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The best chicken broccoli and wild rice casserole with a golden-brown cheesy crust in a white 9x13 pan, on a bright white table.

Chicken Broccoli and Wild Rice Casserole (Easy & Creamy!)

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This is truly the best chicken broccoli and wild rice casserole recipe, and it’s all made from scratch (and so easy!). This is one of my favorite chicken and wild rice casserole recipes because it’s a whole, hearty meal in one dish. We make our own creamy, cheddar cheese sauce (no canned soup!) and combine it with nutty wild rice, tender shredded chicken, and broccoli that stays perfectly bright green and crisp-tender. It’s the ultimate comfort-food casserole!

  • Total Time: 50 minutes
  • Yield: 8-10

Ingredients

Scale

For the Casserole:

  • 1 cup wild rice blend
  • 3 cups cooked chicken, shredded (a rotisserie chicken is perfect!)
  • 3 cups fresh broccoli florets, cut into bite-sized pieces

For the From-Scratch Cheese Sauce:

  • 1/4 cup (1/2 stick) unsalted butter
  • 1 small yellow onion, finely diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 1/2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
  • 1 1/2 cups whole milk
  • 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, freshly shredded
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper

For the Crispy Topping:

  • 1/2 cup Panko breadcrumbs
  • 1/2 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 1 tbsp unsalted butter, melted

Instructions

  1. Cook the Rice: Cook the 1 cup of wild rice blend according to your package directions (this usually takes 40-45 minutes). Fluff with a fork and set aside.
  2. Preheat & Prep: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Generously butter a 9×13 inch baking dish.
  3. Blanch the Broccoli (The Secret!): Bring a small pot of salted water to a boil. Add the broccoli florets and cook for just 2 minutes. Immediately transfer them to a bowl of ice water to stop the cooking, then drain them very well. This keeps them bright green and crisp-tender!
  4. Make the Sauce: In a large pot or Dutch oven, melt the 1/4 cup of butter over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté for 5-6 minutes, until soft. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 more minute.
  5. Sprinkle the flour over the onions and whisk constantly for 1-2 minutes to cook out the raw flour taste.
  6. Slowly whisk in the chicken broth, then the milk. Simmer, stirring often, for 3-5 minutes, until the sauce is thick and bubbly.
  7. Turn the heat to low and stir in the 2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese, 1/2 tsp of salt, and 1/4 tsp of pepper. Stir until the cheese is completely melted and the sauce is smooth.
  8. Combine: In your largest mixing bowl, combine the cooked wild rice, the 3 cups of shredded chicken, and the blanched broccoli. Pour the creamy cheese sauce all over the top and fold everything together gently.
  9. Assemble: Pour the mixture into your prepared 9×13 dish.
  10. Add Topping: In a small bowl, mix the Panko breadcrumbs and the 1 tbsp of melted butter. Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of cheese over the casserole, then top with the buttery Panko mixture.
  11. Bake: Bake for 25-30 minutes, until the casserole is hot, bubbling around the edges, and the top is golden-brown and crispy. Let it rest for 5-10 minutes before serving.

Notes

  • My #1 Shortcut: Using a store-bought rotisserie chicken is my favorite lifesaver! It makes this chicken and wild rice casserole so fast and flavorful.
  • Don’t Skip the Blanch!: That 2-minute blanch for the broccoli is the secret to keeping it bright green and crisp-tender, not mushy and grey!
  • Use a Rice Blend: I find that a wild rice blend (mixed with brown or white rice) has the best, most tender texture for this casserole. 100% wild rice can be a bit too tough.
  • Shred Your Own Cheese!: Please shred your cheese from a block! The pre-shredded bagged cheese has a coating that can make your “from-scratch” sauce a little grainy.
  • Make-Ahead Magic: This is the perfect make-ahead meal! Just assemble the entire casserole (but leave off the Panko topping). Cover it tightly and store it in the fridge for up to 2 days. When you’re ready, let it sit out for 30 minutes, add the topping, and bake! (It may need 10-15 extra minutes since it’s starting cold).
  • Author: Ellie
  • Prep Time: 25
  • Cook Time: 25
  • Category: Casserole
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Find it online: https://www.spoonfulhome.com/chicken-broccoli-and-wild-rice-casserole/