If you are looking for a comforting, creamy, and satisfying meal that feels like a warm hug on a plate, this Chicken & Wild Rice Casserole Recipe is exactly what you need. It’s packed with tender chicken, nutty wild rice, and a luscious blend of sour cream and savory soups that create the perfect balance of flavors and textures. Whether it’s a cozy family dinner or a dish to impress guests, this casserole is a true crowd-pleaser that comes together with ease and delivers an irresistible home-cooked experience.

Chicken & Wild Rice Casserole Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Getting the ingredients right is half the joy of making this Chicken & Wild Rice Casserole Recipe. Each component brings something special, from the earthy wild rice to the creamy soups that bind everything together, making the casserole rich and flavorful without any fuss.

4 cups cooked chopped chicken: Use leftover roasted chicken or rotisserie chicken for the best juicy bite.
4 (8.8-oz) bags Ben’s Ready White & Wild Rice: This ready-to-heat rice blend saves time and adds a perfect chewy texture.
1 (10.5-oz) can Unsalted Cream of Chicken Soup: Provides savory depth without overpowering the dish.
1 (10.5-oz) can Unsalted Cream of Mushroom Soup: Adds earthy undertones and extra creaminess.
8 oz sour cream: A tangy, smooth element that keeps the casserole moist and luscious.
1 cup milk: Balances the richness and helps with the casserole’s smooth consistency.
6 oz shredded parmesan cheese: Delivers a nutty, salty kick that elevates every bite.
¼ tsp garlic powder: A subtle savory note that wakes up the dish.
¼ tsp onion powder: Rounds out the flavor profile nicely.
Salt & pepper to taste: Simple seasonings that perfectly enhance all the ingredients.
1½ sleeves Ritz crackers (crushed): Creates an irresistible buttery, crunchy topping.
½ cup butter (melted): Binds the cracker topping and adds golden crispiness when baked.

How to Make Chicken & Wild Rice Casserole Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Dish and Ingredients

Start by preheating your oven to 350ºF and lightly spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray. This ensures your casserole won’t stick and will come out beautifully. Having your chicken chopped and rice ready makes everything move smoothly—no last-minute rushing!

Step 2: Mix the Delicious Filling

In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked chopped chicken, wild rice, cream of chicken soup, and cream of mushroom soup with the sour cream, milk, parmesan cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together until it’s thoroughly mixed, creamy, and the cheese is evenly distributed. This mixture is the heart of your casserole, brimming with flavor and comfort.

Step 3: Spread in Baking Dish

Transfer the combined filling into your prepared baking dish and spread it out evenly. This step makes sure every inch will bake uniformly and that each serving will have that perfect balance of creamy and hearty goodness.

Step 4: Prepare and Sprinkle the Topping

Mix the crushed Ritz crackers with the melted butter in a small bowl until the crumbs are well coated. Then evenly sprinkle this buttery mixture over the casserole’s surface to create a golden, crunchy topping that contrasts perfectly with the creamy filling beneath.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Place the casserole in the oven and bake, uncovered, for 40 to 50 minutes. You want to see the topping turn a beautiful golden brown and the edges bubbling slightly. That bubbling is the sign your Chicken & Wild Rice Casserole Recipe is ready to be enjoyed!

How to Serve Chicken & Wild Rice Casserole Recipe

Garnishes

Add freshly chopped parsley or chives on top for a pop of color and freshness. A light sprinkle of extra parmesan cheese or a dash of cracked black pepper also makes the dish feel even more special.

Side Dishes

This casserole pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad dressed lightly with lemon vinaigrette, or steamed green beans to add a bright, fresh contrast to the creamy richness of the casserole.

Creative Ways to Present

For gatherings, serve the casserole in individual ramekins or small cast iron skillets for a charming presentation. You can also layer it in clear glass dishes to show off the creamy layers and golden topping, which makes an inviting centerpiece on the table.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Your Chicken & Wild Rice Casserole Recipe keeps beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors deepen as it rests, making leftovers just as delightful as the first serving.

Freezing

This casserole freezes wonderfully. After baking and cooling, wrap it tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil or freeze in individual portions. It will stay good for up to 3 months, perfect for busy days when you want comfort food ready to go.

Reheating

Reheat your casserole in the oven at 350ºF for about 20-25 minutes or until warmed through and bubbly again. Cover with foil to prevent the topping from burning, then remove it during the last few minutes to crispen the crust.

FAQs

Can I use fresh wild rice instead of Ben’s Ready White & Wild Rice?

Absolutely! Just remember that fresh wild rice takes longer to cook, so you’ll need to prepare it in advance. The ready rice is a great time-saver but fresh cooked rice will work perfectly too.

What kind of chicken works best in this casserole?

Cooked, shredded or chopped chicken breast or thigh meat both work well. Rotisserie chicken is a convenient, flavorful option that adds great taste with minimal effort.

Can I make this casserole dairy-free?

You can try substituting the sour cream with a dairy-free alternative and using nondairy milk. Look for dairy-free creamy soups or make your own, but be aware the texture may change slightly.

Is it possible to add vegetables to this casserole?

Definitely! Chopped celery, carrots, or mushrooms sautéed briefly can add delightful texture and flavor, making the casserole even more wholesome and colorful.

How do I get the Ritz cracker topping extra crispy?

Make sure the butter is melted and thoroughly mixed with the crushed crackers before sprinkling. Baking uncover and allowing the topping to brown nicely will deliver that perfect crispiness you crave.

Final Thoughts

This Chicken & Wild Rice Casserole Recipe is a fuss-free classic that never fails to impress with its creamy texture, flavorful richness, and irresistible crunchy topping. Whether you’re cooking for family or friends, it’s a comforting dish you’ll love making and sharing again and again. Give it a try and watch it become a cherished favorite at your table!

Chicken & Wild Rice Casserole Recipe

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4.4 from 83 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 50-60 minutes
Yield: 8 servings 1x

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Description

This comforting Chicken & Wild Rice Casserole combines tender cooked chicken, flavorful white and wild rice, creamy soups, and Parmesan cheese, topped with a buttery Ritz cracker crust. It’s a hearty, easy-to-make dish perfect for family dinners or potlucks.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

4 cups cooked chopped chicken
4 (8.8-oz) bags Ben’s Ready White & Wild Rice
1 (10.5-oz) can Unsalted Cream of Chicken Soup
1 (10.5-oz) can Unsalted Cream of Mushroom Soup
8 oz sour cream
1 cup milk
6 oz shredded Parmesan cheese
¼ tsp garlic powder
¼ tsp onion powder
Salt and pepper to taste

Topping

1½ sleeves Ritz crackers, crushed
½ cup butter, melted

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Instructions

Preheat Oven and Prepare Dish: Preheat your oven to 350ºF (175ºC). Lightly spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray to prevent sticking, then set it aside.
Mix Casserole Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the cooked chopped chicken, prepared white and wild rice, cream of chicken soup, cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, milk, shredded Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together until well blended. Spread this mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish.
Prepare Topping: In a small bowl, mix the crushed Ritz crackers with the melted butter until the crumbs are evenly coated. Sprinkle this buttery cracker topping evenly over the casserole mixture.
Bake the Casserole: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake uncovered for 40 to 50 minutes, or until the casserole is heated through and the topping is golden brown and crispy. Remove from the oven and let it cool slightly before serving.

Notes

Make sure the chicken is fully cooked before starting the recipe; use rotisserie or leftover chicken to save time.
You can substitute the sour cream with Greek yogurt for a lighter version.
Adding chopped vegetables like mushrooms, celery, or peas can increase the casserole’s nutritional value and add texture.
For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free crackers or omit the cracker topping.
Letting the casserole rest for 5-10 minutes after baking helps it set and makes it easier to serve.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 40-50 minutes
Category: Casserole
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American