Such a hearty recipe! I love making this dish so much, I do it at least 24 times a year!
Chicken and Wild Rice Casserole
Hearty, creamy, and packed with flavor, this Chicken and Wild Rice Casserole is the perfect comfort food for a family meal. With tender chicken, wholesome vegetables, and a rich, savory sauce all combined with earthy wild rice, it’s a cozy all-in-one dish baked to perfection.
🍗 Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Wild rice blend | 1 1/2 cups |
| Chicken broth | 3 cups |
| Olive oil | 2 tablespoons |
| Medium onion, diced | 1 |
| Garlic cloves, minced | 2 |
| Boneless, skinless chicken breasts (cubed) | 1 lb |
| Dried thyme | 1 teaspoon |
| Salt | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Black pepper | 1/4 teaspoon |
| Sliced mushrooms | 1 cup |
| Diced carrots | 1 cup |
| All-purpose flour | 1/4 cup |
| Milk | 1 3/4 cups |
| Grated Parmesan cheese | 1/2 cup |
| Sour cream | 1/2 cup |
| Slivered almonds or crispy bacon (optional) | 1/2 cup |
👩🍳 Directions
- Preheat Oven & Prepare Rice
Set your oven to 375°F (190°C). Cook the wild rice blend in chicken broth according to package directions. Once cooked, set it aside. - Sauté Onion & Garlic
In a large skillet (oven-safe if preferred), heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add diced onion and minced garlic, and sauté for 3–5 minutes until soft and translucent. - Cook the Chicken
Turn heat to medium-high. Add the cubed chicken to the skillet, seasoning with thyme, salt, and pepper. Sauté until the chicken is browned and fully cooked. - Add Vegetables
Mix in the mushrooms and carrots. Cook for an additional 5 minutes, or until vegetables are just tender. - Make the Cream Sauce
Sprinkle flour over the mixture and stir to coat evenly. Slowly pour in the milk while stirring constantly until the sauce thickens into a creamy consistency. - Combine with Rice & Creamy Additions
Remove from heat. Stir in the cooked rice, Parmesan cheese, and sour cream. Mix gently until everything is well incorporated and coated in the sauce. - Assemble & Bake
If not using an oven-safe skillet, transfer the mixture to a greased casserole dish. Sprinkle the top with slivered almonds or crispy bacon if using. Bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes, or until bubbling and lightly golden on top. - Let Rest & Serve
Remove from the oven and allow the casserole to rest for 5 minutes before serving. This helps everything set and enhances the flavor.
