Why Make This Recipe
Chicken Wild Rice Casserole is a comforting one-dish meal that blends the flavors of tender chicken, earthy wild rice, and fresh vegetables. It’s a great choice for family dinners or a cozy night in. This recipe is not only delicious but also simple to prepare, making it perfect for home cooks of all levels.
How to Make Chicken Wild Rice Casserole
Ingredients
- 1 onion, chopped
- 5 carrots, chopped
- 5 celery stalks, chopped
- 1 cup wild rice
- 3 cups chicken broth
- 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
- 3-4 cups cubed bread (sturdy, dry, or day-old bread works best)
Directions
Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 350°F. 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.
Prepare the sauce: While the rice is cooking, melt 4 tablespoons of butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Add the flour, salt, and poultry seasoning. Cook for 1 minute. Gradually whisk in the milk to form a smooth, creamy sauce.
Optional topping: Melt the remaining 6 tablespoons of butter. Toss with the cubed bread. If you prefer a casserole without the topping, you can skip this step.
Assemble the casserole: Once the rice is cooked, remove the foil. Add the raw chicken pieces and the creamy sauce to the dish. Stir everything together to combine. Arrange the buttered bread cubes evenly on top.
Bake: Increase the oven temperature to 450°F. Bake uncovered for an additional 20-30 minutes until the chicken is fully cooked (no longer pink) and the bread cubes are golden brown.
Serve: Once baked, garnish with salt, pepper, or parsley for a fresh pop of flavor and color. Enjoy!
How to Serve Chicken Wild Rice Casserole
Serve the Chicken Wild Rice Casserole hot from the oven. It pairs well with a simple side salad or steamed vegetables. You can also add some crusty bread to complete the meal.
How to Store Chicken Wild Rice Casserole
To store leftover Chicken Wild Rice Casserole, let it cool completely. Then, transfer it to an airtight container and refrigerate. It will stay good for 3-4 days. You can also freeze it for up to 2 months. To reheat, simply bake it in the oven until warmed through or microwave individual portions.
Tips to Make Chicken Wild Rice Casserole
- Use day-old or sturdy bread for the topping to ensure it holds up well during baking.
- Feel free to add other vegetables like mushrooms or green beans for extra flavor.
- If you like a creamier texture, add more milk to the sauce.
Variation
For a different twist, consider using leftover roasted chicken instead of raw chicken breasts. This will save time and add rich flavor to the casserole.
FAQs
1. Can I use white rice instead of wild rice?
Yes, you can substitute white rice, but keep in mind that the cooking time may vary. White rice cooks faster than wild rice, so adjust accordingly.
2. Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare it up to the baking stage, cover it, and store it in the refrigerator. Just bake it when you’re ready to serve.
3. Is there a vegetarian version of this recipe?
Yes! You can replace the chicken with hearty vegetables like mushrooms and add vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for a tasty vegetarian casserole.