If you’re craving a cozy, one-dish meal that feels like a warm hug, you’ll adore this Chicken Wild Rice Casserole Recipe. It’s a celebration of tender chicken, nutty wild rice, creamy sauce, and savory cheese, all baked together into bubbling, golden perfection. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family on a weeknight or hosting friends for a potluck, this dish is pure comfort food with a touch of elegance. The best part? It uses simple, everyday ingredients and comes together with minimal fuss, making it an instant classic for busy cooks and casserole lovers alike.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this Chicken Wild Rice Casserole Recipe plays a special role, from adding creaminess and richness to providing delicious texture and color. Here’s what you’ll need, along with a few handy tips to get the best flavor from each one:
- Cooked wild rice: This hearty, nutty grain is the backbone of the casserole, offering chewy texture and earthy flavor.
- Cooked chicken (shredded or chopped): Use leftovers or rotisserie chicken for convenience and juicy, tender bites throughout the dish.
- Olive oil: For sautéing the vegetables, imparting a subtle richness and helping them caramelize beautifully.
- Onion (chopped): Adds sweetness and depth to the vegetable base—yellow or white onions both work well.
- Celery (sliced): Brings a mild crunch and a pop of fresh, herbal flavor.
- Mushrooms (sliced): Offer an earthy, savory note that ties together the creamy sauce and wild rice.
- Garlic (minced): Just a little goes a long way, providing aromatic complexity.
- Cream of mushroom soup: The classic casserole shortcut, creating a luscious, savory sauce base.
- Sour cream: Adds tang and makes the sauce extra creamy—don’t skip it!
- Milk: Helps thin the sauce to the perfect consistency while keeping it rich.
- Dried thyme: This woodsy herb infuses the dish with wonderful aroma and flavor.
- Black pepper: For a mild kick and extra depth.
- Salt: Enhances all the other flavors—taste and adjust as needed.
- Shredded Swiss or cheddar cheese: Melts into gooey, cheesy goodness; choose your favorite or mix both!
- Slivered almonds (optional): Sprinkle in for nutty crunch and a lovely hint of luxury.
- Breadcrumbs mixed with melted butter (optional topping): Bake up golden and crisp for an irresistible finish.
How to Make Chicken Wild Rice Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Sauté the Vegetables
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F to get things going. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, sliced celery, and mushrooms, and sauté for about 5 to 7 minutes. You’re looking for the veggies to soften and the mushrooms to release their juices, filling your kitchen with mouthwatering aromas. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds to release its fragrance—don’t let it burn!
Step 2: Mix the Casserole Base
In a spacious mixing bowl, combine the cooked wild rice and chicken with the sautéed vegetables. Add the cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, milk, dried thyme, salt, and black pepper. If you’re using cheese and slivered almonds (go for it!), stir those in now as well. Mix everything gently but thoroughly, ensuring every grain of rice and piece of chicken is coated in the creamy, herby sauce.
Step 3: Assemble the Casserole
Lightly grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish (a quick swipe of butter or cooking spray does the trick). Transfer the chicken and wild rice mixture into the dish, and spread it out evenly with a spatula. If you love a bit of crunch, sprinkle the buttered breadcrumb topping over the top—this gives the finished casserole a beautiful golden crust that’s hard to resist.
Step 4: Bake Until Bubbly and Golden
Slide the casserole dish into your preheated oven and bake, uncovered, for 30 to 35 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the edges are bubbling and the top is just turning golden brown. The cheese will be wonderfully melty, and the aroma will have everyone drifting into the kitchen. Once baked, let the casserole rest for about 5 minutes before serving. This helps it set up and makes for neater slices.
How to Serve Chicken Wild Rice Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
Top your Chicken Wild Rice Casserole Recipe with a sprinkle of extra fresh herbs like parsley or chives for a burst of color and a hint of brightness. If you’ve included the slivered almonds, they’ll provide a lovely crunch and a polished finish. A little extra cheese melted under the broiler for a minute or two can also take it over the top!
Side Dishes
Pair this casserole with a fresh green salad tossed in a tangy vinaigrette, or some simply roasted vegetables like carrots or green beans. A warm, crusty bread roll is perfect for soaking up any extra creamy sauce, making every bite even more satisfying.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve individual portions in ramekins for a dinner party-worthy presentation. Or, scoop the casserole into hollowed-out roasted bell peppers for a colorful, veggie-packed meal. If you’re hosting a brunch, try making mini casseroles in a muffin tin—adorable, portable, and perfect for sharing!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Chicken Wild Rice Casserole Recipe keeps beautifully in the fridge. Simply transfer cooled leftovers to an airtight container and store for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making for even tastier lunches or quick weeknight dinners.
Freezing
This casserole is freezer-friendly! For best results, portion out individual servings and wrap them tightly or store in freezer-safe containers. Freeze for up to 3 months. When you’re ready for a cozy meal, just thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat as needed.
Reheating
To reheat, microwave individual portions until hot, or cover the casserole dish with foil and warm in a 350°F oven for about 15 to 20 minutes. If you love that crispy topping, uncover for the last five minutes to let it crisp up again.
FAQs
Can I use brown rice or white rice instead of wild rice?
Absolutely! While wild rice gives this Chicken Wild Rice Casserole Recipe its signature texture and flavor, you can substitute cooked brown or white rice in a pinch. Just keep in mind that the flavor will be a bit milder and the texture less chewy.
Is there a way to make this casserole gluten-free?
Yes! Simply opt for a gluten-free cream of mushroom soup and use gluten-free breadcrumbs for the topping. Double-check that all your other ingredients, like chicken and seasonings, are gluten-free as well.
What other vegetables can I add?
Feel free to get creative—chopped bell peppers, spinach, or even frozen peas are delicious additions to the mix. Just sauté any fresh vegetables before adding them to the casserole to ensure they’re tender and flavorful.
Can I make Chicken Wild Rice Casserole Recipe ahead of time?
Definitely! You can assemble the casserole up to a day in advance, cover it tightly, and refrigerate until you’re ready to bake. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if you’re starting with a cold dish.
What’s the best way to shred chicken for this recipe?
For quick shredding, use two forks or even a hand mixer on low speed if you have a lot of chicken. Rotisserie chicken is a great shortcut, but any cooked chicken (even leftover turkey) works beautifully in this recipe.
Final Thoughts
If you’re searching for a dish that’s hearty, creamy, and guaranteed to bring smiles to your table, look no further than this Chicken Wild Rice Casserole Recipe. It’s easy to make, endlessly adaptable, and the ultimate comfort food—so gather your ingredients and give it a try. Your family and friends will be asking for seconds!
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Chicken Wild Rice Casserole Recipe
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Chicken Wild Rice Casserole is a comforting, creamy baked dish perfect for using up leftover chicken. Combining tender wild rice, sautéed vegetables, and a rich blend of cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, and cheese, this casserole is topped with crunchy almonds and buttery breadcrumbs for extra texture and flavor. Easy to prepare and hearty, it makes for a delicious main course ideal for family dinners or meal prepping.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked wild rice
- 2 cups cooked chicken (shredded or chopped)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion (chopped)
- 2 celery stalks (sliced)
- 1 cup mushrooms (sliced)
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
Mix-ins and Seasonings
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
- ½ cup sour cream
- ½ cup milk
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup shredded Swiss or cheddar cheese
- ½ cup slivered almonds (optional)
Topping (Optional)
- ½ cup breadcrumbs
- 1 tablespoon melted butter
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking.
- Sauté Vegetables: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, sliced celery, and sliced mushrooms. Sauté for 5 to 7 minutes until the vegetables become tender and fragrant. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds to release its aroma.
- Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, add the cooked wild rice, cooked chicken, and the sautéed vegetables. Mix in the cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, milk, dried thyme, salt, and black pepper until all ingredients are evenly incorporated. Fold in the shredded cheese and optional slivered almonds for added flavor and texture.
- Prepare Baking Dish: Grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish lightly with oil or butter. Transfer the combined mixture into the casserole dish, spreading it out evenly.
- Add Topping: If using, mix the breadcrumbs with the melted butter to create a buttery crumb topping. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the casserole to add a golden, crunchy layer.
- Bake: Place the casserole dish in the preheated oven and bake uncovered for 30 to 35 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbly and the top turns golden brown.
- Rest and Serve: Remove the casserole from the oven and let it sit for 5 minutes before serving. This allows the casserole to set slightly for easier serving and improved flavor melding.
Notes
- This dish is excellent for using leftover chicken or turkey, making it an economical and convenient option.
- You can substitute the canned cream of mushroom soup with a homemade mushroom or cream of chicken sauce for a fresher flavor.
- Leftovers freeze well when portioned out individually for easy reheating during busy days.
- To keep the recipe nut-free, simply omit the slivered almonds from the ingredients.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 ½ cups
- Calories: 390
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 570mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 23g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
