Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon
Chicken and Wild Rice Casserole Recipe

Chicken and Wild Rice Casserole Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.6 from 142 reviews
  • Author: Paula
  • Prep Time: 50 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
  • Yield: 8-10 servings 1x
  • Category: Baking
  • Method: Oven

Description

This Chicken and Wild Rice Casserole is a comforting and delicious one-dish meal that is perfect for family dinners. Tender chicken, hearty wild rice, and a creamy sauce come together to create a flavorful casserole that is sure to please everyone at the table.


Ingredients

Units Scale

Chicken, Rice and Veggies

  • 1 1/2 cups wild rice blend, COOKED according to package directions (measure uncooked)
  • 1 1/2 lbs. chicken breasts or thighs, chopped into large bite-size pieces
  • 1/4 tsp salt, pepper, paprika each
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
  • 1 yellow onion, diced
  • 3 stalks celery, chopped
  • 3 carrots, chopped
  • 6 cloves garlic, minced
  • 8 ounces baby Bella/cremini mushrooms, sliced

Cream Sauce

  • 2 cups low sodium chicken broth
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1/3 cup flour
  • 2 cups milk
  • 2 teaspoons chicken bouillon
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 tsp dried parsley, dried basil each
  • 1/2 tsp dried thyme, salt, pepper each
  • 2 cups freshly grated sharp cheddar cheese, divided
  • 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese

Panko Topping (Optional)

  • 3/4 cup panko breadcrumbs
  • 1 tablespoon butter
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil

Instructions

  1. Oven: Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Lightly spray a 9×13 baking dish with nonstick cooking spray.
  2. Prep chicken: While the chopped chicken is still on the cutting board, pat dry with a paper towel. Toss with salt, pepper, paprika. Set aside.
  3. Cook chicken: Heat olive oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add chicken and sear for one minute, then continue to cook until opaque. Transfer chicken to a bowl.
  4. Sauté vegetables and aromatics: Add oil to the drippings. Sauté onions, carrots, and celery until tender. Add garlic and sauté briefly; transfer to the chicken bowl.
  5. Caramelize mushrooms: Melt butter with olive oil. Add mushrooms and cook until golden. Transfer to the chicken bowl.
  6. Cream Sauce: Whisk chicken broth and cornstarch. Melt butter with olive oil, whisk in flour, then gradually add chicken broth mixture, milk, and seasonings. Simmer until thickened, then add cheeses.
  7. Combine: Add chicken, mushrooms, veggies, and rice to the sauce. Stir and transfer to casserole dish. Top with cheddar cheese.
  8. Panko topping: Melt butter in olive oil, add panko, and cook until golden. Sprinkle over cheese.
  9. Bake: Cover and bake at 350°F for 30-35 minutes until hot and bubbly.


Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 450
  • Sugar: 4g
  • Sodium: 650mg
  • Fat: 24g
  • Saturated Fat: 12g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 8g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 32g
  • Fiber: 3g
  • Protein: 27g
  • Cholesterol: 90mg