Chicken Wild Rice Casserole: A Comforting Classic Recipe

If you’re looking for a hearty, creamy, and flavorful dish to feed your family, this Chicken Wild Rice Casserole is the perfect choice. Packed with tender shredded chicken, nutty wild rice, sautéed vegetables, and melted cheddar cheese, this casserole makes a wholesome weeknight dinner or a comforting holiday side dish.

In this article, we’ll walk you through the recipe step by step, share helpful tips, and suggest variations so you can make it your own.

Why You’ll Love This Chicken Wild Rice Casserole

Hearty & Filling – Loaded with protein, whole grains, and veggies.
Easy to Make Ahead – Perfect for meal prep or freezing.
Family-Friendly – Creamy and cheesy flavors everyone loves.
Customizable – Add your favorite vegetables or swap proteins.

Ingredients for Chicken Wild Rice Casserole

To make this creamy casserole, you’ll need the following ingredients:

• 1 cup wild rice, rinsed

• 2 cups chicken broth

• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cooked and shredded

• 1 small onion, chopped

• 2 stalks celery, chopped

• 1 cup sliced mushrooms

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup

• 1 cup sour cream

• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

• ½ teaspoon dried thyme

• ½ teaspoon dried rosemary

• Salt and pepper, to taste

• 2 tablespoons olive oil

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Wild Rice

In a medium saucepan, combine 1 cup of wild rice and 2 cups of chicken broth. Bring it to a boil, reduce the heat, cover, and simmer for about 45 minutes or until the rice is tender.

Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables

While the rice cooks, heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, celery, and mushrooms. Cook until softened, about 5–7 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.

Step 3: Mix the Casserole Base

In a large mixing bowl, combine:

• Cooked wild rice

• Shredded chicken

• Sautéed vegetables

• Cream of mushroom soup

• Sour cream

• Cheddar cheese

• Thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper

Mix everything until evenly blended.

Step 4: Assemble the Casserole

Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and spread the mixture evenly.

Step 5: Bake

Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 30–35 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbly and the top is lightly golden brown.

Step 6: Serve & Enjoy

Allow the casserole to cool slightly before serving. Pair it with a fresh salad, roasted vegetables, or crusty bread for a complete meal.

Variations & Tips

• Use Turkey Instead of Chicken – A great way to use up Thanksgiving leftovers.

• Add Extra Veggies – Try bell peppers, spinach, or broccoli.

• Make It Crunchy – Sprinkle breadcrumbs or crushed crackers on top before baking.

• Dairy-Free Option – Use coconut milk instead of sour cream and a dairy-free cheese substitute.

• Make Ahead & Freeze – Prepare the casserole, cover tightly, and freeze. When ready, bake straight from frozen, adding 10–15 minutes to the cooking time.

Storage Instructions

• Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.

• Freezer: Freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat in the oven until warmed through.

Final Thoughts

This Chicken Wild Rice Casserole is a true comfort food classic. With its creamy texture, cheesy flavor, and hearty ingredients, it’s perfect for cozy family dinners, potlucks, or meal prepping for busy weeks.

Try this recipe tonight, and you’ll have a dish that’s sure to become a family favorite!

enjoy!