Can I use rotisserie chicken instead of raw chicken?

Yes, substituting rotisserie chicken reduces baking time by about 15 minutes and still delivers great flavor.

Is wild rice blend necessary for this dish?

Wild rice adds a nutty texture and unique taste; however, you can use other rice blends with slight adjustments in cooking time.

Use certified gluten-free broth and gluten-free breadcrumbs to keep it gluten-free.

Onion, celery, carrots, mushrooms, garlic, and frozen peas complement the protein and rice for added texture and flavor.

Consider adding sliced almonds to the topping or a dash of smoked paprika for deeper flavor notes.

A comforting casserole featuring tender chicken, nutty wild rice, and a creamy sauce, baked to golden perfection. Perfect for a cozy family dinner.

This recipe has been a family favorite for years, always bringing warmth and smiles to our dinner table.

Poultry: 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.2 lbs/550 g), cut into bite-size pieces
Rice: 1 cup (180 g) uncooked wild rice blend
Vegetables: 1 medium onion, finely chopped, 2 celery stalks, diced, 2 medium carrots, sliced, 2 cloves garlic, minced, 1 cup (150 g) mushrooms, sliced, 1 cup (150 g) frozen peas
Dairy & Broth: 1 1/2 cups (360 ml) low-sodium chicken broth, 1 cup (240 ml) milk, 1/2 cup (120 ml) heavy cream or sour cream, 1 cup (100 g) shredded Swiss or Gruyère cheese
Pantry & Spices: 2 tbsp olive oil, 1 tsp dried thyme, 1/2 tsp dried rosemary, 1/2 tsp black pepper, 1/2 tsp salt (or to taste)
Topping: 1/2 cup (35 g) breadcrumbs or gluten-free crumbs, 2 tbsp melted butter

Step 1:: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9x13-inch (23x33 cm) baking dish.
Step 2:: In a large skillet over medium heat, add olive oil. Sauté onion, celery, carrots, and mushrooms for 5 6 minutes until softened. Add garlic; cook 1 minute more.
Step 3:: Add chicken pieces to the skillet. Cook, stirring, until lightly browned but not cooked through, about 3 4 minutes.
Step 4:: Stir in wild rice, thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper. Remove from heat.
Step 5:: In a large bowl, combine chicken broth, milk, and heavy cream or sour cream. Whisk to blend.
Step 6:: Add the sautéed chicken and vegetables mixture and frozen peas to the bowl. Stir well.
Step 7:: Pour everything into the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle shredded cheese evenly over the top.
Step 8:: In a small bowl, mix breadcrumbs with melted butter. Sprinkle over cheese layer.
Step 9:: Cover the dish tightly with foil and bake for 50 minutes.
Step 10:: Remove foil and bake an additional 20 minutes, or until the top is golden and the rice is tender.
Step 11:: Let stand 10 minutes before serving.

My family loves gathering around this dish, sharing stories, and enjoying every comforting bite together.

Each serving provides 460 calories, 19 grams of fat, 42 grams of carbohydrates, and 30 grams of protein.

Contains dairy and wheat if using regular breadcrumbs. Use certified gluten-free broth and crumbs to keep it gluten-free.

You'll need a large skillet, a 9x13-inch (23x33 cm) baking dish, mixing bowls, a whisk, and aluminum foil.

This chicken and wild rice bake is simple yet satisfying, perfect for any family gathering or cozy night in.

→ Can I use rotisserie chicken instead of raw chicken?: Yes, substituting rotisserie chicken reduces baking time by about 15 minutes and still delivers great flavor.
→ Is wild rice blend necessary for this dish?: Wild rice adds a nutty texture and unique taste; however, you can use other rice blends with slight adjustments in cooking time.
→ How do I make this dish gluten-free?: Use certified gluten-free broth and gluten-free breadcrumbs to keep it gluten-free.
→ What vegetables are used in the bake?: Onion, celery, carrots, mushrooms, garlic, and frozen peas complement the protein and rice for added texture and flavor.
→ Can I add extra flavor elements?: Consider adding sliced almonds to the topping or a dash of smoked paprika for deeper flavor notes.