Print

Chicken Wild Rice Casserole Recipe

Chicken Wild Rice Casserole Recipe
Print Recipe

★★★★★

5.1 from 14 reviews

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

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

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: 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 cook thoroughly and absorb the flavors.
  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 form a roux. Gradually whisk in the milk to create a smooth, creamy sauce, stirring continuously to avoid lumps.
  3. Optional topping: Melt the remaining 6 tablespoons of butter separately. Toss the cubed bread in the melted butter until well coated. This buttery bread topping adds a crunchy texture to the casserole but can be omitted if preferred.
  4. Assemble the casserole: Once the rice and vegetables are cooked, remove the foil. Add the raw chicken pieces and the creamy sauce to the baking dish. Stir gently to combine all ingredients evenly. Spread the buttered bread cubes evenly over the top if using.
  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 longer pink in the center) and the bread cubes have turned golden brown and crispy.
  6. Serve: Remove from the oven and allow to cool slightly. Garnish with freshly ground salt, pepper, or chopped parsley for a fresh burst of flavor and color. Serve warm and enjoy your hearty meal.

Notes

  • Use day-old or dry bread for the topping to ensure it crisps up well in the oven.
  • The casserole can be prepared a day in advance and baked before serving for convenience.
  • Use low-fat milk to reduce fat content, but the sauce may be less rich.
  • Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated thoroughly before serving.
  • For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free flour and bread substitutes.

Nutrition

Keywords: chicken casserole, wild rice, creamy chicken bake, comfort food, baked chicken and rice

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