Name: Creamy Chicken and Wild Rice Casserole Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 4-5 cups cooked long grain and wild rice (about 8 oz or 1 to 1.25 cups uncooked); 2 tablespoons butter or olive oil; 1 medium onion, chopped; 2 celery stalks, chopped; 1 can cream of chicken soup or cream of mushroom soup; ½ cup sour cream; ⅓ cup chicken broth; 1 teaspoon dry basil or oregano; Salt & pepper to taste; 2 cups cooked chicken breast, cubed or shredded; ⅓ cup parmesan cheese; 1 tablespoon dry parsley

Jump to Recipe

If you’re looking for an ultimate cozy dinner, the Creamy Chicken and Wild Rice Casserole is about to become your new weeknight favorite. This recipe brings together tender chicken, perfectly cooked wild rice, and a velvety, flavor-packed sauce into one bubbling, golden-topped dish. Each bite delivers a wonderful combination of comforting creaminess and hearty textures that simply begs for seconds! It’s the sort of casserole that instantly feels like home and is just as perfect for family gatherings as it is for breezy Sunday suppers.

Creamy Chicken and Wild Rice Casserole Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Every ingredient in this dish plays an important role, from building deep savory flavors to delivering that luscious, melt-in-your-mouth texture. Here’s what you’ll need and why each one matters for your Creamy Chicken and Wild Rice Casserole.

Cooked long grain and wild rice: This mix delivers a satisfyingly nutty flavor and a chewy bite that stands up beautifully in the casserole.
Butter (or olive oil): Adds richness and helps soften the vegetables for a mellow, savory base.
Onion: Brings an aromatic sweetness that infuses the whole casserole.
Celery: Offers subtle crunch and fresh flavor, balancing out all that creaminess.
Cream of chicken soup (or cream of mushroom): Delivers a silky, savory backbone and classic comfort food vibes.
Sour cream: Makes the sauce extra creamy with just a hint of tang for depth.
Chicken broth: Enhances all the flavors and keeps everything luscious and moist.
Dry basil or oregano: Adds herby aromatics that lift the whole dish (mix them for even bolder flavor!).
Salt & pepper: Essential to bring everything together—taste and adjust as you go.
Cooked chicken breast: Protein-packed and hearty, whether cubed or shredded for your favorite texture.
Parmesan cheese: Sprinkled on top for a salty, nutty, perfectly melty crust.
Dry parsley: A final pop of color and freshness with very little effort.

How to Make Creamy Chicken and Wild Rice Casserole

Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Preheat

Start by setting your oven to 350 degrees so it’s hot and ready when your casserole is assembled. Spray or brush an 8×8-inch baking dish with olive oil for easy cleanup and to keep anything from sticking when you serve up that first, glorious scoop.

Step 2: Sauté Your Vegetables

Melt your butter (or heat olive oil) in a large skillet over medium heat. Toss in your chopped onion and celery, then sauté for about 5 minutes. You’re looking for them to soften and become wonderfully fragrant, which creates a beautiful base layer of flavor for the Creamy Chicken and Wild Rice Casserole.

Step 3: Build the Creamy Sauce

Add the cream of chicken soup, sour cream, chicken broth, and your dried basil or oregano (or a little of both!). Stir well until everything is smooth and creamy—the aroma at this stage might make you want to grab a spoon already!

Step 4: Mix In the Rice and Chicken

Gently fold your cooked rice and chicken into the creamy mixture in the skillet. Stir everything carefully until well combined. Don’t forget to taste for salt and pepper; just be careful, the mixture will be hot! Adjust the seasoning as needed, then mix again so every bite is flavorful.

Step 5: Assemble and Top the Casserole

Spoon the mixture into your greased baking dish and even out the surface. Generously sprinkle the top with parmesan cheese and a shower of dry parsley. This savory, golden topping is what makes the Creamy Chicken and Wild Rice Casserole so irresistible straight from the oven.

Step 6: Bake to Golden-Bubbly Perfection

Bake the casserole uncovered for 30 to 35 minutes, or until the top turns golden brown and the sauce is bubbly around the edges. Let it rest for 5 minutes after coming out of the oven—that way each portion sets up just enough for perfect serving.

How to Serve Creamy Chicken and Wild Rice Casserole

Garnishes

A sprinkle of fresh parsley or a few extra shavings of parmesan brightens each square of casserole beautifully. Try a tiny drizzle of olive oil for added glossiness and a subtly nutty aroma when serving this Creamy Chicken and Wild Rice Casserole at the table.

Side Dishes

This casserole needs little more than a crisp green salad or a side of steamed vegetables to round out the meal. Buttery rolls or a chunk of sourdough bread are perfect for sopping up every drop of velvety sauce.

Creative Ways to Present

For something special, scoop the casserole into ramekins for personal servings—great for entertaining! Or, transform leftovers into a quick soup base the next day by adding extra chicken broth for a cozy lunch with little effort.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Let the casserole cool to room temperature, then transfer leftovers to an airtight container. It will keep well in the fridge for up to three days without sacrificing any of that creamy, comforting texture.

Freezing

To freeze, simply wrap portions (or the entire dish, if you like to batch-cook!) tightly in foil and then plastic wrap. Label with the date and store in the freezer for up to two months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

The best way to reheat Creamy Chicken and Wild Rice Casserole is in the oven at 350 degrees until heated through, about 15-20 minutes. For single portions, a quick zap in the microwave works too—just add a splash of broth or milk if it seems a touch dry.

FAQs

Can I use rotisserie chicken instead of cooked chicken breast?

Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken brings even more flavor and tenderness to the casserole, and saves you time too. Just shred or chop the meat and follow the recipe as written.

Can I make Creamy Chicken and Wild Rice Casserole dairy-free?

You can use non-dairy substitutes like coconut cream in place of sour cream, and a dairy-free cheese or nutritional yeast for the parmesan. Just make sure any canned soup you use is also dairy-free.

What’s the best way to cook wild rice?

Simmer wild rice in a mix of water and broth for extra flavor, usually about 45-50 minutes until tender. You can also use a rice cooker or buy pre-cooked wild rice to save time on busy nights.

Can I add extra vegetables to the casserole?

Definitely! Mushrooms, peas, or even sautéed spinach work beautifully here. Add them in with the rice and chicken for a veggie-packed version of this Creamy Chicken and Wild Rice Casserole.

Is it possible to double the recipe for a crowd?

Yes, just double all the ingredients and bake in a 9×13-inch dish. You may need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time, but it’s a fantastic make-ahead option for potlucks and family gatherings.

Final Thoughts

I can’t recommend this Creamy Chicken and Wild Rice Casserole enough for anyone craving something hearty and heartwarming. Whether you’re new to casseroles or a seasoned pro, this recipe brings everyone to the table with happy appetites. Simple to make and dazzlingly comforting, give it a try soon—you might find it becomes a staple in your kitchen, too!

Creamy Chicken and Wild Rice Casserole Recipe

★★★★★

5.3 from 9 reviews

Author: Noah
Total Time: 50 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Gluten Free

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Description

A comforting and creamy casserole featuring tender chicken, hearty wild rice, and a savory blend of herbs, perfect for a cozy family meal.

Instructions

Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Grease an 8×8 inch baking dish with olive oil.
Sauté Vegetables: In a large skillet, melt butter and sauté onion and celery until softened, about 5 minutes.
Combine Ingredients: Add cream of chicken soup, sour cream, chicken broth, and herbs. Stir to combine.
Add Rice and Chicken: Mix in cooked rice and chicken. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Prepare Casserole: Transfer mixture to the baking dish. Sprinkle with parmesan cheese and parsley.
Bake: Bake uncovered for 30-35 minutes until golden and bubbly. Rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

You can add cooked vegetables like peas or carrots for extra texture and flavor.
Feel free to customize the herbs and seasonings to suit your taste preferences.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Category: Main Dish
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American