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+ servings
Baked casserole garnished with fresh herbs, highlighting layers of chicken, rice, and sauce.

Chicken Wild Rice Casserole

Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Creamy and hearty Chicken Wild Rice Casserole features tender chicken, nutty wild rice, earthy mushrooms, and a crisp panko topping. Perfect for a cozy family dinner or meal prep!
6 Servings

Ingredients

  • 1.5 cups wild rice blend
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1 stalk celery finely chopped
  • 1 small onion finely diced
  • 10 ounces portabella mushrooms halved and thinly sliced
  • ¼ cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup chicken stock
  • 1 cup whole milk
  • 2 cups cooked chicken breasts chopped or shredded
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • ¾ cup panko breadcrumbs
  • ½ cup finely shredded Parmesan cheese
  • 2 tablespoons melted butter
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

Instructions
 

Cook the Wild Rice

  1. In a medium-sized pot, bring 4 cups of water to a boil. Add the wild rice blend, cover, and reduce the heat to a simmer. Cook the rice until it is slightly firm to the bite, approximately 5 minutes less than the time indicated on the package instructions. Drain any excess water and set the rice aside.

Preheat the Oven

  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a large casserole dish to prevent sticking.

Sauté the Vegetables

  1. In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the chopped celery and diced onion, cooking until softened and translucent, about 3-5 minutes.

Cook the Mushrooms

  1. Increase the heat to medium-high and add the sliced mushrooms to the skillet. Cook until the mushrooms are tender and have released their moisture, approximately 3 minutes.

Prepare the Sauce

  1. Sprinkle the flour evenly over the vegetables, stirring to coat them. Gradually pour in the chicken stock and milk, whisking constantly to avoid lumps. Continue stirring over medium-high heat until the sauce thickens and begins to bubble, approximately 5 minutes.

Incorporate the Chicken and Cheese

  1. Remove the skillet from heat and stir in the cooked chicken and shredded cheddar cheese. Season generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Taste the mixture and adjust the seasoning if necessary.

Combine the Ingredients

  1. Add the cooked wild rice to the skillet, mixing thoroughly to ensure the rice is evenly coated with the sauce. Transfer this mixture to the prepared casserole dish, spreading it out evenly.

Prepare the Breadcrumb Topping

  1. In a small bowl, combine the panko breadcrumbs, shredded Parmesan cheese, and melted butter. Toss the mixture until the breadcrumbs are evenly coated. Sprinkle this topping over the casserole.

Bake the Casserole

  1. Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the casserole is bubbling around the edges. Allow the dish to cool for a few minutes before serving.

Notes

To make this recipe gluten-free, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend or cornstarch for thickening the sauce. Additionally, use gluten-free panko breadcrumbs or crushed gluten-free crackers for the topping. Ensure the chicken stock and other ingredients are certified gluten-free to avoid cross-contamination.
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