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Creamy Chicken Wild Rice Casserole

creamy chicken wild rice casserole - featured image

This cozy casserole combines tender chicken, nutty wild rice, sweet veggies, and a creamy, cheesy sauce for a comforting family dinner. It’s easy to prepare, crowd-pleasing, and perfect for busy weeknights or gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 cups cooked wild rice (about 180g)
  • 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced (about 250g)
  • 1 cup frozen peas (140g)
  • 1 cup diced carrots (120g)
  • 1 small onion, diced (about 80g)
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup sliced mushrooms (90g, optional)
  • 1 can (10.5 oz) condensed cream of chicken soup
  • 1 cup whole milk
  • 1/2 cup chicken broth
  • 1/2 cup sour cream
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried parsley
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 1/4 cup sliced almonds
  • Chopped fresh parsley, for garnish

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish with butter or cooking spray.
  2. If not already prepared, cook wild rice according to package directions (about 45 minutes).
  3. Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add oil or butter, then sauté onion, carrots, and mushrooms for 4-5 minutes until softened. Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds more.
  4. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together cream of chicken soup, milk, chicken broth, sour cream, thyme, parsley, salt, and pepper until smooth.
  5. Add cooked wild rice, chicken, sautéed veggies, and frozen peas to the bowl. Stir gently until well combined.
  6. Pour mixture into the greased casserole dish and smooth the top.
  7. Sprinkle cheddar cheese evenly over the top, then scatter sliced almonds.
  8. Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes.
  9. Remove foil and bake another 15-20 minutes, until cheese is golden and bubbly.
  10. Let casserole rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley.

Notes

For gluten-free, use certified gluten-free cream soup and broth. For nut allergies, omit almonds or use crispy fried onions. Substitute veggies as desired. Prep veggies while rice cooks for efficiency. Let casserole rest after baking for best texture.

Nutrition

Keywords: chicken casserole, wild rice, comfort food, family dinner, creamy casserole, easy recipe, one-pan meal, potluck, freezer-friendly, kid-friendly