Chicken and Wild Rice Casserole
A heartwarming and creamy casserole packed with tender chicken, nutty wild rice, and earthy mushrooms. This classic Midwestern comfort food is baked to golden perfection and makes for a perfect family dinner.
For 6 servings
6 steps. 55 minutes total.
- 1
Step 1
- a.Cook the wild rice
- b.In a medium saucepan, combine the wild rice blend with 2.5 cups of the chicken broth.
- c.Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 45-50 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the liquid is absorbed.
- d.Once cooked, fluff the rice with a fork and set it aside.
- 2
Step 2
- a.Prepare the chicken and preheat the oven
- b.While the rice cooks, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9x13 inch casserole dish.
- c.Pat the chicken cubes dry and season with 0.5 tsp salt and 0.25 tsp pepper.
- d.Heat olive oil in a large Dutch oven or skillet over medium-high heat.
- e.Add the chicken and cook for 6-8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden brown and cooked through. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).
- f.Remove the chicken with a slotted spoon and set aside.
- 3
Step 3
- a.Sauté the vegetables
- b.In the same Dutch oven, melt the butter over medium heat.
- c.Add the chopped onion and celery and cook for 5-6 minutes until softened.
- d.Add the sliced mushrooms and cook for another 6-8 minutes, until they have released their moisture and started to brown.
- 4
Step 4
- a.Create the creamy sauce
- b.Stir in the minced garlic and dried thyme, cooking for 1 minute until fragrant.
- c.Sprinkle the flour over the vegetables and stir constantly for 1 minute to cook out the raw flour taste.
- d.Gradually whisk in the remaining 1.5 cups of chicken broth and the milk until smooth.
- e.Bring the sauce to a simmer and cook for 3-5 minutes, stirring, until it has thickened.
- f.Season with the remaining 1 tsp salt and 0.25 tsp pepper.
- 5
Step 5
- a.Assemble and bake the casserole
- b.Remove the sauce from the heat and gently stir in the cooked wild rice and the cooked chicken until everything is well-coated.
- c.Pour the mixture into the prepared casserole dish and spread into an even layer.
- d.Bake, uncovered, for 20-25 minutes, until the casserole is hot and bubbly around the edges.
- 6
Step 6
- a.Rest and serve
- b.Remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for 10 minutes before serving. This allows the sauce to set.
- c.Garnish with fresh parsley and serve warm.
What to keep in mind.
5 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1For a time-saving shortcut, use 4 cups of pre-cooked rotisserie chicken and a pouch of pre-cooked wild rice.
- 2Don't undercook the flour-butter mixture (roux); letting it cook for a full minute prevents a pasty taste in your sauce.
- 3Letting the casserole rest after baking is crucial. It allows the sauce to thicken further, making it easier to scoop and serve.
- 4This dish freezes beautifully. Cool completely after baking, then cover tightly and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
- 5Ensure your vegetables are chopped to a similar size for even cooking.
Adapt it for your goals.
Vegetarian
Omit the chicken and use vegetable broth. Add 1 can of drained chickpeas or white beans along with the rice for protein.
gluten freeGluten free
Replace the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free all-purpose blend. Ensure your chicken broth is certified gluten-free.
healthyHealthy
Use low-fat milk or unsweetened almond milk instead of whole milk, and reduce the butter to 1 tablespoon.
quickQuick
Use a 1.5 lb rotisserie chicken (shredded) and 3 cups of pre-cooked wild rice to cut down on cooking time significantly.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Rich in Lean Protein
Chicken breast is an excellent source of lean protein, which is essential for muscle repair, growth, and overall body function.
Good Source of Fiber
Wild rice and vegetables like mushrooms and celery provide dietary fiber, which aids in digestion and helps maintain a healthy gut.
Provides Essential Minerals
Mushrooms offer minerals like selenium and potassium, which support the immune system and heart health.
Complex Carbohydrates
The wild rice blend offers complex carbohydrates that provide sustained energy, unlike the quick spike from refined grains.
Frequently asked questions
It can be part of a balanced diet. It provides lean protein from chicken, complex carbs and fiber from wild rice, and nutrients from vegetables. To make it healthier, use low-sodium broth and low-fat milk.