Chicken Wild Rice Casserole
A hearty and comforting casserole combining tender chicken, wild rice, and vegetables in a creamy mushroom sauce, topped with cheese and crunchy cracker crumbs. Perfect for family dinners or potlucks, this dish offers rich flavors and textures that satisfy every palate.
Ingredients
- 1 box long grain wild rice ⓘ
- 1 can cream of mushroom soup ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp butter ⓘ
- 1/2 cup chopped green peppers ⓘ
- 1/2 package slivered almonds ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp plain flour ⓘ
- 1 1/2 cups chicken broth
- Parmesan cheese ⓘ
- 2 1/2 to 4 cups chopped cooked chicken ⓘ
- 1/2 cup chopped celery
- 1/4 tsp black pepper ⓘ
- 1 small can sliced mushrooms, drained ⓘ
- 1 small onion, chopped fine ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp salt ⓘ
- buttered cracker crumbs ⓘ
- 1 small jar pimentos, drained ⓘ
Instructions
- In a large pan, sauté chopped onion, chopped celery, and chopped green peppers in butter until tender.
- Stir in flour, salt, and chicken broth; cook and stir until the mixture thickens.
- Cook the long grain wild rice as directed on the box, including herbs and spices.
- Combine the cooked rice, sautéed vegetables, cream of mushroom soup, drained sliced mushrooms, drained pimentos, chopped cooked chicken, and grated Parmesan cheese in a large bowl.
- Pour the mixture into a buttered 9 x 13-inch casserole dish.
- Top with shredded cheese and buttered cracker crumbs.
- Bake in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for 30 minutes until bubbly and golden.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier casserole, consider adding a splash of milk or sour cream to the mixture. You can substitute the slivered almonds with chopped walnuts or pecans for a different crunch. If you prefer, use leftover rotisserie chicken in place of cooked chicken to save time. Adding some cooked broccoli or spinach can also enhance the flavor and nutrition of this dish.
Serving Suggestions
This Chicken Wild Rice Casserole is a hearty dish that pairs well with a simple green salad or steamed vegetables for a balanced meal. For a comforting combination, serve it alongside crusty bread or dinner rolls. It also complements well with the flavors of a light soup, such as Favorite Vegetable Soup, making for a satisfying dinner.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, cover the casserole with foil to prevent it from drying out and bake at 350°F (175°C) until heated through. You can also reheat individual portions in the microwave for a quick meal.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Chicken Wild Rice Casserole contains roughly 224 calories, with 11g protein, 42g carbohydrates, and 3g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (135% of the Daily Value), protein (21% of the Daily Value), and iron (21% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber and vitamin D. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1106mg per serving (48% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use brown rice instead of wild rice?
Yes, you can substitute brown rice for wild rice, but note that the cooking time may differ. Brown rice typically takes longer to cook, so adjust the cooking time accordingly to ensure it's tender before mixing it with the other ingredients.
Is it possible to make this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the casserole up to the baking step, cover it tightly, and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if baking straight from the fridge to ensure it's heated through.
What can I use instead of cream of mushroom soup?
If you don’t have cream of mushroom soup, you can make a homemade version using a simple roux of butter, flour, and milk, adding sautéed mushrooms for flavor. Alternatively, use cream of chicken soup or a vegan cream soup if you need a dairy-free option.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).