Name: Cheesy Chicken and Wild Rice Casserole Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil; 1 medium onion, finely diced; 3 stalks celery, finely chopped; 3 carrots, peeled and diced; 2 tablespoons fresh minced garlic; 2 cups shredded cooked chicken breast; 2 cups steamed white rice; 16 ounces cooked wild rice; 1 teaspoon kosher salt; 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper; 1/4 teaspoon garlic salt; 4 tablespoons unsalted butter; 1/4 cup all-purpose flour; 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt; 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper; 2 cups reduced sodium chicken broth; 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese; 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (for topping)

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I absolutely love sharing recipes that feel like a warm hug on a plate, and this Cheesy Chicken and Wild Rice Casserole Recipe is exactly that for me. It’s a wonderful blend of tender chicken, nutty wild rice, and gooey cheese, all baked to perfection, creating a dish that’s comforting, flavorful, and satisfying. This casserole always reminds me of cozy family dinners where everyone gathers around the table, and it’s become one of my trusted go-to meals when I want something hearty but easy to prepare.

Why You’ll Love This Cheesy Chicken and Wild Rice Casserole Recipe

What makes this recipe truly special to me is its incredible flavor profile. The combination of tender shredded chicken and the earthy texture of wild rice mingles beautifully with the creamy, cheesy sauce. The freshness of sautéed onions, celery, and carrots adds a subtle sweetness and crunch that balances the richness. Every bite tastes like comfort food elevated — rich, creamy, and just a little bit indulgent without being heavy.

Beyond the delicious taste, I love how straightforward this recipe is to prepare. It does take a bit of time for the prep and baking, but most of the work happens in one pot before it goes into the oven, making cleanup minimal. It really suits weeknight dinners but also feels special enough for gatherings or even holiday meals. What makes it stand out in my kitchen is how well it holds up as leftovers and the way it can be dressed up or down depending on the occasion.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A close-up shot shows a green and white baking dish filled with a layered casserole. The top layer is covered with a mix of shredded yellow and white cheese, evenly spread, with some small bits of dark ingredients visible underneath. The surface appears soft and textured with the cheese strands clearly visible. The dish sits on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

These ingredients are simple but thoughtfully chosen to deliver layers of flavor, texture, and color. Each plays a crucial role: the veggies add freshness and crunch, the wild rice contributes a hearty bite, and of course, the cheese sauce ties everything together with a creamy, luscious texture that’s simply irresistible.

Pro Tip ✨

Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.

Extra virgin olive oil: Provides a subtle, fruity base for sautéing the vegetables.
Onion, celery, and carrots: These classic trio veggies add a flavorful aromatic foundation and vibrant color.
Fresh minced garlic: Gives a punch of warmth and depth to the dish.
Shredded cooked chicken breast: The protein star that keeps the casserole hearty and filling.
Steamed white rice and cooked wild rice: The dynamic duo adds both fluffiness and a slightly nutty, chewy texture to the casserole.
Kosher salt, black pepper, and garlic salt: Essential seasonings that bring all the flavors together.
Unsalted butter, all-purpose flour: The base for the creamy cheese sauce that coats every grain and bite.
Reduced sodium chicken broth: Adds savory depth to the cheese sauce while keeping it balanced.
Shredded cheddar cheese: Both in the sauce and on top, it melts beautifully to create that signature gooey, cheesy layer.

Directions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit to get it ready for baking later. I like to prep the oven early because waiting is no fun when you’re hungry!

Step 2: Heat the olive oil in a medium dutch oven or pot over medium heat. Once hot, add diced onion, celery, and carrots. Sauté these for about 10 minutes until they soften and their natural sweetness starts to come out. This step is key to building great flavor.

Step 3: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute more, just until fragrant. I make sure to watch carefully here so the garlic doesn’t brown or burn, as that can turn bitter.

Step 4: Add the shredded cooked chicken, steamed white rice, and wild rice to the pot along with kosher salt, black pepper, and garlic salt. Mix everything together well, then reduce the heat to low so it stays warm while we prepare the cheese sauce.

Step 5: For the cheese sauce, melt butter in a medium saucepan over medium-high heat. Whisk in the flour, salt, and pepper, cooking for about 1 minute to get rid of the raw flour taste. Then, slowly whisk in the chicken broth, stirring continuously until the sauce thickens and nearly boils, which takes about 4-5 minutes.

Step 6: Remove the cheese sauce from the heat and stir in 2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese until melted and smooth. This sauce gives the casserole that creamy, cheesy goodness that makes it irresistible.

Step 7: Pour the cheese sauce into the rice and chicken mixture, stirring gently to combine. Transfer everything into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish and evenly top with the remaining 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese. This topping melts into a golden, bubbly layer while baking.

Step 8: Bake uncovered for 25 to 30 minutes until the cheese is fully melted and the edges start to bubble. The aroma that fills your kitchen during this final step always makes me so eager to dig in!

Servings and Timing

This Cheesy Chicken and Wild Rice Casserole Recipe yields about 8 generous servings — perfect for a family dinner or for having leftovers to enjoy the next day. The prep time is approximately 20 minutes, which includes chopping and sautéing the veggies. The baking time is around 25 to 30 minutes, so the total time from start to finish clocks in at about 50 minutes. No extra resting or cooling time is needed; you can serve it piping hot right out of the oven.

How to Serve This Cheesy Chicken and Wild Rice Casserole Recipe

A white bowl holding a mix of two types of rice, one is white and the other is dark brown or black, combined with small chunks of orange carrots and bits of light green vegetables. The rice mixture is topped with melted yellow cheese melted evenly over it. The bowl sits on a folded blue cloth, and a silver fork is placed next to it on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

When it comes to serving this casserole, I like it best piping hot so the cheese is still melty and luscious as you spoon it onto the plate. It pairs beautifully with crisp, fresh greens like a simple mixed salad dressed with a bright vinaigrette to cut through the richness. Roasted or steamed vegetables, such as broccoli or green beans, also add wonderful color and crunch to the plate.

For presentation, sprinkling a little chopped fresh parsley or chives on top adds a pop of green and fresh flavor that really lifts the dish. You could even add a dash of smoked paprika or a handful of toasted breadcrumbs on the cheese topping before baking for an added layer of texture and color.

As for drinks, I love pairing this casserole with a chilled glass of white wine like a buttery Chardonnay or a crisp Sauvignon Blanc. If you prefer cocktails, a light gin and tonic or a sparkling water with lemon complements nicely. It’s also a fantastic all-ages dish for holiday gatherings or casual weeknight meals with friends and family.

Variations

I enjoy experimenting with this casserole to suit different tastes and dietary needs. If you want to lighten it up, swapping out half the cheddar cheese for part-skim mozzarella keeps the creaminess but reduces some richness. You can also make it gluten-free by using a gluten-free flour blend in the cheese sauce — the texture remains just as velvety.

If you’re looking for a plant-based option, try substituting cooked shredded jackfruit or a firm tofu scramble in place of chicken and use vegetable broth for the sauce. Nutritional yeast can be sprinkled into the cheese sauce for that cheesy flavor. To add some extra complexity, I sometimes throw in sautéed mushrooms or chopped fresh thyme to deepen the savoriness.

Another fun twist is cooking this casserole entirely on the stovetop in a large skillet with a lid for a quicker meal. Just mix all ingredients and let it simmer gently until creamy and cooked through, adding cheese toward the end to melt in.

Storage and Reheating

Storing Leftovers

I always store leftover casserole in airtight containers to keep it fresh and prevent it from drying out. Using glass or BPA-free plastic containers with secure lids works great. This casserole stays good in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 4 days, making it perfect for easy lunches or dinners later in the week.

Freezing

This casserole freezes beautifully if you want to save portions for another day. I recommend dividing it into individual or family-size portions in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. It can keep frozen for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating gently to maintain texture and flavor.

Reheating

For the best results, I reheat leftovers covered in the oven at 325 degrees Fahrenheit until warmed through; this helps retain the creamy texture and melts the cheese fresh again. Microwaving is fine for quick reheats but can sometimes make it a bit rubbery or dry around the edges. Adding a splash of chicken broth when reheating can bring back moisture if it seems a little dry.

FAQs

Can I use brown rice instead of white rice in this recipe?

Absolutely! Brown rice is a great whole grain alternative that adds a nuttier flavor and slightly chewier texture. Just make sure it’s fully cooked before mixing it into the casserole since it takes longer to cook than white rice.

Is it possible to make this casserole ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the casserole up to the point of baking, cover it tightly, and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. Then bake it fresh when ready. This makes it a fantastic option for busy days when you want to save time.

What cheese works best if I want a different flavor?

Cheddar is classic, but you can mix in Monterey Jack, Colby, or even gouda for a slightly different yet complementary taste. Jarlsberg or Gruyere add a deliciously nutty twist if you want to get fancy.

Can I add vegetables like spinach or peas to this casserole?

Definitely! Fresh spinach stirred in just before baking or thawed frozen peas can add freshness and vibrant color. Just be mindful of moisture to keep the casserole from becoming too watery.

How do I know when the casserole is fully cooked?

You want the cheese on top to be melted and slightly golden, with bubbling around the edges. Internal temperature should reach about 165 degrees Fahrenheit for safe reheated chicken. Baking for 25-30 minutes usually hits this perfectly.

Conclusion

I’m genuinely excited for you to try this Cheesy Chicken and Wild Rice Casserole Recipe because it’s one of those dishes that brings everyone to the table with happy smiles. It’s comforting, satisfying, and surprisingly easy to make, perfect for everyday meals and special occasions alike. Once you savor those creamy, cheesy layers with the tender chicken and nutty rice, I’m certain it’ll become a favorite in your recipe rotation, just like it is in mine!