Chicken and Wild Rice Casserole

This Chicken and Wild Rice Casserole is the ultimate comfort food, featuring a rich, creamy sauce, tender shredded chicken, and a crispy, golden topping. It’s a satisfying dish perfect for any occasion.

Made with a blend of wild rice, sautéed mushrooms, and a homemade sauce, this casserole combines depth of flavor with hearty ingredients. Each bite offers a warm, indulgent experience that’s sure to please the entire family.

Topped with crispy fried onions for an added crunch, this dish is both simple and flavorful. Whether served for dinner or as a crowd-pleasing side, it’s a guaranteed hit at the table.

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Chicken and Wild Rice Casserole: Ingredients

Wild rice brings a nutty depth and hearty texture, setting the foundation for this comforting casserole. Paired with rich chicken broth, it absorbs all the savory flavors, creating a satisfying base.

Tender chicken adds a protein-packed layer, its shredded form effortlessly blending into the creamy sauce. The earthy mushrooms and aromatic garlic enrich the dish, providing a savory balance that complements the creamy sauce.

Cheddar cheese melts into the sauce, creating a velvety richness, while the tangy sour cream adds a smooth, creamy tang. A crunchy topping of French-fried onions crowns the casserole, offering a delightful contrast to the creamy interior.

Chicken and Wild Rice Casserole: Enhancements for a Perfect Meal

Recipe Tips

1. Customize Your Rice Blend: If you can’t find a wild rice blend, try using a combination of long-grain white rice and wild rice. This alternative will give a similar texture and earthy flavor. You could also experiment with adding other grains, such as quinoa, for a unique twist.
2. Ensure Creamy Consistency: When making the sauce, be sure to whisk constantly as you add the milk. This helps prevent lumps and ensures a smooth, creamy texture. If you want an even thicker sauce, consider adding an extra tablespoon of flour.
3. Make Ahead and Freeze: You can assemble the casserole in advance and freeze it without the fried onions. When you’re ready to bake, thaw it in the fridge overnight and bake according to the recipe instructions. This makes for a convenient, no-fuss dinner option on busy days.

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What to Serve with Chicken and Wild Rice Casserole

1. Garlic Bread: Serve this creamy casserole alongside crispy, warm garlic bread for the perfect balance. The toasted bread offers a satisfying crunch and is ideal for sopping up any leftover creamy sauce, complementing the richness of the casserole.
2. Steamed Vegetables: Freshly steamed green beans, broccoli, or peas work wonderfully as a side. The lightness and crispness of these vegetables provide a refreshing contrast to the richness of the casserole, creating a well-rounded, balanced meal.
3. Simple Green Salad: A refreshing green salad with a light vinaigrette adds a burst of freshness to this comforting casserole. The acidity from the dressing cuts through the creamy layers, offering a contrast of flavors and textures to round out the meal.

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FAQ

1. Can I use pre-cooked chicken? Yes, pre-cooked chicken works perfectly in this recipe! Just shred it into bite-sized pieces and mix it into the casserole. It’s a great option to save time and still enjoy a flavorful dish.
2. Can I substitute the sour cream? If you’re looking for a substitute, Greek yogurt or cream cheese can work as a replacement for sour cream. These options will still provide the creamy texture while offering a slightly different flavor profile.
3. How can I make this casserole spicier? To add some heat, consider incorporating a pinch of red pepper flakes into the sauce or mixing in diced jalapeños when cooking the onions and mushrooms. For extra spice, you can also add a few dashes of hot sauce to the creamy sauce.
4. Can I prepare this casserole ahead of time? Yes! You can assemble the casserole in advance and store it in the refrigerator for up to two days. Just be sure to add the crispy fried onions just before baking for the best texture.

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Chicken and Wild Rice Casserole

This hearty and flavorful Chicken and Wild Rice Casserole is made from scratch, featuring a homemade creamy sauce, tender shredded chicken, and a crispy fried onion topping that adds a delightful crunch to every bite.

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Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 1 hour hr

Total Time 1 hour hr 15 minutes mins

Course Main Course

Cuisine American

Servings 6 People

Ingredients

  

• 1 ½ cups wild rice blend
• 3 cups chicken broth
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 medium yellow onion diced
• 8 ounces white mushrooms sliced
• 3 cloves garlic minced
• ½ tablespoon Italian seasoning
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
• ¼ cup all-purpose flour
• 1 ½ cups milk
• 1 cup sour cream
• 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 3 cups cooked shredded chicken
• 6 ounces French-fried onions canned or homemade

Instructions

 

• Begin by preheating the oven to 375°F (190°C), or 170°C for fan-assisted ovens. Grease a 9×13-inch (22×33 cm) baking dish to prevent sticking.
• In a large saucepan, combine the wild rice blend with the chicken broth. Bring this mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat, cover, and let it simmer for approximately 45 minutes, or until the rice is tender and most of the liquid has been absorbed.
• While the rice cooks, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sliced mushrooms, sautéing for 5-7 minutes until the vegetables are softened, and the mushrooms have released their moisture.
• Add the minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper to the skillet. Stir well and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
• Sprinkle the flour over the vegetables and stir to combine. Gradually pour in the milk, whisking constantly until the sauce thickens, about 3-4 minutes.
• Remove the skillet from the heat and stir in the sour cream and shredded cheddar cheese, mixing until the sauce is smooth and creamy.
• In the prepared baking dish, combine the cooked wild rice, shredded chicken, and creamy vegetable mixture. Stir thoroughly to ensure all ingredients are well incorporated.
• Bake the casserole in the preheated oven for 25 minutes. Then, remove it from the oven and evenly sprinkle the French-fried onions over the top.
• Return the casserole to the oven for an additional 5-10 minutes, or until the onions are golden brown and the casserole is bubbly.
• Allow the casserole to cool for 5-10 minutes before serving to ensure it is at a safe temperature.

Notes

Make-Ahead: Assemble the casserole as directed, omitting the crispy onions. Cover and refrigerate for up to 2 days. When ready to bake, follow the instructions, adding an additional 5-10 minutes to the baking time.
Rice Variations: Depending on the brand or style of wild rice blend used, the cooking instructions may vary. Always refer to the package for the best results.
Wild Rice Substitute: If wild rice blend is unavailable, a mixture of 1 cup long-grain rice and ½ cup wild rice can be used as a suitable alternative.
Cooling Tip: After baking, allow the casserole to rest for at least 10 minutes before serving to ensure it’s cool enough to eat.

Keyword Chicken and Wild Rice Casserole