This chicken wild rice casserole makes for a cozy meal, especially on busy weeknights when time is tight. With juicy chicken, hearty wild rice, and inviting flavors, it’s a dish everyone can enjoy.
This casserole recipe addresses issues of dryness and dull flavors often found in similar chicken and rice dishes while offering a satisfying meal experience.
I’ve faced my share of cooking mishaps, like ending up with overcooked rice that turned into mush. But this recipe really delivers results that won’t have you worrying about those little mistakes. It’s a comforting choice that doesn’t skip on warmth and richness.
This casserole takes just 10 minutes to prepare and about an hour to cook, so you can easily pop it in the oven and relax. The smell alone fills your kitchen with a hint of garlic and herbs, making it an instant family favorite to enjoy around the dinner table.
If you need another warm meal idea, try my Ground Beef Hash Brown Casserole.
Table of contents
Why You Will Love This Recipe
- Comforting Texture The combination of wild rice and tender chicken creates a hearty dish that warms you up from the inside out. It’s filling without being too heavy, making it a great weeknight option.
- Flavor Depth The earthy notes from the wild rice blend beautifully with sautéed mushrooms and aromatic garlic. Each bite carries layers of flavor that evolve as the casserole bakes, bringing delightful warmth to your dining table.
- Make-Ahead Convenience This casserole is perfect for prepping in advance. You can assemble it days ahead and simply pop it in the oven when you’re ready for a comforting dinner.
- Freshness Retention Leftovers store well, allowing you to enjoy this comforting dish for several days. The casserole rewarms beautifully, maintaining its satisfying texture and rich flavors.
Chicken Wild Rice Casserole for Dinner
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cool Time:
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Diet: Low Salt
Description
A delicious chicken wild rice casserole baked to perfection, combining tender chicken, wild rice, and a creamy white sauce.
Ingredients
- 1 pound (454 g) boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into cubes
- 1 tablespoon (15 ml) oil (olive oil recommended)
- ½ cup (75 g) finely chopped onion
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 8 oz (227 g) mushrooms, sliced
- 1 ½ cup (270 g) uncooked wild rice blend
- 4 ¼ cups (1 L) chicken broth (low-sodium preferred)
- ¼ cup (57 g) butter
- 3 tablespoons (24 g) flour
- 1 cup (240 ml) milk
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt & pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat the oven to 400°F (204°C). This ensures even cooking for the casserole and helps develop a golden top.
- Step 2: While the oven heats, bring the chicken broth to a boil. Cook the wild rice blend according to package instructions, monitoring closely to avoid undercooking or mushiness.
- Step 3: Heat oil over medium-high heat in a large skillet. Season the cubed chicken with salt and pepper. Add to the hot skillet and sear for 2-3 minutes per side until chicken pieces are browned and juices are locked in. Remove chicken from the skillet. If chicken is not browned properly, continue cooking for an additional 2 minutes.
- Step 4: To the same skillet, add the chopped onion, garlic, and sliced mushrooms. Cook for 5-7 minutes until softened and slightly browned, releasing a rich aroma. Remove from heat.
- Step 5: Melt butter in the skillet. Stir in flour and cook until it is lightly golden brown. Gradually whisk in milk until smooth, ensuring no lumps form.
- Step 6: Season the sauce with thyme, salt, and pepper. Cook for 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens and becomes velvety. Visual cue is a smooth, creamy texture coating the back of a spoon. If sauce becomes too thick, whisk in ¼ cup (60 ml) chicken broth to loosen.
- Step 7: In the casserole dish, mix together the cooked wild rice, browned chicken, sautéed vegetables, and white sauce until evenly coated.
- Step 8: Bake the casserole in the preheated oven for about 20 minutes until it is hot, bubbly, and has a lightly golden top. Stir the casserole halfway through baking if desired to ensure even heating.
Notes
- Room Temperature: Store casserole covered in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days to maintain moisture.
- Refrigeration: Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Reheat thoroughly before serving.
- Freezing: Portion casserole and wrap tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. Freeze up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
- For properly browned chicken, cook an extra 2 minutes if initial sear is insufficient. This enhances flavor and texture.
- When rice is undercooked, check 5 minutes before package timing. Add more broth and simmer longer if needed.
- If sauce is too thick, add ¼ cup (60 ml) chicken broth while cooking sauce to achieve desired consistency.
- Stir casserole halfway through baking to ensure even heating and prevent cold spots.
- When reheating leftovers, add a splash of chicken broth to maintain moistness and flavor.
- Serve this casserole alongside fresh arugula salad or steamed green beans. Garlic roasted zucchini or mashed cauliflower offer complementary flavors and nutrients.
- Use leftovers as filling for stuffed peppers, baked potatoes, quesadillas, or mix into omelets for a hearty meal.
- Top with freshly chopped parsley, a sprinkle of cheese, a drizzle of lemon juice, or a creamy mushroom sauce to enhance flavor.
- Substitute non-dairy milk for a dairy-free white sauce option.
- Use different mushroom varieties for diverse umami profiles.
- Replace chicken breasts with chicken thighs for richer flavor and moisture.
- Use boneless, skinless chicken breasts for tender, juicy meat.
- Choose a high-quality wild rice blend for earthy flavor and chewy texture.
- Low-sodium chicken broth controls saltiness and enriches the casserole’s overall flavor.
- For best texture, grate your own sharp cheddar cheese if adding cheese to variation.
- Dice onion evenly to ensure uniform cooking in sauté step.
- Select firm, crisp celery if incorporating additional vegetables for crunch and freshness.
Nutrition
- Calories: Not specified
- Sugar: Not specified
- Sodium: Not specified
- Fat: Not specified
- Saturated Fat: Not specified
- Unsaturated Fat: Not specified
- Trans Fat: Not specified
- Carbohydrates: Not specified
- Fiber: Not specified
- Protein: Not specified
- Cholesterol: Not specified
Ingredient Notes
- Chicken: Opt for boneless, skinless chicken breasts for a tender texture. Cooking them just until done helps keep them juicy and flavorful.
- Wild rice: Choose a good quality wild rice mix for earthy flavors and chewy texture. This rice needs more cooking time than white rice, so adjust your timing for best results.
- Cream of mushroom soup: I recommend using a condensed version for creaminess and depth of flavor. If you’re avoiding preservatives, look for organic or homemade options.
- Onion: A medium yellow onion works well here, adding sweetness and depth when sautéed. Make sure to dice it evenly for consistent cooking.
- Celery: Pick firm, crisp celery stalks, they add great crunch and freshness to the casserole. Chop them finely for even distribution in the dish.
- Cheddar cheese: Use sharp shredded cheddar for rich flavor. It’s best to grate your own cheese for smoother melting and better texture than pre-shredded varieties.
- Chicken broth: Opt for low-sodium chicken broth to control the seasoning level. Good quality broth enriches flavor and moisture in the casserole.
- Chicken: Opt for boneless, skinless chicken breasts for a tender texture. Cooking them just until done helps keep them juicy and flavorful.
- Wild rice: Choose a good quality wild rice mix for earthy flavors and chewy texture. This rice needs more cooking time than white rice, so adjust your timing for best results.
- Cream of mushroom soup: I recommend using a condensed version for creaminess and depth of flavor. If you’re avoiding preservatives, look for organic or homemade options.
- Onion: A medium yellow onion works well here, adding sweetness and depth when sautéed. Make sure to dice it evenly for consistent cooking.
- Celery: Pick firm, crisp celery stalks, they add great crunch and freshness to the casserole. Chop them finely for even distribution in the dish.
- Cheddar cheese: Use sharp shredded cheddar for rich flavor. It’s best to grate your own cheese for smoother melting and better texture than pre-shredded varieties.
- Chicken broth: Opt for low-sodium chicken broth to control the seasoning level. Good quality broth enriches flavor and moisture in the casserole.
Recipe Tips
- If the chicken isn’t browned properly, cook in the skillet for an additional 2 minutes. Proper browning enhances flavor significantly and establishes a good foundation for your dish.
- When rice isn’t tender, check cooking 5 minutes before the package time expires. You may need to simmer longer, adding more broth if the liquid has evaporated.
- If the sauce is too thick during cooking, whisk in ¼ cup of chicken broth until you reach the desired consistency. This will help create a creamy texture that coats the casserole well.
- For uneven cooking, stir the casserole halfway through the baking time. This ensures all ingredients heat uniformly, preventing any cold spots in the final dish.
- If leftover casserole is dry, add a splash of chicken broth when reheating. This keeps it moist and retains flavor, making it enjoyable when served again.
Serving Suggestions
Serve chicken wild rice casserole alongside a fresh arugula salad or steamed green beans. Pair it with garlic roasted zucchini or mashed cauliflower for additional nutrients.
Use chicken wild rice casserole to create savory stuffed peppers or as a topping for baked potatoes. Add it to quesadillas or mix it into an omelet for a hearty breakfast option.
Top chicken wild rice casserole with freshly chopped parsley or a sprinkle of cheese before serving. A drizzle of lemon juice or a creamy mushroom sauce can enhance the overall flavor profile.
Recipe variations
- You can use boneless skinless chicken thighs instead of breasts to add more moisture and flavor to the chicken wild rice casserole.
- Add ½ teaspoon dried thyme along with salt and pepper to the sauce to enhance the casserole’s herbal aroma and taste.
- Either whole milk or a non-dairy milk like almond or oat milk can be used when making the creamy white sauce for this dish.
- If doubling the recipe, use 2 pounds of chicken, 3 cups of uncooked wild rice blend, and increase chicken broth to 8 ½ cups for proper cooking.
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How to Store?
To keep your chicken wild rice casserole fresh and delicious, follow these storage tips:
Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container at room temperature up to 2 days. Keep covered to maintain moisture and prevent drying out.
Refrigeration: Place casserole in an airtight container and refrigerate up to 5 days. Reheat thoroughly before serving to retain texture.
Freezing: Wrap portions tightly in plastic wrap and place in a freezer container. Freeze up to 3 months. Thaw in refrigerator overnight.
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