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Chicken Wild Rice Casserole

A comforting and hearty casserole combining tender chicken, earthy wild rice, and fresh vegetables, perfect for nurturing connections around the table.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour 30 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 45 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 510
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Vegetables and Rice
  • 1 unit onion (chopped)
  • 5 units carrots (chopped, about 2 cups)
  • 5 units celery stalks (chopped)
  • 1 cup wild rice (rinsed) Can be swapped for brown rice.
  • 3 cups chicken broth
Meat and Dairy
  • 1 lb chicken breasts (cut into small pieces) High-quality, fresh chicken is recommended.
  • 10 tbsp butter (divided) Using unsalted butter is an option.
  • 2 cups milk
Seasonings and Fixings
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp poultry seasoning
  • 4 tbsp flour
  • 3-4 cups bread (cubed; day-old works best) Day-old bread absorbs sauce better without becoming mushy.
  • Salt, pepper, or fresh parsley (for garnish)

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C).
  2. In a large baking dish, combine the chopped onion, carrots, celery, wild rice, and chicken broth. Cover tightly with aluminum foil.
Baking the Rice
  1. Bake the covered dish for 1 hour and 15 minutes.
  2. While the rice is baking, melt 4 tablespoons of butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Incorporate flour, salt, and poultry seasoning to create a roux.
  3. Gradually whisk in the milk and continue cooking until the sauce thickens, about 3-5 minutes.
Combining Ingredients
  1. Melt the remaining 6 tablespoons of butter and toss with the cubed bread.
  2. Remove foil from the rice mixture and add raw chicken pieces and creamy sauce; combine thoroughly.
  3. Spread the buttered bread cubes evenly on top.
Final Baking
  1. Increase oven temperature to 450°F (232°C) and bake uncovered for an additional 20-30 minutes until chicken is cooked and bread cubes are golden brown.
  2. Garnish with salt, pepper, or fresh parsley before serving.

Notes

Consider adding spinach or peas for extra nutrition. Let casserole rest for 5-10 minutes before serving for easier cutting.