Chicken Wild Rice Casserole

Looking for a comforting, hearty dish that feels like home?

This Chicken Wild Rice Casserole combines wholesome, real ingredients with creamy goodness for the ultimate cozy meal.

Loaded with tender chicken, wild rice, and veggies, it’s topped with golden, buttery bread cubes for that perfect crunch.

Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just looking to enjoy a warm, satisfying dinner, this casserole will quickly become a family favorite.

It’s comfort food at its finest – simple, delicious, and perfect for any occasion!

For Chicken Wild Rice Casserole

Onion – Adds flavor and depth to the casserole.
Carrots – For a slight sweetness and texture.
Celery – Provides a nice crunch and freshness.
Wild Rice – The hearty base of the casserole, adding a nutty flavor.
Chicken Broth – For moisture and a savory taste.
Chicken Breasts – Cut into small pieces, providing protein and heartiness.
Butter – Adds richness to the creamy sauce and helps cook the ingredients.
Salt – Enhances the overall flavor of the dish.
Poultry Seasoning – A perfect blend of spices to season the chicken and sauce.
Flour – Used to thicken the creamy sauce.
Milk – Helps create a smooth and creamy sauce.
Cubed Bread – Adds a delicious crunchy topping to the casserole.

Chicken Wild Rice Casserole Recipe

This Chicken Wild Rice Casserole is the ultimate comfort food, featuring tender chicken, hearty wild rice, and a creamy sauce, all topped with crispy, buttery bread cubes.

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Course: Dinner

Cuisine: American

Keyword: Chicken Wild Rice Casserole Recipe

Prep Time: 20

Cook Time: 1 45

Total Time: 2 5

Servings:

.

Ingredients:

1 onion, chopped
5 carrots, chopped
5 celery stalks, chopped
1 cup wild rice
3 cups chicken broth
1 lb. chicken breasts, cut into small pieces
10 tablespoons butter, divided
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon poultry seasoning
4 tablespoons flour
2 cups milk
3–4 cups cubed bread (dry, sturdy, or day-old bread works best)

Instructions:

Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Prepare Vegetables and Rice: Chop the onion, carrots, and celery. Place them in a large baking dish. Add the wild rice and chicken broth. Cover tightly with foil and bake for 1 hour and 15 minutes.
Make the Creamy Sauce: While the rice is baking, melt 4 tablespoons of butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Stir in the flour, salt, and poultry seasoning, and cook for about 1 minute. Slowly add the milk while whisking, creating a thick, creamy sauce.
Prepare the Topping (Optional): For the topping, melt the remaining 6 tablespoons of butter and toss with the cubed bread. If you prefer not to have the topping, feel free to skip this step—the casserole will still be delicious.
Assemble the Casserole: Once the rice is done, remove the foil. Add the raw chicken and creamy sauce to the baking dish, stirring to combine. Arrange the buttered bread cubes on top.
Finish Cooking: Increase the oven temperature to 450°F (230°C) and bake uncovered for another 20-30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through (no longer pink) and the bread cubes are golden brown.
Garnish: Optionally, top with a pinch of salt, pepper, and/or parsley for a burst of color and flavor.

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Can I use pre-cooked chicken for this casserole?
Yes, you can definitely use pre-cooked chicken (like rotisserie chicken). Just shred or chop it into small pieces and add it in during the final step. This will save you time without compromising flavor.
Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can assemble the casserole a day or two in advance. Cover it tightly and store it in the fridge. When you’re ready to bake, let it sit at room temperature for a bit, then pop it in the oven and cook as directed.
Can I substitute the wild rice for a different type of rice?
If wild rice isn’t available, you can use brown rice or even white rice. Just note that cooking times may vary slightly, so be sure to adjust for whichever type you use to ensure it’s fully cooked.
How can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Easy! Simply swap out the flour for a gluten-free flour blend or use cornstarch to thicken the sauce. Make sure your chicken broth is gluten-free as well, and you’re good to go!
Can I freeze this casserole for later?
Yes, this casserole freezes beautifully! Prepare the dish, but don’t bake it. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or foil and store it in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you’re ready, thaw it in the fridge overnight and bake it as usual.