Forget the canned soup! This from-scratch Chicken Wild Rice Casserole is the ultimate comfort food, packed with tender chicken, hearty wild rice, and fresh vegetables in a rich, creamy sauce. It’s a wholesome, satisfying meal the whole family will love. If you’re looking for a reliable and incredibly flavorful dinner, this is the recipe you need.
We’re taking simple, fresh ingredients and turning them into a casserole that’s leagues above the rest. The creamy sauce is made with a simple roux, milk, and cheese, creating a velvety texture that perfectly coats every ingredient. This is the kind of dish that makes your whole house smell amazing while it bakes.
Why This Recipe Works
- No Canned Soup: We build a flavorful, creamy sauce from scratch, which means no processed ingredients and way more flavor. It’s easier than you think!
- Hearty and Wholesome: Packed with protein from chicken and fiber from wild rice and veggies, this is a truly satisfying and well-rounded meal.
- Perfectly Textured: By cooking the rice blend separately and creating a stable cream sauce, we ensure the casserole is creamy, not mushy.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: This recipe is perfect for meal prep. You can assemble it ahead of time and bake it when you’re ready for a stress-free weeknight dinner.
Key Ingredients for Chicken Wild Rice Casserole
This recipe uses simple, wholesome ingredients to create a truly memorable dish. Here’s what you’ll need:
For the Casserole:
- Chicken: Cooked and shredded chicken breast works perfectly. A rotisserie chicken is a great time-saving shortcut.
- Wild Rice Blend: Use a long-grain and wild rice blend. Cook it according to package directions before adding it to the casserole.
- Vegetables: A classic mirepoix of onion, carrots, and celery builds the aromatic base. I also love adding mushrooms for their earthy flavor.
- Garlic: Freshly minced garlic adds a layer of savory depth.
For the Creamy Sauce:
- Butter & Flour: These create a roux, which is the foundation for our thick, creamy sauce.
- Chicken Broth: Use a quality chicken broth for the best flavor.
- Milk or Heavy Cream: For a richer sauce, use heavy cream. For a lighter version, whole milk works beautifully.
- Cheese: Gruyere or a white cheddar cheese melts beautifully and adds a nutty, sharp flavor that complements the other ingredients.
- Seasoning: A simple blend of thyme, rosemary, salt, and black pepper is all you need.
How to Make Chicken Wild Rice Casserole
Making this casserole from scratch is straightforward. Just follow these simple steps for a perfect result every time.
- Prep Your Ingredients: Start by cooking your wild rice blend according to the package instructions. Sauté the onions, carrots, and celery until softened. Add the mushrooms and garlic and cook for another few minutes until fragrant.
- Make the Cream Sauce: In a large skillet or Dutch oven, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour to create a paste (a roux). Slowly pour in the chicken broth while whisking continuously to prevent lumps. Then, whisk in the milk or cream until the sauce is smooth.
- Combine and Bake: Bring the sauce to a simmer and let it thicken. Stir in the cheese until melted, then add the cooked rice, shredded chicken, and sautéed vegetables. Season with thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper. Transfer everything to a baking dish, top with more cheese or breadcrumbs, and bake until bubbly and golden.
Tips for the Best Casserole
- Don’t Overcook the Rice: Cook the rice until it’s just tender (al dente). It will continue to cook in the oven, and this prevents the casserole from becoming mushy.
- Shred Your Own Cheese: Pre-shredded cheese is often coated in anti-caking agents that can make your sauce gritty. For the smoothest, creamiest sauce, always grate your own cheese from a block.
- Let it Rest: After pulling the casserole from the oven, let it rest for 10-15 minutes. This allows the sauce to set up and makes it easier to serve.
Serving Suggestions
This Chicken Wild Rice Casserole is a complete meal on its own, but it also pairs wonderfully with a few simple sides. For a comforting dinner, serve it alongside some Homemade Garlic Knots to sop up the creamy sauce. It’s also fantastic with a simple green salad or some steamed vegetables. If you enjoy casserole dishes, you might also like this Winter Vegetable Casserole.
Storage and Freezing Instructions
This casserole is just as delicious the next day!
- To Store: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- To Reheat: Reheat individual portions in the microwave or a larger portion in a 350°F (175°C) oven until warmed through.
- To Freeze: You can freeze the baked casserole or assemble it and freeze it before baking. Wrap the dish tightly in plastic wrap and then foil. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before baking as directed.
For another classic comfort food recipe, check out this amazing Chicken and Dumplings from scratch.
FAQ
Yes, absolutely! You can assemble the entire casserole, cover it tightly, and refrigerate it for up to 2 days before baking. You may need to add 10-15 minutes to the baking time if it’s going into the oven straight from the fridge.
Yes, you can substitute brown rice. Cook the brown rice according to package directions before adding it to the recipe. The texture will be slightly different, but it will still be delicious.
This casserole freezes very well. You can freeze it baked or unbaked. Wrap the dish securely in plastic wrap and foil and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking.
The key is to not overcook your rice initially. Cook the wild rice blend just until it’s tender (al dente). It will absorb more liquid and continue to cook in the oven, so starting with slightly undercooked rice ensures the perfect final texture.
Any cooked chicken will work! This is a great recipe for using up leftover chicken. For a quick option, a store-bought rotisserie chicken is perfect. You can also boil or bake 2-3 chicken breasts and shred them yourself.
The Perfect Comfort Meal
This Chicken Wild Rice Casserole recipe is sure to become a new family favorite. It’s creamy, comforting, and packed with incredible flavor. Give it a try and let me know what you think in the comments below. For more delicious recipe ideas, be sure to follow me on Pinterest!
Chicken Wild Rice Casserole
Chicken Wild Rice Casserole (From Scratch!)
Ingredients
Equipment
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Cook the wild rice blend according to the package directions. Set aside.
- While the rice cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the onion, carrots, and celery and cook for 5-7 minutes, until softened. Add the sliced mushrooms and cook for another 5 minutes, until they have released their moisture and started to brown. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute more until fragrant.
- To the same skillet, add the butter and let it melt. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly, to form a roux. Gradually pour in the chicken broth while whisking continuously to avoid lumps. Then, whisk in the milk or cream until the sauce is smooth.
- Bring the sauce to a simmer and let it cook for 2-3 minutes, until it has thickened. Remove from heat and stir in 1 cup of the shredded cheese until melted. Add the cooked rice, shredded chicken, and the sautéed vegetable mixture. Season with thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together until well combined.
- Pour the mixture into a greased 9x13 inch baking dish. Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of cheese on top. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the casserole is hot, bubbly, and the top is golden brown.
- Remove from the oven and let it rest for 10-15 minutes before serving. This allows the casserole to set.
Notes
Cheese Variation: Feel free to mix up the cheeses. A combination of cheddar and Parmesan works wonderfully.
Topping Idea: For a crunchy topping, mix 1/2 cup of panko breadcrumbs with 1 tablespoon of melted butter and sprinkle over the cheese before baking.
