The One Only Wild Rice Chicken Casserole

Delight in the ultimate comfort food with "The One Only Wild Rice Chicken Casserole," a hearty, flavor-packed dish that's perfect for cozy family dinners or meal prepping. This baked casserole combines the nutty richness of a wild rice blend with tender shredded chicken, bathed in a creamy, herb-infused sauce made from sautéed onions, carrots, celery, and garlic. Topped with a golden layer of sharp cheddar cheese and crispy panko breadcrumbs, every bite delivers layers of texture and savory goodness. With a prep time of just 20 minutes and a satisfying yield of six servings, this wholesome dish balances wholesome ingredients like wild rice and chicken with indulgent touches of Parmesan and heavy cream for a truly comforting meal. Whether you’re searching for a delicious weeknight dinner or a crowd-pleasing potluck idea, this casserole is guaranteed to impress!

Nutriscore Rating: 67/100

Prep Time:20 mins

Cook Time:50 mins

Total Time:70 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 1 cup wild rice blend
• 2 cups chicken breast, cooked and shredded
• 3 tablespoons butter
• 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
• 2 celery stalks, finely chopped
• 2 carrots, peeled and diced
• 3 cloves minced garlic
• 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 2.5 cups chicken broth
• 0.5 cup heavy cream
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
• 0.5 teaspoon dried thyme
• 0.5 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
• 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• 0.5 cup panko breadcrumbs
• 1 tablespoon olive oil

Directions

Step 1

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish and set aside.

Step 2

Cook the wild rice blend according to package instructions. Once cooked, fluff with a fork and set aside.

Step 3

In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, celery, and carrots, cooking until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 more minute.

Step 4

Sprinkle the flour over the vegetables and stir constantly for 1-2 minutes to cook off the raw taste. Gradually whisk in the chicken broth, creating a smooth sauce. Allow the mixture to simmer for 3-4 minutes until slightly thickened.

Step 5

Lower the heat and stir in the heavy cream, cooked wild rice, shredded chicken, salt, pepper, thyme, Parmesan cheese, and 3/4 cup of the cheddar cheese. Mix until everything is well combined.

Step 6

Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread evenly.

Step 7

In a small bowl, mix the panko breadcrumbs with 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Sprinkle the remaining 1/4 cup of cheddar cheese over the casserole, followed by the breadcrumb mixture.

Step 8

Bake the casserole in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and bubbling.

Step 9

Let the casserole rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. Enjoy this warm, hearty dish!

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(2183.0g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	3307.8

Total Fat 158.9g	0%
Saturated Fat 83.2g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 2.4g
Cholesterol 804.8mg	0%
Sodium 6447.8mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 217.1g	0%
Dietary Fiber 23.8g	0%
Total Sugars 25.6g
Protein 244.7g	0%

Vitamin D 31.7IU	0%
Calcium 1583.4mg	0%
Iron 14.0mg	0%
Potassium 3958.3mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 43.6%

Protein: 29.9%

Carbs: 26.5%