Can I freeze this casserole?

Yes! Assemble it, skip the bread topping, wrap tightly, and freeze. When ready, thaw overnight and bake as directed, adding fresh bread cubes before the final bake.

Can I use cream of mushroom soup instead of making the sauce?

You can, but trust me—the homemade sauce is creamier and tastier. If you’re short on time, canned soup works in a pinch.

What if I don’t have poultry seasoning?

No worries! A mix of thyme, sage, and rosemary will give you the same warm flavors.

How do I store leftovers?

Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days . Reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through.

Chicken Wild Rice Casserole - Chicken magic recipes

Description

This Chicken Wild Rice Casserole is the ultimate cozy dinner—packed with tender chicken, nutty wild rice, fresh vegetables, and a creamy sauce topped with buttery bread cubes. Comfort food at its finest, perfect for weeknights or family gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale

1 ½ lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs), cut into small pieces
1 medium onion, chopped
2 carrots, diced
2 celery stalks, diced
1 cup wild rice, uncooked
4 cups chicken broth
10 tablespoons butter, divided
1 teaspoon salt (plus more to taste)
1 teaspoon poultry seasoning
¼ cup all-purpose flour
2 cups milk
3 cups cubed bread (optional topping)
Fresh parsley, for garnish

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Instructions

Bake rice and veggies: Preheat oven to 350°F. In a large 9×13 baking dish, combine onion, carrots, celery, wild rice, and chicken broth. Cover tightly with foil and bake for 1 hour and 15 minutes.
Make creamy sauce: While the rice cooks, melt 4 tablespoons of butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir in flour, salt, and poultry seasoning. Cook for 1 minute, then slowly whisk in the milk until smooth and thickened.
Prepare topping (optional): Melt remaining 6 tablespoons butter. Toss with cubed bread until coated.
Assemble casserole: Remove dish from oven, uncover, and stir in raw chicken pieces and creamy sauce. Mix well. Top with bread cubes if using.
Final bake: Increase oven temperature to 450°F. Bake uncovered for 20–30 minutes, until chicken is fully cooked and topping is golden brown.
Serve: Garnish with fresh parsley and enjoy warm!

Notes

Save time by using pre-cooked rotisserie chicken—just stir it in before the final bake.
Add mushrooms, peas, or spinach for extra veggies.
Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days or freeze before baking for a make-ahead meal.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
Category: Dinner, Casserole
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 430 kcal
Sugar: 4 g
Sodium: 780 mg
Fat: 22 g
Saturated Fat: 12 g
Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
Trans Fat: 0 g
Carbohydrates: 34 g
Fiber: 3 g
Protein: 26 g
Cholesterol: 95