Chicken Wild Rice Casserole - Creamy Comfort Food

Welcome, food lovers! If you’re searching for the ultimate Chicken Wild Rice Casserole that
delivers on flavor, comfort, and ease, you’ve landed in the perfect spot. This recipe isn’t just
another weeknight meal, it’s a creamy, hearty, and satisfying dish designed to warm you from the
inside out.

Perfect for busy evenings, family gatherings, or simply when you’re craving something
truly special, this casserole combines tender chicken, earthy wild rice, and a rich, savory
sauce into one unforgettable dish. Get ready to indulge in a slice of pure comfort!

Jump To :

Key Ingredients for Chicken Wild Rice Casserole

To make this delightful Chicken Wild Rice Casserole, you’ll need the following:

2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced (leftover rotisserie chicken works wonders here!)
1 cup uncooked wild rice blend, rinsed thoroughly
4 cups chicken broth
1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
2 stalks celery, finely chopped
1 cup sliced mushrooms (cremini or white button)
1/2 cup unsalted butter
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
2 cups whole milk
1 cup heavy cream
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary
Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus extra for topping (optional)
1/2 cup chopped fresh parsley, for garnish (optional)

How to Make Chicken Wild Rice Casserole

This Chicken Wild Rice Casserole is an effortlessly delicious and incredibly satisfying dish.
It brings together succulent chicken, tender wild rice, and a luxuriously creamy sauce, all baked
to golden perfection in just about 1 hour and 15 minutes of total time, with only 20 minutes of
active prep.

Its simplicity, combined with its rich texture and savory depth, makes it an instant
family favorite that you’ll want to make again and again.

Step-by-Step Instructions:

Prep the Rice: Begin by cooking the wild rice blend according to package directions using
the 4 cups of chicken broth. This usually involves simmering the rinsed rice in the broth
until tender and the liquid is absorbed, which can take anywhere from 45 minutes to an hour.
Once cooked, set aside.
Sauté Aromatics: While the rice cooks, melt the 1/2 cup unsalted butter in a large
oven-safe skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the finely chopped yellow onion and
celery. Cook, stirring occasionally, until softened, about 5-7 minutes.
Add Mushrooms: Stir in the sliced mushrooms and continue to cook until they release their
liquid and start to brown, about 5 more minutes.
Create the Roux: Sprinkle the 1/2 cup all-purpose flour over the sautéed vegetables. Cook,
stirring constantly, for 1-2 minutes to cook out the raw flour taste. This creates a roux,
which will thicken our sauce.
Whisk in Liquids and Seasonings: Gradually whisk in the 2 cups whole milk and 1 cup heavy
cream until the mixture is smooth and begins to thicken. Stir in the dried thyme and dried
rosemary. Bring to a gentle simmer, stirring frequently, then reduce heat to low and cook for
another 2-3 minutes until the sauce is creamy and coats the back of a spoon. Season generously
with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
Combine All Ingredients: Remove the skillet from the heat. Stir in the cooked wild rice,
shredded chicken, and 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese into the creamy sauce. Make sure
everything is well combined.
Bake the Casserole: If your skillet is oven-safe, you can bake directly in it. Otherwise,
transfer the mixture to a 9×13 inch baking dish. If desired, sprinkle extra Parmesan cheese
on top for a golden crust. Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 25-30 minutes, or
until bubbly and lightly browned on top.
Serve: Remove from the oven and let rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. Garnish with
fresh chopped parsley, if desired.

Why You’ll Love This Chicken Wild Rice Casserole

You are going to absolutely adore this Chicken Wild Rice Casserole for so many reasons! The
main highlight of this dish is its incredible balance of textures and flavors: tender, savory
chicken, nutty wild rice, and a velvety smooth, herby cream sauce that ties everything together
in a symphony of comfort.

Not only is it utterly delicious, but making this casserole at home is
also a fantastic way to save money. Forget expensive takeout or pre-made meals; you’re crafting
a gourmet experience for a fraction of the cost, making healthy eating accessible.

What to Serve Chicken Wild Rice Casserole With

This Chicken Wild Rice Casserole is a meal in itself, but it pairs wonderfully with a few
simple additions to create a complete and balanced meal.

Green Salad: A crisp, fresh green salad with a light vinaigrette dressing offers a
refreshing contrast to the richness of the casserole. Think mixed greens, cherry tomatoes,
and cucumber.
Steamed Vegetables: Lightly steamed or roasted vegetables like asparagus, green beans, or
broccoli florets are excellent choices. They add freshness, color, and extra nutrients without
overpowering the main dish.
Crusty Bread: A warm, crusty baguette or a slice of artisan bread is perfect for soaking
up any leftover creamy sauce. Garlic bread is also a fantastic option for an extra flavour
kick.
Light White Wine: For adults, a crisp, unoaked Chardonnay or a Sauvignon Blanc would complement
the creamy chicken beautifully.

Top Tips for Perfecting Chicken Wild Rice Casserole

Elevate your Chicken Wild Rice Casserole from good to absolutely extraordinary with these
valuable tips:

Pre-cook the Wild Rice Perfectly: The key to a great casserole is perfectly cooked wild
rice. Cook it until it’s tender but still has a slight chew (al dente). Overcooked rice can
become mushy in the casserole. If you’re short on time, preparing the wild rice a day in advance
is a great time-saver.
Flavorful Chicken is Key: While pre-cooked chicken is convenient, don’t underestimate the
impact of well-seasoned chicken. If you’re not using rotisserie chicken, consider poaching or
baking chicken breasts seasoned with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder for an
extra layer of flavor.
Don’t Rush the Roux: When making the roux (butter + flour), ensure you cook it for at
least 1-2 minutes after adding the flour. This cooks out the raw flour taste and prevents
your sauce from tasting pasty. It should smell slightly nutty.
Gradual Liquid Addition: When adding milk and cream to the roux, pour it in slowly,
whisking continuously. This prevents lumps and ensures a silky-smooth sauce. Start with a
small amount to form a thick paste, then gradually add the rest.
Season Generously and Taste: Season at every step! Salt and pepper are crucial, but don’t
forget the powerful aromatics like dried thyme and rosemary. Taste the sauce before you combine
it with the other ingredients and adjust as needed. Remember, the rice and chicken will absorb
some of the seasoning.
Ingredient Substitutions:
- Vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables like frozen peas, carrots, or corn. Add
  them during the last 10-15 minutes of baking if using frozen, or sauté with the
  onions and celery if fresh or canned.
- Cheese: Gruyère, white cheddar, or a blend of Italian cheeses can be excellent
  alternatives or additions to Parmesan.
- Creaminess Factor: For an extra decadent casserole, substitute a portion of the chicken
  broth for more heavy cream, but be mindful of the added richness. For a lighter version,
  you can use half-and-half instead of heavy cream, though it will be slightly less rich.
Crispy Topping: For an irresistible crisp topping, mix some breadcrumbs (panko works great)
with melted butter and sprinkle over the casserole during the last 10-15 minutes of baking.
You can also add some additional Parmesan cheese for a cheesy crust.
Avoiding a Dry Casserole: Ensure your sauce is creamy and plentiful before baking. If the
mixture seems too thick after adding the rice and chicken, you can thin it slightly with a
splash more chicken broth or milk. The rice will absorb more liquid during baking.
Rest Before Serving: Allowing the casserole to rest for 5-10 minutes after baking helps the
sauce set and makes for easier, cleaner serving.

Storing and Reheating Tips

One of the great things about this Chicken Wild Rice Casserole is how well it stores, making
it perfect for meal prep or enjoying leftovers.

Storing:

Refrigeration: Once the casserole has fully cooled to room temperature (this is crucial
to prevent bacterial growth), transfer it to an airtight container. It will keep beautifully
in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. This is an ideal make-ahead meal!
Freezing: This casserole freezes exceptionally well. Again, ensure it’s completely cooled.
For individual portions, scoop into freezer-safe containers. For the whole casserole, you can
either freeze it in the baking dish (covered tightly with aluminum foil and then plastic
wrap) or transfer it to a large freezer bag, squeezing out as much air as possible. It will
maintain its quality in the freezer for up to 2-3 months. Label with the date for easy tracking.

Reheating:

From Refrigerator:
- Oven: Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C). Place the casserole in an oven-safe dish (if
  not already in one), cover loosely with foil to prevent drying out, and bake for 20-30
  minutes, or until heated through. If it seems a little dry, you can add a splash of milk
  or broth before reheating.
- Microwave: For individual portions, place in a microwave-safe dish and heat on medium
  power for 2-4 minutes, stirring halfway through, until hot.
From Freezer:
- Thawing First: For best results, it’s recommended to thaw the frozen casserole in the
  refrigerator overnight before reheating. Then follow the “From Refrigerator” instructions.
- Baking from Frozen: If reheating directly from frozen, transfer the casserole to an
  oven-safe dish. Cover tightly with foil and bake at 325°F (160°C) for 45-60 minutes, or
  until heated through. Remove the foil for the last 10-15 minutes if you want a crisper top.
  Keep in mind that reheating from frozen will take considerably longer.

Final Thoughts

This Chicken Wild Rice Casserole isn’t just a recipe; it’s an invitation to gather around
the table and savor a dish that truly feels like a warm hug. Its comforting creaminess, hearty
texture, and rich blend of flavors make it an instant classic in any home. Whether you’re looking
for a reliable weeknight dinner, a comforting dish for a chilly evening, or something to bring
to a potluck, this casserole delivers every single time. It’s proof that homemade comfort food
can be both incredibly delicious and surprisingly straightforward to prepare. We hope you create
lasting memories around this dish as much as we have crafting it for you.

try also :

Air Fryer Sweet Potatoes
Crockpot Beef Fajitas
Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Bake
Cheesy Pumpkin Stuffed Pretzel Bites
Find more in Pinterest
Medium

Chicken Wild Rice Casserole FAQs

Q1: Can I use leftover cooked rice instead of wild rice?
A1: While this recipe specifically calls for wild rice for its earthy flavor and texture, you can
substitute brown rice or even white rice if that’s what you have. However, adjust the cooking liquid
and time accordingly, as other rice varieties cook differently. The overall flavor profile will
be slightly different but still delicious.

Q2: What’s the best way to cook chicken for this casserole?
A2: Leftover rotisserie chicken is ideal for its convenience and flavor. Alternatively, you can
poach boneless, skinless chicken breasts in chicken broth until cooked through, then shred or dice
them. Baking or pan-frying seasoned chicken breasts/thighs are also great options for added flavor.

Q3: Can I make this casserole gluten-free?
A3: Absolutely! To make it gluten-free, substitute the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free
all-purpose flour blend (ensure it contains xanthan gum) when making the roux. Always double-check
that your chicken broth and any other packaged ingredients are certified gluten-free.

Q4: How can I add extra vegetables to this casserole?
A4: You can easily sneak in more veggies! Frozen peas, corn, or diced carrots can be stirred in
with the chicken and rice. If using fresh harder vegetables like carrots or potatoes, consider
sautéing them with the onion and celery to ensure they cook through. Spinach can also be wilted
into the sauce before combining everything else.

Q5: Can I prepare this casserole ahead of time?
A5: Yes, this casserole is excellent for meal prep! You can assemble the entire casserole (up to
the baking step) and store it covered in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. When
you’re ready to bake, let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before baking,
and you might need to add an extra 10-15 minutes to the baking time.

Q6: Why is my casserole sauce too thin/thick?
A6: If your sauce is too thin, it might be that the roux didn’t cook long enough or you didn’t add
enough flour. For a thicker sauce, you can add a slurry of cornstarch and cold water (1 tbsp cornstarch
mixed with 1 tbsp cold water) to the simmering sauce and cook until thickened. If it’s too thick,
thin it out by gradually whisking in more milk or chicken broth until it reaches your desired consistency.

Q7: Can I use fresh herbs instead of dried?
A7: Yes, fresh herbs would be wonderful! As a general rule, use three times the amount of fresh herbs as
dried. For this recipe, that would be 3 teaspoons of fresh thyme and 1 1/2 teaspoons of fresh rosemary,
finely chopped. Add them towards the end of the sauce-making process for the best flavor.

Chicken Wild Rice Casserole – Creamy Comfort Food