Name: Chicken Wild Rice Casserole
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 55 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or cubed; 2 cups cooked wild rice; 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup or homemade equivalent; 1/2 cup sour cream; 1 cup celery, chopped; 1 medium onion, chopped; 1 cup carrots, diced; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1/2 cup chicken broth; 2 tablespoons butter or olive oil; Salt and pepper to taste; Optional: 1/4 cup slivered almonds; Optional: 1/2 cup shredded cheese; Optional: fresh herbs for garnish

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This Chicken Wild Rice Casserole is a hearty, comforting dish that's perfect for busy weeknights or cozy weekends. It's packed with tender chicken, earthy wild rice, a creamy base, and a touch of cheese—all baked to golden perfection.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love how easy this recipe is to put together with minimal prep. It’s a true one-dish wonder that delivers incredible flavor and satisfying texture. The mix of creamy sauce, juicy chicken, and nutty wild rice creates a balance that keeps me coming back for seconds. Whether I’m feeding the whole family or meal prepping for the week, this casserole always hits the spot.

Ingredients

(Here's a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Cooked wild rice blend
Cooked chicken breast, cubed or shredded
Cream of mushroom soup (or homemade alternative)
Chicken broth
Shredded cheddar cheese
Diced onion
Minced garlic
Butter or olive oil
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh chopped green onions (for garnish)

Directions

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a large casserole dish.
In a skillet, I sauté onion and garlic in butter or olive oil until translucent.
In a large bowl, I mix together the cooked wild rice, chicken, cream of mushroom soup, chicken broth, sautéed onion and garlic, and half of the shredded cheese. I season it with salt and pepper.
I pour the mixture into the prepared casserole dish and spread it out evenly.
I sprinkle the remaining cheese on top and cover the dish with foil.
I bake it for 30 minutes, then uncover and bake an additional 10–15 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbly.
I remove it from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes before garnishing with green onions and serving.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves about 6 people.
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 40–45 minutes
Total time: 1 hour

Variations

I sometimes swap the cream of mushroom soup for cream of chicken for a lighter flavor.
To make it vegetarian, I replace the chicken with mushrooms and use vegetable broth.
I love tossing in frozen peas or chopped spinach for extra veggies.
For a little crunch, I top it with crispy fried onions or crushed buttery crackers before baking.

Storage/Reheating

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
To reheat, I microwave individual portions for 1–2 minutes or reheat the whole dish in a 350°F oven for about 20 minutes, covered with foil.
It also freezes well—just make sure it's fully cooled before wrapping tightly and freezing for up to 2 months.

FAQs

How do I cook wild rice for this casserole?

I cook wild rice according to package instructions, usually simmering in water or broth for about 40–45 minutes until tender.

Can I use rotisserie chicken?

Absolutely, I often use rotisserie chicken to save time and add extra flavor.

What can I substitute for cream of mushroom soup?

I make a homemade version with a roux, milk, and sautéed mushrooms, or I use cream of chicken if that’s what I have on hand.

Is this casserole gluten-free?

If I use a gluten-free soup and ensure my ingredients are certified gluten-free, yes, this casserole can be made gluten-free.

Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

Yes, I assemble it up to a day ahead and store it in the fridge, then bake it when I’m ready to serve.

Conclusion

This Chicken Wild Rice Casserole is a flavorful, satisfying dish that brings comfort and convenience together in one pan. It’s the kind of recipe I rely on when I want something hearty, homey, and easy to make. Whether I’m feeding a crowd or freezing leftovers, it always delivers.

Chicken Wild Rice Casserole

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Author: Sue
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: 55 minutes
Yield: 6–8 servings
Category: Main Course
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American
Diet: Halal

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Description

This Chicken Wild Rice Casserole is a hearty, comforting dish made with tender chicken, nutty wild rice, vegetables, and a creamy sauce. It's perfect for cozy dinners, meal prepping, or using up holiday leftovers.

Instructions

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
In a large skillet, sauté onion, garlic, celery, and carrots in butter or olive oil until softened, about 5–7 minutes.
Add cooked wild rice and chicken to the skillet.
Stir in cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, and chicken broth. Mix until well combined.
Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Transfer the mixture to a greased 9x13-inch baking dish.
Top with slivered almonds or shredded cheese, if using.
Bake uncovered for 30–35 minutes, until bubbly and golden on top.
Let cool slightly before serving.

Notes

Can be made with leftover turkey instead of chicken.
Use extra veggies like mushrooms or zucchini for a vegetarian version.
Use dairy-free alternatives for a dairy-free version.
Top with crushed crackers or fried onions for extra crunch.
Store leftovers in the fridge up to 4 days; reheat with a splash of broth if dry.