Chicken and Wild Rice Casserole Recipe

Introduction

This comforting Chicken and Wild Rice Casserole combines tender shredded chicken with nutty wild rice and a creamy, savory sauce. Topped with melted cheese and a crispy breadcrumb crust, it’s perfect for an easy weeknight dinner or a cozy family meal.

Ingredients

• 2 cups cooked wild rice blend
• 2 cups shredded cooked chicken
• 2 tbsp butter
• 1 small onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• ½ cup diced carrots
• ½ cup diced celery
• 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
• 1 ½ cups chicken broth
• ½ cup heavy cream
• 1 tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper
• ½ tsp dried thyme
• ½ tsp paprika
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• ½ cup breadcrumbs (optional)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Prepare the wild rice blend according to the package instructions and set aside.
2. Step 2: In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the diced onion, carrots, and celery, and cook for about 5 minutes until softened. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute.
3. Step 3: Sprinkle the flour over the sautéed vegetables and stir to combine. Gradually pour in the chicken broth while stirring to prevent lumps. Let the mixture simmer for a few minutes until it thickens.
4. Step 4: Stir in the heavy cream, salt, pepper, dried thyme, and paprika. Remove the sauce from heat.
5. Step 5: In a large bowl, combine the cooked wild rice, shredded chicken, creamy sauce, and shredded cheddar cheese. Mix until well blended.
6. Step 6: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and spread the mixture evenly inside. Sprinkle breadcrumbs on top if using.
7. Step 7: Cover the dish with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 to 15 minutes, until the casserole is golden brown and bubbly.
8. Step 8: Allow the casserole to rest for 5 minutes before serving. Enjoy your hearty, delicious meal!

Tips & Variations

• Use leftover roasted chicken to save time and add extra flavor.
• Substitute sour cream for heavy cream for a tangier sauce.
• Add mushrooms or peas for extra vegetables and texture.
• For a gluten-free option, use gluten-free flour and breadcrumbs or omit the breadcrumbs altogether.

Storage

Store any leftover casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, cover with foil and warm in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 20 minutes or until heated through. You can also microwave individual servings until hot.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of rice for this casserole?

Yes, you can substitute brown rice or white rice if you don’t have wild rice blend. Just adjust cooking times as needed to ensure the rice is fully cooked before assembling the casserole.

Is it possible to freeze this casserole?

Absolutely. Assemble the casserole but don’t bake it. Cover tightly with foil and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, bake covered at 375°F (190°C) for about 45 minutes, then uncover and bake an additional 15 minutes until bubbly and golden.

Chicken and Wild Rice Casserole Recipe

Print Recipe

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4.5 from 114 reviews

A comforting Chicken and Wild Rice Casserole featuring tender shredded chicken, a medley of sautéed vegetables, and creamy cheese sauce baked to golden perfection. This hearty dish combines wild rice blend with a flavorful homemade sauce and melted cheese, making it a perfect weeknight dinner or family gathering meal.

• Author: Daniel
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour
• Yield: 6 servings 1x
• Category: Casserole
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients

• 2 cups cooked wild rice blend
• 2 cups shredded cooked chicken
• 2 tbsp butter
• 1 small onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• ½ cup diced carrots
• ½ cup diced celery
• 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
• 1 ½ cups chicken broth
• ½ cup heavy cream
• 1 tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper
• ½ tsp dried thyme
• ½ tsp paprika
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• ½ cup breadcrumbs (optional)

Instructions

1. Cook the Wild Rice: Prepare the wild rice blend according to package instructions and set aside, ensuring it is fully cooked and fluffy.
2. Sauté the Vegetables: In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add diced onion, carrots, and celery and cook for about 5 minutes until softened. Stir in minced garlic and cook for an additional minute to release its aroma.
3. Make the Sauce: Sprinkle the flour over the sautéed vegetables and stir well to combine. Gradually pour in the chicken broth while stirring constantly to avoid lumps. Let the mixture simmer for a few minutes until it thickens. Then add heavy cream, salt, black pepper, dried thyme, and paprika. Stir thoroughly and remove from heat once the sauce is smooth and creamy.
4. Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked wild rice, shredded cooked chicken, creamy sauce, and shredded cheddar cheese. Mix evenly to incorporate all ingredients thoroughly.
5. Assemble the Casserole: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Spread the rice and chicken mixture evenly in the dish. If desired, sprinkle the breadcrumbs and grated Parmesan cheese evenly over the top for a crunchy crust.
6. Bake: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes. Then remove the foil and continue baking for another 10 to 15 minutes until the top is golden brown and the casserole is bubbly around the edges.
7. Rest and Serve: Remove from the oven and let the casserole rest for 5 minutes to settle and cool slightly. Serve warm and enjoy this comforting meal.

Notes

• For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk, but the casserole will be less creamy.
• Feel free to add mushrooms or peas for extra vegetable variety.
• Use gluten-free flour and breadcrumbs to make this dish gluten-free compliant.
• Leftovers store well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and can be reheated easily.
• If preferred, omit breadcrumbs for a softer topping.

Keywords: Chicken wild rice casserole, cheesy chicken casserole, comfort food, baked casserole, easy dinner recipe