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Creamy Chicken Wild Rice Casserole: An Easy Comfort Food Story

A fork lifting a creamy scoop of chicken wild rice casserole, showing rice, chicken chunks, and a crunchy topping.

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Discover the ultimate comfort food with this creamy chicken wild rice casserole. This hearty, easy dinner combines tender chicken and nutty wild rice in a rich sauce, perfect for busy weeknights or family gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 cups cooked wild rice
  • 2 cups cooked, shredded chicken breast
  • 1 cup sliced mushrooms
  • 1/2 cup chopped onion
  • 1/2 cup chopped celery
  • 1/4 cup butter
  • 1/3 cup all-purpose flour
  • 2 cups chicken broth
  • 1 cup milk
  • 1 (10.5 ounce) can cream of chicken soup
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional, for topping)
  • 1/4 cup panko breadcrumbs (optional, for topping)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
  2. In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the mushrooms, onion, and celery. Cook until the vegetables soften, about 5 to 7 minutes.
  3. Sprinkle the flour over the cooked vegetables and stir constantly for 1 minute to cook out the raw flour taste.
  4. Gradually whisk in the chicken broth until the mixture is smooth. Stir in the milk and the cream of chicken soup. Cook, stirring often, until the sauce thickens slightly.
  5. Remove the skillet from the heat. Stir in the cooked chicken, cooked wild rice, salt, and pepper until everything is combined.
  6. Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish.
  7. If you desire a topping, mix the shredded cheddar cheese and panko breadcrumbs together. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the casserole.
  8. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbly throughout and the topping is golden brown.
  9. Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before you serve it.

Notes

  • For a make-ahead option, assemble the casserole completely, cover it, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Add 10 to 15 minutes to the baking time if baking straight from the refrigerator.
  • This recipe works well with leftover roasted chicken or rotisserie chicken.
  • If you are looking for a cheesy chicken bake, increase the cheddar cheese topping to 1 cup.

Nutrition