Name: Creamy Chicken Wild Rice Casserole Recipe
Prep time: 25 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 1 h 10 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 6 ounces wild rice mixture (1 package); 1 small onion, diced; 6 ounces brown mushrooms (or cremini), sliced; 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts, cubed; 1 tablespoon olive oil; ½ teaspoon dried basil; ¼ teaspoon dried thyme leaves; Salt and black pepper to taste; 1 can condensed cream of mushroom soup; ⅓ cup sour cream; 2 tablespoons chicken broth; 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese, divided

If you’ve been hunting for that perfect comfort food dish that hits all the right notes—creamy, cheesy, hearty, and downright delicious—I’m about to share a real gem with you. This Creamy Chicken Wild Rice Casserole Recipe is one of those dishes that instantly makes your kitchen feel warm and welcoming, and your whole family will go crazy for it. Whether it’s chilly weeknight dinner or a cozy weekend gathering, this casserole serves up satisfying flavors with an easy prep that I know you’ll appreciate.

❤️

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Comfort in Every Bite: This casserole is creamy, cheesy, and packed with tender chicken and earthy wild rice.
Simple Ingredients: Uses pantry staples and easy-to-find fresh produce, making it hassle-free to prep.
Family Favorite: My family’s go-to recipe that’s perfect for weeknights or casual gatherings.
Make Ahead Friendly: Prep in advance, freeze, or store leftovers easily without losing flavor or texture.

The image shows a close-up view of a baked casserole dish lined with foil, filled with a creamy rice mixture. The dish has three main layers: the bottom layer is soft, white rice mixed with small pieces of cooked chicken; the middle layer is a mix of melted yellow cheese and creamy sauce, creating a smooth texture; and the top layer is scattered with sautéed brown mushroom slices and small bits of green herbs. A spoon is partially scooping out a portion from the right side, revealing the mixed layers, and the casserole sits on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Creamy Chicken Wild Rice Casserole, delicious chicken casserole, hearty rice casserole, easy comfort food, cheesy chicken and rice dish

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe brings together a lovely balance of hearty and creamy with wholesome wild rice and tender chicken, plus a mushroom-y richness that’s hard to beat. Here’s a quick guide to the ingredients you’ll want to have on hand and some tips I’ve learned along the way to help you shop smart and prepare with confidence.

Flat lay of raw wild rice mixture in a small white ceramic bowl, a small diced yellow onion in a white bowl, sliced brown cremini mushrooms arranged beside it, cubed raw boneless skinless chicken breasts neatly placed on a white plate, a small white bowl of golden olive oil, dried basil and dried thyme leaves sprinkled artfully on the surface, a few whole uncracked brown eggs with clean shells, a small white bowl holding creamy condensed mushroom soup, a small white bowl of smooth sour cream, a small white bowl of clear chicken broth, a small pile of shredded sharp cheddar cheese on a white plate, salt and black pepper flakes delicately scattered for visual balance placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p awthu7i m7354615311229779997 - Creamy Chicken Wild Rice Casserole, delicious chicken casserole, hearty rice casserole, easy comfort food, cheesy chicken and rice dish

Wild Rice Mixture: Look for a package that combines wild rice with other varieties like brown rice for a perfect chewy texture.
Onion: Diced onion adds subtle sweetness and depth—yellow or white onions work great.
Brown Mushrooms (Cremini): These bring an earthy flavor and meaty texture that complements the chicken beautifully.
Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts: Cubed for quick cooking; you can swap for thighs if you prefer juicier meat.
Olive Oil: For browning the chicken and softening veggies, opt for extra virgin for richer flavor.
Dried Basil & Thyme: These dried herbs add just the right herby notes—feel free to adjust to your taste.
Salt and Black Pepper: Season generously but taste as you go to avoid over-salting.
Condensed Cream of Mushroom Soup: The base of creaminess here—this shortcut brings so much comfort without fuss.
Sour Cream: Adds tang and richness, balancing the creamy soup perfectly.
Chicken Broth: Just a bit to loosen the mix and enhance flavor.
Shredded Cheddar Cheese: Sharp cheddar melts beautifully and adds that golden cheese crust we all crave.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

I love how versatile this Creamy Chicken Wild Rice Casserole Recipe is. Over time I’ve tried tweaking it here and there—sometimes swapping mushrooms out for spinach, or using different cheeses—and I encourage you to adapt it based on what you have or what you prefer.

Vegetable Boost: Adding chopped spinach or broccoli not only gives you more greens but also a nice pop of color and extra nutrients. My kids actually love it when I sneak in broccoli!
Dairy-Free Option: Use coconut cream or a non-dairy sour cream alternative and swap cheddar for a dairy-free cheese if you need to keep it lactose-free.
Spicy Kick: Sometimes I sprinkle a little cayenne or smoked paprika into the mix for a subtle heat that brightens the whole dish.
Protein Swap: You can easily swap chicken breasts with cooked turkey or even leftover rotisserie chicken—so handy for quick dinners.

How to Make Creamy Chicken Wild Rice Casserole Recipe

Step 1: Sauté the Mushrooms and Onions

Start by heating your olive oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add the diced onions and sliced mushrooms. Cook them slowly so they soften and develop that lovely, sweet caramelized flavor without browning too quickly. This part really sets the foundation for your casserole’s depth of flavor. It takes about 5-7 minutes; you’ll notice their aroma fills the kitchen—always a good sign!

Step 2: Cook the Wild Rice

Once your veggies are softened, add the wild rice mixture along with the water called for on the package. Wild rice takes a while to get tender (usually around 45 minutes), so I like to start it early. Cooking it in the same pan with the mushrooms and onions lets those flavors mingle nicely. Stir occasionally, and once it’s tender but still chewy, you’re ready for the next steps.

Step 3: Season and Brown the Chicken

Meanwhile, toss your cubed chicken breasts with dried basil, thyme, salt, and pepper. I like to be generous with the seasoning here because it needs to shine through the creamy sauce later. Heat a skillet over medium and brown the chicken cubes on all sides until they’re almost cooked through—this usually takes about 5-7 minutes. Getting a golden color on the chicken adds flavor, so don’t rush this step!

Step 4: Mix It All Together

Now for the fun part! In a large bowl, combine the cooked wild rice with the browned chicken, cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, chicken broth, and half of your shredded cheddar cheese. I like to fold everything gently but thoroughly to ensure every bite is packed with flavor and creaminess. At this stage, you can taste and adjust seasoning if you feel it needs a little extra salt or pepper.

Step 5: Bake Until Bubbling and Golden

Spread the mixture evenly into a foil-lined 9×13 baking dish—lining it makes cleanup so much easier! Cover it tightly with foil and pop it into your preheated 375°F oven for 20 minutes. Then, remove the foil, sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese over the top, and bake another 5-7 minutes until it’s bubbling and beautifully golden. Let it rest for 10 minutes before serving to let the flavors settle and the casserole firm up just right.

👨‍🍳

Pro Tips for Making Creamy Chicken Wild Rice Casserole Recipe

Don’t Skip Sautéing: Cooking the onions and mushrooms first brings out natural sweetness and prevents the casserole from tasting bland.
Brown Your Chicken Well: This adds great texture and deeper flavor—avoid overcrowding your pan, or the chicken will steam instead of brown.
Use Heavy-Duty Foil: I use Reynolds Wrap® Heavy Duty Foil to prevent the top from burning and keep the casserole moist.
Let it Rest: The resting time is crucial for the casserole to set, making it easier to portion and enhancing its texture.

How to Serve Creamy Chicken Wild Rice Casserole Recipe

The dish is a creamy mushroom casserole served in a small white bowl placed on top of a white plate with another white plate underneath. The casserole has layers of soft beige mashed potatoes mixed with browned mushroom slices, light brown cooked chicken chunks, and melted pale yellow cheese. The top layer is garnished with sautéed, slightly crispy brown mushrooms and green herbs. The background is a white marbled surface with a whole small white mushroom and thyme sprigs to the left. In the background, a white baking dish filled with more casserole is partially visible. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Creamy Chicken Wild Rice Casserole, delicious chicken casserole, hearty rice casserole, easy comfort food, cheesy chicken and rice dish

Garnishes

I usually sprinkle some fresh chopped parsley or chives on top for a pop of green color and fresh flavor—plus, a little cracked black pepper adds just the right final touch. If you like a bit of crunch, toasted sliced almonds or crushed crackers on top work well too!

Side Dishes

Pair this casserole with a crisp green salad dressed lightly with vinaigrette to balance the richness. Roasted or steamed green beans, asparagus, or a simple garlic butter sautéed spinach are my go-to sides that keep the meal light yet satisfying.

Creative Ways to Present

For dinner parties, I like to bake this casserole in individual ramekins—they make for a cute presentation and ensure everyone gets a perfectly portioned serving. Adding edible flowers or a drizzle of truffle oil can also elevate this humble comfort food to restaurant-worthy status.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After your feast, cover any leftovers tightly with foil or transfer into airtight containers. I keep mine refrigerated for up to 3 days. When properly stored, the casserole holds its creamy texture wonderfully, so no worries if you like to plan ahead.

Freezing

I’ve frozen this casserole both before and after baking. For best results, assemble without baking, freeze covered tightly, then bake straight from the freezer—just add an extra 10-15 minutes to the cooking time. It thaws well and tastes just as comforting as fresh!

Reheating

To bring leftovers back to life, I reheat in the oven at 350°F covered with foil to prevent drying out, which usually takes about 15-20 minutes. You can also microwave smaller portions—but add a splash of broth or milk to keep it creamy and avoid rubbery chicken.

FAQs

Can I use instant or pre-cooked wild rice for this casserole?

Absolutely! If you want to save time, using precooked or instant wild rice works well. Just reduce the additional liquid in the recipe since the rice won’t need to absorb as much moisture during baking.
Is there a substitute for condensed cream of mushroom soup?

Yes! To make it from scratch, you can create a simple mushroom cream sauce by sautéing mushrooms in butter, adding garlic and flour to make a roux, then stirring in broth and cream. It’s a bit more hands-on but results in a fresher flavor.
Can I make this casserole gluten-free?

Definitely! Check that your cream of mushroom soup is labeled gluten-free or make your own. Also, use a certified gluten-free wild rice blend and ensure other ingredients don’t contain gluten. This recipe adapts well for a gluten-free diet.
What’s the best way to avoid dry chicken in this casserole?

Browning the chicken just until it’s nearly cooked and then finishing it in the baking casserole keeps it juicy. Also, make sure not to overbake—remove the casserole as soon as the cheese is bubbly and melted.

Final Thoughts

This Creamy Chicken Wild Rice Casserole Recipe holds a special place in my heart because it’s one of those rare dishes that feels like a warm hug after a busy day. I love sharing it with friends and family because it’s both impressive and comforting—without being complicated. I hope once you try it, you’ll find yourself making it again and again, just like I have. Go ahead, give it a try tonight; I promise it’ll become your new favorite go-to comfort meal.