Chicken Wild Rice Casserole

This Chicken Wild Rice Casserole is a creamy, hearty, and comforting dish packed with tender chicken, nutty wild rice, and a flavorful, cheesy sauce. Perfect for meal prep, family dinners, or potlucks, this dish delivers a rich, savory taste with every bite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Hearty & Comforting – A warm, filling meal that’s perfect for any season.
• One-Pan Meal – Easy cleanup and minimal prep.
• Great for Meal Prep – Freezes and reheats well.
• Nutty & Savory Flavor – Wild rice adds a unique texture and taste.
• Customizable – Add veggies, swap cheeses, or make it dairy-free.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the Casserole:

• 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

For the Creamy Sauce:

• 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)

For the Topping:

• ½ cup panko breadcrumbs (or crushed crackers)
• 2 tbsp butter (melted)
• ¼ cup Parmesan cheese

Directions

this recipe

1. Preheat the Oven

• Set your oven to 350°F.

2. Cook the Wild Rice

• If not already cooked, prepare the wild rice according to package instructions.
• Wild rice takes about 45 minutes to cook, so plan accordingly.

3. Sauté the Vegetables

• 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.

4. Make the Creamy Sauce

• In a bowl, whisk together cream of mushroom soup, cream of chicken soup, chicken broth, and milk.
• Stir in shredded cheese until combined.

5. Assemble the Casserole

• In a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, combine:
  • Cooked wild rice
  • Shredded chicken
  • Sautéed vegetables
  • Creamy sauce
• Stir until everything is well-mixed.

6. Add the Topping

• In a small bowl, mix panko breadcrumbs, melted butter, and Parmesan cheese.
• Sprinkle evenly over the casserole.

7. Bake & Serve

• Bake uncovered for 30-35 minutes, until golden and bubbly.
• Let 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 ½ tsp cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes.
• Gluten-Free – Use gluten-free soup and breadcrumbs.
• Dairy-Free – Use coconut milk and dairy-free cheese.
• Loaded Veggie Version – Add broccoli, bell peppers, or peas.
• Crunchy Topping – Swap panko for crushed Ritz crackers or cornflakes.

Storage & Reheating

• Storage: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days.
• Reheating:
  • Oven – Bake at 350°F for 15 minutes.
  • Microwave – Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring occasionally.
• Freezing: Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight before baking.

FAQs

Can I use rotisserie chicken?

Yes! Rotisserie chicken saves time and adds flavor.

What type of rice works best?

Wild rice has the best texture, but a wild rice blend or brown rice can work too.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes! Assemble and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.

Do I have to use canned soup?

No! You can make a homemade cream sauce with butter, flour, and broth.

Can I add bacon?

Absolutely! Crumbled bacon adds a smoky, savory crunch.

What cheese works best?

Cheddar is classic, but Swiss, Gruyère, or Monterey Jack are great options.

Can I cook this in a slow cooker?

Yes! Cook on low for 4-5 hours, then add the topping and broil before serving.

How do I keep it from getting dry?

Use enough sauce and don’t overbake. Add extra broth if needed.

What goes well with this casserole?

Serve with a side salad, roasted veggies, or crusty bread.

Conclusion

This Chicken Wild Rice Casserole is the perfect balance of creamy, hearty, and comforting flavors. Whether you’re making it for a family dinner or meal prepping for the week, this dish will quickly become a favorite. Try it today for an easy, delicious, and satisfying meal!

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