Wild Rice Chicken
A hearty and creamy chicken and wild rice casserole packed with vegetables and savory mushroom flavor, perfect for comforting family dinners or potlucks.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cook the wild rice according to the package directions.
- Combine the cooked rice, chopped chicken, drained water chestnuts, chopped celery, and chopped onion in a large bowl.
- Transfer the mixture into a 2 1/2-quart baking dish.
- In a separate bowl, stir together the light mayonnaise and condensed cream of mushroom soup.
- Spread the mayonnaise and mushroom soup mixture evenly over the chicken and rice mixture.
- Cover the baking dish and bake in a preheated 325°F oven for 1 hour.
Tips & Substitutions
To enhance the flavor, consider adding herbs such as thyme or rosemary to the rice mixture. If you want a lighter version, substitute Greek yogurt for the light mayonnaise. You can also use leftover roasted chicken or rotisserie chicken for added convenience. For a crunchier texture, add slivered almonds or chopped pecans before baking.
Serving Suggestions
This dish is perfect for a cozy family dinner and pairs beautifully with a side salad, like Autumn Chicken Salad, or steamed vegetables. For a complete meal, serve with crusty bread or garlic bread to soak up the creamy sauce. Consider adding a sprinkle of fresh parsley or chives on top before serving for a pop of color.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in a covered baking dish in a preheated oven at 350°F until warmed through, about 20-30 minutes. You can also microwave individual servings, covered, for about 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Wild Rice Chicken contains roughly 457 calories, with 9g protein, 51g carbohydrates, and 24g fat. It is a good source of protein (18% of the Daily Value) and iron (12% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1251mg per serving (54% 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?
You can use brown rice, but it will require a longer cooking time compared to quick cooking wild rice. Make sure to adjust the cooking instructions accordingly, as brown rice typically takes around 40-45 minutes to cook. The flavor and texture will also differ, but it can still work well in this dish.
How can I make this dish gluten-free?
To make this recipe gluten-free, ensure that the condensed cream of mushroom soup is labeled gluten-free, or you can make your own using gluten-free flour. Additionally, check that the mayonnaise is gluten-free. Most brands are, but it's always best to verify the labels.
Can I prepare this dish in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the rice and mix all the ingredients together a day ahead. Just cover and refrigerate until you're ready to bake. This allows the flavors to meld. When ready to cook, just spread the mayonnaise and mushroom soup mixture on top and bake as instructed. Adjust baking time if cold from the fridge.
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).