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Chicken Wild Rice Casserole is a comforting and creamy dish, blending tender chicken, nutty wild rice, earthy mushrooms, and a cheesy sauce. Topped with crispy panko breadcrumbs and Parmesan, this casserole offers a satisfying mix of textures and flavors, making it perfect for family dinners or special gatherings. It’s made from scratch with wholesome ingredients and is sure to become a beloved comfort food.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

1 ½ cups wild rice blend
4 tbsp unsalted butter
1 stalk celery, finely chopped
1 small onion, finely diced
10 oz portabella mushrooms, halved and thinly sliced
¼ cup all-purpose flour
1 cup chicken stock
1 cup whole milk
2 cups cooked and chopped chicken breasts
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
¾ cup panko breadcrumbs
½ cup finely shredded Parmesan cheese
2 tbsp melted butter
Salt and pepper to taste

Directions

Cook the Wild Rice: Bring 4 cups of water to a boil in a medium-sized pot. Add the wild rice blend, cover, and reduce the heat to a simmer. Cook for about 5 minutes less than the package instructions until the rice is slightly firm.
Prepare the Oven and Sauté Vegetables: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). In a large skillet, melt butter over medium-low heat. Add the chopped celery and onion and cook until soft, about 3-5 minutes.
Cook the Mushrooms: Increase heat to medium-high, add sliced mushrooms, and cook until softened and any moisture is released, about 3 minutes.
Make the Roux: Sprinkle flour over the vegetables and stir to coat. Gradually add chicken stock and milk, stirring continuously, until the mixture thickens and begins to bubble, about 5 minutes.
Combine Ingredients: Stir in cooked chicken and shredded cheeses, and season generously with salt and pepper. Remove from heat.
Assemble the Casserole: Drain any excess water from the rice and stir it into the chicken mixture. Transfer the mixture into a greased 9×13-inch casserole dish.
Prepare the Topping: In a small bowl, combine panko breadcrumbs and Parmesan cheese. Drizzle with melted butter and toss to coat. Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture evenly over the casserole.
Bake: Place the casserole in the oven and bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the casserole is bubbling.

Nutrients

Calories: 450-500 per serving
Carbohydrates: 45-50g
Fat: 20-25g
Protein: 30-35g
Fiber: 4-5g

This Chicken Wild Rice Casserole is a comforting, creamy, and satisfying dish that’s perfect for a family meal or special occasions!

Why Chicken Wild Rice Casserole is a Must-Try

What makes Chicken Wild Rice Casserole so irresistible is the balance of flavors and textures. The creamy sauce, rich with cheddar cheese, coats the nutty wild rice, while the chicken adds protein and heartiness. The mushrooms contribute an earthy flavor that complements the rice and sauce, and the crispy topping of panko breadcrumbs and Parmesan adds a satisfying crunch that contrasts perfectly with the creamy base. Whether you’re looking for an easy weeknight dinner or something special for a gathering, this casserole has all the components of a comforting, crowd-pleasing dish.

This recipe is also incredibly easy to make, requiring just one pot for the rice and a skillet for the sauce. It’s a simple, hands-off dish that delivers incredible results without the need for complicated steps or multiple pots. Plus, it’s a great way to use up leftover chicken, making it an excellent option for meal prep or a quick weeknight dinner.

The Key Ingredients in Chicken Wild Rice Casserole

The ingredients for this casserole come together to create a flavorful and satisfying meal. Here’s a breakdown of what makes this dish so delicious:

Wild Rice Blend: The wild rice blend adds a nutty flavor and hearty texture to the casserole. It also helps absorb the rich sauce, adding to the overall comforting nature of the dish.
Celery and Onion: These vegetables add aromatic flavor and a slight crunch to the casserole. They provide a savory base for the creamy sauce.
Portabella Mushrooms: Mushrooms add an earthy depth of flavor that complements the creamy sauce and chicken. Their texture holds up well in the casserole, contributing to a satisfying bite.
Chicken Stock and Whole Milk: The combination of chicken stock and milk creates a rich and creamy sauce that binds the casserole together. The milk adds smoothness, while the stock enhances the flavor.
Cooked Chicken: Chopped, cooked chicken adds protein and heartiness to the casserole. It’s the perfect way to use up leftover chicken, or you can cook fresh chicken breasts for the dish.
Cheddar and Parmesan Cheese: Shredded cheddar cheese adds a sharp, creamy element to the sauce, while Parmesan cheese adds depth and umami. Both cheeses help create a velvety texture and delicious flavor in the casserole.
Panko Breadcrumbs: The panko breadcrumbs create a crunchy topping that contrasts perfectly with the creamy filling. When combined with melted butter and Parmesan cheese, they add both flavor and texture to the casserole.

How to Make Chicken Wild Rice Casserole

Making Chicken Wild Rice Casserole is a straightforward process that yields a comforting and satisfying dish. Here’s how you can prepare it:

Cook the Wild Rice: Bring 4 cups of water to a boil in a medium pot. Add the wild rice blend, cover, and reduce the heat to a simmer. Cook for about 5 minutes less than the package instructions, until the rice is slightly firm but tender. Drain any excess water and set aside.
Preheat the Oven and Sauté Vegetables: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). In a large skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium-low heat. Add the chopped celery and onion, and cook until soft, about 3-5 minutes.
Cook the Mushrooms: Increase the heat to medium-high and add the sliced mushrooms to the skillet. Cook until softened and the moisture from the mushrooms has evaporated, about 3 minutes.
Make the Roux: Sprinkle ¼ cup of all-purpose flour over the vegetables, stirring to coat them evenly. Gradually pour in 1 cup of chicken stock and 1 cup of whole milk, stirring continuously. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for about 5 minutes, until it thickens and bubbles.
Combine Ingredients: Stir in the cooked chicken and shredded cheddar cheese, and season generously with salt and pepper. Remove the skillet from heat and set it aside.
Assemble the Casserole: Stir the cooked rice into the chicken mixture, making sure it’s evenly combined. Transfer the mixture into a greased 9×13-inch casserole dish.
Prepare the Topping: In a small bowl, combine ¾ cup of panko breadcrumbs and ½ cup of finely shredded Parmesan cheese. Drizzle the mixture with 2 tablespoons of melted butter and toss to coat. Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture evenly over the casserole.
Bake the Casserole: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the casserole is bubbling. For an extra crispy topping, you can broil it for an additional 1-2 minutes, but be sure to watch closely to avoid burning.

Why This Dish is Perfect for Any Occasion

Chicken Wild Rice Casserole is a perfect meal for a variety of occasions. It’s hearty enough to be the centerpiece of a cozy family dinner, yet elegant enough to serve at a special gathering or holiday meal. The creamy texture, combined with the crunchy topping, makes this dish irresistible to all ages. It also reheats well, making it a great option for leftovers or meal prep.

This casserole can easily be customized to suit your preferences. You can add other vegetables like peas, carrots, or spinach, or swap out the chicken for turkey or a plant-based protein. The versatility of this dish makes it an excellent option for different dietary needs, and it’s adaptable enough to be served alongside any main course.

Tips for Making the Perfect Chicken Wild Rice Casserole

Use Leftover Chicken: If you have leftover chicken from another meal, this casserole is a great way to repurpose it. Simply chop it up and stir it into the mixture for a quicker meal.
Adjust the Vegetables: If you’re not a fan of mushrooms, you can substitute them with other vegetables such as peas, carrots, or even spinach.
Make It Ahead of Time: This casserole can be assembled ahead of time and stored in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking. Simply cover it tightly with plastic wrap or foil, and bake it when you’re ready to serve.
Use a Flavorful Stock: The chicken stock is an essential component of the sauce, so be sure to use a high-quality stock or broth to enhance the flavor of the dish.

Conclusion: Why You Should Make Chicken Wild Rice Casserole

Chicken Wild Rice Casserole is the perfect combination of comfort, flavor, and ease. It’s creamy, cheesy, and filled with tender chicken, nutty wild rice, and savory vegetables, all topped with a crispy, buttery panko breadcrumb crust. Whether you’re cooking for your family or hosting a special gathering, this casserole is sure to be a crowd-pleaser. With its simple ingredients and straightforward preparation, it’s a dish that will quickly become a staple in your kitchen. Try it today for a satisfying, wholesome meal everyone will love!

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