Chicken Wild Rice Casserole Recipe

Introduction

Chicken Wild Rice Casserole is a comforting, hearty dish perfect for family dinners. Combining tender chicken, earthy wild rice, and a creamy sauce, it’s topped with buttery bread cubes for delightful texture. This casserole brings warmth and flavor in every bite.

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 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.
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. Cook for 1 minute, then gradually whisk in the milk to form a smooth, creamy sauce.
3. Step 3: Melt the remaining 6 tablespoons of butter and toss with the cubed bread. This makes an optional topping for the casserole. You can skip this step if you prefer without topping.
4. Step 4: Once the rice is cooked, remove the foil from the baking dish. Add the raw chicken pieces and the creamy sauce to the dish, stirring everything together to combine. Spread the buttered bread cubes evenly on top.
5. Step 5: Increase the oven temperature to 450°F. Bake the casserole uncovered for 20-30 minutes until the chicken is fully cooked and the bread cubes are golden brown.
6. Step 6: When baked, garnish with salt, pepper, or fresh parsley for a burst of flavor and color. Serve warm and enjoy!

Tips & Variations

• Use day-old or dry bread for the topping to achieve a crispier, golden crust.
• Substitute chicken breasts with thighs for a juicier texture.
• Add a handful of mushrooms or peas for extra veggies and flavor.
• For a dairy-free option, replace butter and milk with plant-based alternatives.

Storage

Store leftover casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm individual servings in the microwave or heat in the oven at 350°F until heated through. Avoid freezing as bread topping may lose texture.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use white rice instead of wild rice?

Yes, you can substitute white rice, but the texture and flavor will be milder. Adjust cooking time accordingly since white rice typically cooks faster than wild rice.

Is it necessary to pre-cook the wild rice before adding chicken?

The wild rice cooks in the oven with the vegetables and broth initially. Adding raw chicken later ensures the chicken stays tender while the rice finishes cooking. This method keeps everything perfectly cooked.

Chicken Wild Rice Casserole Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.9 from 93 reviews

This hearty Chicken Wild Rice Casserole combines tender chicken, nutritious wild rice, and a creamy homemade sauce baked to perfection with a buttery bread topping. It’s a comforting and flavorful dish perfect for family dinners or potlucks, featuring a blend of vegetables and a rich, creamy texture that satisfies.

• Author: Amaya
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
• Total Time: 2 hours
• Yield: 6 servings 1x
• Category: Casserole
• 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

Protein

• 1 lb chicken breasts, cut into small pieces

Sauce

• 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: Preheat your oven to 350°F. In a large baking dish, combine the chopped onion, carrots, celery, wild rice, and chicken broth. Cover the dish tightly with foil to trap steam and bake for 1 hour and 15 minutes to allow the rice and vegetables to cook thoroughly.
2. Prepare the sauce: While the rice cooks, melt 4 tablespoons of butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Stir in the flour, salt, and poultry seasoning, cooking for about 1 minute to create a roux. Gradually whisk in the milk, stirring constantly until the sauce becomes smooth and creamy.
3. Prepare the optional topping: Melt the remaining 6 tablespoons of butter. Toss the cubed bread in the melted butter until evenly coated. This step adds a delicious, crispy texture to the casserole topping, but can be omitted if preferred.
4. Assemble the casserole: Once the rice mixture is cooked, remove the foil from the baking dish. Add the raw chicken pieces and the creamy sauce into the dish, stirring well to combine all ingredients. Spread the buttered bread cubes evenly over the top of the mixture as a topping.
5. Bake: Increase the oven temperature to 450°F. Bake the casserole uncovered for an additional 20 to 30 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked (no pink remains) and the bread cubes turn golden brown and crispy.
6. Serve: After baking, season the casserole with additional salt, pepper, or garnish with fresh parsley to add vibrant flavor and color. Serve warm and enjoy your comforting meal.

Notes

• The bread topping is optional but adds a wonderful buttery crunch to the casserole.
• Use day-old or dry bread cubes for the topping to achieve the best texture.
• Ensure the chicken is fully cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F for food safety.
• You can substitute chicken broth with vegetable broth for a lighter flavor.
• This casserole can be prepared ahead of time up to assembling and refrigerated before baking.

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