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The One Dish I Crave All Year: Creamy Chicken & Wild Rice Casserole (Made It 24 Times and Counting!)
There’s something deeply comforting about a hearty casserole — and this one is my ultimate favorite. It’s so satisfying and flavorful that I make it at least 24 times a year (yes, I counted). With tender chicken, earthy wild rice, and a creamy, savory sauce, this Chicken and Wild Rice Casserole is everything you want in a family meal: cozy, wholesome, and totally comforting.
🍗 Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Wild rice blend | 1 ½ cups |
| Chicken broth | 3 cups |
| Olive oil | 2 tablespoons |
| Medium onion, diced | 1 |
| Garlic cloves, minced | 2 |
| Boneless, skinless chicken breasts (cubed) | 1 lb |
| Dried thyme | 1 teaspoon |
| Salt | ½ teaspoon |
| Black pepper | ¼ teaspoon |
| Sliced mushrooms | 1 cup |
| Diced carrots | 1 cup |
| All-purpose flour | ¼ cup |
| Milk | 1 ¾ cups |
| Grated Parmesan cheese | ½ cup |
| Sour cream | ½ cup |
| Slivered almonds or crispy bacon (optional) | ½ cup |
👩🍳 Step-by-Step Directions
1. Preheat Oven & Prepare the Rice
Set oven to 375°F (190°C). Cook the wild rice blend in chicken broth per package instructions. Set aside.
2. Sauté Aromatics
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Sauté onion and garlic for 3–5 minutes until fragrant and translucent.
3. Cook the Chicken
Add cubed chicken, thyme, salt, and pepper. Cook until chicken is browned and fully cooked through.
4. Add Vegetables
Stir in mushrooms and carrots. Sauté for another 5 minutes until just tender.
5. Make the Cream Sauce
Sprinkle flour over the mixture. Stir well, then slowly add the milk while stirring constantly until it thickens into a rich sauce.
6. Combine with Rice and Creamy Goodness
Remove from heat. Stir in cooked rice, Parmesan cheese, and sour cream until everything is evenly coated.
7. Assemble & Bake
If using a separate casserole dish, grease it and pour in the mixture. Top with slivered almonds or crispy bacon if desired. Bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes until golden and bubbly.
8. Let It Rest & Serve
Let the casserole sit for 5 minutes before serving. This helps it set and deepens the flavor.
🥄 Why You’ll Love It:
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One-pan comfort food
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Perfect for leftovers (if there are any!)
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Balanced with protein, veggies, and grains
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Crowd-pleaser for both weeknights and gatherings