Go Back
+ servings
Chicken Wild Rice Casserole

Cozy Chicken Wild Rice Casserole for Family Comfort

This Chicken Wild Rice Casserole combines juicy chicken, earthy mushrooms, and nutty wild rice in a creamy sauce, making it a family favorite.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Casserole
Cuisine: American
Calories: 450

Ingredients
  

For the Casserole
  • 1 cup Wild Rice Blend can be substituted with brown rice or quinoa
  • 2 pounds Chicken Breasts/Thighs can use tofu for vegetarian version
  • 1 teaspoon Salt
  • 1 teaspoon Pepper
  • 1 teaspoon Paprika adjust for spice tolerance
  • 2 tablespoons Olive Oil can substitute with avocado oil
  • 4 tablespoons Unsalted Butter or use vegan butter for dairy-free
  • 1 medium Yellow Onion substitute with green onions for milder flavor
  • 2 stalks Celery
  • 2 medium Carrots
  • 2 cloves Garlic or use garlic powder
  • 8 ounces Baby Bella/Creamini Mushrooms white button mushrooms are suitable substitute
For the Sauce
  • 4 cups Low Sodium Chicken Broth or vegetable broth for vegetarian option
  • 2 tablespoons Cornstarch or arrowroot/tapioca starch
  • 1/4 cup Flour gluten-free flour blend as alternative
  • 1 cup Milk almond or coconut milk for dairy-free
  • 1 cube Chicken Bouillon substitute with vegetable bouillon
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon Mustard
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire Sauce can switch with soy sauce
  • 2 teaspoons Dried Herbs (Parsley, Basil, Thyme) fresh herbs can be used for better taste
  • 1 cup Sharp Cheddar nutritional yeast for dairy-free
  • 1/2 cup Parmesan
For the Topping
  • 1 cup Panko Breadcrumbs regular breadcrumbs are an alternative

Equipment

  • 9x13 inch baking dish
  • Large skillet
  • Mixing Bowl

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Spray a 9x13-inch baking dish with cooking spray.
  2. Pat the chicken dry, season with salt, pepper, and paprika. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat and sear chicken for 5-7 minutes. Remove chicken and set aside.
  3. Sauté diced onion, carrots, and celery in the same skillet for 5 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.
  4. Sauté sliced baby bella mushrooms in more olive oil for 5-8 minutes until golden brown. Combine with chicken and vegetables.
  5. In a small bowl, whisk chicken broth and cornstarch. Melt butter and add flour in the skillet to create a roux. Slowly add broth mixture and milk until the sauce thickens.
  6. Stir in sharp cheddar and Parmesan until melted. Combine this sauce with chicken, vegetables, and cooked wild rice.
  7. Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish, top with remaining cheese, and mix panko breadcrumbs with melted butter to sprinkle on top.
  8. Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes until hot and bubbly with a golden top.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 450kcalCarbohydrates: 50gProtein: 30gFat: 15gSaturated Fat: 7gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 10gCholesterol: 80mgSodium: 600mgPotassium: 700mgFiber: 5gSugar: 4gVitamin A: 600IUVitamin C: 10mgCalcium: 250mgIron: 2mg

Notes

Mushrooms can be cooked in a single layer for better caramelization. Prepare in advance for enhanced flavors. Store leftovers in airtight containers for up to 3-4 days.

Tried this recipe?

Let us know how it was!