Cozy up with a comforting, flavor-packed Creamy Chicken and Wild Rice Casserole that’s guaranteed to bring people together on chilly nights. This epic dish is a warm hug in a dish, featuring juicy chicken, creamy sauce, and hearty wild rice – all baked to melty, crispy perfection. Let’s dive into this cozy, craveable recipe that’s sure to become a new family favorite.
Why You’ll Love This Creamy Chicken and Wild Rice Casserole for Cozy Nights
This Creamy Chicken and Wild Rice Casserole is the ultimate comfort food for chilly evenings. With its lush, velvety sauce, tender chicken, and nutty wild rice, each bite is a flavor explosion that will leave you feeling satisfied and warm. The combination of creamy, zesty, and smoky elements creates a truly craveable dish that’s easy to make but tastes like it came straight from a 5-star restaurant. Plus, the leftovers reheat beautifully, making it a great make-ahead meal for busy weeknights. Get ready to dive into a bowl of pure comfort and indulgence!
Ingredients
This Creamy Chicken and Wild Rice Casserole features a simple, but flavor-packed ingredient list. You’ll need boneless, skinless chicken breasts, wild rice blend, cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, chicken broth, garlic, onion, and a blend of spices like thyme, salt, and pepper. The result is a hearty, satisfying dish that’s loaded with cozy flavors.
- 1 lb – Boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup – Uncooked wild rice blend
- 1 (10.5 oz) can – Cream of mushroom soup
- 1 cup – Sour cream
- 1 cup – Chicken broth, divided
- 3 cloves – Garlic, minced
- 1 medium – Onion, diced
- 1 tsp – Dried thyme
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Ingredient Substitutions
- Wild rice: You can use a brown rice or quinoa blend instead (similar chewy, nutty texture).
- Sour cream: For a dairy-free version, swap with a non-dairy yogurt or cashew cream.
How to Make Creamy Chicken and Wild Rice Casserole for Cozy Nights
This Creamy Chicken and Wild Rice Casserole comes together in four easy steps for a satisfying, comforting meal.
Step 1: Prep Work
Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F. Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or non-stick cooking spray. Next, cook the wild rice blend according to the package instructions. While the rice is cooking, dice the onion and mince the garlic.
Step 2: Main Cooking Process
In a large skillet over medium-high heat, sauté the diced onion until translucent and fragrant, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and continue cooking for 1 minute, being careful not to burn the garlic. Add the chicken breasts to the skillet and cook for 3-4 minutes per side, or until lightly browned on the outside but still slightly undercooked in the center. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
Step 3: Final Steps/Assembly
In a large bowl, combine the cooked wild rice, cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, and 1/2 cup of the chicken broth. Season with thyme, salt, and pepper. Slice the partially cooked chicken breasts and add them to the rice mixture, gently tossing to combine. Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish and spread it out evenly. Pour the remaining 1/2 cup of chicken broth over the top.
Step 4: Finishing Touches
Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the casserole is hot, bubbly, and the chicken is cooked through. The top should be golden and crispy.
Recipe Variations & Tips
- Cheese addition: For a heartier, more indulgent version, stir in some shredded cheddar or Parmesan cheese before baking.
- Extra veggies: You can also add a can of drained and rinsed mushrooms or a handful of frozen peas for extra veggies.
- Make-ahead: To make it ahead, simply assemble the casserole, cover, and refrigerate for up to 3 days before baking. When ready to serve, bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes to the covered baking time if needed.
- Chicken thighs: If you prefer dark meat, feel free to use boneless, skinless chicken thighs instead of breasts.
Serving & Storage
Serve with: steamed broccoli or a fresh green salad.
Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Reheat: Reheat individual portions in the microwave or the entire casserole in a 350°F oven until heated through.
Make-Ahead: This casserole is perfect for meal prep. Assemble the casserole, cover, and refrigerate for up to 3 days before baking.
Nutrition Information
This Creamy Chicken and Wild Rice Casserole is a hearty, satisfying dish that’s packed with protein, whole grains, and healthy fats. Each serving provides approximately 400 calories, 35g of protein, 35g of carbs, and 15g of fat, making it a balanced and filling meal.
- Serving Size: 1/6 of the casserole
- Calories: 400 kcal
- Protein: 35 g
- Carbs: 35 g
- Fat: 15 g
- Sodium: 800 mg
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different type of rice instead of wild rice?
Absolutely! While wild rice adds a nutty flavor and chewy texture, you can easily substitute brown rice, quinoa, or a mixed rice blend.
Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes, this casserole is perfect for meal prep. Assemble the casserole, cover, and refrigerate for up to 3 days before baking. You may need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time if the casserole is straight from the fridge.
Can I use boneless, skinless chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Definitely! Chicken thighs will work great in this recipe and add an extra layer of moisture and flavor.
How can I make this casserole dairy-free?
To make this casserole dairy-free, simply swap the sour cream for a non-dairy yogurt or cashew cream.
Can I add any extra vegetables to this dish?
Absolutely! Feel free to stir in sautéed mushrooms, frozen peas, or diced bell peppers for extra veggies and flavor.
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Creamy Chicken and Wild Rice Casserole for Cozy Nights
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: 🍲 Comfort Classics & Casseroles
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Warm up your evenings with this creamy chicken and wild rice casserole, perfect for cozy nights. It’s hearty, delicious, and easy to prepare!
Ingredients
2 cups cooked wild rice
1 lb chicken breast, cooked and shredded
1 cup cream of chicken soup
1 cup chicken broth
1 cup milk
1 cup frozen mixed vegetables (peas, carrots, corn)
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1/2 cup onion, diced
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
Salt and pepper to taste
1 tablespoon olive oil
1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
1/2 teaspoon paprika
Instructions
1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat and sauté the onions until translucent.
3. Add the shredded chicken, cooked wild rice, cream of chicken soup, chicken broth, milk, and mixed vegetables to the skillet. Stir until well combined.
4. Season with garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, paprika, salt, and pepper.
5. Transfer the mixture to a greased 9×13 inch casserole dish.
6. Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese on top.
7. Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes, or until bubbly and golden.
8. Let cool for a few minutes before serving.
Notes
Feel free to add your favorite vegetables or adjust the seasoning to taste.
This casserole can be prepared ahead of time and refrigerated before baking.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
Keywords: chicken, wild rice, casserole, comfort food