Hey y'all! If you're looking for the ultimate comfort food that's perfect for cozy weeknights, potlucks, or any family gathering, this Chicken Wild Rice Casserole will hit the spot. It's creamy, loaded with hearty flavors, and combines tender chicken, nutty wild rice, and crisp veggies for a mouthwatering one-dish meal. Let's get cooking!
Why You'll Love This Chicken Wild Rice Casserole
- It's a one-pan meal that's both filling and comforting.
- Packed with protein, fiber, and veggies for a balanced dish.
- Great for meal prep—leftovers taste even better the next day!
- Family-friendly and perfect for feeding a crowd or freezing for later.
- Easy to customize with pantry staples and your favorite veggies.
Chicken Wild Rice Casserole Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked wild rice blend
- 2 cups cooked shredded chicken (rotisserie or poached)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 2 medium carrots, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup sliced mushrooms
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ cup chopped fresh parsley (plus extra for garnish)
- ½ cup slivered almonds (optional, for topping)
How to Make Chicken Wild Rice Casserole
Step 1: Preheat & Prep
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13-inch casserole dish with nonstick spray.
Step 2: Sauté Veggies
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add onions, celery, carrots, and mushrooms; sauté for 5-6 minutes until softened. Stir in garlic and cook for 1 more minute.
Step 3: Mix the Casserole Base
In a large bowl, combine cooked wild rice blend, shredded chicken, sautéed veggies, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, chicken broth, thyme, salt, pepper, and chopped parsley. Mix until everything is well coated and creamy.
Step 4: Assemble and Top
Spread the mixture evenly in the prepared casserole dish. Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the top, then scatter slivered almonds (if using) for crunch.
Step 5: Bake
Bake uncovered for 30-35 minutes, until the casserole is hot and bubbly with a golden cheese topping.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Remove from oven, let cool for 5-10 minutes, then garnish with extra parsley. Serve warm and enjoy!
Notes for Perfect Chicken Wild Rice Casserole
- Save time by using rotisserie chicken or prepping the rice in advance.
- You can use pre-cooked wild rice or a rice cooker for fluffier, hands-off results.
- For a lighter version, substitute Greek yogurt for sour cream.
Chicken Wild Rice Casserole Variations
- Mushroom Lover's: Double the mushrooms and use cream of mushroom soup instead of chicken.
- Veggie Packed: Add frozen peas, spinach, or chopped bell peppers for more vegetables.
- Cheesy Twist: Mix in Monterey Jack or Swiss cheese for a different flavor profile.
Required Equipment for Chicken Wild Rice Casserole
- Large skillet
- Mixing bowl
- 9x13-inch casserole dish
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Measuring cups and spoons
Chicken Wild Rice Casserole Storage Instructions
Store cooled casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To freeze, wrap tightly and store for up to 3 months. Reheat in the oven at 325°F (160°C) until warmed through, or microwave individual portions for 2-3 minutes.
Serving Recommendations & Pairings for Chicken Wild Rice Casserole
- Pair with a crisp green salad or roasted vegetables for a balanced meal.
- Serve alongside crusty bread or dinner rolls to soak up the creamy sauce.
- Try a light white wine, like Sauvignon Blanc, for a refreshing contrast.
Pro Tips for the Best Chicken Wild Rice Casserole
- Let the casserole rest for 5-10 minutes after baking so it firms up for easy serving.
- Use a wild rice blend for extra texture and color—learn more about wild rice types here.
- Be sure not to overbake, as this can dry out the casserole—check for bubbling edges and melty cheese as your cue.
Chicken Wild Rice Casserole FAQs
- Can I make Chicken Wild Rice Casserole ahead of time?
- Absolutely! Assemble up to 24 hours in advance, cover, and refrigerate until ready to bake.
- Is this recipe gluten-free?
- Use gluten-free cream of chicken soup and verify all other ingredients to ensure it's gluten-free. Find more tips here.
- Can I use leftover turkey instead of chicken?
- Yes, this recipe works perfectly with cooked turkey—just shred or chop before mixing in.
Prep Time:
20 minutes
Cook Time:
35 minutes
Total Time:
55 minutes
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked wild rice
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded
- 1 cup sliced mushrooms
- 1 cup chopped celery
- 1 cup chopped onion
- 1 cup frozen peas
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
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1Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.
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2In a large bowl, combine cooked wild rice, shredded chicken, mushrooms, celery, onion, and frozen peas.
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3In a separate bowl, mix together cream of chicken soup, sour cream, dried thyme, salt, and black pepper. Add to the rice and chicken mixture and stir until well combined.
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4Spread the mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the top.
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5Bake for 45-50 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbly and the cheese is melted and golden brown.
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6Let cool for 5 minutes before serving. Enjoy!
Approximate Information for One Serving
Nutrition Disclaimers
Number of total servings shown is approximate. Actual number of servings will depend on your preferred portion sizes.
Nutritional values shown are general guidelines and reflect information for 1 serving using the ingredients listed, not including any optional ingredients. Actual macros may vary slightly depending on specific brands and types of ingredients used.
To determine the weight of one serving, prepare the recipe as instructed. Weigh the finished recipe, then divide the weight of the finished recipe (not including the weight of the container the food is in) by the desired number of servings. Result will be the weight of one serving.
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