If you’re craving a comforting meal that tastes like a warm hug from the kitchen, look no further than Mamaw’s Chicken and Rice Casserole Recipe. This classic dish brings together tender chicken, creamy soups, and fluffy rice into a luscious, all-in-one casserole that’s as simple to make as it is satisfying to eat. Whether you’re feeding a family or looking for a cozy dinner, this recipe delivers a rich blend of flavors that feels homemade and heartwarming with every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of Mamaw’s Chicken and Rice Casserole Recipe lies in the simplicity of its ingredients, each playing a key role in creating that perfect balance of creaminess, tenderness, and subtle flavor. From the juicy chicken to the trio of creamy soups, every component contributes beautifully to the taste and texture.
- Chicken breasts (3, cubed): Provides tender, juicy protein that forms the hearty base of the casserole.
- Water (2 cups): Essential for cooking the rice perfectly and keeping the casserole moist.
- Instant white rice (2 cups): Quick to cook and absorbs all the delicious soup flavors for a fluffy texture.
- Cream of chicken soup (1 can, 10.5 oz): Adds richness and depth with its smooth, savory flavor.
- Cream of celery soup (1 can, 10.5 oz): Brings a subtle herby note that brightens up the dish.
- Cream of mushroom soup (1 can, 10.5 oz): Introduces earthiness and an extra layer of creamy comfort.
- Salt and ground black pepper (to taste): Enhances all the flavors for the perfect seasoning balance.
- Butter (½ cup, sliced into pats): Melts over the top to create a luscious, golden finish and adds richness.
How to Make Mamaw’s Chicken and Rice Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Your Dish
Start by heating your oven up to 400 degrees Fahrenheit (200 degrees Celsius). While it warms, grease the sides and bottom of your casserole dish well — this helps prevent sticking and makes cleanup easier after all the yumminess.
Step 2: Combine Ingredients in the Casserole Dish
Next, toss together the cubed chicken, water, instant white rice, and all three creamy soups directly in your prepared casserole dish. Give everything a gentle stir just to combine. Don’t forget to season generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper to bring all those flavors to life.
Step 3: Top with Butter Pats
Once everything is mixed, neatly arrange the pats of butter over the surface of your casserole. As the dish bakes, the butter will melt slowly, creating a golden, buttery glaze that makes this classic casserole taste even more special.
Step 4: Bake Until Perfectly Cooked
Pop your dish into the oven and bake it for about an hour to 75 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the rice is tender and the chicken is cooked through—this slow cooking melds the flavors beautifully while giving the rice a lovely soft texture.
Step 5: Let It Rest Before Serving
Once out of the oven, resist the urge to dig in immediately. Let the casserole sit for 10 to 15 minutes to cool slightly; this rest time helps it set so servings hold together nicely, plus gives you a moment to soak in that wonderful aroma.
How to Serve Mamaw’s Chicken and Rice Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
Adding a few fresh garnishes can elevate the cozy flavors of Mamaw’s Chicken and Rice Casserole Recipe nicely. A sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley or green onions adds a refreshing pop of color and brightness to each serving, balancing the creamy richness perfectly.
Side Dishes
While this casserole is hearty on its own, consider pairing it with a crisp green salad or steamed vegetables like broccoli or green beans to add a bit of crunch and healthy freshness to your meal. Simple garlic bread or dinner rolls also make great companions for soaking up any leftover creamy goodness.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, try serving Mamaw’s Chicken and Rice Casserole Recipe in individual ramekins for a charming personal touch. Or sprinkle some shredded cheese or crushed crackers on top before baking next time for a crispy, flavorful crust that everyone will love.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Mamaw’s Chicken and Rice Casserole Recipe keeps beautifully in the fridge for up to 3 days when stored in an airtight container. The flavors often deepen overnight, making leftovers just as tasty, if not better, than the first serving.
Freezing
If you want to prepare this casserole ahead of time for busy nights, you can freeze it before baking. Cover the casserole tightly with foil and plastic wrap, then freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking as usual.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently in the oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit until warmed through, or microwave individual portions for a quick meal. Adding a splash of water or broth when reheating helps keep the rice moist and creamy.
FAQs
Can I use fresh chicken instead of frozen or thawed?
Absolutely! Fresh chicken breasts work wonderfully in this recipe. Just be sure to cut them into evenly sized cubes so they cook evenly within the casserole.
Do I have to use all three types of cream soups?
Using cream of chicken, celery, and mushroom soups gives your casserole a unique depth and richness, but you can substitute with just two or your favorite varieties to suit your taste or what’s available in your pantry.
Is instant rice necessary, or can I use regular rice?
Instant rice is recommended because it cooks perfectly during the baking time. Regular rice might require pre-cooking or adjusting the liquid amounts and baking time to ensure it cooks through properly.
Can this casserole be made gluten-free?
Yes! Just make sure to use gluten-free versions of the cream soups and instant rice. Many brands offer gluten-free condensed soups that work just as well.
How do I know when the casserole is done?
Your casserole is ready when the rice is tender and has absorbed most of the liquid, and the chicken is fully cooked with no pink inside. The butter over the top should have melted, creating a nice golden finish.
Final Thoughts
Mamaw’s Chicken and Rice Casserole Recipe is a timeless classic that brings a smile to anyone’s face with its cozy, creamy goodness. It’s a perfect dish to make for a family gathering, a weeknight dinner, or whenever you want to enjoy a satisfying meal that feels like home. Give this recipe a try—you might just find it becoming a beloved staple in your kitchen too!
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Mamaw’s Chicken and Rice Casserole Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
Mamaw’s Chicken and Rice Casserole is a comforting and hearty baked dish featuring tender chicken breasts, creamy soups, and fluffy instant rice all combined into an easy-to-make casserole. This classic recipe blends rich flavors and buttery topping for a satisfying family meal.
Ingredients
Chicken and Rice Mixture
- 3 chicken breasts, cut into cubes
- 2 cups water
- 2 cups instant white rice
- 1 (10.5 ounce) can cream of chicken soup
- 1 (10.5 ounce) can cream of celery soup
- 1 (10.5 ounce) can cream of mushroom soup
- Salt and ground black pepper to taste
Topping
- ½ cup butter, sliced into pats
Instructions
- Preheat and prep: Preheat your oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C). Grease the sides and bottom of a casserole dish to prevent sticking and to ensure easy cleanup.
- Combine 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 generously with salt and ground black pepper to your taste.
- Top with butter: Evenly arrange the butter pats over the top of the chicken and rice mixture. This will add richness and help create a golden finish on your casserole.
- Bake: Place the casserole dish in the preheated oven and bake uncovered for 1 hour to 1 hour and 15 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the chicken is fully cooked through.
- Serve: Remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for 10 to 15 minutes before serving. This resting time helps the casserole set and makes it easier to dish out. Enjoy your comforting Mamaw’s Chicken and Rice Casserole!
Notes
- You can substitute chicken thighs if preferred, but adjust cooking time accordingly.
- For extra flavor, sprinkle some shredded cheese on top during the last 10 minutes of baking.
- Use low-sodium canned soups to control salt content.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven.
- Instant rice shortens cooking time, but you can use regular rice—just increase bake time and ensure enough liquid.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
