Name: Slow Cooker Creamy Chicken and Wild Rice Casserole
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: PT-492137H48M5S
Total time: PT-492137H48M5S
Cuisine: american
Ingredients: 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs; 1 (6-ounce) box long grain and wild rice mix, including seasoning packet; 1 (10.5-ounce) can cream of chicken soup; 1 (10.5-ounce) can cream of mushroom soup; 1 cup chicken broth; 1 cup milk; 1/2 cup chopped yellow onion; 1 cup frozen peas and carrots blend; 1/2 teaspoon black pepper; 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder; Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish (optional)

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This healthy slow cooker creamy chicken and wild rice casserole is the ultimate comfort food for busy families.

Slow Cooker Creamy Chicken & Wild Rice Casserole 16

Imagine coming home to a warm, hearty meal that practically made itself, filled with tender chicken, wholesome wild rice, and a rich, creamy sauce. It’s the perfect solution for those hectic weeknights when you want a home-cooked dinner without the fuss.

This recipe is designed to be incredibly easy to prepare, making it a fantastic choice for anyone looking for a delicious and nutritious meal with minimal effort. Whether you’re feeding a small family or a larger crowd, this casserole delivers on flavor and satisfaction, making it a staple for fall and winter evenings.

What You’ll Love About This Quick And Easy Recipe
Everything You Need To Make This Recipe Without Stress
Time Needed From Start To Finish
How To Make It Step By Step With Visual Cues
Easy Variations And Serving Ideas That Fit Real Life
Common Slip-Ups And How To Avoid Them
How To Store It And Make It Ahead Without Ruining Texture

What You’ll Love About This Quick And Easy Recipe

This slow cooker creamy chicken and wild rice casserole is a true lifesaver in the kitchen, and there’s so much to love about it. First and foremost, it’s incredibly hands-off. You simply combine your ingredients in the slow cooker, set it, and forget it, freeing up your time for other tasks or simply to relax. This makes it ideal for busy parents, working professionals, or anyone who appreciates a delicious meal without constant supervision. It’s also a fantastic way to stretch your grocery budget, as chicken and rice are economical staples that feed a crowd generously. The creamy texture and savory flavors are universally appealing, making it a hit with even the pickiest eaters in the family. Serve it on a chilly evening when you crave something warm and comforting, or when you need a reliable dish for a potluck or family gathering.

Everything You Need To Make This Recipe Without Stress

Gathering your ingredients for this slow cooker casserole is straightforward, and many items are likely already in your pantry. We’re focusing on simple, wholesome components that come together to create a rich and satisfying dish. Don’t worry if you need to make a few adjustments; there are always easy substitutions that won’t compromise the delicious outcome.

INGREDIENTS:

2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
1 (6-ounce) box long grain and wild rice mix, including seasoning packet
1 (10.5-ounce) can cream of chicken soup
1 (10.5-ounce) can cream of mushroom soup
1 cup chicken broth
1 cup milk
1/2 cup chopped yellow onion
1 cup frozen peas and carrots blend
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish (optional)

For simple substitutions, you can easily swap the cream of chicken and cream of mushroom soups for two cans of just cream of chicken, or a low-sodium version of either. If you prefer a richer flavor, heavy cream can be used in place of milk, or a dairy-free milk alternative works just as well for dietary needs. Feel free to use fresh chopped mushrooms instead of canned soup for a more natural flavor, or add other vegetables like diced celery or bell peppers along with the onion. Any type of chicken broth or stock will work, and you can even use vegetable broth if that’s what you have on hand.

Time Needed From Start To Finish

This recipe is a champion of convenience, offering a fantastic balance between minimal prep and a satisfying cooking time.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 3-4 hours on high, or 6-8 hours on low
Total Time: 3 hours 15 minutes to 8 hours 15 minutes (depending on slow cooker setting)

The beauty of the slow cooker is that the longer cooking times are completely hands-off, allowing you to go about your day while dinner simmers to perfection. The initial 15 minutes of prep is all about chopping a few vegetables and combining ingredients, making it a quick task before your busy day begins.

How To Make It Step By Step With Visual Cues

Creating this creamy chicken and wild rice casserole in your slow cooker is incredibly simple. Follow these steps for a perfect, comforting meal every time.

Prepare the Chicken: Start by placing the boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs at the bottom of your slow cooker. You can leave them whole or cut them into 1-inch pieces if you prefer smaller chunks in your casserole.
Combine the Liquids and Seasoning: In a medium bowl, whisk together the cream of chicken soup, cream of mushroom soup, chicken broth, milk, black pepper, and garlic powder until well combined and smooth. This creates the rich, creamy base for your casserole.
Add Rice and Vegetables: Pour the contents of the wild rice mix (the rice and the seasoning packet) over the chicken in the slow cooker. Scatter the chopped yellow onion and the frozen peas and carrots blend evenly over the rice.
Pour Over the Creamy Mixture: Carefully pour the whisked soup and broth mixture over all the ingredients in the slow cooker, ensuring everything is well covered. Do not stir at this stage; let the liquid seep down naturally.
Cook to Perfection: Cover your slow cooker with the lid. Cook on the LOW setting for 6-8 hours, or on the HIGH setting for 3-4 hours. The chicken should be very tender and easily shreddable, and the wild rice should be fully cooked and soft.
Shred and Stir: Once cooked, remove the chicken from the slow cooker and shred it using two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker. Stir everything together gently to combine the chicken, rice, vegetables, and creamy sauce.
Rest and Serve: Allow the casserole to rest, uncovered, for about 10-15 minutes in the slow cooker. This resting period allows the sauce to thicken slightly. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley if desired, and serve warm.

Easy Variations And Serving Ideas That Fit Real Life

This creamy chicken and wild rice casserole is wonderfully versatile, making it easy to adapt to different tastes and occasions. For a kid-friendly twist, you can cut the chicken into smaller, bite-sized pieces before cooking, which can make it more appealing for little ones. You might also consider adding a sprinkle of shredded cheddar cheese during the last 30 minutes of cooking for a cheesy top layer that kids often love.

If you want to add more vegetables, consider stirring in some fresh spinach during the last 15 minutes of cooking, or adding diced celery or bell peppers at the beginning with the onion. For a heartier meal, you can easily double the recipe in a larger slow cooker, perfect for feeding a crowd at a potluck or a big family dinner. A dash of hot sauce or a pinch of red pepper flakes can introduce a subtle kick for those who enjoy a bit of spice.

This casserole is a complete meal on its own, but it pairs beautifully with a simple side salad with a light vinaigrette to add some freshness and crunch. Crusty bread or warm dinner rolls are also excellent for soaking up every last bit of the creamy sauce. For a more elegant presentation, serve it in individual bowls with a sprinkle of fresh herbs like chives or thyme.

Common Slip-Ups And How To Avoid Them

Even with a simple slow cooker recipe, a few common mistakes can impact the final result. Being aware of these can help ensure your creamy chicken and wild rice casserole turns out perfectly every time.

One frequent issue is overcooking the chicken. While slow cookers are forgiving, leaving chicken in for too long, especially on high heat, can make it dry and stringy. To avoid this, stick to the recommended cooking times and check for doneness by ensuring the chicken shreds easily with a fork. If you’re home, you can always test it a little before the minimum cook time.

Another common pitfall is not stirring the rice and liquid properly at the end. While you don’t stir at the beginning, it’s crucial to thoroughly combine everything after the chicken is shredded. This ensures the rice is evenly coated in the creamy sauce and prevents any dry spots.

Adding too much liquid can result in a soupy casserole rather than a thick, creamy one. Stick to the specified amounts of broth and milk. If your casserole seems too thin at the end, you can remove the lid for the last 30 minutes of cooking to allow some moisture to evaporate, or stir in a tablespoon of cornstarch mixed with a little cold water to thicken it.

Finally, using instant rice instead of regular wild rice mix can lead to a mushy texture. The recipe calls for a specific type of wild rice mix that is designed for longer cooking times. Instant rice will cook much faster and likely become overcooked and gummy in the slow cooker. Always use the long grain and wild rice mix for the best texture.

How To Store It And Make It Ahead Without Ruining Texture

This creamy chicken and wild rice casserole is excellent for meal prepping and enjoying as leftovers. For storing, allow the casserole to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It will keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

To reheat, you can use the microwave or the stovetop. For microwave reheating, place a portion in a microwave-safe dish, add a splash of milk or chicken broth to help rehydrate the sauce, and heat on medium power, stirring occasionally, until warmed through. On the stovetop, place the casserole in a saucepan over medium-low heat, adding a little

FAQs

Can I make these ahead? Yes—prep ahead, refrigerate, then serve when ready.
How long do leftovers last? Store covered in the fridge for 3–4 days for best texture.
Can I adjust sweetness? Yes—add more or less sweetener to taste.
Can I change the fruit? Yes—swap strawberries for blueberries, raspberries, or sliced banana.