter and Dairy

  • 10 tbsp butter, divided
  • 2 cups milk

Seasonings and Others

  • 1 tsp salt
  • ½ tsp poultry seasoning
  • 4 tbsp flour
  • 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, allowing the rice and vegetables to soften and absorb the broth.
  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. Cook for 1 minute to form a roux, then gradually whisk in the milk to make a smooth, creamy sauce. Continue whisking until the sauce thickens slightly.
  3. Optional topping: Melt the remaining 6 tablespoons of butter separately. Toss the cubed bread in the melted butter to coat evenly. This step adds a crispy, buttery topping to the casserole but can be skipped for a lighter version.
  4. Assemble the casserole: Once the rice is fully cooked, carefully remove the foil from the baking dish. Add the raw chicken pieces and creamy sauce to the dish. Stir gently to combine all ingredients thoroughly, then evenly arrange the buttered bread cubes on top if using.
  5. Bake: Increase the oven temperature to 450°F and bake the casserole uncovered for 20 to 30 minutes. Bake until the chicken is cooked through (no longer pink in the center) and the bread cubes turn golden brown and crispy.
  6. Serve: After baking, let the casserole rest briefly. Garnish with additional salt, pepper, or fresh parsley to add a pop of flavor and color. Serve warm for a satisfying meal.

Notes

  • Use sturdy, day-old bread for the topping to ensure it crisps nicely without becoming soggy.
  • Chicken breasts can be substituted with thighs for juicier meat.
  • For a richer sauce, substitute part of the milk with cream.
  • This casserole can be prepared in advance up to the assembly stage and then baked later.
  • Adjust poultry seasoning quantity to suit your taste preference.

Nutrition

Keywords: chicken casserole, wild rice, comfort food, creamy chicken, baked casserole, easy dinner

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