Cozy Butternut Squash, Chicken, and Wild Rice Casserole

Name: Butternut Squash, Chicken, and Wild Rice Casserole
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 1 h 5 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 3-4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 lb); 2 cups butternut squash, diced; 1 cup wild rice, uncooked; 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup; 1 medium onion, chopped; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tsp dried thyme; 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese; Salt and pepper to taste

Published: November 9, 2025

by Mia Hanry

Why You'll Love This Recipe

This butternut squash, chicken, and wild rice casserole is easy to prepare and perfect for busy weeknights
The rich flavors combine beautifully for a comforting dish that looks stunning on any table
Enjoy its versatility by customizing ingredients based on your preferences or what’s in your pantry
A true crowd-pleaser that will have everyone asking for seconds!

When I first made this dish for my family, their reactions were priceless—my son declared it “the best thing ever” while my daughter asked if we could have it every week.

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: About 3-4 breasts are ideal; adjust based on how many you’re serving.
Butternut Squash: Choose a firm squash; its sweetness enhances the dish’s overall flavor profile.
Wild Rice: Opt for whole grain wild rice for texture; it holds up beautifully in casseroles.
Cream of Mushroom Soup: This adds creaminess; use low-fat options if you’re watching calories.
Onion: Chopped onions provide depth; sauté them until they’re translucent for extra flavor.
Garlic: Fresh garlic cloves elevate the taste—don’t skimp on this aromatic ingredient!
Thyme: Fresh or dried thyme gives the casserole an earthy undertone that complements the squash perfectly.
Cheddar Cheese: Shredded cheese creates a gooey topping; feel free to mix in different cheeses for variety.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

Butternut Squash, Chicken, and Wild Rice Casserole

Let’s Make it Together

Preheat Your Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure even cooking while you prepare the other ingredients.

Sauté the Onions and Garlic: In a skillet over medium heat, add olive oil and sauté chopped onions until they’re translucent, then toss in minced garlic until fragrant.

Add Chicken to the Skillet: Place diced chicken breasts into the skillet. Cook until they turn golden brown, about 5-7 minutes. This step seals in the juiciness.

Combine Ingredients in a Bowl: In a large mixing bowl, combine cooked chicken, diced butternut squash, wild rice, cream of mushroom soup, sautéed onions and garlic, thyme, salt, and pepper. For more inspiration, check out this garlic butter green beans recipe.

Transfer to Baking Dish: Pour your mixture into a greased casserole dish. Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese generously over the top for that irresistible cheesy crust.

Bake Until Golden Brown: Cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Then remove foil and bake an additional 15 minutes until bubbly and golden brown.

Now you have created an amazing butternut squash, chicken, and wild rice casserole that will surely impress friends and family alike! Serve hot out of the oven with a side salad or some crusty bread to soak up all those delicious flavors. Zesty lemon fettuccine with garlic shrimp Enjoy each bite as smiles spread around your dinner table!

You Must Know

This Butternut Squash, Chicken, and Wild Rice casserole is a comforting dish that warms the soul
The blend of sweet squash, savory chicken, and nutty rice creates a delightful harmony of flavors
It’s also an excellent way to use leftovers, making it practical too

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by roasting the butternut squash until tender. Meanwhile, cook the wild rice as the chicken simmers in a flavorful broth for maximum efficiency.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap out the butternut squash for sweet potatoes or add some spinach for extra color and nutrition.

Storing & Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge. Reheat in the microwave or oven until heated through to preserve texture.

Chef's Helpful Tips

To perfect this Butternut Squash, Chicken, and Wild Rice casserole, remember these key insights:
1
Sauté garlic and onion before adding other ingredients for deeper flavor.
2
Cook wild rice separately to avoid mushiness; it adds texture and depth.
3
Use rotisserie chicken for convenience; it speeds up prep time dramatically

Sharing this dish with friends on a chilly autumn evening was unforgettable. Everyone loved it, and I felt like a culinary superstar!