Cozy Chicken Wild Rice Casserole Recipe: Family Favorite Comfort

Comfort arrives in a steaming casserole dish loaded with creamy chicken wild rice that warms you from the inside out.

Tender chicken pieces nestle between nutty wild rice grains, creating a symphony of flavors and textures.

Earthy mushrooms and vibrant vegetables add depth to this classic midwestern-inspired meal.

The rich, velvety sauce binds each ingredient with delicious promise.

Hearty and satisfying, this casserole emerges from the oven golden and bubbling with pure deliciousness.

Packed with protein and wholesome ingredients, you’ll want to savor every comforting bite.

Serve this crowd-pleasing dish and watch as smiles spread around the dinner table.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 1 hour

Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes

Calories: 330 kcal

Servings: 7

Everything Needed For Chicken Wild Rice Casserole Recipe

• Wild Rice: Nutty, hearty grain that provides a robust texture and earthy flavor, choose organic varieties for maximum nutrition.
• Chicken Broth: Infuses deep, savory undertones into rice, select low-sodium options for better control of saltiness.

• Chicken: Lean protein that adds substance, opt for rotisserie or freshly shredded for maximum tenderness.
• Onion: Aromatic base that builds flavor complexity, select firm bulbs without soft spots.
• Celery: Adds crisp texture and mild herbal notes, choose bright green stalks with minimal blemishes.
• Garlic: Provides intense depth, pick firm cloves without sprouting.
• Mushrooms: Delivers umami richness, select fresh, firm specimens without discoloration.

• Butter: Creates richness and helps develop golden color, use unsalted for precise seasoning.
• Flour: Thickens sauce and provides smooth consistency, all-purpose works perfectly.
• Milk: Contributes silky texture, whole milk recommended for maximum creaminess.
• Cheddar Cheese: Melts beautifully and adds sharp flavor, sharp varieties provide more punch.
• Parmesan Cheese: Introduces salty, nutty undertones, freshly grated offers superior taste.
• Panko Breadcrumbs: Creates crispy, golden topping, look for Japanese-style varieties.
• Parsley: Fresh garnish that brightens entire dish, choose bright green leaves without wilting.

Gear You’ll Need For Chicken Wild Rice Casserole Recipe

• Large Saucepan: Perfect for cooking wild rice with precise water measurements.
• Skillet: Essential for sautéing vegetables and creating the creamy sauce.
• 9×13-inch Baking Dish: Ideal size for assembling and baking the entire casserole.
• Large Mixing Bowl: Needed for combining rice, chicken, vegetables, and sauce.
• Small Mixing Bowl: Used for preparing the breadcrumb topping.
• Whisk: Critical for creating smooth, lump-free sauce.
• Cutting Board: For chopping vegetables and preparing ingredients.
• Chef's Knife: Sharp tool for precise vegetable and herb cutting.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: Ensures accurate ingredient quantities.

Easy Steps For Chicken Wild Rice Casserole Recipe

• Kick-Start the Wild Rice

Wash the wild rice thoroughly and toss it into a saucepan. Pour in water and a touch of salt. Let it simmer and bubble until tender, then drain any lingering liquid.

• Sizzle the Veggies

Heat up a skillet and dance some butter around. Toss in onions, celery, garlic, and mushrooms. Sprinkle in some seasonings and let them mingle and soften until they’re fragrant and delicious.

• Whip Up the Creamy Magic

In the same skillet, melt butter and swirl in flour. Create a silky sauce by slowly adding chicken broth and milk. Stir in cheese until it transforms into a luxurious, velvety mixture that’ll make your taste buds dance.

• Mix and Combine

Grab a big bowl and toss together the cooked wild rice, shredded chicken, sauteed veggies, and that dreamy sauce. Stir everything until it’s perfectly blended and looking irresistible.

• Bake to Perfection

Transfer the mixture to a baking dish. Sprinkle buttery breadcrumbs on top for a crunchy crown. Slide into the oven and bake until it’s bubbling with golden-brown excitement.

• Serve and Celebrate

Pull out your masterpiece, let it rest for a moment, then garnish with fresh parsley. Dive in and enjoy the symphony of flavors you’ve created!

Tips To Make Chicken Wild Rice Casserole Cozy

• Smart Swap Technique: Replace chicken with firm tofu or chickpeas for a vegetarian version that maintains protein content and texture.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare the entire casserole up to the baking stage, cover tightly with foil, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking, which intensifies flavor development.
• Gluten-Free Modification: Substitute all-purpose flour with cornstarch or gluten-free flour blend, and use gluten-free panko breadcrumbs to create a celiac-friendly dish without compromising taste.
• Spice Adventure: Experiment with different herb combinations like rosemary or sage instead of thyme, or add red pepper flakes for a subtle heat kick that elevates the casserole's flavor profile.
• Leftover Transformation: Repurpose extra casserole by stuffing into bell peppers, using as a filling for crepes, or mixing with scrambled eggs for a delicious next-day breakfast remix.

Serving Chicken Wild Rice Casserole Recipe Made Simple

• Elegant Dinner Party Centerpiece: Serve this rich, creamy casserole as a sophisticated main dish during elegant dinner gatherings, presenting it directly in the baking dish for a rustic, homemade appeal.
• Cozy Family Comfort Meal: Pair the casserole with a crisp green salad and crusty bread to create a wholesome, satisfying family dinner that brings everyone together around the table.
• Meal Prep Champion: Portion the casserole into individual containers for easy weekday lunches, storing in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days and reheating for a quick, delicious meal.
• Weekend Potluck Star: Transport this hearty casserole to community gatherings or potlucks, knowing its cheesy, creamy texture and comforting flavors will be a crowd-pleasing favorite that disappears quickly.

How To Store Chicken Wild Rice Casserole Recipe

• Smart Storage Solutions: Keep leftovers in airtight containers in the refrigerator for 3-4 days, ensuring maximum freshness and flavor retention.
• Freezer-Friendly Strategy: Wrap casserole tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, storing flat in freezer for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in refrigerator before reheating.
• Reheating Magic: Warm individual portions in microwave for 1-2 minutes or restore entire casserole's crispy top by baking at 350°F for 15-20 minutes, covering with foil to prevent burning.
• Make-Ahead Meal Prep: Assemble entire casserole without breadcrumb topping up to 24 hours in advance, storing covered in refrigerator. Add breadcrumbs just before baking for optimal crispiness.

Hearty Chicken Wild Rice Casserole Recipe

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4.8 from 13 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
• Yield: 7 1x

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Description

Hearty chicken wild rice casserole delivers comfort from Minnesota kitchens with creamy textures and robust flavors. Home cooks savor this classic midwestern dish that welcomes you to the table with warmth and satisfaction.

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Ingredients

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• 2 cups chicken, shredded (rotisserie)
• 2 cups wild rice, cooked (from ¾ cup uncooked)
• 4 tbsps (60 g) butter
• 3 tbsps all-purpose flour
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 1 cup milk (or half-and-half)
• 8 oz (226 g) mushrooms, sliced
• ½ cup panko breadcrumbs (or crushed Ritz crackers)
• ½ cup cheddar cheese, shredded
• ¼ cup Parmesan cheese, grated
• 1 small onion, diced
• 2 celery stalks, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• ½ tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper
• ½ tsp dried thyme
• ½ tsp smoked paprika (optional)
• ½ tsp garlic powder
• ½ tsp onion powder
• 2 tbsps butter, melted
• 2 tbsps parsley, chopped (for garnish, optional)

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Instructions

1. Rice Preparation: Thoroughly rinse wild rice and simmer in salted water until grains become tender and liquid is mostly absorbed, about 45-50 minutes.
2. Vegetable Sauté: Caramelize onions, celery, garlic, and mushrooms in a skillet, infusing with thyme, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper until vegetables are translucent and fragrant.
3. Sauce Creation: Craft a luxurious base by whisking butter and flour into a golden roux, gradually blending chicken broth and milk while continuously stirring to prevent lumps, then incorporate garlic powder, onion powder, cheddar, and parmesan until smooth and slightly thickened.
4. Casserole Assembly: Merge cooked wild rice, shredded chicken, sautéed vegetables, and creamy sauce in a large bowl, ensuring even distribution of ingredients, then transfer to a baking dish.
5. Breadcrumb Topping: Combine panko breadcrumbs with melted butter and generously scatter over the casserole surface for a crisp, golden exterior.
6. Baking Process: Roast in a preheated oven until the top achieves a rich golden-brown color and edges become effervescent, creating a tantalizing textural contrast.
7. Serving Finale: Rest the casserole momentarily to allow ingredients to settle, then garnish with fresh parsley for a vibrant presentation and serve immediately.

Notes

• Rice Rinsing Technique: Thoroughly rinse wild rice under cold water to remove excess starch and prevent clumping, ensuring each grain cooks separately and maintains a perfect texture.
• Vegetable Sautéing Secret: Cook vegetables on medium heat until they become translucent and release their natural moisture, concentrating flavors and preventing a watery casserole.
• Sauce Smoothness Strategy: Whisk continuously while adding liquid to the roux to prevent lumps, creating a silky-smooth sauce that coats ingredients evenly and enhances overall taste.
• Gluten-Free Adaptation: Substitute regular flour with gluten-free flour blend or cornstarch, and use gluten-free breadcrumbs to make the casserole suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 7
• Calories: 330
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 15 g
• Saturated Fat: 9 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 34 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 22 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg