Prepare to be swept away by the cozy, comforting flavors of this Creamy Chicken and Wild Rice Casserole with Herbs. This irresistible dish is a delightful fusion of tender chicken, wild rice, and a rich, creamy sauce, all infused with a medley of fresh herbs. Get ready to savor every bite and create a memorable meal that will have your family and friends coming back for more.
Why You’ll Love This Creamy Chicken and Wild Rice Casserole with Herbs
This casserole is a true crowd-pleaser, blending the heartiness of chicken and wild rice with a velvety, indulgent sauce. The combination of juicy chicken, nutty wild rice, and a lush, creamy base creates a comforting and satisfying dish that’s perfect for cozy weeknight dinners or special gatherings. The addition of fresh herbs like thyme, rosemary, and parsley adds a zesty, bright note that balances the richness, making this casserole a truly craveable and epic meal.
Ingredients
This recipe calls for a delightful blend of wholesome ingredients that come together to create the ultimate comfort food. You’ll need boneless, skinless chicken breasts, wild rice, heavy cream, chicken broth, onion, garlic, thyme, rosemary, and parsley. The combination of these flavorful elements results in a hearty, satisfying casserole that’s sure to become a new family favorite.
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts – the star of the show
- 1 cup uncooked wild rice – nutty, nutritious, and oh-so-good
- 1 cup heavy cream – for that irresistible creamy texture
- 1 cup chicken broth – to balance the richness
- 1 onion, diced – adds savory depth
- 3 cloves garlic, minced – brings aromatic zing
- 2 tablespoons fresh thyme, chopped – herbaceous notes
- 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, chopped – earthy and fragrant
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped – bright and fresh
Ingredient Substitutions
- Chicken Breasts: Chicken thighs would work beautifully, offering a more juicy and tender result.
- Heavy Cream: For a dairy-free version, substitute with full-fat coconut milk or a plant-based cream alternative.
How to Make Creamy Chicken and Wild Rice Casserole with Herbs
Prepare to be swept away by the cozy, comforting flavors of this irresistible dish.
Step 1: Prep Work
Begin by preheating your oven and preparing the wild rice according to the package instructions. Meanwhile, dice the onion and mince the garlic. Chop the fresh herbs, reserving a bit for garnish.
Step 2: Main Cooking Process
In a large skillet, sear the chicken breasts until they’re golden brown on both sides, about 3-4 minutes per side. Remove the chicken from the pan and set it aside. In the same skillet, sauté the onion until it’s translucent and fragrant, then add the garlic and continue cooking for another minute. Deglaze the pan with a splash of chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom.
Step 3: Final Steps/Assembly
In a large bowl, combine the cooked wild rice, sautéed onions and garlic, chopped herbs, and the seared chicken breasts. Pour in the heavy cream and remaining chicken broth, and stir everything together until well combined. Transfer the mixture to a baking dish and smooth the top. Bake the casserole until the chicken is cooked through and the sauce is bubbly and golden, about 30-40 minutes.
Step 4: Finishing Touches
Remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes. Sprinkle the reserved chopped herbs over the top for a beautiful, fragrant finishing touch. Serve this creamy, comforting dish hot and enjoy the harmony of flavors in every bite.
Recipe Variations & Tips
- For a Heartier Version: Add sautéed mushrooms or diced bell peppers to the casserole.
- For an Even Creamier Texture: Stir in a few ounces of cream cheese or a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese.
- For a Bolder Flavor: Try adding a teaspoon of Dijon mustard or a dash of hot sauce to the sauce.
- For a Crunchier Topping: Sprinkle the casserole with panko breadcrumbs or crushed crackers before baking.
Serving & Storage
Serve with: a fresh green salad or roasted vegetables.
Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days, or frozen for up to 3 months.
Reheat: Simply reheat in the oven or microwave when ready to enjoy.
Make-Ahead: This casserole can be assembled ahead of time and baked when ready to serve. Prepare the recipe up to the baking step, cover and refrigerate for up to 2 days.
Nutrition Information
This hearty casserole is not only delicious but also nutritious. Each serving provides a balance of protein from the chicken, complex carbohydrates from the wild rice, and a creamy, indulgent sauce that’s loaded with flavor. The herbs add a boost of antioxidants and fresh aromatics, making this dish a wholesome and satisfying meal choice.
- Serving Size: 1/6 of the casserole
- Calories: 440 kcal
- Protein: 35 g
- Carbs: 27 g
- Fat: 25 g
- Sodium: 550 mg
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different type of rice instead of wild rice?
Absolutely! While wild rice adds a lovely nutty flavor and texture, you can substitute with brown rice, basmati rice, or even a rice blend for a similar result.
Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes, this casserole can be assembled ahead of time and baked when ready to serve. Simply prepare the recipe up to the baking step, cover and refrigerate for up to 2 days. When ready to serve, bake as directed.
Can I use leftover cooked chicken?
Definitely! If you have cooked chicken on hand, you can skip the searing step and simply add the shredded or cubed chicken to the casserole.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, this Creamy Chicken and Wild Rice Casserole with Herbs is naturally gluten-free, as it does not contain any wheat-based ingredients.
Can I make this casserole in a slow cooker?
Absolutely! To make this recipe in a slow cooker, simply sear the chicken, sauté the onions and garlic, and then add all the ingredients to the slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours until the chicken is cooked through and the rice is tender.
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Creamy Chicken and Wild Rice Casserole with Herbs
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: 🍲 Comfort Classics & Casseroles
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Creamy Chicken and Wild Rice Casserole is a heartwarming dish packed with tender chicken, earthy wild rice, and a blend of herbs. Perfect for cozy dinners!
Ingredients
2 cups cooked wild rice
1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cubed
1 cup mushrooms, sliced
1 cup frozen peas and carrots
1 cup chicken broth
1 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp dried thyme
1 tsp dried rosemary
Salt and pepper to taste
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1/2 cup breadcrumbs
Instructions
1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a large skillet, heat a little oil over medium heat and sauté the onions, garlic, and mushrooms until softened.
3. Add the cubed chicken and cook until no longer pink, about 5-7 minutes.
4. Stir in the cooked wild rice, frozen peas and carrots, chicken broth, and heavy cream. Add thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
5. Transfer the mixture to a greased 9×13 inch baking dish.
6. Top with shredded cheddar cheese and breadcrumbs.
7. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until golden and bubbly.
8. Let cool for a few minutes, then serve warm.
Notes
For a healthier option, you can substitute half of the heavy cream with Greek yogurt.
Feel free to add more vegetables or substitute chicken with turkey or a vegetarian protein source.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
Keywords: chicken, casserole, wild rice, comfort food