Savory Creamy Chicken Wild Rice Casserole Recipe for Comfort

Crafting a delightful wild rice casserole brings comfort straight to your dinner table.

Warm, hearty ingredients blend seamlessly in this classic dish.

Tender chicken meets fluffy rice in a magical combination.

creamy sauce envelops each morsel with rich, satisfying flavor.

Home cooks adore this simple yet impressive meal that feels like a warm embrace.

Weeknight dinners transform into something special with minimal effort.

One bite promises to become an instant family favorite that sparks joy around the table.

What Makes Chicken Wild Rice Casserole Stand Out

• Minimal kitchen cleanup with a single-dish cooking approach that combines protein, vegetables, and grains in one delicious casserole.
• Loaded with protein from chicken, fiber-rich wild rice, and a variety of colorful vegetables for a balanced, wholesome meal.
• Easily adaptable for different dietary preferences by swapping ingredients or adding extra vegetables, making it perfect for family dinners and potlucks.
• Simple cooking techniques and straightforward ingredients mean even novice cooks can create a restaurant-quality dish with minimal culinary skills.

Chicken Wild Rice Casserole Ingredient List

• Chicken: Lean protein that provides the main substance of the casserole.

• Wild Rice Blend: Nutty and hearty grain that forms the foundation of the dish.

• Onions, Celery, Carrots, Mushrooms: Aromatic vegetables that add depth and texture.
• Frozen Peas: Sweet and colorful vegetable that provides extra nutrition.

• Butter, Milk, Cream: Rich ingredients that create a creamy and luxurious sauce.
• Parmesan Cheese: Salty and sharp cheese that adds a crispy topping.

• Chicken Broth: Flavorful liquid that helps cook the rice.
• Garlic, Thyme, Rosemary, Salt, Pepper: Herbs and spices that enhance the overall flavor.

• Flour: Helps thicken the creamy sauce and create a smooth texture.

How To Bake Chicken Wild Rice Casserole

Step 1: Prep Your Cooking Space

Heat your oven to 375°F.

Grab a 9×13-inch baking dish and give it a quick spray or butter coating to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Cook The Wild Rice

Combine wild rice with chicken broth in a large saucepan.

Bring to a boil, then lower heat and let it simmer.

Cook until rice becomes tender, which takes around 45 minutes.

Drain any extra liquid once done.

Step 3: Perfectly Cook The Chicken

Season chicken with salt and pepper.

In a skillet, cook chicken over medium heat until it’s completely white inside.

This should take about 6-8 minutes per side.

Once cooked, chop into bite-sized chunks.

Step 4: Sauté The Vegetable Medley

• Onions
• Celery
• Carrots
• Mushrooms

Cook until vegetables soften, around 5-7 minutes.

Toss in minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.

Step 5: Create A Luxurious Cream Sauce

In a separate saucepan, melt butter.

Whisk in flour and cook briefly.

Slowly add milk and cream, whisking continuously to prevent lumps.

Sprinkle in thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper.

Simmer until sauce thickens.

Step 6: Combine All Delicious Components

• Cooked wild rice
• Chopped chicken
• Sautéed vegetables
• Creamy sauce
• Frozen peas

Mix everything thoroughly.

Step 7: Assemble The Casserole

Pour the mixture into your prepared baking dish.

Generously sprinkle Parmesan cheese on top.

Step 8: Bake To Perfection

Slide the casserole into the oven.

Bake for 25-30 minutes until the top turns golden brown and the edges bubble with deliciousness.

Handy Tips For Chicken Wild Rice Casserole

• Rinse wild rice blend thoroughly before cooking to remove excess starch and ensure each grain cooks evenly and absorbs liquid perfectly.
• Let chicken rest for a few minutes after cooking to retain moisture, ensuring tender and juicy meat throughout the casserole.
• Sauté vegetables in the same skillet used for chicken to capture all the delicious browned bits and enhance overall taste profile.
• Whisk milk and cream slowly into the roux to create a smooth, lump-free sauce that coats ingredients evenly without becoming too thick or thin.
• Grate fresh Parmesan directly over the casserole for a more intense, nutty flavor compared to pre-packaged grated cheese.

Store And Reheat Chicken Wild Rice Casserole Right

• Pack leftovers in airtight containers within 2 hours of cooking. Seal tightly and store in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Keep the casserole away from raw meats to prevent cross-contamination.
• Transfer cooled casserole to freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Remove excess air to prevent freezer burn. Label with date and contents. Freeze up to 3 months for best quality.
• Place individual portions on microwave-safe plate. Cover with damp paper towel to retain moisture. Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through. Check internal temperature reaches 165°F for food safety.
• Preheat oven to 350°F. Place casserole in oven-safe dish, cover with foil to prevent drying. Warm for 15-20 minutes until heated through. Add splash of chicken broth if mixture seems dry to restore creamy texture.

Pairing Options For Chicken Wild Rice Casserole

• Elevate Wine Pairing: Select a crisp Chardonnay with buttery notes to complement the creamy casserole's rich texture and enhance the herb-infused chicken flavors.
• Craft Beer Companion: Choose a smooth amber ale with subtle maltiness that balances the dish's creamy sauce and cuts through the richness of chicken and vegetables.
• Refreshing Herbal Beverage: Brew a light sage or thyme-infused iced tea that mirrors the casserole's herbal undertones and provides a clean, refreshing counterpoint to the creamy dish.
• Hearty Side Salad Match: Prepare a bright arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette to add zesty acidity that contrasts the casserole's velvety consistency and provides a fresh, crisp texture contrast.

Unique Casserole Variations To Try

• Gluten-Free Chicken Wild Rice Casserole: Replace regular flour with cornstarch or gluten-free flour blend to make the sauce. Use gluten-free chicken broth and ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free.
• Vegetarian Rice Bake: Swap chicken with firm tofu or plant-based chicken alternatives. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth and add extra mushrooms for meaty texture.
• Low-Carb Cauliflower Version: Substitute wild rice with riced cauliflower to reduce carbohydrates. Keep the creamy sauce and protein the same while maintaining rich flavors.
• Dairy-Free Adaptation: Use coconut milk or unsweetened almond milk instead of cream. Replace butter with olive oil or dairy-free margarine. Select nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan cheese for similar savory notes.

FAQs

• What makes wild rice different from regular rice?

Wild rice is actually a grass seed, not a true rice. It’s more nutritious, with higher protein and fiber content compared to white rice. It has a chewy texture and nutty flavor that adds depth to casseroles.

• Can I use other types of protein instead of chicken?

Absolutely! Turkey, diced ham, or even plant-based protein like tofu work great in this casserole. Just ensure whatever protein you choose is cooked thoroughly before mixing into the dish.

• Is this recipe gluten-free?

No, the recipe contains flour in the creamy sauce. To make it gluten-free, you can substitute all-purpose flour with cornstarch or a gluten-free flour blend. Be sure to adjust the quantities accordingly to maintain the sauce’s thickness.

• How can I add more vegetables to this casserole?

You can easily incorporate additional vegetables like spinach, bell peppers, or zucchini. Simply chop them into small pieces and sauté with the other vegetables before mixing into the casserole. This helps boost the nutritional value and adds more color to the dish.

Creamy Chicken Wild Rice Casserole Recipe

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4.6 from 26 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Hearty Wild Rice Chicken Casserole delivers comfort straight from Minnesota’s kitchen, blending tender chicken and nutty wild rice in a rich, creamy embrace. Savory, satisfying layers promise a soul-warming meal you’ll crave on chilly evenings.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Protein:

• 2 lbs boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs
• 1 cup frozen peas

Grains and Base:

• 2 cups wild rice blend
• 4 cups chicken broth
• ¼ cup all-purpose flour

Vegetables and Aromatics:

• 1 large onion (diced)
• 3 celery stalks (chopped)
• 2 carrots (diced)
• 8 ounces (226 grams) mushrooms (sliced)
• 3 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon dried rosemary

Dairy and Seasoning:

• ¼ cup butter
• 2 cups milk
• 1 cup heavy cream
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Salt and pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. Prepare the kitchen workspace and preheat the oven to 375°F, coating a 9×13-inch baking dish with a light grease layer to prevent sticking.
2. Combine wild rice blend with chicken broth in a large saucepan, allowing it to reach a boil before reducing heat and simmering approximately 45 minutes until rice reaches a tender consistency. Carefully drain any remaining liquid.
3. Season chicken pieces with salt and pepper, then cook in a skillet over medium heat until thoroughly white throughout, roughly 6-8 minutes per side. After cooking, slice into bite-sized chunks.
4. Using the same skillet, melt butter and sauté onions, celery, carrots, and mushrooms until they soften and become translucent, approximately 5-7 minutes. Introduce minced garlic and continue cooking for an additional minute to release aromatic flavors.
5. Create a velvety sauce by melting remaining butter in a separate saucepan. Incorporate flour and cook briefly, then gradually introduce milk and cream while continuously whisking to maintain smoothness. Infuse with thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper, simmering until the sauce reaches a luxurious thickness.
6. Merge cooked wild rice, chicken pieces, sautéed vegetables, creamy sauce, and frozen peas in a large mixing bowl, ensuring all ingredients are evenly distributed.
7. Transfer the mixed ingredients into the prepared baking dish, generously sprinkling Parmesan cheese across the surface for a rich, golden topping.
8. Bake for 25-30 minutes, monitoring until the casserole becomes bubbling hot and develops a beautiful golden-brown crust.

Notes

• Opt for brown or wild rice blends to boost nutritional value and add a nutty, complex flavor profile to the dish.
• For a gluten-free version, replace wheat flour with cornstarch or arrowroot powder when making the creamy sauce.
• Consider using rotisserie chicken to save time and add extra flavor depth without additional cooking steps.
• Prepare this casserole ahead of time by assembling and refrigerating up to 24 hours before baking, which helps flavors meld together beautifully.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 570
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 30 g
• Saturated Fat: 17 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 1 g
• Carbohydrates: 47 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 36 g
• Cholesterol: 130 mg