Daily Flavor

There’s nothing like a warm, comforting casserole straight from the oven on a chilly evening. As a seasoned American food critic turned home‑cook blogger, I perfected this Creamy Chicken and Wild Rice Casserole recipe over the years. It’s hearty, flavorful, and packed with tender shredded chicken, nutty wild rice, and a luscious cream sauce—plus it freezes beautifully for future meals. Here’s how to nail it:

Ingredients

• 2 cups cooked wild rice blend (about 1 cup uncooked)

• 2 Tbsp butter

• 1 small onion, diced

• 2 celery stalks, diced

• 2 medium carrots, diced

• 3 garlic cloves, minced

• 3 Tbsp all‑purpose flour

• 2 cups low‑sodium chicken broth

• 1 cup whole milk

• 1 cup heavy cream

• 3 cups cooked shredded chicken (rotisserie works great)

• 1 tsp dried thyme

• ½ tsp dried sage

• Salt and pepper to taste

• 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese

• ¼ cup panko breadcrumbs

• 2 Tbsp melted butter

• Chopped fresh parsley, for garnish

Step‑by‑Step Process

1. Preheat Oven & Prep Rice
   Preheat to 350 °F (175 °C). Cook wild rice according to package directions; drain and set aside.

2. Sauté Aromatics
   In a large skillet over medium heat, melt butter. Add onion, celery, carrots, and a pinch of salt. Sauté 5–7 minutes until softened. Stir in garlic and cook 1 minute.

3. Make the Cream Sauce
   Sprinkle flour over veggies, stirring to coat. Cook 1 minute, then gradually whisk in chicken broth, milk, and cream. Bring to a gentle simmer, whisking constantly until slightly thickened.

4. Combine & Season
   Stir in shredded chicken, cooked rice, thyme, and sage. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Remove from heat.

5. Assemble Casserole
   Transfer mixture to a 9×13‑inch baking dish. Sprinkle cheddar evenly over top.

6. Crispy Topping
   In a small bowl, mix panko breadcrumbs with melted butter. Sprinkle over cheese layer.

7. Bake & Serve
   Bake 25–30 minutes until bubbly and golden‑brown. Let rest 5 minutes, garnish with parsley, then serve.

Why You’ll Love It

• Make‑Ahead Friendly: Assemble up to a day in advance and refrigerate until baking.

• Flavor Depth: Slow‑cooked aromatics and a blend of cheeses and herbs create a rich, satisfying profile.

• Textural Contrast: Creamy interior meets crunchy breadcrumb topping for maximum comfort.

Whether you’re feeding family or meal‑prepping for the week, this casserole delivers warmth and satisfaction in every spoonful. Give it a try—your future self will thank you.