Mamaw’s Chicken and Rice Casserole Recipe

Introduction

Mamaw’s Chicken and Rice Casserole is a comforting and hearty dish that brings together tender chicken, creamy soups, and fluffy rice in a single, easy-to-make meal. Perfect for cozy family dinners, this casserole is both satisfying and simple to prepare.

Ingredients

• 3 chicken breasts, cut into cubes
• 2 cups water
• 2 cups instant white rice
• 1 (10.75 ounce) can cream of chicken soup
• 1 (10.75 ounce) can cream of celery soup
• 1 (10.75 ounce) can cream of mushroom soup
• Salt and ground black pepper to taste
• ½ cup butter, sliced into pats

Instructions

1. Step 1: Gather all your ingredients and preheat your oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C). Grease the sides and bottom of a casserole dish.
2. Step 2: In the prepared casserole dish, stir together the cubed chicken, water, instant rice, cream of chicken soup, cream of celery soup, and cream of mushroom soup. Season with salt and ground black pepper to your liking.
3. Step 3: Arrange the sliced pats of butter evenly over the top of the chicken mixture.
4. Step 4: Bake the casserole in the preheated oven for 1 hour to 75 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the chicken is cooked through.
5. Step 5: Let the casserole cool for 10 to 15 minutes before serving to allow it to set. Enjoy your comforting meal!

Tips & Variations

• You can substitute the chicken breasts with thighs for a juicier texture and richer flavor.
• Try adding a handful of chopped vegetables like peas, carrots, or green beans for extra nutrition and color.
• If you prefer a less creamy texture, reduce the amount of canned soups slightly or use a homemade cream sauce.
• Sprinkle shredded cheese on top during the last 10 minutes of baking for a cheesy twist.

Storage

Store any leftover casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm in the oven at 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) until heated through, or microwave individual portions until hot.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use fresh rice instead of instant rice?

Instant rice is preferred for this recipe because it cooks fully during baking. Fresh rice would need more liquid and a longer cooking time, so it’s best to stick with instant rice or adjust the liquid ratios and cooking time accordingly.

Is it possible to make this casserole ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the casserole a few hours in advance and keep it covered in the refrigerator. When ready to bake, bring it back to room temperature and then follow the baking instructions. This makes meal prep easier for busy days.

Mamaw’s Chicken and Rice Casserole Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.7 from 133 reviews

Mamaw’s Chicken and Rice Casserole is a comforting, creamy baked dish that combines tender chicken breasts, instant white rice, and a trio of cream soups for a rich and hearty meal. Perfect for family dinners, this casserole bakes to golden perfection with buttery topping, delivering a warm and satisfying flavor that everyone will love.

• Author: zara
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x
• Category: Main Dish
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Chicken and Rice Mixture

• 3 chicken breasts, cut into cubes
• 2 cups water
• 2 cups instant white rice
• 1 (10.75 ounce) can cream of chicken soup
• 1 (10.75 ounce) can cream of celery soup
• 1 (10.75 ounce) can cream of mushroom soup
• Salt and ground black pepper to taste

Topping

• ½ cup butter, sliced into pats

Instructions

1. Gather Ingredients: Collect all the ingredients needed for the casserole to ensure a smooth cooking process.
2. Prepare Oven and Dish: Preheat your oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C). Grease the sides and bottom of a casserole dish to prevent sticking.
3. Mix Ingredients: In the prepared casserole dish, stir together the cubed chicken breasts, water, instant white rice, cream of chicken soup, cream of celery soup, and cream of mushroom soup. Season the mixture with salt and ground black pepper according to your taste preference.
4. Add Butter Topping: Arrange the pats of butter evenly over the top of the chicken and rice mixture. This will melt during baking and add a rich flavor and moisture.
5. Bake: Place the casserole dish in the preheated oven and bake for 1 hour to 75 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the chicken is fully cooked through. The top will also become lightly browned and bubbly.
6. Cool and Serve: Remove the casserole from the oven and allow it to cool for 10 to 15 minutes before serving. This resting time helps the casserole set and makes it easier to serve. Enjoy your comforting meal!

Notes

• Using instant white rice significantly reduces cooking time compared to regular rice.
• Ensure chicken is thoroughly cooked by checking that it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
• You can substitute the three cream soups with low-fat or reduced-sodium versions for a lighter casserole.
• If you prefer, add chopped vegetables like onions, celery, or carrots for extra flavor and nutrition.
• Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.

Keywords: chicken casserole, chicken and rice, comfort food, baked casserole, creamy chicken dish