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Cozy Chicken and Wild Rice Casserole

A creamy and savory casserole combining tender chicken and seasoned wild rice with vegetables, topped with a buttery cracker crust.
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Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 15 minutes
Servings: 8 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American, Comfort Food
Calories: 339
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Creamy Sauce
  • ⅓ cup salted butter divided into 1 tablespoon for topping
  • 1 small onion finely diced
  • 8 ounces sliced fresh mushrooms
  • ½ cup peeled and diced carrots
  • ½ cup chopped celery
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • ⅓ cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 ½ teaspoons kosher salt
  • ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
  • 1 (14.5 oz) can chicken broth
  • 1 cup whole milk
For the Casserole
  • 4 cups cooked wild rice prepared with seasoning packet
  • 3-4 cups cooked, shredded or diced chicken preferably from a rotisserie chicken
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley or 2 teaspoons dried parsley flakes
  • 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves or ¼ teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 cup Ritz cracker crumbs about 20 whole crackers before crushing, tossed with 1 tablespoon melted butter

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F and coat a 9 x 13-inch baking dish with cooking spray.
  2. Prepare the wild rice according to package directions.
Making the Sauce and Filling
  1. Melt ⅓ cup butter in a Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté for 4 to 5 minutes until soft.
  2. Add mushrooms, carrots, and celery. Cook for 5 to 6 minutes, stirring until the vegetables begin to soften.
  3. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute.
  4. Add the flour, kosher salt, and black pepper, stirring constantly for a minute.
  5. Gradually whisk in the chicken broth until smooth and bring to a boil. Lower the heat and simmer for 2 to 3 minutes until thickened.
  6. Reduce heat to low and stir in the milk, cooked wild rice, chicken, parsley, and thyme. Stir until everything is warmed through and season as needed.
Baking the Casserole
  1. Transfer the filling to the prepared baking dish and spread it into an even layer.
  2. In a small bowl, combine the Ritz cracker crumbs with 1 tablespoon melted butter and sprinkle over the top.
  3. Bake uncovered for 20 to 25 minutes until hot and bubbling.

Notes

For best results, use cooked chicken from a rotisserie. You can prepare the casserole ahead of time and bake it when ready to serve. It pairs well with lighter sides like salads or steamed vegetables.