Hearty Pioneer Woman Chicken Rice Recipe: Rustic Comfort!

A hearty chicken rice casserole emerges as the ultimate comfort food symphony, dancing with rich, creamy flavors that captivate every taste bud.

Tender chicken mingles with fluffy rice, creating a harmonious blend of textures that feels like a warm culinary embrace.

Vibrant vegetables weave through the dish, adding unexpected bursts of color and nutrition.

Melted cheese forms a golden, bubbling crust that promises irresistible indulgence.

Carefully selected herbs and spices elevate this classic casserole from ordinary to extraordinary.

Each forkful tells a story of home-cooked love and carefully crafted deliciousness.

This mouthwatering creation stands ready to become your new favorite weeknight dinner sensation.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 40 minutes

Cook Time: 40 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes

Calories: 500 kcal

Servings: 8

Essentials You Need for Pioneer Woman Chicken Rice Casserole

• Chicken: Select boneless, skinless breasts for tender, easy-to-shred meat.
• Gruyere Cheese: Choose aged varieties for deeper, nuttier flavor.
• Parmesan Cheese: Opt for freshly grated to enhance overall richness.

• Mushrooms, Onion, Carrots, Celery: Select crisp, firm vegetables with vibrant colors.
• Garlic: Use fresh cloves for robust, authentic taste.
• Parsley, Thyme: Pick bright green herbs with strong fragrance.

• Wild Rice: Look for whole grain, unbroken kernels with rich, earthy texture.
• Half-and-Half: Select high-quality cream for smoother consistency.
• Chicken Broth: Choose low-sodium version for better flavor control.
• Flour: Use all-purpose for reliable thickening.
• Butter: Select unsalted for precise seasoning.
• Soy Sauce: Pick traditional brewed sauce for authentic umami.
• Bread Cubes: Use day-old artisan bread for optimal crunchiness.
• Kosher Salt, Black Pepper: Freshly ground for maximum flavor intensity.

Cooking Equipment List for Pioneer Woman Chicken Rice Casserole

• Large Pot: A spacious cooking vessel for sautéing vegetables and building sauce.
• Wooden Spoon: Perfect for stirring ingredients smoothly and scraping pot bottoms.
• Measuring Cups/Spoons: Essential for precise ingredient quantities.
• Cutting Board: Sturdy surface for chopping vegetables and preparing ingredients.
• Sharp Knife: For cleanly dicing vegetables and cubing chicken.
• Large Casserole Dish: Roomy baking vessel to hold and cook the entire mixture.
• Lid or Aluminum Foil: Covers casserole during initial baking stage.
• Cheese Grater: For freshly grating Gruyere and Parmesan cheeses.
• Colander: Helpful for draining cooked wild rice.
• Mixing Bowl: Optional for combining ingredients before transferring to casserole.

Cooking Steps for Pioneer Woman Chicken Rice Casserole

• Kickstart Your Culinary Adventure

Warm up your oven to a cozy 375°F and get ready to create a mouthwatering wild rice chicken casserole that’ll make taste buds dance. Cook wild rice until it curls into adorable little “C” shapes, then set aside.

• Sizzle and Transform Vegetables

Melt butter in a large pot, tossing in mushrooms, onions, carrots, and celery. Let them mingle and soften, creating a flavor foundation that’ll make your kitchen smell incredible. Cook until onions turn translucent and vegetables become tender.

• Build Flavor Layers

Introduce minced garlic to the vegetable party, then sprinkle flour to create a silky base. Gradually pour in chicken broth, letting the mixture bubble and thicken. Splash in half-and-half for extra creaminess, stirring until the sauce reaches perfect consistency.

• Season and Combine

Awaken the dish with soy sauce, parsley, thyme, salt, and pepper. Fold in your cooked wild rice and tender chicken chunks. Sprinkle Gruyere and Parmesan cheeses, mixing until everything is beautifully coated.

• Bake and Transform

Transfer the mixture to a casserole dish, covering it lovingly. Bake for 20-25 minutes until edges start to bubble with excitement. Top with crispy bread cubes, drizzle melted butter, and dust with Parmesan cheese.

• Final Flourish

Return to the oven for a final 15-minute golden browning. Watch bread cubes turn into crispy, golden treasures. Garnish with fresh herbs and serve piping hot, ready to become your new comfort food obsession.

Helpful Hints to Improve Pioneer Woman Chicken Rice Casserole

• Boost Flavor Profiles: Experiment with different herbs like rosemary or sage to create unique taste dimensions that complement the chicken and wild rice blend.
• Customize Cheese Selection: Swap Gruyere and Parmesan with aged cheddar, fontina, or goat cheese for a personalized cheesy twist that matches your flavor preferences.
• Make It Gluten-Free: Replace regular flour with cornstarch or gluten-free flour blend, and use gluten-free bread cubes to ensure everyone can enjoy this comforting casserole without dietary restrictions.
• Prep Ahead Strategy: Assemble the entire casserole up to the final baking stage one day in advance, storing covered in the refrigerator. When ready to serve, simply bake for an extra 5-10 minutes to ensure thorough heating.

What to Pair With Pioneer Woman Chicken Rice Casserole

• Serve Alongside Fresh Salad: Complement the rich, creamy casserole with a crisp green salad dressed in a light vinaigrette to balance the dish's hearty flavors.
• Pair with Crusty Bread: Offer warm, crusty bread on the side to soak up the delicious sauce and provide an extra texture contrast.
• Create Family-Style Dining: Bring the entire casserole to the table in its baking dish, allowing everyone to scoop out their own generous portions and enjoy the communal meal experience.
• Enhance with Wine Pairing: Select a medium-bodied white wine like Chardonnay or Pinot Grigio to complement the creamy chicken and wild rice casserole's subtle flavors.

How to Store Leftovers of Pioneer Woman Chicken Rice Casserole

• Meal Planning & Storage Advice
• Refrigerate Smartly: Store leftover casserole in an airtight container for up to 4 days, keeping flavors locked in and texture intact.
• Freeze with Care: Wrap casserole tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then freeze for maximum 3 months. Prevent freezer burn by removing excess air.
• Reheat Perfectly: Thaw overnight in refrigerator, then warm in oven at 350°F covered with foil for 20-25 minutes. Add fresh bread crumbs before reheating to restore crispiness.
• Portion Control: Divide casserole into individual serving containers for easy grab-and-go lunches or quick weeknight dinners. Label with date to track freshness.

Comforting Pioneer Woman Chicken Rice Casserole Recipe

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4.5 from 28 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Hearty pioneer woman chicken rice casserole combines creamy textures with comforting midwest flavors. Home cooks will appreciate this simple, satisfying meal that brings warmth to family dinner tables.

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Ingredients

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• 3 cups chicken, cooked and cubed
• 6 oz (170 g) Gruyere cheese, shredded
• ½ cup (60 g) Parmesan cheese, grated
• 1 ½ cups wild rice, whole and uncracked
• 1 large yellow onion, chopped
• 4 large carrots, peeled and sliced ¼-inch thick
• 4 stalks celery, sliced ¼-inch thick
• 16 oz (454 g) button mushrooms, sliced ¼-inch thick
• 3 cups English muffin bread, cut into ½-inch pieces
• 10 tbsps (141 g) unsalted butter
• 3 large garlic cloves, minced
• ⅓ cup all-purpose flour
• 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
• ⅔ cup half-and-half
• 3 tbsps soy sauce
• 2 tbsps fresh parsley, minced (plus more for garnish)
• 1 tsp fresh thyme leaves, minced (plus more for garnish)
• 1 ¼ tsp kosher salt
• ¼ tsp freshly ground black pepper

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Instructions

1. Rice Preparation: Cook wild rice until grains split and curl, revealing a tender core. Drain thoroughly and reserve.
2. Vegetable Sauté: Melt butter in a large pot over medium-high heat. Sauté mushrooms, onions, carrots, and celery until vegetables soften and become translucent, releasing their rich, savory essence.
3. Aromatic Enhancement: Introduce minced garlic and cook briefly to activate its fragrant notes. Dust vegetables with flour, stirring meticulously to create a smooth coating and eliminate raw flour taste.
4. Sauce Development: Gradually incorporate chicken broth, stirring continuously to prevent lumps. Simmer until the mixture thickens and achieves a velvety consistency. Blend in half-and-half cream to elevate the sauce’s luxurious texture.
5. Seasoning Fusion: Infuse the sauce with soy sauce, fresh parsley, thyme, salt, and pepper. Fold in cooked wild rice and cubed chicken, ensuring uniform distribution. Integrate Gruyere and Parmesan cheeses, creating a harmonious flavor profile.
6. Casserole Assembly: Transfer the mixture to a casserole dish. Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 20-25 minutes until edges bubble with anticipation. Artfully arrange bread cubes across the surface, drizzle with melted butter, and sprinkle with additional Parmesan.
7. Final Baking: Return to oven uncovered, baking for 15 minutes until bread cubes transform into golden-brown perfection and the casserole bubbles with intense flavor. Garnish with fresh herbs and serve immediately, celebrating the dish’s aromatic complexity.

Notes

• Achieve Wild Rice Perfection: Cook rice until grains split and curl into a “C” shape for the ideal texture and tenderness.
• Vegetable Sauté Secrets: Take time to slowly cook vegetables until soft and translucent, which builds deep flavor foundations for the casserole.
• Sauce Thickening Technique: Cook flour-coated vegetables briefly to eliminate raw flour taste and create a smooth, rich sauce base.
• Crispy Topping Trick: Expose bread cube edges when sprinkling on top to ensure maximum golden-brown crunchiness and visual appeal.

• Prep Time: 40 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 500
• Sugar: 5 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 20 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 54 g
• Fiber: 4 g
• Protein: 30 g
• Cholesterol: 90 mg