If you’re craving that warm, comforting dish that instantly feels like home cooking, look no further than Mamaw’s Chicken and Rice Casserole Recipe. This timeless casserole is a beautiful marriage of tender chicken cubes, creamy soups, and fluffy rice baked to perfection with buttery goodness on top. Each bite bursts with nostalgic flavors that remind you of lazy Sunday dinners and family gatherings, making it one of those dishes you’ll want to keep in your regular rotation. The magic lies in its simplicity and rich layers of taste that come together seamlessly in one dish.
Ingredients You’ll Need
To make Mamaw’s Chicken and Rice Casserole Recipe, you only need a handful of pantry staples and fresh chicken, yet each ingredient plays a vital role in delivering that signature comfort flavor and texture.
- Chicken breasts (3, cut into cubes): The star protein that stays tender and juicy throughout baking.
- Water (2 cups): Hydrates the rice and helps create the casserole’s creamy texture.
- Instant white rice (2 cups): Cooks perfectly within the casserole to absorb all the flavors without becoming mushy.
- Cream of chicken soup (1 can, 10.5 ounces): Adds richness and savory depth straight from the can.
- Cream of celery soup (1 can, 10.5 ounces): Brings a subtle vegetal note and smooth creaminess.
- Cream of mushroom soup (1 can, 10.5 ounces): Lends earthiness and umami for balance.
- Salt and ground black pepper (to taste): Essential seasonings that tie all the flavors together.
- Butter (½ cup, sliced into pats): Melted on top during baking for a golden, luscious finish.
How to Make Mamaw’s Chicken and Rice Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prep
Start by preheating your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit (200 degrees Celsius) and generously greasing your casserole dish. This initial prep ensures your casserole won’t stick and will develop a beautiful crust on the edges—a must for that authentic Mamaw touch.
Step 2: Combine Ingredients
In the greased baking dish, combine the cubed chicken, water, instant rice, and the three comforting cans of cream soup: chicken, celery, and mushroom. Stir everything together gently but thoroughly so that the rice is evenly coated and the chicken is nestled within the creamy mixture. This base will develop into the hearty soul of the casserole as it bakes.
Step 3: Season and Top with Butter
Season the mixture with salt and ground black pepper according to your preference, remembering that the soups add saltiness too, so taste carefully. Next, arrange the pats of butter—those little slices will melt over the casserole, creating a buttery glaze and adding richness that makes every bite extra special.
Step 4: Bake Until Perfect
Pop the casserole into the preheated oven and bake for about 60 to 75 minutes. You want the rice tender and the chicken fully cooked through. The baking process allows all the flavors to meld, the rice to soak up the creamy goodness, and the butter to form a slightly golden topping that’s irresistibly inviting.
Step 5: Let It Rest Before Serving
Once out of the oven, let the casserole cool for 10 to 15 minutes. This resting period helps it set up nicely, making it easier to serve and allowing the flavors to deepen even more. This simple step is the final secret to achieving that perfect comfort food vibe with Mamaw’s Chicken and Rice Casserole Recipe.
How to Serve Mamaw’s Chicken and Rice Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or chives can add a pop of color and fresh herbal brightness that contrasts beautifully with the creamy casserole. For a bit of crunch, toasted breadcrumbs or even crushed buttery crackers on top after baking can elevate the texture dramatically.
Side Dishes
This casserole is luscious and filling on its own, but pairing it with crisp, lightly dressed green salads or steamed fresh vegetables like green beans or broccoli adds a fresh counterbalance. A tangy coleslaw or roasted root vegetables also work wonders to brighten and complement the richness.
Creative Ways to Present
For a charming family-style presentation, serve it directly in the casserole dish with rustic wooden serving spoons to invite everyone to dig in. Alternatively, plating individual portions and topping with a small dollop of sour cream or a wedge of lemon on the side can add an elegant flair for special occasions.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Any leftover Mamaw’s Chicken and Rice Casserole Recipe stores beautifully covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors deepen overnight, making it even tastier the next day.
Freezing
You can freeze this casserole for up to 2 months. For best results, assemble the dish but do not bake it; cover tightly with foil before freezing. When ready to enjoy, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and then bake as directed.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently in the oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit until warmed through to preserve the creamy texture. Alternatively, microwave individual portions covered to avoid drying out, stirring halfway through for even heating.
FAQs
Can I use different types of rice in Mamaw’s Chicken and Rice Casserole Recipe?
While instant white rice is recommended because it cooks perfectly within the casserole, you can experiment with long-grain or jasmine rice, but you may need to adjust the water and cooking time accordingly to ensure the rice is tender.
Is it possible to substitute the canned soups with homemade versions?
Absolutely! If you prefer fresh ingredients, making your own cream soups can enhance the casserole’s flavor and control the salt content. Just keep the quantity similar and ensure the consistency is creamy enough to bind the ingredients.
Can I use bone-in chicken instead of boneless?
Using bone-in chicken breasts may add extra flavor, but it will significantly extend cooking time, and the rice could dry out. For best results, stick to boneless, cubed chicken so everything cooks evenly and stays moist.
How can I make this casserole gluten-free?
To make Mamaw’s Chicken and Rice Casserole Recipe gluten-free, check the labels on your canned soups to ensure they contain no gluten additives. Alternatively, use homemade soups or gluten-free versions and confirm your rice is gluten-free.
Can I add vegetables to the casserole?
Definitely! Adding diced carrots, peas, or chopped bell peppers before baking can add color and nutrition. Just be mindful of moisture content, which might require a slight tweak of the water or baking time.
Final Thoughts
Mamaw’s Chicken and Rice Casserole Recipe truly captures the heart of comfort food with its creamy, buttery layers and tender chicken that feels like a warm embrace on any day. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or simply yourself, this casserole is a charming throwback to good times and great flavors. I promise once you make it, you’ll want to pull it out again and again to savor that cozy, homey delight only Mamaw’s recipe can offer. So go ahead, gather those simple ingredients and make yourself a hearty dish that feels like a hug from the inside out.
Print
Mamaw’s Chicken and Rice Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Mamaw’s Chicken and Rice Casserole is a comforting, creamy baked dish combining tender chicken breast cubes with three types of cream soups and instant white rice, baked to perfection with buttery goodness. This classic casserole is easy to prepare, ideal for family dinners, and delivers a hearty, flavorful meal in about an hour and 10 minutes.
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 the bottom of a casserole dish to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
- Combine Ingredients: In the prepared casserole dish, mix together the cubed chicken, 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 to taste, stirring gently until everything is evenly combined.
- Top with Butter: Evenly place the sliced pats of butter on top of the chicken and rice mixture. This will melt during baking and add rich flavor to the 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 cooked through. The butter will also have melted and infused the dish beautifully.
- Serve: Allow the casserole to cool for 10 to 15 minutes before serving. This resting time helps the dish to set slightly and makes it easier to serve. Enjoy your hearty Mamaw’s Chicken and Rice Casserole!
Notes
- Use instant white rice for quicker cooking and best results.
- Feel free to adjust salt and pepper seasoning according to your taste preferences.
- Butter pats on top help keep the casserole moist and add richness; don’t skip this step.
- Letting the casserole rest after baking helps with portioning and enhances texture.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated and reheated; add a splash of water or broth when reheating to retain moisture.
