Chicken Wild Rice Casserole Recipe

Introduction

This Chicken Wild Rice Casserole is a comforting, hearty dish perfect for family dinners or potlucks. Packed with tender chicken, earthy wild rice, and a creamy sauce, it offers a delicious blend of flavors and textures in every bite.

Ingredients

• 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
• Cream of mushroom soup (amount as needed)
• Cream of chicken soup (amount as needed)
• Chicken broth (amount as needed)
• Milk or heavy cream (amount as needed)
• Shredded cheese (cheddar, Monterey Jack, or Swiss; amount as needed)
• Panko breadcrumbs (amount as needed for topping)
• Melted butter (amount as needed for topping)
• Parmesan cheese (amount as needed for topping)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) so it’s ready when your casserole is assembled.
2. Step 2: If the wild rice isn’t cooked, prepare it according to package instructions, which usually takes about 45 minutes.
3. Step 3: In a large skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add the diced onion, minced garlic, carrots, celery, and sliced mushrooms. Sauté for 5 to 7 minutes until the vegetables are softened. Season with salt, pepper, and dried thyme.
4. Step 4: In a mixing bowl, whisk together cream of mushroom soup, cream of chicken soup, chicken broth, milk or heavy cream, and shredded cheese until smooth and creamy.
5. Step 5: Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Combine the cooked wild rice, shredded chicken, sautéed vegetables, and creamy sauce in the dish. Stir everything together until well mixed.
6. Step 6: In a small bowl, mix panko breadcrumbs with melted butter and Parmesan cheese. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the casserole.
7. Step 7: Bake uncovered for 30 to 35 minutes until the topping is golden and the casserole is bubbly. Let it rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Tips & Variations

• Use leftover roasted chicken or rotisserie chicken for a quick shortcut.
• Substitute creamed soups with homemade white sauce for a fresher flavor.
• Add chopped fresh herbs like parsley or thyme for extra brightness.
• Include chopped nuts such as pecans or walnuts in the topping for added crunch.
• For a vegetarian version, replace chicken with cooked chickpeas or extra mushrooms and use vegetable broth.

Storage

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm individual portions in the microwave or cover the entire casserole with foil and bake at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, about 20 minutes.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use white rice instead of wild rice?

Yes, white rice can be used as a substitute, but wild rice adds a unique nutty flavor and chewy texture that complements this casserole well.

Can I prepare this casserole ahead of time?

Definitely. Assemble the casserole and cover it tightly with foil. Refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. You may need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time if baking directly from the fridge.

Chicken Wild Rice Casserole Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.8 from 232 reviews

This Chicken Wild Rice Casserole is a hearty and comforting dish combining tender cooked chicken, nutty wild rice, and a medley of sautéed vegetables in a creamy, cheesy sauce. Topped with a buttery, crunchy panko and Parmesan crust, it’s perfect as a satisfying family meal or for entertaining guests.

• Author: Victoria
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes (wild rice cooking) + 35 minutes (baking)
• Total Time: 1 hour 35 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x
• Category: Casserole
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

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
• 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
• 1 cup chicken broth
• ½ cup milk or heavy cream
• 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar, Monterey Jack, or Swiss)

For the Topping:

• ½ cup panko breadcrumbs
• 2 tbsp melted butter
• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking the casserole once assembled.
2. Cook the Wild Rice: If wild rice is not pre-cooked, cook it according to package instructions, which usually takes about 45 minutes. Drain and set aside.
3. Sauté the Vegetables: In a large skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add diced onion, minced garlic, carrots, celery, and sliced mushrooms. Sauté for 5-7 minutes until the vegetables are softened. Season with salt, black pepper, and dried thyme, then remove from heat.
4. Make the Creamy Sauce: In a mixing bowl, whisk together cream of mushroom soup, cream of chicken soup, chicken broth, milk or heavy cream, and shredded cheese until smooth and well combined.
5. Assemble the Casserole: Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Combine the cooked wild rice, shredded chicken, sautéed vegetables, and creamy sauce in the dish. Stir thoroughly until all ingredients are evenly mixed.
6. Add the Topping: In a small bowl, mix panko breadcrumbs, melted butter, and grated Parmesan cheese together. Evenly sprinkle this topping over the casserole’s surface.
7. Bake & Serve: Bake the casserole uncovered in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and bubbly. Allow the casserole to rest for 5 minutes before serving to let it set.

Notes

• Using day-old or leftover cooked chicken works wonderfully in this recipe.
• Wild rice can be substituted with brown rice or a wild rice blend if preferred.
• For a richer flavor, use heavy cream instead of milk in the sauce.
• Feel free to add other vegetables like peas or green beans for more color and nutrition.
• Ensure the casserole rests before serving so it holds together better when plated.
• Gluten-free panko or breadcrumbs can be used to make this recipe gluten free.

Keywords: chicken casserole, wild rice casserole, creamy chicken and rice bake, comfort food, baked chicken casserole, wild rice recipe