Name: Chicken Wild Rice Casserole
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 55 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 cups cooked wild rice (or wild rice blend); 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or cubed; 1 cup celery, chopped; 1 cup carrots, chopped; 1 small onion, finely diced; 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup; 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup; 1 cup sour cream; 1/2 cup milk; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1 teaspoon dried thyme; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon black pepper; 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional, for topping)

A hearty and comforting classic, this Chicken Wild Rice Casserole blends tender pieces of chicken, nutty wild rice, fresh vegetables, and a creamy, flavorful sauce. It’s everything I want in a cozy weeknight dinner—easy to make, satisfying, and ideal for both immediate meals and make-ahead prep.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

2 cups cooked wild rice (or wild rice blend)

2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or cubed

1 cup celery, chopped

1 cup carrots, chopped

1 small onion, finely diced

1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup

1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup

1 cup sour cream

1/2 cup milk

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1 teaspoon dried thyme

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon black pepper

1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional, for topping)

Directions

I start by preheating my oven to 350°F (175°C) and greasing a 9×13-inch baking dish.

In a large bowl, I mix together the cooked wild rice, chicken, celery, carrots, and onion.

Then I stir in the cream of chicken soup, cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, milk, garlic powder, thyme, salt, and pepper until everything is well combined.

I transfer the mixture into the baking dish and spread it out evenly.

If I’m in the mood for extra richness, I sprinkle cheddar cheese over the top.

I bake it uncovered for 35–40 minutes until the casserole is hot, bubbly, and slightly golden.

I let it cool for a few minutes before serving.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes 6 hearty servings.

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 40 minutes

Total Time: 55 minutes

Calories: Approximately 380 kcal per serving

Variations

I like to switch things up sometimes by using rotisserie chicken for added flavor or swapping in turkey after the holidays. I’ve also added mushrooms or spinach when I wanted more vegetables. To give it a bit of a crunch, I’ve topped it with buttery crushed crackers or slivered almonds. Skipping the cheese topping is totally fine, but when I want it extra indulgent, sharp cheddar adds the perfect touch.

Storage/Reheating

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. For reheating, I either microwave individual portions or reheat the whole dish in the oven at 350°F until warmed through. If I want to freeze it, I assemble the casserole (without baking), cover it tightly, and freeze for up to 2 months. I thaw it in the fridge overnight before baking.

FAQs

How do I cook wild rice for this recipe?

I simmer 1 cup of uncooked wild rice in about 3 cups of water for 45–50 minutes until the grains are tender and some have burst open. I drain any excess water before using it in the casserole.

Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

Yes, I often assemble it the night before, cover it, and refrigerate it. The next day, I bake it as directed, adding a few extra minutes if it’s still cold from the fridge.

What can I use instead of cream of mushroom soup?

If I don’t have cream of mushroom soup, I either use more cream of chicken soup or make a homemade version with mushrooms, broth, and a thickening agent like flour and butter.

Is this casserole gluten-free?

It can be made gluten-free if I use certified gluten-free wild rice and substitute the canned soups with gluten-free versions or homemade alternatives.

Can I add more vegetables?

Definitely. I’ve added frozen peas, corn, or even chopped spinach without changing the baking time. It’s an easy way to make it even more nutritious.

Conclusion

This Chicken Wild Rice Casserole has become a staple in my comfort food rotation. It’s warm, filling, and easy to make with pantry staples. Whether I’m feeding a crowd, doing meal prep for the week, or just craving something hearty and homey, this casserole always delivers.

Recipe: