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Chicken and Wild Rice Casserole

This Chicken and Wild Rice Casserole is warm, creamy, hearty, umami rich comfort food the whole family will love!  It’s packed with juicy, tender chunks of chicken, earthy mushrooms, and nutty wild rice, enveloped in a creamy, cheddar-Parmesan laced sauce made without any canned soups!  Top it all off with buttery, golden crispy panko for the perfect balance of satisfying, hearty textures and flavors. This chicken and rice casserole is perfect for all those busy nights because you can prep it entirely ahead of time, then just pop it in the oven at dinner OR freeze for later!  With a few tips and tricks, you can elevate this casserole to next level served alongside a green salad and garlic bread!
Prep Time 50 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 20 minutes
Servings 8
Calories 350kcal

Ingredients

  • 1 1/2 cups wild rice blend, (COOKED according to package directions (measure uncooked)*)
  • 1 1/2 lbs. chicken breasts or thighs, (chopped into large bite size pieces)
  • 1/4 tsp EACH salt, pepper, paprika
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil, (divided)
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, (divided)
  • 1 yellow onion, (diced)
  • 3 stalks celery, (chopped)
  • 3 carrots, (chopped)
  • 6 cloves garlic, (minced)
  • 8 ounces baby Bella/cremini mushrooms, (sliced )
  • 2 cups low sodium chicken broth
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1/3 cup flour
  • 2 cups milk
  • 2 teaspoons chicken bouillon ((granulated, base or crushed cubes))
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 tsp EACH dried parsley, dried basil
  • 1/2 tsp EACH dried thyme, salt, pepper
  • 2 cups freshly grated sharp cheddar cheese, (divided)
  • 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • 3/4 cup panko breadcrumbs
  • 1 tablespoon butter
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil

Instructions

  • Oven: Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Lightly spray a 9×13 baking dish with nonstick cooking spray.
  • Prep chicken: While the chopped chicken is still on the cutting board, pat dry with a paper towel. Toss with 1/4 teaspoon salt, 1/4 teaspoon pepper, 1/4 teaspoon paprika. Set aside.
  • Cook chicken: Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add chicken in a single layer and sear for one minute without moving chicken, then continue to cook and stir chicken until opaque (it will not be cooked through). Transfer chicken to a large bowl using a slotted spoon.
  • Sauté vegetables and aromatics: Add a drizzle of oil to the drippings if they look dry (or butter for decadence). Add onions, carrots and celery and sauté until onions are tender. Add the garlic and sauté 30 seconds; transfer to the chicken bowl using a slotted spoon.
  • Caramelize mushrooms: Melt 2 tablespoons butter with a drizzle of olive oil over medium high heat in the leftover drippings. Add the mushrooms and give them a stir to evenly coat, then arrange in a single layer. Cook each side until deeply golden. Transfer to the chicken bowl using a slotted spoon.
  • Cream Sauce: Whisk the chicken broth and cornstarch together in a liquid measuring cup or bowl; set aside. To the now empty pot (don’t wipe out), melt 2 tablespoons butter with 1 tablespoon olive oil over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook, while whisking, for 2 minutes. Reduce heat to low, then gradually whisk in chicken broth/cornstarch and milk, followed by Dijon, Worcestershire sauce, chicken bouillon and all spices/seasonings.
  • Bring sauce to a simmer, whisking often, until thickened. Remove from heat and whisk in 1 cup cheddar until melted followed by Parmesan cheese until melted.
  • Combine: Add the chicken/mushroom/veggies and COOKED wild rice blend to the sauce and stir until evenly combined. Taste and seasone with salt/pepper to taste. Transfer to the prepared casserole dish. Top with remaining 1 cup cheddar cheese.
  • Panko topping: Melt butter in olive oil over medium heat in a medium skillet. Add panko and stir to coat. Continue cooking until crumbs become golden brown. Evenly sprinkle over cheese.
  • Bake: Cover the casserole and bake at 350 degrees for 30-35 minutes or until hot and bubbly and cheese is melted.

Notes

  • For perfectly cooked chicken, aim for an internal temperature of 165°F; the chicken will be opaque and no longer pink in the center.
  • To avoid a dry casserole, ensure your chicken isn’t overcooked during the initial sear; it should be just opaque and not cooked through.
  • If you want to reduce prep time, use rotisserie chicken instead of raw chicken; just shred it and add it to the sauce before combining with the other ingredients.
  • For a creamier texture, whisk in a splash of heavy cream or add an extra tablespoon of butter to the sauce before mixing in the chicken and rice.
  • This casserole can be frozen before baking. Just cover it tightly and keep it for up to three months; when ready, thaw in the fridge overnight and bake as directed.