Kentucky Chicken and Wild Rice Casserole with Miracle Whip
A hearty Midwestern comfort casserole combining tender shredded chicken with Uncle Ben's wild rice blend in a creamy sauce made with cream of celery soup and Miracle Whip. Water chestnuts add crunch while French-cut green beans provide color and texture. This crowd-pleasing one-dish meal is perfect for potluck dinners, family gatherings, or busy weeknight dinners when you want something satisfying without much fuss. The Parmesan cheese topping creates a golden finish that makes this version stand out from typical chicken and rice casseroles.
Ingredients
- 4 cups chicken, cooked & shredded
- 6 ounces long grain and wild rice blend, Uncle Ben's
- 14 ½ ounces cream of celery soup, 1 cancream of mushroom soup1:1preference
changes flavor profile significantly
- ⅝ cup Miracle Whip, no substitutesmayonnaise1:1dietary
use regular mayonnaise but flavor will be tangier
- 8 ounces water chestnuts, dicedcelery1:1availability
adds crunch but different flavor profile
- 9 ounces green beans, french cut, drained & thawed if frozen
- 14 ounces chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons parmesan cheese, grated
Instructions
- 1
Preheat oven to 400 degrees
- 2
Combine chicken, rice mix with its seasonings, celery soup, Miracle Whip, water chestnuts, green beans and chicken broth in large bowl
- 3
Transfer mixture to 13x9 glass or ceramic baking dish and top with Parmesan cheese
- 4
Cover with aluminum foil
- 5
Bake until bubbling and rice has cooked about 25 to 30 minutes
- 6
Let cool for 5 minutes then serve
Tips
Use rotisserie chicken to save time - just remove skin and shred the meat with two forks.
Make sure to use the seasoning packet that comes with the rice blend for authentic flavor.
If casserole looks dry during baking, add a bit more chicken broth before covering again.
Good to Know
Cover and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Reheat covered in 350F oven until heated through.
Can be assembled up to 1 day ahead. Cover and refrigerate, then bake as directed adding 5-10 minutes to cooking time.
Let rest 5 minutes before serving. Serve with a simple green salad or steamed vegetables.
Common Mistakes
Use the specified Miracle Whip rather than mayo to avoid tangy flavor changes.
Don't skip covering with foil to prevent rice from drying out during baking.
Let casserole rest before serving to avoid soupy consistency.
Substitutions
FAQ
Can I use regular white rice instead of wild rice blend?
Yes, but use 1 1/2 cups cooked white rice and add your own seasonings like onion powder, garlic powder, and herbs since you'll miss the seasoning packet.
What if I don't have a 13x9 dish?
You can use any 3-quart baking dish. Adjust cooking time slightly - deeper dishes may need 5-10 minutes longer to heat through completely.
How long will leftovers keep?
Properly stored leftovers will keep in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Reheat individual portions in microwave or reheat entire dish covered in 350F oven.