This Chicken and Wild Rice Casserole is the kind of creamy cozy dinner that makes everyone happy. Tender chicken, wild and brown rice blend, mushrooms, carrots, celery, onion all combined in an easy to make cream sauce then baked to bubbly perfection.

Perfect for Sunday night dinners or Holidays. Everyone loves a chicken and rice casserole!

Ingredients for Chicken and Wild Rice Casserole –

Cooked Chicken – breasts or thighs, chopped or shredded.
Wild Rice Blend – we used two packages of Long Grain and Wild Rice. Prepared according to package directions omitting the spice blend pack.
Mushrooms – we sautéed up fresh mushrooms but canned can be substituted.
Carrots, Celery, Onions and Garlic.
Chicken Broth
Half and Half
Butter
Flour
Thyme, salt and pepper

Why you’ll love this easy chicken casserole –

Easy to prepare – simple ingredients with easy prep. Start with a store bought rotisserie chicken and microwavable wild rice blend to make this casserole weeknight friendly.
Comfort Food – everyone loves a hearty creamy casserole.
Family Freindly – This casserole will serve 6. Easily double for a larger crowd.
Leftovers – this casserole reheats very well for several days of lunch or dinner.

Directions

Start by cooking the Wild Rice Blend according to package directions, omitting the spice package. Set aside.

Saute the mushrooms – use a large skillet. Saute the mushrooms in butter until tender and set aside.

Saute the carrots, onion, celery and garlic.

Sprinkle the flour over the vegetables and cook until no dry flour is visible.

Next add half of the chicken stock. Stir until thick and add the remaining stock. Cook another 3-5 minutes until bubbly and thick.

Add the half and half.

Once the sauce is thick, turn off the burner and remove from the heat.

Fold in the mushrooms, chicken and rice until well blended.

At this point if you are using an oven friendly skillet or dutch oven, you can simply slip it in the oven. Or if you prefer pour into a deep casserole dish or a 9 x 13 casserole dish.

What kind of toppings can I use –

We opted for no toppings this time, but we have made this several times and topped it with –

grated cheddar cheese
sliced almonds
one cup panko crumbs tossed with two tablespoons butter and two tablespoon parmesan cheese

We used a large oval porcelain Au Gratin Dish but a 9 x 13 casserole dish works great as well.

Can you make Chicken and Wild Rice Casserole ahead of time?

This casserole is great for make ahead. Simply follow the directions completely but do not bake it. Store in the refrigerator over night. Bring to room temperature and follow baking instructions.

What can I serve with this chicken and rice casserole –

We keep it simple.

steamed veggies like broccoli, asparagus or carrots.
simple side salad.
baguette or rolls.

More Easy Casserole Recipes you will love –

Baked Spaghetti Casserole – family friendly classic pasta casserole.
Chicken Cordon Blue Casserole – all the flavor of Chicken Cordon Bleu but for a crowd.
Easy Tortellini Casserole – easy store bought ingredients.
Chili Corn Bread Casserole – another family favorite for cozy dinners.

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