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The Ultimate Creamy Chicken Wild Rice Casserole: Easy Weeknight Comfort Food

A close-up serving of creamy chicken wild rice casserole topped with melted orange cheese and parsley.

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Prepare this hearty, creamy chicken and wild rice casserole for a satisfying family dinner. It features tender chicken, nutty wild rice, and a rich sauce, ready for a quick weeknight assembly.

Ingredients

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  • 1 cup uncooked wild rice blend
  • 2 cups chicken broth
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 1 small onion, chopped
  • 8 ounces cremini mushrooms, sliced (optional)
  • 1/2 cup chopped celery
  • 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
  • 2 cups cooked, shredded chicken breast
  • 1 (10.5 ounce) can cream of chicken soup
  • 1 cup milk
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 cup frozen peas
  • 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese (for topping)
  • 1/4 cup breadcrumbs (for topping)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
  2. Cook the wild rice blend according to package directions using the chicken broth instead of water for added flavor. Drain any excess liquid and set the rice aside.
  3. While the rice cooks, melt the butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the onion, celery, and mushrooms (if using). Cook until the vegetables are soft, about 5 to 7 minutes.
  4. Stir the flour into the skillet with the vegetables and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly.
  5. Gradually whisk in the milk until the mixture thickens slightly. Stir in the cream of chicken soup, salt, and pepper until smooth.
  6. Remove the skillet from the heat. Fold in the cooked chicken, cooked wild rice, and frozen peas. Mix everything until well combined.
  7. Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish.
  8. In a small bowl, mix the shredded cheddar cheese and breadcrumbs. Sprinkle this topping evenly over the casserole.
  9. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbly and the topping is golden brown.
  10. Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

  • For a richer flavor, use homemade chicken broth when cooking the rice.
  • If you do not have cooked chicken, you can poach 1 pound of chicken breasts in water, shred them, and use the poaching liquid as part of your broth measurement.
  • To make this a one-pot meal, cook the wild rice directly in the broth on the stovetop, then add the sautéed vegetables and proceed with the sauce steps in the same large pot before transferring to the baking dish.

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