If you are searching for a comforting, hearty meal that feels like a warm hug, this Chicken and Wild Rice Casserole Recipe is exactly what you need. Creamy, cheesy, and packed with tender chicken, earthy mushrooms, and nutty wild rice, this dish strikes the perfect balance between flavor and texture. Whether it’s a family dinner or a special occasion, this casserole brings everyone to the table with smiles and satisfied appetites.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A white plate sits on a white marbled surface holding several pieces of raw chicken cut into bite-sized chunks, sprinkled evenly with dried herbs and spices that add specks of green and black. Around the plate, there are two small glass jars, one with thick white cream and the other with a light beige sauce with visible small chunks. Near the plate, there are two brown mushrooms, one whole and one with the cap facing upward showing the light interior. A metal spoon rests in a bowl filled with a mix of brown and wild rice grains at the bottom right of the image. The whole setting is lit naturally, highlighting the freshness and textures of the food. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The beauty of this Chicken and Wild Rice Casserole Recipe is in its simple but essential ingredients. Each one plays a crucial role in creating the perfect blend of creamy texture, rich flavor, and vibrant color that makes this casserole such a crowd-pleaser.

6 ounces wild rice mixture: Offers a nutty flavor and chewy texture to complement the creamy sauce.
1 small onion, diced: Adds subtle sweetness and depth when sautéed.
6 ounces brown mushrooms or cremini, sliced: Contributes an earthy umami boost that’s irresistible.
1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts, cubed: The lean protein base that soaks up all the flavors beautifully.
1 tablespoon olive oil: Helps brown the chicken and soften vegetables with a smooth, fruity note.
½ teaspoon dried basil: Adds a fragrant herbaceous touch that lifts the whole dish.
¼ teaspoon dried thyme leaves: Infuses subtle, woodsy undertones to round out the flavor profile.
Salt and black pepper to taste: Essential for seasoning and balancing every bite.
1 can condensed cream of mushroom soup: The creamy, flavorful base that makes the casserole luscious and comforting.
⅓ cup sour cream: Adds tanginess and velvety richness to the filling.
2 tablespoons chicken broth: Keeps everything moist and enhances savory depth.
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese, divided: Melts into gooey goodness and creates a golden crust when baked.

How to Make Chicken and Wild Rice Casserole Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Baking Dish

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F. Line a 9×13 baking dish with heavy duty foil—this makes cleanup a breeze and helps keep the casserole moist during baking.

Step 2: Cook Onion and Mushrooms

In a medium saucepan over medium heat, gently cook the diced onion and sliced mushrooms until they’re slightly softened and fragrant. This step builds the flavor base by coaxing out their natural sweetness and earthiness.

Step 3: Cook the Wild Rice

Add the wild rice mixture and the amount of water specified on the rice package into the saucepan. Follow the cooking directions on the package carefully to ensure the rice is tender but still has a bit of bite—this texture pairs perfectly with the creamy sauce.

Step 4: Brown the Chicken

While the rice is cooking, season the cubed chicken breast with basil, thyme, salt, and pepper. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat, then brown the chicken on all sides until it’s almost cooked through. This step locks in juices and builds a lovely, golden exterior.

Step 5: Combine Ingredients

In a large bowl, mix together the cooked rice, browned chicken, sautéed vegetables, condensed cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, chicken broth, and half the cheddar cheese. Stir until everything is evenly coated in that creamy, cheesy goodness.

Step 6: Bake the Casserole

Spread the mixture evenly into your prepared baking dish. Cover it with foil and bake for 20 minutes at 375°F, allowing the flavors to meld and the casserole to heat through gently.

Step 7: Add Cheese and Finish Baking

Remove the foil, sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese evenly on top, and return to the oven for another 5 to 7 minutes. This final baking step creates a bubbly, golden cheese crust that is simply irresistible.

Step 8: Rest Before Serving

Once baked, let your Chicken and Wild Rice Casserole Recipe rest for about 10 minutes. This resting time helps the casserole set up nicely, making it easier to serve and allowing the flavors to settle.

How to Serve Chicken and Wild Rice Casserole Recipe

A white baking dish lined with crinkled aluminum foil holds a cheesy mushroom and chicken casserole. The top layer is golden melted cheese scattered with browned mushroom slices and small pieces of cooked chicken with a light brown color. Sprigs of fresh green herbs are spread on top, adding a touch of freshness. Surrounding the dish are whole mushrooms, a whole brown onion, a small glass bowl of mixed wild rice with a silver spoon, and some green herb sprigs, all placed on a white marbled surface with a soft gray cloth in the background. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

A handful of freshly chopped parsley or thyme sprinkled over the top adds a delightful burst of color and a hint of fresh herb aroma that complements the casserole perfectly.

Side Dishes

This casserole pairs beautifully with crisp green salads, steamed vegetables like broccoli or green beans, or even a tangy cranberry sauce to cut through its creamy richness.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, serve your Chicken and Wild Rice Casserole Recipe in individual ramekins for perfectly portioned servings, or bulk it up with a side of garlic bread for that extra cozy factor.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Make sure it’s cooled completely before refrigerating to maintain its creaminess and freshness.

Freezing

You can freeze the casserole before baking. Assemble it in a freezer-safe dish, cover tightly with foil and plastic wrap, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking as per the instructions.

Reheating

To reheat, warm individual portions in the microwave or re-cover the casserole with foil and bake at 350°F until heated through, about 20 minutes. This helps preserve the creamy texture and melted cheese topping.

FAQs

Can I use brown rice instead of wild rice?

Absolutely! Brown rice works well and adds a mild nutty flavor, though it may soften more than wild rice, so adjust cooking times accordingly.

Is it possible to make this casserole dairy-free?

Yes, to make a dairy-free version, substitute sour cream with a plant-based alternative and use dairy-free cheese. The texture will be slightly different but still delicious.

Can I use leftover cooked chicken instead of raw?

Definitely. Just toss in pre-cooked chicken during the combining step, but reduce baking time slightly since chicken is already cooked.

What can I substitute for cream of mushroom soup?

You can make a simple homemade white sauce with flour, butter, and broth or buy a canned cream of chicken soup if preferred—both work great.

How spicy is this casserole? Can I add heat?

This recipe is mild by nature, but you can add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes when seasoning the chicken for a little kick.

Final Thoughts

This Chicken and Wild Rice Casserole Recipe is one of those dishes that feels like it was made just for sharing—with its creamy, cheesy comfort and wholesome ingredients, it’s bound to become a favorite in your meal rotation. I truly hope you give it a try and enjoy every bite as much as I do!