Chicken Wild Rice Casserole Recipe
If you’re on the lookout for a comforting, crowd-pleasing dish that delivers spoonfuls of savory flavor and homey goodness, Chicken Wild Rice Casserole absolutely fits the bill. Generously loaded with tender chicken, a hearty blend of wild rice, velvety sauce, and pops of veggies, this casserole is the ultimate dish for cozy dinners and family gatherings. Each bite brings together layers of flavor and satisfying textures that will have everyone coming back for seconds!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of Chicken Wild Rice Casserole lies in its humble, wholesome ingredients. Each element, even the simplest, brings something important to the table—whether it’s a boost of creamy richness, a crunchy note, or that perfect pop of savory flavor. Here’s everything you’ll need, along with a few tips for extra delicious results:
- Chicken (2 cups, cooked, shredded or diced): Rotisserie works beautifully, but any cooked chicken will do—perfect for using up leftovers.
- Cooked 5 grain medley rice (4 cups): Wild rice is a classic, but don’t be afraid to use any mixed rice you have for extra texture and nutty undertones.
- Condensed cream of chicken soup (1 10.5 oz can): Adds instant creaminess and deep chicken flavor; low-sodium varieties also work well.
- Celery stalks (2, chopped): Essential for crunch and a little garden-fresh bite—don’t skip it!
- Onion (½, diced): Gives an aromatic base that perfumes every forkful.
- Sour cream (½ cup): This brings tang and silkiness, making the sauce luscious and rich.
- Chicken stock (¾ cup): Enhances the casserole’s savory depth and keeps it perfectly moist.
- Garlic (1 tsp, minced): Because what’s comfort food without a kiss of garlic?
- Parmesan cheese (¼ cup, shredded): Grates over the top for a golden, cheesy crust.
- Salt and pepper (as desired, suggested ½ tsp salt, ¼ tsp pepper): Taste and adjust as you mix—these simple seasonings tie everything together.
How to Make Chicken Wild Rice Casserole
Step 1: Sauté the Veggies
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F so it’s piping hot by the time your casserole is ready. In a large skillet over medium heat, add a drizzle of oil and sauté the chopped celery, diced onion, and minced garlic. Sprinkle with salt and pepper as they cook, stirring occasionally, until the veggies turn tender and aromatic. This base is where the wonderful flavors for your Chicken Wild Rice Casserole start!
Step 2: Mix the Filling
Grab a big mixing bowl and combine the cooked chicken, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, chicken stock, and your sautéed veggies. Stir it all together until everything’s smooth and homogenous. Start folding in the cooked wild rice, a cup at a time, making sure the grains tuck nicely into the creamy mixture. This step ensures that you get a bite of everything in each spoonful.
Step 3: Assemble the Casserole
Grease a 9×11-inch baking dish so nothing sticks. Pour your chicken and rice mixture into the dish, spreading it evenly to the edges and smoothing the top with a spatula. Generously sprinkle the shredded parmesan cheese all over—it’ll melt into a golden, irresistible crust as it bakes.
Step 4: Bake and Rest
Slide your Chicken Wild Rice Casserole into the hot oven and bake for 30 to 40 minutes, or until it’s bubbling around the edges and the top turns golden brown. Once done, resist the urge to dig in immediately—let it rest outside the oven for five minutes to help everything set up for the perfect creamy slice.
How to Serve Chicken Wild Rice Casserole
Garnishes
Add a pop of color and fresh flavor to your Chicken Wild Rice Casserole by scattering chopped fresh parsley, a few chives, or even a sprinkle of extra parmesan on top before serving. If you want a little zing, a handful of finely diced green onions or a scatter of crispy fried onions can make each bite even more exciting.
Side Dishes
This casserole shines all on its own, but pairing it with a crisp green salad or roasted seasonal vegetables balances its richness perfectly. Warm, crusty bread or dinner rolls are also must-haves—they’re ideal for sopping up every last bit of creamy sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
While a bubbly casserole dish is always classic, try serving Chicken Wild Rice Casserole in individual ramekins for a special touch at gatherings. To feed a larger crowd, double the recipe and bake in foil pans for easy transport to potlucks or family parties. For a homey twist, top portions with crushed butter crackers or crispy onions just before serving for an extra layer of crunch.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Transfer any remaining Chicken Wild Rice Casserole to an airtight container and refrigerate within two hours of baking. It keeps beautifully for up to four days in the fridge, making it a fantastic option for meal prepping or quick weeknight dinners.
Freezing
Unbaked, this casserole is a freezer superstar—just assemble everything in a freezer-safe dish (hold the parmesan topping for now), cover tightly, and freeze for up to three months. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight, sprinkle on the parmesan, and bake as directed. Even baked leftovers freeze well in portions; just wrap them tightly and freeze for up to a month.
Reheating
To reheat, cover your casserole with foil and warm it in a 350 degree F oven until heated through, about 20 to 25 minutes. For single servings, the microwave works great—just use a lower power setting to prevent the chicken from drying out, and add a splash of chicken stock if you like it extra creamy.
FAQs
Can I use rotisserie chicken for Chicken Wild Rice Casserole?
Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken is a fantastic time-saver and adds tons of flavor. Just shred or dice it, and add as directed in the recipe.
What if I don’t have wild rice?
No worries at all—feel free to use any rice medley or even just plain brown or white rice. The casserole will still be hearty and delicious.
Can I make Chicken Wild Rice Casserole ahead of time?
Yes, this dish is wonderfully make-ahead friendly. Just assemble up to a day in advance, store tightly covered in the fridge, then bake when you’re ready to eat.
How can I make this casserole gluten free?
Check your cream of chicken soup and chicken stock to ensure they’re gluten free (many brands offer this). The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten free, so you’re set!
What protein or veggie swaps can I use?
Turkey works beautifully in place of chicken, especially around the holidays. For extra veggies, try adding peas, carrots, mushrooms, or even spinach for a boost of color and nutrition.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly magical about a bubbling dish of Chicken Wild Rice Casserole coming out of the oven—creamy, cozy, and full of old-fashioned charm. If you’re craving a meal that brings everyone together at the table and makes even an ordinary evening feel a bit special, give this recipe a try. I’m convinced it’ll become a new favorite in your kitchen, just as it has in mine!
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Chicken Wild Rice Casserole Recipe
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-vegetarian
Description
A comforting and hearty Chicken Wild Rice Casserole recipe that is easy to make and perfect for a cozy family dinner. This creamy casserole is loaded with tender chicken, flavorful wild rice, and a creamy sauce that is sure to be a crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients
For the Casserole:
- 2 cups cooked, shredded or diced chicken
- 4 cups cooked 5 grain medley rice (or any wild rice you have available)
- 1 10.5oz can condensed cream of chicken soup
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- ½ onion, diced
- ½ cup sour cream
- ¾ cup chicken stock
- 1 tsp minced garlic
- ¼ cup shredded parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper, to taste (I suggest 1/2 tsp salt, 1/4 tsp pepper)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
- Sauté vegetables: In a fry pan, sauté celery, onion, and garlic. Season with salt and pepper.
- Combine ingredients: In a large bowl, mix together the chicken, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, chicken stock, and sautéed vegetables. Add the rice gradually, ensuring it mixes well.
- Assemble the casserole: Pour the mixture into a greased 9 x 11 baking dish. Sprinkle the top with parmesan cheese.
- Bake: Bake for 30-40 minutes or until golden brown. Let it sit for 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
- This casserole can be easily customized with your favorite vegetables or herbs.
- For added crunch, top the casserole with breadcrumbs before baking.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 780mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: Chicken Wild Rice Casserole, Casserole Recipe, Chicken Casserole, Wild Rice Recipe
