Creamy Chicken Wild Rice Casserole – The Ultimate Comfort Food!

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If you’re looking for a warm, hearty, and satisfying meal, this Chicken Wild Rice Casserole is the answer! 🥘🍗 This dish is packed with tender chicken, nutty wild rice, a creamy homemade sauce, and lots of comforting flavors.

Perfect for family dinners, meal prep, or potlucks, this casserole is easy to make and freezer-friendly. Plus, it’s made from scratch with simple ingredients—no canned soup required!

Let’s get cooking!

Ingredients for Chicken Wild Rice Casserole

For the Wild Rice

  • 1 cup wild rice blend
  • 3 cups chicken broth

For the Chicken

  • 2 cups cooked, shredded chicken (rotisserie works great!)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 small onion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 carrots, diced
  • 2 celery stalks, diced
  • 8 oz (225g) mushrooms, sliced

For the Creamy Sauce

  • 3 tablespoons butter
  • 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 2 cups whole milk
  • ½ cup heavy cream (optional for extra richness)
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • ½ teaspoon dried thyme
  • ½ teaspoon dried parsley
  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese

For Topping

  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • ½ cup crushed buttery crackers (like Ritz) or breadcrumbs

How to Make Chicken Wild Rice Casserole

Step 1: Cook the Wild Rice

  1. Rinse the wild rice blend under cold water.
  2. In a medium saucepan, bring 3 cups of chicken broth to a boil.
  3. Add wild rice, cover, and reduce heat to a simmer. Cook for 40–45 minutes, or until the rice is tender. Drain excess liquid and set aside.

Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables

  1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
  2. Add onion, garlic, carrots, and celery, and sauté for 5 minutes, until softened.
  3. Stir in mushrooms and cook for another 3 minutes.

Step 3: Make the Creamy Sauce

  1. In a separate saucepan, melt butter over medium heat.
  2. Whisk in flour and cook for 1 minute to form a roux.
  3. Slowly whisk in milk and heavy cream, stirring constantly.
  4. Add salt, black pepper, thyme, and parsley. Simmer for 3–4 minutes until thickened.
  5. Stir in grated Parmesan cheese until melted.

Step 4: Assemble the Casserole

  1. In a large mixing bowl, combine cooked wild rice, sautéed vegetables, shredded chicken, and the creamy sauce. Stir well.
  2. Transfer the mixture to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.

Step 5: Add Toppings & Bake

  1. Sprinkle the casserole with shredded cheddar cheese and crushed crackers or breadcrumbs.
  2. Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 20–25 minutes, or until golden and bubbly.

Step 6: Serve & Enjoy!

  1. Let cool for 5 minutes, then dig in and enjoy the creamy, comforting goodness!

Servings & Timing

  • Servings: 6–8
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 45 minutes (wild rice) + 25 minutes (baking)
  • Total Time: ~1 hour 15 minutes

Recipe Variations & Substitutions

Make It Lighter

  • Use low-fat milk instead of whole milk and cream.
  • Swap butter for olive oil in the sauce.
  • Use Greek yogurt instead of cream for a protein boost.

Make It Gluten-Free

  • Use gluten-free flour in the sauce.
  • Replace breadcrumbs with crushed gluten-free crackers.

Want Extra Flavor?

  • Add ½ teaspoon smoked paprika for a richer taste.
  • Stir in ½ cup cooked bacon for a smoky twist.

No Wild Rice?

  • Substitute with brown rice or quinoa, but adjust the cooking time accordingly.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Storing Leftovers

  • Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.

Reheating

  • Oven: Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 15 minutes, covered with foil.
  • Microwave: Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring in between.

Freezing Instructions

  • Freeze before baking: Assemble the casserole, cover tightly, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight and bake as directed.
  • Freeze after baking: Store portions in freezer-safe containers and reheat as needed.

10 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I use rotisserie chicken?

Yes! Rotisserie chicken saves time and adds extra flavor.

2. What can I serve with this casserole?

Pair it with a green salad, roasted vegetables, or garlic bread.

3. Can I make this in advance?

Yes! Assemble the casserole, refrigerate, and bake when ready.

4. Can I use pre-cooked wild rice?

Absolutely! You’ll need about 3 cups of cooked wild rice.

5. Is this dish freezer-friendly?

Yes! Freeze it before or after baking.

6. Can I add other vegetables?

Of course! Try peas, spinach, or bell peppers for extra nutrition.

7. How do I make it dairy-free?

Use coconut milk or almond milk and dairy-free cheese.

8. What other cheese can I use?

Try Gruyère, Swiss, or Monterey Jack for different flavors.

9. Can I make this in a slow cooker?

Yes! Cook everything in a slow cooker on LOW for 4–5 hours, then add cheese before serving.

10. How do I make this casserole extra crispy?

Broil for the last 2 minutes for a crunchy golden top!

Conclusion

This Chicken Wild Rice Casserole is creamy, cheesy, and packed with comforting flavors. Whether you’re making it for family dinner, meal prep, or freezing for later, it’s an easy and delicious recipe you’ll make again and again.

Try it today and enjoy a warm, satisfying meal straight from the oven!

🔥 Love casseroles? Try pairing this with Garlic Butter Green Beans or Homemade Dinner Rolls for the ultimate meal!

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