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Chicken Wild Rice Casserole Recipe

Chicken Wild Rice Casserole Recipe
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★★★★★

5.1 from 21 reviews

This hearty and comforting Chicken Wild Rice Casserole combines tender chicken, nutritious wild rice, and a creamy homemade sauce baked to golden perfection with buttery bread cubes on top. Perfect for a family dinner, this casserole offers a balanced mix of vegetables, protein, and whole grains with a rich, savory flavor and satisfying texture.

Ingredients

Scale

Vegetables and Rice

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

Protein 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 (175°C). 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 until the rice is tender and vegetables are softened.
  2. Prepare the sauce: While the rice is cooking, melt 4 tablespoons of butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir in the flour, salt, and poultry seasoning and cook for 1 minute to eliminate the raw flour taste. Gradually whisk in the milk until the sauce is smooth and creamy, then cook for a few more minutes until slightly thickened.
  3. Optional topping: Melt the remaining 6 tablespoons of butter and toss with the cubed bread to create a flavorful crispy topping. This step can be skipped if you prefer a topping-free casserole.
  4. Assemble the casserole: Remove the foil from the baking dish once the rice and vegetables are cooked. Add the raw chicken pieces and creamy sauce to the dish, stirring gently to combine all ingredients evenly. Then, spread the buttered bread cubes over the top of the mixture.
  5. Bake: Increase the oven temperature to 450°F (230°C). Bake the casserole uncovered for an additional 20-30 minutes until the chicken is cooked through (no longer pink) and the bread cubes turn golden brown and crisp.
  6. Serve: After baking, optionally garnish with additional salt, pepper, or fresh parsley for a vibrant finish. Serve warm and enjoy this flavorful, satisfying casserole with family or friends.

Notes

  • Wild rice takes longer to cook than white rice; ensure it softens during the initial baking stage.
  • Using day-old or dry bread helps achieve a crispy topping rather than soggy.
  • Adjust poultry seasoning and salt according to taste.
  • You can substitute milk with a lactose-free or plant-based milk for dietary preferences.
  • Ensure the chicken is fully cooked by checking for no pink inside before serving.
  • Leftovers store well refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheat nicely.

Nutrition

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

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