Delicious Chicken Wild Rice Casserole Recipe

Name: Chicken Wild Rice Casserole
Prep time: 20 min
Total time: 65 min
Ingredients: 3 cups Cooked chicken (- Shredded skin removed); 2 cups Wild rice blend (- Cooked 90% through); 2 cups Mushrooms (- Sliced); 1 cup Celery (- Diced); 1 cup Onion (- Chopped); 3 cups Chicken broth (- Low-sodium optional); 1 can Cream of mushroom soup (- 10.5 oz can); 1 cup Sour cream (- Or Greek yogurt for lighter option); 1/2 cup Butter (- 2 tablespoons for sauté rest for sauce optional); 2 tsp Garlic powder (- Divided); 1 tsp Thyme (- Dried); 1 tsp Sage (- Dried); To taste Salt and pepper; 1/2 cup Slivered almonds (- Toasted for topping); 1 1/2 cups French fried onions (- Topping)

Last Tuesday, Emma walked into the kitchen after school and declared she was "starving for something warm and cozy." Outside, the temperature had dropped, and I knew exactly what we needed. This Chicken Wild Rice Casserole has rescued countless chilly evenings in our home, turning simple ingredients into pure comfort.The nutty wild rice, tender chicken, and creamy sauce come together in one dish that feels special without the fuss. Whether you're feeding a crowd or meal prepping for the week, this Chicken Wild Rice Casserole delivers every single time.

Chicken Wild Rice Casserole Bowl of creamy wild rice chicken casserole with mushrooms and herbs, with a spoon lifting a cheesy bite."

Why You'll Love This Chicken Wild Rice Casserole

This Chicken Wild Rice Casserole dinner has saved me on countless busy weeknights. Everything goes into one dish, which means less cleanup when you're already exhausted. The wild rice does most of the work for you, soaking up all those delicious flavors while it bakes. I love that I can use leftover rotisserie Chicken Wild Rice Casserole dinner on the table in under an hour. It's the kind of meal that looks impressive when guests come over, but secretly takes minimal effort. Plus, it reheats beautifully, so leftovers actually taste better the next day.

What really makes this creamy Chicken Wild Rice Casserole bake special is how it satisfies everyone at the table. Emma loves the crispy onion topping and always asks for seconds. My picky eaters actually clean their plates because the flavors are comforting, not overwhelming. The texture combination of tender chicken, chewy wild rice, and crunchy topping keeps every bite interesting. On those nights when you need something warming and filling that doesn't require standing over the stove, this casserole delivers. It's become our "everything's going to be okay" meal, and I think it'll become yours too.

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Chicken Wild Rice Casserole
Ingredients You'll Need For Chicken Wild Rice Casserole
How To Make Chicken Wild Rice Casserole Step By Step
Smart Swaps for Your Chicken Wild Rice Casserole
Storing Your Chicken Wild Rice Casserole
Equipment For Chicken Wild Rice Casserole
Chicken Wild Rice Casserole Variations
Top Tip
The Dish My Mother Swore By (And Still Does!)
FAQ
Comfort Food Done Right!
Related
Pairing
Chicken Wild Rice Casserole

Ingredients You'll Need For Chicken Wild Rice Casserole

Main Ingredients:

3 cups cooked chicken
2 cups wild rice blend, cooked
2 cups mushrooms, sliced
1 cup celery, diced
1 cup onion, chopped
3 cups chicken broth
1 can cream of mushroom soup
1 cup sour cream
½ cup butter

Seasonings:

2 teaspoons garlic powder
1 teaspoon thyme
1 teaspoon sage
Salt and pepper to taste

Topping:

½ cup slivered almonds
1 ½ cups French fried onions

See recipe card for quantities.

How To Make Chicken Wild Rice Casserole Step By Step

Prepare Your Wild Rice:

Rinse the wild rice under cold water to remove any debris, then place 2 cups of rice and 4 cups of broth or water into a saucepan. Bring it to a boil, reduce the heat to a simmer, and cover with a tight lid. Let it cook for about 35 minutes until the grains are still slightly firm, about 90% done. This keeps the rice from becoming mushy later when baked in a casserole. Once it reaches this stage, drain any excess liquid. Finish by fluffing the rice gently with a fork.

"Pot of wild rice simmering in water on the stove, showing the mixed grains as they cook."

Cook and Shred Your Chicken:

If using rotisserie chicken, remove the skin and shred the meat into bite-sized pieces—you’ll need about 3 cups, roughly one medium chicken. If cooking raw chicken instead, place 2 pounds of breasts or thighs in a pot, cover with water or broth, and add aromatics like a bay leaf, peppercorns, and a halved onion. Bring it to a gentle simmer and cook for 15–20 minutes until the chicken reaches 165°F, avoiding a rapid boil to prevent toughness. Let it cool for 10 minutes, then shred with two forks or your hands. Taste a piece and add salt if needed.

Sauté Your Vegetables:

Heat a skillet over medium heat and melt 2 tablespoons of butter. Add the onion and cook until translucent, then add the celery and mushrooms, letting them brown without constant stirring. Cook for 5–7 minutes until tender and golden. Season with salt, pepper, and garlic powder so the flavors bloom. Remove from heat and set aside.

"Skillet sautéing chopped onions, celery, and sliced mushrooms until tender and fragrant."

Create Your Creamy Sauce:

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the cream of mushroom soup and sour cream until smooth, then slowly add the chicken broth to keep the mixture silky and lump-free. Stir in the thyme, sage, garlic powder, salt, and pepper, along with a tablespoon of maple syrup for balance. Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed. If the sauce seems too thick, thin it with a little extra broth until it reaches a pourable, heavy-cream consistency.

Assemble Your Casserole:

Preheat your oven to 350°F and grease a 9x13-inch baking dish well. Add the cooked wild rice, shredded chicken, and sautéed vegetables to the bowl of creamy sauce, then gently fold everything together until fully coated without breaking up the ingredients. Transfer the mixture to the prepared dish and spread it evenly, letting the top smooth out so it bakes uniformly. It should look slightly soupy, which is perfect. Cover the dish tightly with foil, sealing the edges to trap in moisture and steam.

"Bowl of creamy wild rice chicken casserole with mushrooms and herbs, with a spoon lifting a cheesy bite."

Bake and Add the Topping:

Slide the covered casserole onto the middle rack of your preheated oven and bake for 30 minutes, allowing the wild rice to finish cooking and the sauce to thicken. While it bakes, prepare the topping by mixing 1½ cups of French fried onions with ½ cup of toasted slivered almonds. After 30 minutes, remove the foil and check that the casserole is bubbling around the edges. Sprinkle the topping evenly over the surface, then return the dish to the oven uncovered for 15 minutes until golden and crunchy. Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving so the sauce thickens perfectly.

Smart Swaps for Your Chicken Wild Rice Casserole

Healthier Options:

Greek yogurt → Sour cream
Low-sodium broth → Regular broth
Light cream soup → Full-fat soup
Turkey → Chicken

Dietary Needs:

Gluten-free fried onions → Regular topping
Dairy-free cream soup → Regular soup
Cauliflower rice → Part of wild rice
Vegetable broth → Chicken broth

Flavor Twists:

Water chestnuts → Celery
Rosemary → Thyme
Cream of chicken soup → Mushroom soup
Panko topping → Fried onions

Storing Your Chicken Wild Rice Casserole

Refrigerator (3-4 days):

Cool completely first
Cover tightly with foil
Reheat at 325°F for 20 minutes
Add splash of broth if dry

Freezer (2-3 months):

Cool completely
Wrap in foil, then plastic
Label with date
Thaw overnight before reheating

Make-Ahead Magic:

Top and bake when ready
Assemble completely
Don't add topping yet
Refrigerate up to 24 hours

Equipment For Chicken Wild Rice Casserole

9x13 baking dish
Large mixing bowl
Skillet for vegetables
Measuring cups and spoons
Wooden spoon

Chicken Wild Rice Casserole Variations

Creamy Chicken Wild Rice Soup Version:

Add 2 extra cups broth
Skip the topping
Serve in bowls
Perfect for cold nights

Crockpot Style:

Combine all ingredients except topping
Cook on low 4-6 hours
Add topping in oven for 10 minutes
Great for busy days

Minnesota Hotdish:

Add corn and green beans
Use tater tot topping
Extra cheese layer
Midwest comfort at its best

Mushroom Lovers:

Double the mushrooms
Add three mushroom varieties
Fresh thyme sprigs
Rich, earthy flavor

Top Tip

Get Your Wild Rice Right The biggest mistake I see people make with this chicken wild rice casserole is overcooking or undercooking the rice before it goes into the dish. Wild rice needs to be tender but still have a slight chew. I learned this the hard way when my first attempt turned into mush because I followed the package directions exactly, then baked it for another 45 minutes. Now I cook my wild rice blend until it's about 90% done, still a tiny bit firm in the center. It finishes cooking perfectly in the casserole as it absorbs the creamy sauce.

Master the Moisture Balance This Chicken Wild Rice Casserole lives or dies by getting the liquid ratio just right. If your casserole looks a bit soupy when you first assemble it, don't panic. That's exactly what you want. The rice and chicken will soak up moisture as it bakes, and you'll end up with perfect creaminess. However, if it looks dry going into the oven, add an extra half cup of chicken broth. I keep a measuring cup of warm broth on standby every time I make this easy chicken wild rice casserole. About halfway through baking, I peek under the foil.

Nail the Topping Timing Here's a secret that transformed my chicken casserole with crispy topping game: never add your crunchy topping at the beginning. I used to dump those French fried onions on top right away, and they'd either burn or get soggy. Now I bake the casserole covered for the first 30 minutes, which lets everything heat through and marry together. Then I remove the foil, sprinkle on my topping mixture, and give it 15 more minutes uncovered. This creates that perfect golden, crunchy contrast against the creamy filling.

The Dish My Mother Swore By (And Still Does!)

Growing up, Sunday dinners at my mother's house always meant one thing: something warm bubbling in the oven while we set the table. But when November rolled around and the Minnesota cold really set in, this chicken wild rice casserole appeared like clockwork. Mom called it her "sanity saver" because she could prep it after church and have dinner ready without hovering over the stove.I remember being about Emma's age, standing on a step stool in my mother's kitchen, watching her layer everything into that blue ceramic baking dish she still uses today.

The smell of thyme and sage mixed with buttery mushrooms made the whole house feel safe and cozy. Mom would let me sprinkle the crispy onion topping, and I felt so important having that one special job. She'd always say, "A good casserole is like a warm hug you can eat, Amelia. Never forget that."What made Mom's version so special was her refusal to rush it. While other families grabbed fast food on busy nights, she'd pull this casserole from the freezer and have real comfort food on the table. She taught me that taking care of your family doesn't mean spending hours cooking, it means being smart about it.

FAQ

What's in chicken wild rice soup?

Chicken wild rice soup typically contains cooked chicken, wild rice blend, vegetables like celery and carrots, Chicken Wild Rice Casserole broth, and cream. This casserole version uses the same ingredients but bakes them together for a heartier texture. The mushrooms add earthiness while the cream sauce brings everything together. You can easily turn this casserole into soup by adding 2-3 extra cups of broth.

What to add to chicken and rice for more flavor?

The key is layering flavors. Fresh herbs like thyme and sage work beautifully with wild rice. Sautéing your vegetables first builds depth. Don't skip the garlic powder, and consider adding a splash of white wine or our secret maple syrup. Toasted nuts in the topping add texture and richness. The cream of mushroom soup provides umami that makes everything taste more satisfying.

What herbs are in chicken and wild rice soup?

Traditional recipes use thyme, sage, and parsley. Thyme pairs perfectly with the nutty wild rice, while sage adds warmth. Fresh herbs work best, but dried versions at half the amount work fine. Bay leaves during cooking add subtle depth. Rosemary can replace thyme if you prefer a stronger herb flavor. I always add fresh parsley as garnish for color and brightness.

Is chicken and wild rice soup good for you?

Yes! This healthy chicken wild rice casserole provides lean protein from chicken, fiber from wild rice, and nutrients from vegetables. Wild rice contains more protein and fiber than white rice. Mushrooms add vitamin D and antioxidants. You can make it lighter by using Greek yogurt instead of sour cream and reducing butter. The dish is filling and satisfying, helping you avoid less healthy snacking later.

"Baked wild rice chicken casserole with broccoli, carrots, and mushrooms in a cream sauce, served in a ceramic dish on a rustic wooden table."

Comfort Food Done Right!

Now you have all the secrets to creating this incredible chicken wild rice casserole that's been warming hearts in our kitchen for years. From choosing the right wild rice blend to our unexpected maple syrup trick, every detail matters in building those layers of comfort food flavor.This creamy Chicken Wild Rice Casserole bake proves that the best family meals don't require fancy ingredients or complicated techniques. You've got simple pantry staples, one baking dish, and about 15 minutes of active prep time standing between you and a dinner that makes everyone happy.

Want to explore more one-dish wonders that make dinner time easier? Our Easy English Muffin Pizza Recipe brings together tender chicken, fresh broccoli, and fluffy rice in a cheesy sauce that kids and adults both devour.Craving something with Italian flair? Our Delicious Korean BBQ pork Recipe takes tender chicken and pasta swimming in a creamy mushroom sauce, topped with crispy breadcrumbs and Parmesan.And when the holidays roll around, don't forget our classic Easy Chickpea Feta Avocado Salad Recipe. It's the side dish that everyone expects on the table, with crispy onions and that nostalgic cream of mushroom goodness.

Made this Chicken Wild Rice Casserole? I genuinely want to see how it turned out for you! Emma checks our tags every evening after homework, and she gets so excited seeing other families enjoying the same meals we love. Your photos and reviews help other home cooks feel confident trying new recipes.

Please rate this Chicken Wild Rice Casserole below! Your feedback helps me know what recipes to share next, and it takes just two seconds to click those stars.

Looking for other recipes like this? Try these: