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Chicken Wild Rice Casserole Recipe

Chicken Wild Rice Casserole Recipe
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★★★★★

5.1 from 6 reviews

A comforting Chicken Wild Rice Casserole featuring tender chicken, hearty wild rice, and a creamy sauce, topped with buttery bread cubes for a golden, delicious finish. This casserole is perfect for family dinners or potlucks, combining wholesome vegetables and savory flavors in an easy-to-make, baked dish.

Ingredients

Scale

Vegetables and Grains

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

Liquids and Seasonings

  • 3 cups chicken broth
  • 1 tsp salt
  • ½ tsp poultry seasoning

Protein

  • 1 lb chicken breasts, cut into small pieces

Dairy and Thickening Agent

  • 10 tbsp butter, divided
  • 4 tbsp flour
  • 2 cups milk

Topping

  • 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 partially cook the rice and soften the vegetables.
  2. 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, cooking for 1 minute to make a roux. Gradually whisk in the milk to form a smooth, creamy sauce that will thicken while stirring.
  3. Optional topping: Melt the remaining 6 tablespoons of butter separately. Toss the cubed bread in the melted butter to coat evenly. This will create a flavorful, crunchy topping. You can skip this step if you prefer the casserole without the bread topping.
  4. Assemble the casserole: When the rice and vegetables are done cooking, remove the foil. Add the raw chicken pieces and the creamy sauce to the baking dish. Stir well to combine all ingredients. Then, spread the buttered bread cubes evenly over the top if using.
  5. Bake: Increase the oven temperature to 450°F. Bake uncovered for 20 to 30 minutes until the chicken is fully cooked (no longer pink) and the bread cubes are golden brown and crisped.
  6. Serve: After baking, optionally garnish the casserole with additional salt, pepper, or fresh parsley for added flavor and a pop of color. Serve warm and enjoy your hearty meal!

Notes

  • Use day-old or sturdy bread for the topping to prevent sogginess.
  • You can substitute chicken broth with vegetable broth for a slightly different flavor.
  • Adjust poultry seasoning to taste or replace with a blend of thyme and sage.
  • Make sure chicken pieces are cut small to ensure they cook through in the baking time.
  • For a creamier casserole, you can add ½ cup grated cheese before baking.
  • Leftovers can be refrigerated and reheated; the bread topping may lose crispness.

Nutrition

Keywords: Chicken Wild Rice Casserole, Chicken Casserole, Wild Rice Recipe, Comfort Food, Baked Casserole, Easy Dinner

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