Chicken Wild Rice Casserole: Comfort in a Dish

Few meals are as comforting as a creamy, hearty casserole, and Chicken Wild Rice Casserole delivers on every level. This classic dish combines tender chicken, nutty wild rice, and a creamy sauce baked to perfection. It’s ideal for family dinners, potlucks, or meal prep for the week.

This casserole balances texture and flavor: the chewy, nutty wild rice contrasts perfectly with the tender chicken, mushrooms, and creamy sauce. Finished with a golden top, optionally sprinkled with cheese or crispy breadcrumbs, it’s a dish that satisfies both visually and tastefully.

Ingredients

• 3 cups cooked chicken, shredded or cubed
• 2 cups cooked wild rice
• 1 cup chopped celery
• 1 cup chopped onion
• 1 cup sliced mushrooms
• 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup (or homemade equivalent)
• 1/2 cup chicken broth
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 2 tbsp butter
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp dried thyme or Italian seasoning
• Optional: 1/2 cup crushed buttery crackers or panko for topping
• 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

1. Preheat oven: to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish.
2. Cook vegetables: In a skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Sauté onions, celery, and mushrooms until tender, about 5–6 minutes.
3. Prepare the sauce: In a large bowl, combine cream of chicken soup, chicken broth, sour cream, salt, pepper, and dried thyme. Stir in sautéed vegetables.
4. Assemble the casserole: Add cooked chicken and wild rice to the sauce mixture. Stir gently to combine. Pour into prepared casserole dish. Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese evenly on top.
5. Optional topping: For added crunch, sprinkle crushed crackers or panko over the cheese layer.
6. Bake: Cover casserole with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove foil and bake an additional 10–15 minutes until cheese is melted and lightly golden.
7. Garnish and serve: Sprinkle fresh parsley on top before serving. Serve hot with a side salad or steamed vegetables.

Tips for the Perfect Chicken Wild Rice Casserole

• Cook the rice ahead: Wild rice takes longer to cook than white rice. Prepare it ahead of time for faster assembly.
• Leftover chicken works well: Rotisserie chicken or leftover roasted chicken saves time and adds flavor.
• Make it creamy but not watery: Use well-drained cooked vegetables and control the amount of chicken broth.
• Add herbs for extra flavor: Fresh thyme or tarragon enhances the earthy flavors of the wild rice and mushrooms.

Chicken Wild Rice Casserole

A creamy, hearty casserole combining tender chicken, wild rice, mushrooms, and vegetables, baked with cheese.

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Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 35 minutes mins

Total Time 50 minutes mins

Servings: 6 servings

Course: Dinner

Cuisine: American

Calories: 420

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Casserole

• 3 cups cooked chicken, shredded or cubed
• 2 cups cooked wild rice
• 1 cup chopped celery
• 1 cup chopped onion
• 1 cup sliced mushrooms
• 10.5 oz cream of chicken soup or homemade equivalent
• 0.5 cup chicken broth
• 0.5 cup sour cream
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 2 tbsp butter
• 1 tsp salt
• 0.5 tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp dried thyme or Italian seasoning
• 0.5 cup crushed buttery crackers or panko optional topping
• 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped for garnish

Equipment

• Mixing bowls
• Skillet
• 9×13-inch casserole dish
• Measuring cups

Method

 

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish.
2. Melt butter in a skillet and sauté onions, celery, and mushrooms until tender, about 5–6 minutes.
3. In a large bowl, mix cream of chicken soup, chicken broth, sour cream, salt, pepper, and thyme. Stir in sautéed vegetables.
4. Add cooked chicken and wild rice to the mixture. Pour into casserole dish and top with shredded cheese.
5. Optional: sprinkle crushed crackers or panko over the top for crunch.
6. Cover with foil and bake 25 minutes. Remove foil and bake 10–15 minutes until cheese is melted and golden.
7. Garnish with parsley and serve hot.

Notes

Great for making ahead of time; refrigerate and bake when ready to serve.

Fun Variations

1. Cheesy Mushroom Explosion: Add extra mushrooms and mozzarella for a gooey, savory twist.
2. Vegetable Boost: Include carrots, peas, or spinach to increase color and nutrition.
3. Low-Carb Option: Substitute cauliflower rice for half the wild rice for a lighter version.
4. Slow Cooker Style: Assemble all ingredients in a slow cooker and cook on low 4–5 hours.

Serving Suggestions

• Pair with a crisp green salad or roasted vegetables.
• Serve with garlic bread or dinner rolls to soak up extra sauce.
• Great for leftover lunches—reheat in the oven or microwave.

Fun Fact / Cultural Context

Wild rice is native to North America and has a distinctive nutty flavor that pairs beautifully with chicken. Historically, it was a staple in Native American diets. Transforming it into a creamy casserole has made it a beloved comfort food in American households, often served during holidays or family gatherings.