Chicken Wild Rice Casserole Recipe
This comforting Chicken Wild Rice Casserole features tender cubes of chicken breast, earthy mushrooms, and a creamy white sauce with a hint of thyme. Combined with cooked wild rice blend and baked until bubbly, it’s an easy yet hearty dish perfect for family dinners or meal prep.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 4 to 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Rice
- 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into cubes
- 1 ½ cup uncooked wild rice blend
- 4 ¼ cups chicken broth
Vegetables and Flavorings
- 1 tablespoon oil
- ½ cup finely chopped onion
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 8 oz mushrooms, sliced
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
White Sauce
- ¼ cup butter
- 3 tablespoons flour
- 1 cup milk
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 400º F to get it ready for baking the casserole later.
- Cook the Wild Rice: Bring the chicken broth to a boil and cook the wild rice blend according to package instructions to ensure it is tender and flavorful.
- Brown the Chicken: Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the cubed chicken with salt and pepper, then add to the skillet. Cook for 2-3 minutes on each side until nicely browned. Remove chicken from skillet and set aside.
- Sauté Vegetables: In the same skillet, add the sliced mushrooms, chopped onion, and minced garlic. Cook for 5 to 7 minutes until the mushrooms are browned and the vegetables have softened. Remove from skillet and set aside.
- Make the White Sauce: Melt the butter in the skillet over medium heat. Stir in the flour and cook until lightly golden brown, about 1-2 minutes. Gradually whisk in the milk to create a smooth sauce. Season with dried thyme, salt, and pepper. Cook the sauce for 2-3 minutes until it thickens.
- Combine Ingredients: In a casserole dish, combine the cooked wild rice, browned chicken, sautéed vegetables, and creamy white sauce. Mix well to evenly coat all ingredients.
- Bake the Casserole: Place the casserole dish into the preheated oven and bake for approximately 20 minutes until the casserole is heated through and bubbly.
Notes
- You can substitute chicken thighs for chicken breasts if you prefer a juicier meat.
- Use low-fat milk or a milk alternative to reduce fat content if desired.
- Add shredded cheese on top before baking for a cheesy variation.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.
- Wild rice blends often include other grains; ensure you follow the specific package cooking instructions.
Keywords: chicken casserole, wild rice, creamy chicken, baked casserole, comfort food, one dish meal
Find it online: https://kitchenbyclara.com/chicken-wild-rice-casserole-recipe/
