Mamaw’s Chicken and Rice Casserole Recipe
If you’re on the lookout for a comforting, nostalgic dish that wraps you up in cozy flavors and hearty goodness, then Mamaw’s Chicken and Rice Casserole Recipe is exactly what you need. This classic casserole blends tender chunks of chicken with creamy soups and fluffy white rice, all baked to golden perfection. Each bite offers a delightful mix of rich, creamy textures and savory flavors that feel like a warm hug from family. Perfect for busy weeknights or a laid-back Sunday dinner, it’s the kind of recipe that earns a permanent spot on your table and in your heart.
Ingredients You’ll Need
One of the best things about Mamaw’s Chicken and Rice Casserole Recipe is how straightforward and accessible the ingredients are. Each component plays a key role in building layers of flavor and creating that irresistible creamy, tender texture you’ll love.
- 3 chicken breasts, cut into cubes: Tender chunks that soak up all the rich flavors during baking.
- 2 cups water: Keeps the rice perfectly moist while marrying all the ingredients together.
- 2 cups instant white rice: Cooks evenly and absorbs the creaminess beautifully.
- 1 (10.5 ounce) can cream of chicken soup: Adds a savory, comforting base to the casserole.
- 1 (10.5 ounce) can cream of celery soup: Lends a subtle vegetal flavor that enhances depth without overpowering.
- 1 (10.5 ounce) can cream of mushroom soup: Brings earthiness and richness to the mix.
- Salt and ground black pepper to taste: Essential for seasoning and balancing all the creamy elements.
- ½ cup butter, sliced into pats: Melts into the casserole, creating a golden, buttery top and adding lusciousness.
How to Make Mamaw’s Chicken and Rice Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prep the Dish
Start by heating your oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C). While it’s warming up, grease your casserole dish thoroughly—both the sides and bottom—to prevent sticking and make cleaning up a breeze. This simple step ensures your Mamaw’s Chicken and Rice Casserole Recipe comes out perfectly intact and ready to serve.
Step 2: Combine the Ingredients
In the prepared casserole dish, stir together the cubed chicken, water, instant white rice, and all three canned soups: cream of chicken, cream of celery, and cream of mushroom. This combination creates that velvety, hearty base that defines the dish. Season generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper to bring out all the flavors.
Step 3: Top with Butter Pats
Distribute the sliced pats of butter evenly over the surface of the casserole. As the dish bakes, the butter will melt, adding a luscious richness and helping develop a delightful top layer that’s both golden and flavorful—one of those little touches that elevate this straightforward dish into something truly special.
Step 4: Bake Until Perfect
Pop your casserole into the preheated oven and bake it for 1 hour to 1 hour and 15 minutes. The key is to bake until the rice is fully tender and the chicken is cooked through. You’ll know it’s done when the aromas fill your kitchen and the top looks beautifully bubbly and golden.
Step 5: Cool Before Serving
After baking, let your Mamaw’s Chicken and Rice Casserole Recipe cool for about 10 to 15 minutes. This resting time helps everything set a bit so it’s easier to portion out and enjoy without losing any of that creamy goodness.
How to Serve Mamaw’s Chicken and Rice Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
To add some fresh brightness and a slight crunch, consider sprinkling chopped fresh parsley or green onions over the casserole before serving. A light dusting of paprika can also add a pop of color, elevating the dish’s visual appeal without changing the beloved flavor profile.
Side Dishes
This casserole shines as a main course but pairs wonderfully with crisp green salads, roasted vegetables, or even simple steamed broccoli. The freshness and texture contrast balance the creamy richness of Mamaw’s Chicken and Rice Casserole Recipe perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to impress guests or bring a little creativity to the table, serve the casserole in individual ramekins or mini cast-iron skillets. Another fun idea is to top each serving with a sprinkle of shredded cheese and broil briefly for a bubbly, golden crust on top. It’s like adding a personal touch that makes everyone feel special.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftovers of Mamaw’s Chicken and Rice Casserole Recipe should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll keep well for up to 3 days, making it a perfect option for next-day lunches or quick dinners. Just be sure to cool the casserole completely before refrigerating.
Freezing
This casserole freezes beautifully. To freeze, portion into freezer-safe containers or foil pans, cover tightly with foil or lids, and keep for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge for the best texture and flavor.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers either in the microwave or the oven. For the oven method, cover the casserole with foil and warm at 350 degrees F until heated through. This helps maintain moisture and prevents drying out. Stir midway if reheating a large portion in the microwave for even warming.
FAQs
Can I use brown rice instead of instant white rice?
While you can substitute brown rice, keep in mind it requires a longer cooking time and more water. To make this swap work, precook the brown rice before combining it with the other ingredients or adjust the baking time accordingly.
Is it okay to use frozen chicken breasts?
Fresh chicken is ideal for this recipe, but if you use frozen, thaw completely before cubing and mixing. This ensures even cooking and the best texture in Mamaw’s Chicken and Rice Casserole Recipe.
Can I make this casserole dairy-free?
The original recipe uses butter and creamy soups which contain dairy. For a dairy-free version, swap out butter for a dairy-free alternative and look for dairy-free cream soups available in many stores or make your own creamy base with plant-based ingredients.
How do I know when the casserole is fully cooked?
The rice should be tender and the chicken cooked through with no pink inside. Baking for 1 hour to 1 hour and 15 minutes at 400 degrees F generally ensures this. If you’d like, check the internal temperature of the chicken—it should reach 165 degrees F.
Can I add vegetables to Mamaw’s Chicken and Rice Casserole Recipe?
Absolutely! Adding vegetables like peas, carrots, or chopped broccoli can bring extra color and nutrition. Just be mindful of moisture content and adjust water amounts slightly if needed to keep the casserole creamy but not watery.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly special about Mamaw’s Chicken and Rice Casserole Recipe that makes it a cherished family favorite. It’s easy to put together, yet delivers layers of comforting flavors that feel homemade and heartfelt. Whether you’re cooking for loved ones or treating yourself, this casserole promises to fill your kitchen with warmth and your belly with satisfaction. Give it a try—you might just find your new go-to comfort meal.
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Mamaw’s Chicken and Rice Casserole Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
Mamaw’s Chicken and Rice Casserole is a comforting and hearty one-dish meal featuring tender chicken breasts simmered with creamy soups and instant white rice, baked to perfection with buttery goodness. This classic casserole combines three creamy soups for deep flavor and is easy to prepare, perfect for family dinners or potlucks.
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 Prepare: Preheat your oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C). Grease the sides and bottom of a casserole dish thoroughly to prevent sticking during baking.
- Combine Ingredients: In the prepared casserole dish, add the cubed chicken breasts, water, instant white rice, cream of chicken soup, cream of celery soup, and cream of mushroom soup. Stir everything together until well incorporated. Season the mixture with salt and ground black pepper according to your taste preferences.
- Top with Butter: Evenly distribute the sliced pats of butter over the top of the chicken and rice mixture. This will create a rich, golden topping as it bakes.
- Bake: Place the casserole dish in the preheated oven and bake uncovered for 1 hour to 1 hour and 15 minutes. The casserole is done when the rice is tender, the chicken is cooked through, and the top is bubbling with butter.
- Rest and Serve: Remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for 10 to 15 minutes before serving. This resting time allows the casserole to set slightly, making it easier to dish out. Enjoy your comforting Mamaw’s Chicken and Rice Casserole!
Notes
- You can substitute different cream soups according to preference, but keep the total quantity the same to maintain moisture balance.
- Using instant rice reduces cooking time significantly and ensures the rice cooks evenly within the casserole.
- If you prefer, swap butter pats for melted butter to pour evenly over the top, although pats help achieve a more rustic texture.
- To ensure chicken is thoroughly cooked, use a meat thermometer; it should read 165°F (74°C) internally.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American Southern
