Description
This comforting Chicken Wild Rice Casserole combines tender chicken pieces, hearty wild rice, and a creamy homemade sauce, baked to perfection with a buttery bread cube topping. Perfect for a satisfying family dinner, this casserole delivers a flavorful mix of vegetables, savory seasonings, and rich textures with every bite.
Ingredients
Scale
Vegetables and Rice
- 1 onion, chopped
- 5 carrots, chopped
- 5 stalks celery, chopped
- 1 cup wild rice
Liquids and Broth
- 3 cups chicken broth
- 2 cups milk
Protein
- 1 lb chicken breasts, cut into small pieces
Butter and Seasonings
- 10 tablespoons butter, divided
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon poultry seasoning
- 4 tablespoons flour
Topping
- 3–4 cups cubed bread (dry, sturdy, or day-old bread works best)
Instructions
- Prepare Vegetables and Rice: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Chop the onion, carrots, and celery and place them in a large baking dish. Add the wild rice and chicken broth, then cover tightly with foil to seal in moisture.
- Bake the Rice Mixture: Bake the covered dish for 1 hour and 15 minutes until the wild rice is tender.
- Make the Creamy Sauce: When the rice is almost done, melt 4 tablespoons of butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Stir in the flour, salt, and poultry seasoning and cook for one minute to make a roux. Slowly whisk in the milk, continuing to stir until the mixture thickens into a creamy sauce.
- Prepare the Topping: If using the bread topping, melt the remaining 6 tablespoons of butter and toss with the bread cubes until fully coated. This topping adds a deliciously crispy texture but can be omitted if preferred.
- Assemble and Finish Baking: Remove the foil from the baking dish, add the raw chicken pieces and creamy sauce, then stir gently to combine. Evenly spread the buttered bread cubes on top.
- Final Bake: Increase the oven temperature to 450°F (230°C) and bake uncovered for an additional 20-30 minutes, or until the chicken is thoroughly cooked (no longer pink) and the bread cubes are golden brown.
- Garnish and Serve: Optionally, sprinkle with salt, pepper, and fresh parsley for added flavor and color before serving your wholesome casserole.
Notes
- Day-old or dry sturdy bread works best for the topping to ensure a crispy texture when baked.
- The bread topping is optional; the casserole remains delicious without it.
- If you prefer, you can substitute chicken broth with vegetable broth for a lighter taste.
- Make sure the chicken pieces are cut small to ensure even cooking within the casserole.
- For a vegetarian version, omit the chicken and use vegetable broth instead.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 3/4 cup
- Calories: 360
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 620mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 65mg
