If you’re craving a cozy, hearty dish that warms both the body and soul, look no further! This Chicken Wild Rice Casserole is an ultimate comfort food that encapsulates the essence of home-cooked meals. With its rich blend of flavors and textures, this dish is perfect for family dinners or gatherings, easily winning over even the pickiest eaters.

What makes this recipe special

Why will this dish quickly become a favorite in your home? For starters, its unique combination of savory chicken, earthy wild rice, and fresh vegetables creates a wholesome meal that’s as nutritious as it is delicious. This casserole is not only budget-friendly but also offers a one-pot convenience that makes cleanup a breeze! Whether served on a weekday or a relaxed weekend, it’s sure to satisfy your cravings and make your dining table feel like home.

“This casserole has become a staple in my house! The wild rice adds such depth to the flavor, and my kids ask for seconds every time.” — Happy Customer

Preparing Chicken Wild Rice Casserole Recipe

This dish may sound elaborate, but its cooking process is surprisingly straightforward. First, you’ll start by blending the veggies and wild rice with chicken broth in a baking dish. While that simmers to perfection, you’ll whip up a creamy sauce to elevate the flavors. Finally, add your chicken, mix it all together, and top it off for that coveted golden crust.

Ingredients you’ll need

Gather these essentials to make your Chicken Wild Rice Casserole shine:

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)

Feel free to customize the ingredients! You can use chicken thighs instead of breasts for more flavor or swap out the bread for gluten-free options.

Directions to follow

Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 350°F.
Mix the base: In a large baking dish, stir together the chopped onion, carrots, celery, wild rice, and chicken broth. Cover the dish tightly with foil and bake for 1 hour and 15 minutes.
Create the sauce: While the rice is cooking, melt 4 tablespoons of butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Add in the flour, salt, and poultry seasoning, cooking for about 1 minute. Gradually whisk in the milk to form a smooth and creamy sauce.
Toss the topping (optional): Melt the remaining 6 tablespoons of butter and toss it with the cubed bread. If you’d prefer a casserole without the topping, this step can be skipped.
Assemble: Once the rice is cooked, remove the foil to add the raw chicken pieces and creamy sauce to the dish. Stir everything together thoroughly, and then scatter the buttered bread cubes evenly on top.
Bake: Increase the oven temperature to 450°F and bake uncovered for an additional 20-30 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through (no longer pink) and the bread cubes have turned a lovely golden brown.
Serve: Once baked, finish with a sprinkle of salt, pepper, or fresh parsley for an extra touch of color and flavor. Enjoy your culinary creation!

Best ways to enjoy it

This casserole is delightful on its own, but consider pairing it with a simple side salad or steamed vegetables for a balanced meal. A light vinaigrette can enhance the dish’s flavors beautifully. For a cozy evening, serve it with a warm baguette or some buttery corn on the side.

Storage and reheating tips

Leftover Chicken Wild Rice Casserole can be stored safely in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Be sure to let it cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. For longer storage, you can freeze portions for up to 3 months. To reheat, pop it in the oven at 350°F until warmed through, covering with foil to prevent drying out if necessary.

Pro chef tips

For optimal flavor, sauté the vegetables in a bit of the butter before adding them to the casserole mix. This will enhance their sweetness and depth. Additionally, if you have leftover roasted chicken, feel free to substitute that for fresh chicken to save time!

Creative twists

Looking to switch things up? You can try adding mushrooms, peas, or corn for more color and variety in texture. For a spicy kick, consider mixing in some diced jalapeños or swapping the poultry seasoning for a blend of Cajun spices. Alternatively, for a vegetarian version, use vegetable broth and replace the chicken with chickpeas or more veggies.

Your questions answered

What’s the prep time for this casserole?
The total prep time is about 20 minutes, but don’t forget the baking time of 1 hour and 15 minutes plus an additional 20-30 minutes!
Can I substitute wild rice with regular rice?
You can use regular rice, but keep in mind that wild rice has a unique texture and flavor profile that enhances the casserole.
How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?
The chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F and have no pink remaining. Always use a thermometer for the best accuracy.

This Chicken Wild Rice Casserole is sure to impress whether you’re trying it for the first time or diving back into a beloved family recipe. Happy cooking!

Chicken Wild Rice Casserole

A cozy and hearty dish combining savory chicken, earthy wild rice, and fresh vegetables, perfect for family dinners.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 20

Cook Time 1 15

Total Time 1 35

Course Dinner, Main Course

Cuisine American, Comfort Food

Servings 6 servings

Calories 500 kcal

Ingredients

Vegetable Base

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

Main Ingredients

1 lb 1 lb chicken breasts, cut into small pieces
10 tbsp 10 tbsp butter, divided
1 tsp 1 tsp salt
½ tsp ½ tsp poultry seasoning
4 tbsp 4 tbsp flour
2 cups 2 cups milk
3-4 cups 3-4 cups cubed bread (sturdy, dry, or day-old bread works best) Feel free to use gluten-free options.

Instructions

Preparation

Preheat the oven to 350°F.
In a large baking dish, stir together the chopped onion, carrots, celery, wild rice, and chicken broth. Cover the dish tightly with foil and bake for 1 hour and 15 minutes.
While the rice is cooking, melt 4 tablespoons of butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Add in the flour, salt, and poultry seasoning, cooking for about 1 minute. Gradually whisk in the milk to form a smooth and creamy sauce.
Melt the remaining 6 tablespoons of butter and toss it with the cubed bread. (Optional: Skip this step if you prefer a casserole without the topping.)
Once the rice is cooked, remove the foil to add the raw chicken pieces and creamy sauce to the dish. Stir everything together thoroughly, and then scatter the buttered bread cubes evenly on top.
Increase the oven temperature to 450°F and bake uncovered for an additional 20-30 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through (no longer pink) and the bread cubes have turned a lovely golden brown.
Once baked, finish with a sprinkle of salt, pepper, or fresh parsley for an extra touch of color and flavor. Enjoy your culinary creation!

Notes

Leftover Chicken Wild Rice Casserole can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Cool completely before transferring to an airtight container. For longer storage, freeze portions for up to 3 months. To reheat, pop it in the oven at 350°F until warmed through, covering with foil to prevent drying out.

Keyword Chicken Wild Rice Casserole, comfort food, Family Dinner, Hearty Casserole, One-Pot Meal