Chicken Wild Rice Casserole Recipe

During my travels through the Upper Midwest of the United States, I discovered a dish that perfectly captures the region’s rustic warmth: Chicken Wild Rice Casserole Recipe. 

This cozy classic is especially beloved in Minnesota, where wild rice is not just an ingredient but a cultural treasure, often harvested from the state’s clear northern lakes. 

The nutty flavor of the rice, paired with creamy chicken and vegetables, embodies Midwestern hospitality: hearty, wholesome, and made to comfort on chilly days.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here are the simple ingredients you need to create this comforting and hearty casserole.

• 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced – A rotisserie chicken is a great time-saver here, but any leftover cooked chicken works perfectly.
• 4 cups cooked wild rice blend – Using a blend that includes different grains adds more texture and flavor than using plain wild rice.
• 1 (10.5 oz) can condensed cream of chicken soup – This is the secret to the casserole’s creamy, savory sauce base.
• 2 celery stalks, chopped – Celery adds a subtle, fresh crunch and a layer of aromatic flavor that complements the other ingredients.
• ½ onion, diced – A yellow or white onion provides a sweet, savory foundation when sautéed.
• ½ cup sour cream – Use full-fat sour cream for the richest flavor and creamiest texture to bind the sauce together.
• ¾ cup chicken stock – This helps thin the condensed soup and adds more depth to the overall flavor of the casserole.
• 1 tsp minced garlic – Freshly minced garlic offers the best flavor, but jarred is a fine substitute.
• ¼ cup shredded Parmesan cheese – For the best melting results, shred your own cheese from a block. It creates a beautiful golden-brown crust.
• Salt and pepper to taste – I recommend starting with ½ teaspoon of salt and ¼ teaspoon of pepper and adjusting from there.

Note: This recipe will yield about 8 servings.

Variations

One of the best things about this casserole is how easy it is to customize. Here are a few ideas to make it your own.

• Add More Veggies: Feel free to toss in about a cup of sliced mushrooms, frozen peas, or chopped carrots when you sauté the celery and onion for an extra nutritional boost.
• Make it Cheesy: For an even richer dish, stir in a cup of shredded cheddar or Gruyère cheese with the Parmesan before baking.
• Dairy-Free Option: You can substitute the sour cream with a dairy-free sour cream alternative and use a dairy-free condensed soup or a homemade roux-based sauce.
• Flavor Boosters: A splash of white wine when sautéing the vegetables or a teaspoon of dried thyme can add another layer of sophisticated flavor.

Cooking Time

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cooking Time: 40 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour

Equipment You Need

• 9×11 inch baking dish: This is the perfect size for baking the casserole evenly. Make sure to grease it to prevent sticking.
• Large bowl: You’ll need this for mixing all the casserole ingredients together before transferring them to the baking dish.
• Frying pan: Use this to sauté the celery, onion, and garlic to soften them and bring out their flavors.
• Spatula or spoon: For mixing the ingredients thoroughly and spreading the mixture evenly in the dish.

How to Make Chicken Wild Rice Casserole Recipe?

Making this casserole is a straightforward process that results in a wonderfully delicious and comforting meal. Just follow these simple steps to bring it all together. The key is to have your chicken and rice cooked ahead of time, which makes assembly quick and easy.

Sauté the Vegetables

First, preheat your oven to 350°F and grease a 9×11 inch baking dish. In a medium frying pan over medium heat, sauté the chopped celery and diced onion until they become soft and translucent, which usually takes about 5-7 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until it is fragrant. Season with salt and pepper to your liking.

Combine the Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked chicken, condensed cream of chicken soup, sour cream, and chicken stock. Stir until everything is well blended into a creamy sauce. Add the sautéed vegetables to the bowl and mix them in. Finally, gently fold in the cooked wild rice, adding it about a cup at a time to ensure it is evenly incorporated without becoming mushy.

Bake the Casserole

Pour the mixture into your prepared baking dish and use a spatula to spread it out into an even layer. Sprinkle the shredded Parmesan cheese uniformly over the top. This will create a delicious, golden-brown crust as it bakes. Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 30 to 40 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbly and the top is golden brown. Let it rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Chicken Wild Rice Casserole Recipe 🇺🇸: The Heartwarming Taste of Minnesota

While traveling through Minnesota, I discovered that wild rice isn’t just a food here, but rather a vital part of the state’s cultural and geographical identity. Grown naturally in the crystal-clear lakes of northern Minnesota, wild rice is often called the “state grain.” 

This Chicken Wild Rice Casserole beautifully represents Midwestern comfort, blending creamy textures, earthy flavors, and hearty ingredients. It’s a dish that reflects the warmth of Minnesota’s lake country, nourishing, rustic, and deeply tied to local tradition. 

Additional Tips for Making This Recipe Better

I’ve made this casserole many times, and I’ve picked up a few tricks along the way that really make a difference.

• I always use a rotisserie chicken to save time. It’s already seasoned and moist, which adds a lot of flavor without any extra effort on my part.
• Make sure you don’t over-mix when you add the rice. I find that folding it in gently helps keep the grains intact and prevents the casserole from becoming too dense.
• Sometimes, I like to add a crunchy topping. About 1/4 cup of panko breadcrumbs or crushed crackers mixed with a tablespoon of melted butter and sprinkled on top before baking gives it a wonderful texture.
• Don’t skip the step of letting the casserole rest after it comes out of the oven. This allows it to set up a bit, making it much easier to serve.

How to Serve Chicken Wild Rice Casserole?

When visiting Minnesota, the birthplace of this comforting casserole, locals love serving it with buttery dinner rolls, cranberry chutney, or roasted vegetables for a complete meal. The tartness of the cranberries beautifully balances the creamy richness of the dish. It’s best enjoyed hot, fresh from the oven, on a crisp northern evening by the fire. This combination reflects the heart of Midwestern cuisine: hearty, homey, and deeply connected to the land’s natural abundance. 

Nutritional Information

Here is an estimated nutritional breakdown for one serving of this casserole.

• Calories: 350 kcal
• Protein: 19g
• Carbohydrates: 62g
• Fat: 9g

Make Ahead and Storage

This recipe is perfect for planning ahead, and leftovers are just as delicious.

Make Ahead: You can assemble the entire casserole up to 24 hours in advance. Simply cover the unbaked casserole tightly with foil and store it in the refrigerator. You may need to add 10-15 minutes to the baking time since it will be starting from cold.

Storing: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The flavors will continue to meld, making it a great option for lunches.

Freezing: This casserole freezes well. You can freeze it baked or unbaked in a freezer-safe dish for up to 3 months. Thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before baking or reheating.

Reheating: Reheat individual portions in the microwave or place the entire casserole back in a 350°F oven until warmed through. If it seems a bit dry, you can add a splash of chicken stock before reheating.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe?

This chicken and wild rice casserole is sure to become a family favorite for so many reasons.

• Incredibly Comforting: The creamy sauce, tender chicken, and nutty wild rice create a dish that is pure comfort food, perfect for a cozy night in.
• Great for Using Leftovers: It’s an excellent way to use up leftover cooked chicken and rice, transforming them into an entirely new and delicious meal.
• Easy to Prepare: With pre-cooked chicken and rice, this casserole comes together quickly, making it a perfect choice for a weeknight dinner that feels special.
• A True Crowd-Pleaser: The savory and satisfying flavors appeal to both kids and adults, making it a reliable dish for family gatherings or potlucks.