Cheesy Chicken and Wild Rice Casserole Recipe
If you’re searching for the ultimate comfort food to brighten up any day, look no further than this Cheesy Chicken and Wild Rice Casserole. Imagine a bubbling, golden cheesy top, hearty chunks of chicken, perfectly tender wild and white rice, and a mix of veggies all smothered in a creamy homemade cheese sauce—this is the kind of dish that has everyone scrambling for seconds. It’s a crowd-pleaser, a family favorite, and a recipe you’ll want to hold onto for years to come.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The wonderful thing about this Cheesy Chicken and Wild Rice Casserole is that it brings together everyday ingredients in the most comforting way. Each item not only has its own part to play in flavor and texture, but when combined, they create pure magic in every bite.
- Extra virgin olive oil: Helps sauté the vegetables, locking in flavor and healthy richness.
- Onion: Brings sweetness and depth to the base of the casserole.
- Celery: Adds crunch and a subtle earthy flavor for that classic casserole vibe.
- Carrots: Contribute color, gentle sweetness, and soft texture once baked.
- Fresh minced garlic: Delivers a punch of savory aroma and a hint of sharp spice.
- Shredded cooked chicken breast: The protein hero—tender, juicy, and soaks up all the flavors.
- Steamed white rice: Provides creaminess and absorbs the cheese sauce beautifully.
- Cooked wild rice: Offers a nutty taste and slightly chewy texture for variety.
- Kosher salt: Enhances all the ingredients without overpowering.
- Freshly ground black pepper: Adds warmth and a touch of heat.
- Garlic salt: Layers in garlicky goodness.
- Unsalted butter: The base for a luscious cheese sauce, giving it body and richness.
- All-purpose flour: Helps thicken the cheese sauce, ensuring it coats every grain of rice.
- Kosher salt (for sauce): Balances the richness of the cheese sauce.
- Freshly ground black pepper (for sauce): Another dash of heat for the creamy sauce.
- Reduced sodium chicken broth: Keeps the sauce silky and savory, without too much salt.
- Shredded cheddar cheese: Melty, tangy, and perfectly gooey—this is what dreams are made of!
- Shredded cheddar cheese (to top): That irresistible browned, bubbly topping as the casserole bakes.
How to Make Cheesy Chicken and Wild Rice Casserole
Step 1: Sauté Your Veggies
Begin your Cheesy Chicken and Wild Rice Casserole journey by heating the olive oil in a medium Dutch oven or sturdy pot. Add the onion, celery, and carrots, and cook them over medium heat until they’re softened and fragrant, about 10 minutes. Stir in the fresh garlic and let it sizzle for just a minute—your kitchen will smell incredible, and the flavors will deepen beautifully.
Step 2: Stir in Chicken and Rice
Once your veggies are tender, it’s time to add the real heart of the dish. Fold in the shredded chicken, steamed white rice, cooked wild rice, kosher salt, black pepper, and a sprinkle of garlic salt. Reduce the heat to low, allowing all those incredible flavors to mingle while you move on to the next component.
Step 3: Create the Cheese Sauce
In a separate saucepan, melt the unsalted butter over medium-high heat. Sprinkle in the flour, kosher salt, and pepper, whisking steadily to create a smooth roux. Gradually pour in the chicken broth, and keep whisking until the sauce thickens and almost comes to a boil. Now, add the shredded cheddar and whisk until it’s completely melted, creamy, and irresistibly smooth.
Step 4: Combine and Assemble
Pour your bubbling cheese sauce over the chicken, veggie, and rice mixture. Stir gently to coat everything in cheesy goodness. Next, spoon the mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, smoothing it out so every corner is filled with flavor.
Step 5: Add the Cheesy Finish
Sprinkle the top evenly with the reserved 1 1/2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese. This crucial final step creates that dreamy, golden crust that makes the casserole so irresistible.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Slide the dish into your preheated 350-degree oven and bake for 25-30 minutes. As it bubbles and the cheese turns golden brown, you’ll know it’s ready. When a lovely cheesy aroma fills your kitchen, it’s time to dig in!
How to Serve Cheesy Chicken and Wild Rice Casserole
Garnishes
Add a bright sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley or chives just before serving for a pop of color and herbal freshness. A dusting of extra black pepper or a light drizzle of olive oil never hurts either—but the real star will always be that golden cheese crust.
Side Dishes
Cheesy Chicken and Wild Rice Casserole is a one-dish wonder but pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad, roasted green beans, or a platter of steamed broccoli. Warm, crusty bread is also divine for soaking up any creamy sauce left on your plate.
Creative Ways to Present
To make dinner extra special, try serving the casserole in individual ramekins for personal mini casseroles. For gatherings, scoop portions into colorful bowls, topping each with a swirl of sour cream or a sprinkle of paprika. If you’re planning a potluck, this dish travels and serves easily straight from your baking dish—no fuss, just flavor!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with leftovers (lucky you!), allow the casserole to cool to room temperature, then cover tightly and refrigerate. You can store it for up to 3–4 days and the flavors only get better as they mingle!
Freezing
Cheesy Chicken and Wild Rice Casserole freezes like a champ. To freeze, portion the cooled casserole into airtight containers (or wrap the entire baking dish well), label, and freeze for up to 2 months. For extra convenience, cut into single portions so you can thaw just what you need.
Reheating
To reheat, simply pop leftover portions into the microwave until steaming, or place the covered casserole in a 350°F oven until thoroughly warmed and bubbly. If your casserole was frozen, let it thaw overnight in the refrigerator for best results before reheating.
FAQs
Can I use rotisserie chicken instead of cooked chicken breast?
Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken is a fantastic shortcut—just shred it up and use in place of the cooked chicken breast. It adds even more savory flavor and cuts down on prep time.
Can I swap out the veggies in this casserole?
Of course! While onion, celery, and carrot are classic, feel free to mix in mushrooms, thawed frozen peas, or bell peppers. The Cheesy Chicken and Wild Rice Casserole is super flexible and welcomes your favorite veggie additions.
How do I make this dish gluten-free?
To make it gluten-free, simply substitute a cup-for-cup gluten-free flour blend in the cheese sauce. Make sure your chicken broth is gluten-free as well, and you’ll have a comforting casserole everyone can enjoy.
Can I make Cheesy Chicken and Wild Rice Casserole ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble the casserole right up to the baking step, cover tightly, and refrigerate for up to a day in advance. When ready to eat, all you need to do is bake and enjoy! It’s perfect for busy weeknights or make-ahead entertaining.
What’s the best way to reheat leftovers without drying out the casserole?
To keep leftovers moist, cover the casserole tightly before reheating in the oven, and add a splash of chicken broth or milk if needed. This will help the rice and chicken stay deliciously tender and creamy.
Final Thoughts
I can’t say enough good things about Cheesy Chicken and Wild Rice Casserole—it’s cozy, satisfying, and always a hit at the table. If you crave foods that feel like a warm hug, this is your new go-to recipe. Gather your ingredients, preheat the oven, and let the magic begin!
Print
Cheesy Chicken and Wild Rice Casserole Recipe
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Cheesy Chicken and Wild Rice Casserole is a comforting and flavorful dish that’s perfect for family dinners or potlucks. It combines tender chicken, two types of rice, vegetables, and a creamy cheese sauce baked to perfection.
Ingredients
Main Casserole:
- 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1 medium onion, finely diced
- 3 stalks celery, finely chopped
- 3 carrots, peeled and diced
- 2 tablespoons fresh minced garlic
- 2 cups shredded cooked chicken breast
- 2 cups steamed white rice
- 16 ounces cooked wild rice
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic salt
Cheese Sauce:
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 2 cups reduced-sodium chicken broth
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese for topping
Instructions
- Preheat oven and prepare vegetables: Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Heat olive oil in a dutch oven over medium heat. Saute onion, celery, and carrots until softened. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute. Stir in chicken, white rice, wild rice, salt, pepper, and garlic salt. Reduce heat.
- Make cheese sauce: In a saucepan, melt butter over medium-high heat. Whisk in flour, salt, and pepper. Slowly pour in chicken broth, whisking continuously until thick. Stir in 2 cups cheddar cheese until melted.
- Combine and bake: Pour cheese sauce into the rice mixture and transfer to a 9×13 inch baking dish. Top with 1 1/2 cups cheddar cheese. Bake for 25-30 minutes until cheese is melted.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 780mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 11g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 31g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 24g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
Keywords: Cheesy Chicken, Wild Rice, Casserole, Comfort Food, Family Dinner
