Chicken Wild Rice Casserole is a perfect comfort meal that’s full of rich, creamy flavors. The combination of tender chicken, hearty wild rice, and a savory sauce topped with crispy breadcrumbs creates a dish that is both satisfying and delicious. Whether you’re planning a family dinner, meal prepping for the week, or bringing a dish to a potluck, this casserole is sure to be a hit. With its versatility and ease of preparation, this casserole quickly becomes a favorite among many.
Why You’ll Love This Chicken Wild Rice Casserole
- Comforting and Hearty: This casserole is the epitome of comfort food, with each bite offering a warm, filling meal perfect for any season.
- Simple One-Pan Meal: Enjoy a quick cleanup with minimal effort.
- Ideal for Meal Prep: It freezes and reheats beautifully, making it a convenient option for busy days.
- Nutty and Savory Flavor: The wild rice adds a distinctive texture and nutty taste that pairs wonderfully with the creamy sauce and tender chicken.
- Fully Customizable: You can easily tweak this recipe by adding your favorite vegetables, swapping out cheeses, or even making it dairy-free for those with dietary restrictions.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
For the Casserole:
- 2 cups of cooked wild rice
- 2 cups of cooked chicken (shredded or diced)
- 1 small onion (diced)
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 cup mushrooms (sliced)
- 1 cup carrots (diced)
- 1 cup celery (diced)
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp dried thyme
For the Creamy Sauce:
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup (or homemade version)
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup (or homemade version)
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup milk (or heavy cream for extra richness)
- 1 ½ cups shredded cheese (cheddar, Monterey Jack, or Swiss)
For the Topping:
- ½ cup panko breadcrumbs (or crushed crackers)
- 2 tbsp butter (melted)
- ¼ cup Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven:
Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking. - Cook the Wild Rice:
If you haven’t already cooked your wild rice, now is the time. Prepare the wild rice according to the package instructions. It usually takes about 45 minutes to cook, so plan accordingly for the dish. - Sauté the Vegetables:
In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add the diced onion, minced garlic, carrots, celery, and mushrooms. Sauté the vegetables for about 5-7 minutes until they soften. Season with salt, pepper, and dried thyme for flavor. - Prepare the Creamy Sauce:
In a bowl, whisk together the cream of mushroom soup, cream of chicken soup, chicken broth, and milk. Stir in your shredded cheese until the sauce is well combined. - Assemble the Casserole:
Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and combine the following in it:- Cooked wild rice
- Shredded chicken
- Sautéed vegetables
- Creamy sauce Stir everything together until evenly mixed.
- Add the Topping:
In a small bowl, mix together the panko breadcrumbs, melted butter, and Parmesan cheese. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the top of the casserole. - Bake & Serve:
Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake uncovered for 30-35 minutes. The casserole should be golden brown and bubbling when it’s done. Let it rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 6-8
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes (if cooking rice) + 30 minutes baking
- Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
Variations
- Spicy Kick: Add a dash of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to bring some heat to your casserole.
- Gluten-Free Version: Use gluten-free soups and breadcrumbs to make this dish suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.
- Dairy-Free: You can swap out regular milk for coconut milk and use dairy-free cheese for a vegan alternative.
- Loaded Veggie Version: Add extra vegetables such as broccoli, bell peppers, or peas to enhance the casserole with more nutrients.
- Crunchy Topping: For a different texture, swap the panko for crushed crackers or cornflakes for an extra crunchy topping.
Storage & Reheating
Storage:
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.
Reheating:
- Oven: Reheat the casserole at 350°F (175°C) for about 15 minutes until heated through.
- Microwave: Heat individual portions in the microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring occasionally.
Freezing:
If you’d like to freeze this casserole, let it cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. It will keep in the freezer for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw overnight and bake at 350°F for 25-30 minutes.
Chicken Wild Rice Casserole
This creamy and comforting chicken wild rice casserole is filled with tender chicken, savory wild rice, and a cheesy sauce, making it perfect for family dinners or meal prep.
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked wild rice
- 2 cups cooked chicken (shredded or diced)
- 1 small onion (diced)
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 cup mushrooms (sliced)
- 1 cup carrots (diced)
- 1 cup celery (diced)
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp dried thyme
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup (or homemade)
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup (or homemade)
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup milk (or heavy cream for extra richness)
- 1 ½ cups shredded cheese (cheddar, Monterey Jack, or Swiss)
- ½ cup panko breadcrumbs (or crushed crackers)
- 2 tbsp butter (melted)
- ¼ cup Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- If not already cooked, prepare the wild rice according to the package instructions. Wild rice takes about 45 minutes to cook.
- In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add onion, garlic, carrots, celery, and mushrooms. Sauté for 5-7 minutes until softened. Season with salt, pepper, and thyme.
- In a bowl, whisk together the cream of mushroom soup, cream of chicken soup, chicken broth, and milk. Stir in shredded cheese until well combined.
- In a greased baking dish, combine the cooked wild rice, shredded chicken, sautéed vegetables, and creamy sauce. Stir until well-mixed.
- In a small bowl, mix panko breadcrumbs, melted butter, and Parmesan cheese. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the casserole.
- Bake uncovered for 30-35 minutes, or until golden and bubbly. Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Nutrition
Serving: 1peopleCalories: 450kcalCarbohydrates: 45gProtein: 25gFat: 20gSaturated Fat: 10gSodium: 600mgFiber: 3gSugar: 5g
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
FAQs
- Can I use rotisserie chicken?
Yes! Rotisserie chicken is a great shortcut and adds extra flavor to the casserole. - What type of rice works best?
Wild rice provides the best texture for this dish, but you can also use a wild rice blend or brown rice if necessary. - Can I make this ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can assemble the casserole up to 24 hours in advance. Just cover it tightly and refrigerate until you’re ready to bake. - Do I have to use canned soup?
No, you can make a homemade cream sauce using butter, flour, and chicken broth for a fresher taste. - What cheese works best?
Cheddar cheese is a classic choice, but Swiss, Gruyère, or Monterey Jack cheeses will also work wonderfully. - Can I cook this in a slow cooker?
Yes! Cook the casserole on low for 4-5 hours in the slow cooker. Add the topping near the end of cooking and broil it to get a crispy finish. - How do I keep the casserole from getting dry?
Make sure you have enough creamy sauce in the casserole and avoid overbaking it. Add a bit more broth if necessary to keep the mixture moist. - What goes well with this casserole?
This casserole pairs perfectly with a side salad, roasted vegetables, or some crusty bread.
Conclusion
This Chicken Wild Rice Casserole delivers everything you could want in a comforting, hearty meal. The creamy texture, savory flavors, and combination of wild rice, chicken, and vegetables make it a well-rounded dish that everyone will love. Whether you’re preparing it for a busy week ahead, a family dinner, or a special occasion, this casserole is sure to become a family favorite.
Enjoy a delightful meal that’s easy to make and perfect for any occasion.