Name: Chicken Wild Rice Casserole Recipe
Prep time: 40 min
Cook time: 1 h
Total time: 1 h 40 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 9 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided; 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts (6 to 8 ounces each); 1 onion, diced; 2 stalks celery, diced; Salt, to taste; Pepper, to taste; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 10 ounces mushrooms, tough stems removed and sliced; 1 ½ cups wild rice blend; 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth (16 ounces); 1 cup dry white wine; 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour; ¼ teaspoon onion powder; ½ teaspoon dried thyme (or 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves); 1 cup whole milk; ¼ teaspoon salt; ½ teaspoon pepper

If you’re looking for a comforting, hearty dish that feels like a warm hug on a plate, you’ve got to try this Chicken Wild Rice Casserole Recipe. I absolutely love how the tender chicken, earthy mushrooms, and nutty wild rice blend together with a creamy white sauce to create something truly special—and it’s perfect for any night of the week. Whether you’re cooking for family or friends, this casserole hits all the right notes and will have everyone asking for seconds.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Rich, Comforting Flavor: The creamy white sauce combined with savory mushrooms and chicken makes every bite so satisfying.
Wild Rice for Nutty Texture: Wild rice adds an earthy depth and chewy texture you don’t get with plain rice.
One-Pot Simplicity: Everything cooks in one skillet, meaning less cleanup and more joy in making a delicious meal.
Family-Friendly Favorite: This dish always pleases a crowd—my family goes crazy for it!

A white pot filled with three golden brown chicken pieces on top of a bed of cooked rice mixed with sliced brown mushrooms and small bits of onion and celery. The rice looks soft and slightly saucy, with a mix of light and dark brown colors, and the mushrooms are scattered on and around the chicken. There is a silver spoon resting inside the pot on the left side. The pot is placed on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Chicken Wild Rice Casserole, hearty chicken rice casserole, comforting wild rice dish, creamy chicken and rice bake, savory mushroom chicken casserole

Ingredients You’ll Need

The ingredients here come together to strike a perfect balance of flavors and textures, from the meaty mushrooms to the hearty wild rice and tender chicken. Don’t skip the wine—it adds a lovely depth you won’t want to miss.

Flat lay of boneless skinless chicken breasts, a small mound of wild rice blend with visible grains, diced onion, diced celery stalks, whole uncracked brown eggs, small white ceramic bowls each holding unsalted butter cubes, minced garlic cloves, sliced fresh mushrooms, low-sodium chicken broth, dry white wine, all-purpose flour, whole milk, small white bowl with dried thyme leaves, small white bowl with onion powder, sprigs of fresh parsley, salt and pepper in tiny white bowls placed symmetrically around the ingredients, 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 - Chicken Wild Rice Casserole, hearty chicken rice casserole, comforting wild rice dish, creamy chicken and rice bake, savory mushroom chicken casserole

Unsalted butter: Using unsalted butter lets you control the saltiness; it also adds a creamy richness.
Boneless skinless chicken breasts: I like chicken breasts because they cook evenly and stay juicy when browned properly.
Onion: Diced onion provides a sweet and savory base flavor.
Celery: Adds a subtle crunch and freshness to the casserole.
Garlic cloves: Minced garlic brightens the dish with aromatic warmth.
Mushrooms: I use white or cremini—make sure to remove those tough stems for the best texture.
Wild rice blend: This brings a nutty flavor and interesting chewiness compared to plain rice.
Low-sodium chicken broth: Keeps the casserole moist without being too salty.
Dry white wine: For richness and a slight tang that complements the chicken and rice.
All-purpose flour: This is for thickening that lovely white sauce.
Onion powder: Boosts the onion flavor in the sauce without overpowering.
Dried thyme (or fresh): Adds a subtle herbal note that brings everything together.
Whole milk: Makes the white sauce creamy and smooth.
Salt and pepper: Essential for seasoning throughout.

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

One of the things I love about this Chicken Wild Rice Casserole Recipe is how easy it is to personalize—feel free to swap ingredients or add extras depending on what you have on hand or your family’s preferences.

Use leftover rotisserie chicken: I’ve done this for busy weeknights and it works great—just lower the stove time since chicken is already cooked.
Swap mushrooms for spinach or kale: If you want a veggie boost, stir in some fresh greens at the end of cooking for color and nutrients.
Make it dairy-free: Try using coconut milk and a dairy-free butter substitute; the flavor will be different but still delicious.
Use brown rice instead of wild rice blend: Just keep in mind it will need longer to cook, so plan accordingly.

How to Make Chicken Wild Rice Casserole Recipe

Step 1: Sear the Chicken to Lock in Juices

Start by preheating your oven to 400°F. Pat your chicken breasts dry and season well with salt and pepper—that helps get a beautiful crust. Heat 2 tablespoons of butter in an ovenproof skillet over medium-high heat, then add the chicken. Let it cook undisturbed until it’s nicely browned on one side, about 6 to 8 minutes. This step is key because it locks in the juices. Once browned, transfer the chicken to a plate and cover to keep warm. You’ll finish cooking it later in the oven.

Step 2: Sauté Your Vegetables for Flavor Layers

Using the same skillet, add 2 more tablespoons of butter and toss in the diced onions and celery. Season lightly with salt and pepper to start building flavor. Cook until the veggies are just tender but still have a bit of crunch. Add your minced garlic and cook for about a minute more until fragrant, then scoop everything out into a bowl and set aside. This layering makes all the difference—I promise you’ll taste it!

Step 3: Brown Mushrooms for Deep Umami

Next, melt another 2 tablespoons of butter in the skillet and add your sliced mushrooms. Don’t stir right away—let them sit undisturbed until the bottoms are golden and caramelized, then stir and keep cooking until their moisture evaporates. This step brings out rich umami flavors that elevate the whole casserole. Once done, mix the onions and celery back into the mushrooms.

Step 4: Cook the Wild Rice Blend

Stir in the wild rice blend with the veggies and mushrooms so it can toast just a bit—about 2 minutes. Then pour in the chicken broth and white wine and bring it to a boil. Reduce to medium heat, cover, and simmer for 15 to 20 minutes. You want most of the liquid absorbed but still a little soupy since the rice will keep cooking in the oven. If your wild rice blend requires longer cooking, just add extra time and check frequently.

Step 5: Make the Creamy White Sauce

While the rice simmers, melt the remaining 3 tablespoons of butter in a small saucepan. Whisk in the flour, salt, pepper, onion powder, and thyme, and cook for 1 to 2 minutes to form a roux. Slowly add the milk, whisking constantly to avoid lumps, and cook until the sauce thickens into a creamy, silky consistency. This sauce brings everything together in the final bake.

Step 6: Assemble and Bake the Casserole

When the rice is mostly cooked, remove the skillet from heat. Pour the white sauce over the rice mixture and stir gently just to combine. Nestle the seared chicken breasts back into the skillet, browned side up—don’t cover the tops; this helps them stay juicy. Bake uncovered in the preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes until the chicken reaches 160°F on an instant-read thermometer. Let the casserole cool for about 10 minutes before serving—it helps the flavors meld and makes serving easier.

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Pro Tips for Making Chicken Wild Rice Casserole Recipe

Pat Chicken Dry: I learned that drying the chicken before seasoning helps get a beautiful golden crust instead of steaming it.
Don’t Rush the Mushrooms: Giving mushrooms time to brown undisturbed brings out deep flavor—stirring too often keeps them soggy.
Check Rice Cooking Times: Different wild rice blends vary, so check package directions and adjust simmering time to keep rice tender but not mushy.
Use an Instant-Read Thermometer: This takes the guesswork out of doneness, ensuring your chicken stays juicy and safe to eat.

How to Serve Chicken Wild Rice Casserole Recipe

The dish features a large white plate with three main parts: on the right side, there is a thick piece of grilled chicken with a golden brown outside sprinkled with green herbs, partially sliced into thin white pieces at the front; underneath and around the chicken, there is a layer of mixed wild rice with visible cooked brown mushroom slices, giving a textured look with shades of brown and beige; on the left side of the plate, three bright green broccoli florets add color and freshness. A silver fork rests on the left edge of the plate near the broccoli, and a silver knife lies near the top edge, partially on the chicken. The photo is taken on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Chicken Wild Rice Casserole, hearty chicken rice casserole, comforting wild rice dish, creamy chicken and rice bake, savory mushroom chicken casserole

Garnishes

I love sprinkling fresh chopped parsley over this casserole—it adds a pop of color and a fresh, herbaceous note that cuts through the richness perfectly. If I’m feeling fancy, a little lemon zest on top brightens everything up beautifully.

Side Dishes

This casserole is hearty enough to stand on its own, but I like to serve it alongside steamed green beans or roasted carrots for a vibrant contrast. A crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette also pairs nicely, balancing the meal.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I’ve served this casserole in individual ramekins topped with a sprinkle of shredded cheese and fresh thyme sprigs—makes for an elegant presentation that feels extra special. You can also add toasted almonds on top for a delightful crunch that surprises your guests.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I usually store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When I next serve it, the casserole actually tastes better as the flavors have had time to meld overnight—just reheat gently.

Freezing

Freezing this casserole works well too! I freeze portions in freezer-safe containers. When you’re ready, thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating. Just be aware the texture of wild rice can change slightly but still tastes wonderful.

Reheating

I reheat leftovers in the oven at 350°F, covered with foil to keep moisture in, for about 15-20 minutes until warmed through. You can also reheat in the microwave, but be careful not to overcook the chicken to avoid drying it out.

FAQs

Can I use brown rice instead of wild rice in this casserole?

Yes, you can substitute brown rice for the wild rice blend, but keep in mind brown rice takes longer to cook—about 40-45 minutes—so you’ll need to simmer it longer before baking. Adjust liquid amounts if necessary and check for tenderness before moving on.
Is this casserole freezer-friendly?

Absolutely! You can freeze cooked chicken wild rice casserole in airtight containers for up to 3 months. Thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating. Freezing might slightly alter the texture of the rice, but the flavors remain delicious.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

Yes, to make a dairy-free version, substitute the butter with a vegan butter alternative and use a plant-based milk like coconut or almond milk for the sauce. The flavor will be a bit different, but still creamy and tasty.
What’s the best way to ensure the chicken stays juicy?

Patting the chicken dry before searing and not overcooking during baking are key. Using an instant-read thermometer to check for an internal temperature of 160°F ensures the chicken is perfectly cooked and juicy.

Final Thoughts

Honestly, this Chicken Wild Rice Casserole Recipe has become my go-to when I want something that feels homemade and comforting, yet special enough to impress guests. I still remember the first time I made it—it filled the house with incredible aromas, and my family devoured every last bite. I’m confident you’ll enjoy it just as much. Give it a try this week, and I promise, you’ll have a new favorite in your recipe repertoire.