Name: Chicken Wild Rice Casserole Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 1 h 45 min
Total time: 2 h
Cuisine: American
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)

Jump to Recipe

If you are looking for a comforting and satisfying dish that brings together the warm flavors of tender chicken, nutty wild rice, and a creamy sauce, then this Chicken Wild Rice Casserole Recipe is an absolute must-try. It’s the kind of hearty meal that feels like a warm hug on a plate, perfect for family dinners or cozy weekends. The combination of fresh vegetables, tender chicken breast, and a crunchy buttery bread topping makes each bite a delightful experience that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Chicken Wild Rice Casserole Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering the right ingredients is the first step to creating this delicious casserole. Each component plays a key role, from the aromatic vegetables that build flavor, to the creamy sauce that ties it all together, and the crunchy bread topping that adds texture and richness.

1 onion, chopped: Adds a subtle sweetness and depth of flavor as it softens during baking.
5 carrots, chopped: Bring a natural sweetness and vibrant color to brighten the dish.
5 celery stalks, chopped: Provide a hint of freshness and a slight crunch that balances the creaminess.
1 cup wild rice: The star grain with a nutty flavor and chewy texture that makes this casserole unique.
3 cups chicken broth: Infuses the rice and veggies with savory warmth and moisture.
1 lb chicken breasts, cut into small pieces: Tender, lean protein that turns juicy in the creamy sauce.
10 tbsp butter, divided: Used twice—once for the sauce and again for coating the bread topping to add richness.
1 tsp salt: Enhances all the flavors and seasons the dish perfectly.
½ tsp poultry seasoning: A subtle blend of herbs that complements the chicken beautifully.
4 tbsp flour: Creates the base for the creamy sauce when combined with butter and milk.
2 cups milk: Turns the flour and butter into a smooth, velvety sauce.
3-4 cups cubed bread (sturdy, dry, or day-old bread works best): Adds a wonderfully crunchy topping to the casserole when tossed with butter.

How to Make Chicken Wild Rice Casserole Recipe

Step 1: Preheat the Oven and Start Cooking Rice and Veggies

Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F. In a large baking dish, combine the chopped onion, carrots, celery, wild rice, and chicken broth. Cover the dish tightly with foil to trap steam and allow everything to cook evenly. Bake this mixture for 1 hour and 15 minutes until the rice is tender and the vegetables are soft. This slow baking method infuses the rice with all the lovely flavors of the broth and fresh veggies.

Step 2: Prepare the Creamy Sauce

While your rice and vegetables are baking, it’s the perfect time to make the creamy sauce. Melt 4 tablespoons of butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Sprinkle in the flour, salt, and poultry seasoning, stirring constantly for about a minute to create a smooth roux. Slowly whisk in the milk until the sauce becomes thick, smooth, and velvety. This luscious sauce is what brings everything together in the casserole.

Step 3: Optional Buttery Bread Topping

For a deliciously crisp top layer, melt the remaining 6 tablespoons of butter. Toss the cubed bread in the butter until evenly coated. This extra step might feel indulgent, but it adds a wonderful crunchy texture and buttery flavor that contrasts nicely with the creamy casserole beneath. If you prefer a simpler casserole, feel free to skip this topping.

Step 4: Assemble the Casserole

After the wild rice and vegetables are perfectly baked, remove the foil from the dish. Add the raw chicken pieces and creamy sauce to the mixture. Stir everything gently to combine so each bite is creamy and full of chicken. Then, evenly spread the buttered bread cubes on top for that irresistible crust.

Step 5: Final Bake for Golden Perfection

Turn up the oven to 450°F and bake the casserole uncovered for another 20 to 30 minutes. This final bake cooks the chicken fully, ensuring it is no longer pink inside, while the bread cubes turn a gorgeous golden brown. The high heat also helps the casserole develop a slight crispiness on top, balancing the creamy interior perfectly.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Once baked, you can sprinkle some salt, freshly ground pepper, or chopped parsley on top for an extra pop of fresh flavor and color. Scoop generous portions onto plates and watch as everyone delights in the creamy, savory, and crunchy textures of your Chicken Wild Rice Casserole Recipe.

How to Serve Chicken Wild Rice Casserole Recipe

Garnishes

A simple sprinkle of fresh parsley or chives adds a lovely burst of color and a touch of brightness that balances the richness perfectly. A dash of cracked black pepper or a light sprinkle of paprika can also enhance the visual appeal and flavor without overpowering the dish.

Side Dishes

This casserole shines as a complete meal, but pairing it with a crisp green salad or steamed green beans adds freshness and a nice contrast to the creamy, hearty casserole. Roasted vegetables or a tangy cranberry sauce also complement the flavors beautifully, especially in cooler months.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving the casserole in individual ramekins topped with the crunchy bread cubes for a charming presentation that’s perfect for dinner parties. Alternatively, a large cast iron skillet can be both your baking dish and serving vessel, lending a rustic, inviting vibe to your table setting.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Your Chicken Wild Rice Casserole Recipe keeps very well in the fridge. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen after sitting, making next-day servings even more comforting and delicious.

Freezing

If you want to enjoy this casserole later, freezing works beautifully. Assemble the casserole up to the point before baking, cover it tightly with foil and plastic wrap, then freeze for up to 2 months. When ready, thaw overnight in the fridge and bake as directed, adding a little extra time if needed.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers in the oven at 350°F for 15-20 minutes or until heated through to maintain the crispy bread topping. For quick reheating, microwave portions on medium power, but you may lose some crispness on the bread cubes.

FAQs

Can I use white rice instead of wild rice in this recipe?

While white rice is softer and cooks faster, wild rice gives this casserole its unique nutty flavor and chewy texture. You can substitute white rice but expect a different texture and taste.

Is this casserole suitable for making ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can assemble it in advance and refrigerate or freeze it before baking. This makes it a convenient option for busy weeknights or busy holiday gatherings.

Can I use pre-cooked chicken instead of raw chicken breasts?

Yes, if you use cooked chicken, add it toward the end of the baking process just to heat through so it doesn’t dry out. Adjust baking time accordingly.

What is the best bread to use for the topping?

Sturdy, dry, or day-old bread works best because it absorbs the butter without turning soggy, resulting in a nice crunchy topping after baking.

How can I make this recipe dairy-free?

To make the casserole dairy-free, substitute butter with a plant-based margarine and use your favorite dairy-free milk alternative. The casserole will still be delicious though slightly different in texture.

Final Thoughts

This Chicken Wild Rice Casserole Recipe has earned a special place in my kitchen for its blend of comforting textures and flavors that feel like home in every bite. It’s simple enough for a weeknight but satisfying enough to impress guests. I can’t wait for you to try it and join me in celebrating a timeless, delightful casserole that feels as good as it tastes.

Chicken Wild Rice Casserole Recipe

★★★★★

5.3 from 17 reviews

Author: Lily
Total Time: 2 hours
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Low Fat

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Description

This comforting Chicken Wild Rice Casserole combines tender chicken, earthy wild rice, fresh vegetables, and a creamy homemade sauce, all baked to perfection with a buttery bread topping. It’s a hearty and satisfying one-dish meal perfect for family dinners or gatherings.

Instructions

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 allow the wild rice to cook and the vegetables to soften.
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 and cook for 1 minute to form a roux. Gradually whisk in the milk to create a smooth, creamy sauce. Continue to cook and stir until thickened.
Optional topping: Melt the remaining 6 tablespoons of butter. Toss the cubed bread with the melted butter to coat evenly. Set aside for topping the casserole later.
Assemble the casserole: Once the rice and vegetables are cooked, remove the foil from the baking dish. Add the raw chicken pieces and the prepared creamy sauce to the dish. Stir everything gently to combine all ingredients evenly. Then, spread the buttered bread cubes evenly on top if using the topping.
Bake: Increase the oven temperature to 450°F. Bake the casserole uncovered for an additional 20-30 minutes until the chicken is fully cooked and no longer pink inside, and the bread cubes on top turn golden brown and crisp.
Serve: Once baked, optionally garnish the casserole with freshly ground pepper, a sprinkle of salt if needed, and chopped parsley for a fresh pop of flavor and color. Serve hot and enjoy this hearty meal.

Notes

Use day-old or sturdy bread for the topping to ensure it crisps up nicely during baking.
Ensure the chicken breasts are cut into small, uniform pieces so they cook evenly during the final baking step.
If preferred, substitute milk with a lactose-free or plant-based alternative to make it low lactose or vegetarian (without chicken).
The wild rice can also be soaked for a few hours beforehand to reduce baking time slightly.
Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated covered until warmed through.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American