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Chicken Wild Rice Casserole Recipe

Chicken Wild Rice Casserole Recipe
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★★★★★

5.1 from 25 reviews

This hearty Chicken Wild Rice Casserole combines tender chicken, wholesome wild rice, and a creamy homemade sauce baked to perfection with a buttery bread cube topping. A comforting, family-friendly dish perfect for weeknight dinners or cozy gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale

Vegetables and Rice

  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 5 carrots, chopped
  • 5 celery stalks, chopped
  • 1 cup wild rice

Liquids

  • 3 cups chicken broth
  • 2 cups milk

Protein

  • 1 lb chicken breasts, cut into small pieces

Dairy and Fats

  • 10 tbsp butter, divided

Seasonings and Others

  • 1 tsp salt
  • ½ tsp poultry seasoning
  • 4 tbsp flour
  • 3–4 cups cubed bread (sturdy, dry, or day-old bread works best)

Instructions

  1. 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 to cook the rice and vegetables thoroughly.
  2. Prepare the sauce: While the rice cooks, melt 4 tablespoons of butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Add the flour, salt, and poultry seasoning, stirring constantly. Cook for 1 minute to form a roux. Gradually whisk in the milk, continuing to stir until the sauce becomes smooth and creamy.
  3. Optional topping: Melt the remaining 6 tablespoons of butter in a separate pan. Toss the cubed bread in the melted butter until evenly coated. This adds a rich, crunchy topping to the casserole, but you can skip this step if preferred.
  4. Assemble the casserole: Once the rice and vegetables are cooked, carefully remove the foil. Add the raw chicken pieces and creamy sauce directly into the baking dish. Stir gently to combine all ingredients evenly. Spread the buttered bread cubes evenly over the top of the mixture.
  5. Bake: Increase the oven temperature to 450°F and bake the casserole uncovered for 20-30 minutes. This ensures the chicken is fully cooked and no longer pink inside, and the bread cubes turn golden brown and crisp.
  6. Serve: After baking, garnish the casserole with additional salt, pepper, or fresh parsley for extra flavor and a pop of color. Serve warm and enjoy this comforting dish.

Notes

  • Use day-old or sturdy bread cubes for the best topping texture.
  • Ensure the chicken is fully cooked by checking that it is no longer pink in the center.
  • You can substitute milk with a lactose-free option if needed.
  • To make this dish gluten-free, use gluten-free flour and bread alternatives.
  • Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Nutrition

Keywords: Chicken wild rice casserole, comfort food, baked chicken casserole, creamy casserole, fall recipes

Find it online: https://cheframi.com/chicken-wild-rice-casserole-recipe-2/