Not all comfort foods are casseroles, but all casseroles are comfort food. This chicken and wild rice casserole is no exception. Filled with wild rice, chicken, mushrooms and a creamy sauce, this one-pot dinner is perfect for busy weeknights or an easy make-ahead meal.
Wild rice is a nutritious, flavorful variety of rice that provides more protein and fiber than traditional white rice. It has a chewy texture that adds contrast, and it always pairs well with mushrooms. This recipe calls for pre-cooked wild rice and chicken, which saves a lot of time.
Ingredients for Chicken and Wild Rice Casserole
- Onion: This aromatic is essential for the casserole base. Just chop the onion into small pieces and let it cook down in the butter until it’s translucent. It will have your kitchen smelling delicious the minute it hits the pan.
- Butter and flour: Butter and flour work together (as a sort of makeshift roux) to thicken the sauce.
- Chicken broth: We save some time by using store-bought chicken broth for this recipe. However, you can always use homemade chicken broth if you have the time!
- Half-and-half: Adding half-and-half brings this whole dish together at the end. If you only have milk or heavy cream, use one of those instead; or combine them to make half-and-half.
- Chicken: Using store-bought rotisserie chicken or leftover chicken is a great hack for this recipe. If you prefer to cook your own chicken, make poached chicken or roasted chicken.
- Wild rice: Wild rice is delicious but time-consuming, so buy it pre-cooked in a bag or get a head start and cook your own. It can take up to 45 minutes to simmer.
- Mushrooms: This recipe calls for jars of sliced mushrooms. If you want a different type of mushroom, you can easily substitute a half pound of fresh ones. If there’s a lot of grit, be sure to wash your mushrooms without letting them get waterlogged.
- Pimentos: I love anything with pimentos; they’re such a great addition to this dish. They add color and flavor, and they’re easy to find in cans at the grocery store.
- Parsley: Just a tablespoon of fresh parsley adds a ton of flavor. Use flat-leaf parsley if possible; it’s tender and easy to chop.
- Almonds: Slivered almonds add even more texture to this casserole. If you don’t have slivered almonds, you can chop up whole almonds instead.
Directions
Step 1: Make the casserole filling
In a large saucepan, saute the onion in butter until it’s tender. Stir in the flour, salt and pepper until they’re fully blended. Gradually sir in the broth and bring it to a boil. Boil and stir the broth for two minutes or until it’s thickened and bubbly. Stir in the cream, chicken, rice, mushrooms, pimientos and parsley and heat them through.
Step 2: Bake the casserole
Transfer the filling to a greased 2-1/2-quart baking dish. Sprinkle the slivered almonds on top. Bake, uncovered, at 350°F for 30 to 35 minutes or until the casserole is bubbly. Garnish it with additional parsley just before serving.
Chicken and Wild Rice Variations
- Add more vegetables: Get creative! If you want more vegetables, you can always add broccoli, spinach and peas to the chicken and mushrooms, or saute celery and carrots with the onions.
- Add different toppings: Instead of sliced almonds, try topping this casserole with homemade bread crumbs, Parmesan cheese or cheesy bread crumbs. You can also top it with croutons, crushed saltines, cornflake cereal or crispy onions.
- Use a different protein: If you don’t want to use chicken breasts, you can always use other cuts of chicken, spicy or sweet sausage, turkey, or even salmon or trout.
How to Store Chicken Wild Rice Casserole
Store your leftover wild rice casserole in the fridge, covered, for up to four days. If you want to freeze any casserole leftovers, freeze them individual portions. Wrap them tightly and store them in the freezer for up to three months. To reheat, allow the casserole to thaw in the fridge overnight before popping it int0 the oven or microwave.
Can you make chicken and wild rice casserole ahead of time?
Chicken and wild rice casserole is a great make-ahead meal. The flavors will continue to meld together and will be as good on day four as on day one. Cook the casserole, cool it down, and store it in the fridge covered until you’re ready to reheat and serve it.
Chicken and Wild Rice Casserole Tips
What can you serve with chicken wild rice casserole?
This comforting dish is filling all on its own, but it also goes well with simple vegetable side dishes like steamed lemon broccoli. For a full meal, add any one of our favorite side salad recipes.
How do I keep my casserole from drying out?
This dish has lots of moisture and should still be very creamy when cooked. If it looks like it’s drying out during cooking, you can add a little extra chicken broth and simply cover the dish with foil while it finishes cooking.
