Wild Rice and Chicken Casserole

Dive into comfort food bliss with this Wild Rice and Chicken Casserole, a hearty, soul-warming dish that’s perfect for family dinners or meal prep. This recipe combines tender shredded chicken, nutty wild rice, and a velvety homemade cream sauce infused with aromatic garlic, thyme, and sautéed vegetables. Topped with gooey melted cheddar cheese and golden, crispy breadcrumbs, each bite is a delightful blend of creamy and crunchy textures. Easy to prepare in just under an hour, this casserole is a crowd-pleaser that balances wholesome ingredients with indulgent flavor. Garnished with fresh parsley for a burst of color, it’s an irresistible one-dish meal that’s sure to become a weeknight favorite.

Nutriscore Rating: 67/100

Prep Time:20 mins

Cook Time:40 mins

Total Time:60 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 3 cups Cooked wild rice
• 2 cups Cooked chicken breast (shredded or diced)
• 2 tablespoons Butter
• 1 medium Yellow onion (chopped)
• 2 stalks Celery (chopped)
• 2 cloves Garlic (minced)
• 2 tablespoons All-purpose flour
• 1.5 cups Chicken broth
• 1 cup Heavy cream
• 1 teaspoon Salt
• 0.5 teaspoon Black pepper
• 0.5 teaspoon Dried thyme
• 1 cup Shredded cheddar cheese
• 0.5 cup Breadcrumbs
• 1 tablespoon Olive oil (for topping)
• 2 tablespoons Chopped parsley (optional, for garnish)

Directions

Step 1

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

Step 2

In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the chopped onion, celery, and garlic. Cook for 5-6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are softened and fragrant.

Step 3

Sprinkle the flour over the vegetables and stir to coat. Cook for 1-2 minutes to remove the raw flour taste.

Step 4

Gradually pour in the chicken broth while whisking continuously to avoid lumps. Simmer for 2-3 minutes until the mixture thickens.

Step 5

Reduce the heat to low and stir in the heavy cream, salt, black pepper, and thyme. Cook for another 2 minutes, ensuring the sauce is smooth and creamy.

Step 6

In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked wild rice, shredded chicken, and the creamy sauce. Mix until everything is evenly coated.

Step 7

Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly.

Step 8

Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the top, followed by the breadcrumbs. Drizzle olive oil over the breadcrumbs to help them crisp up while baking.

Step 9

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

Step 10

Remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped parsley, if desired.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(2099.2g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	3318.6

Total Fat 175.0g	0%
Saturated Fat 92.9g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 0.7g
Cholesterol 832.4mg	0%
Sodium 5429.1mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 201.9g	0%
Dietary Fiber 16.9g	0%
Total Sugars 15.4g
Protein 213.2g	0%

Vitamin D 4.5IU	0%
Calcium 1022.6mg	0%
Iron 13.8mg	0%
Potassium 2565.1mg	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: 48.7%

Protein: 26.4%

Carbs: 25.0%