If comfort food had a cozy, all-time favorite, Mamaw’s Chicken and Rice Casserole Recipe would surely take the crown. Picture tender chunks of chicken nestled in a creamy blend of soups and perfectly cooked rice, all baked to golden, buttery perfection. This dish brings warmth to any dinner table with its inviting aroma and deeply satisfying taste. It’s a timeless recipe that feels like a loving hug from Mamaw herself, delivering both simplicity and soul in one delicious casserole.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this recipe plays a special role; together, they create that classic, comforting texture and flavor Mamaw’s casserole is famous for. These straightforward staples are easy to find, yet essential for achieving the perfect balance of creamy, savory goodness and tender chicken with fluffy rice.
- 3 chicken breasts, cut into cubes: Fresh, lean protein that soaks up all the creamy flavors beautifully.
- 2 cups water: Helps cook the rice perfectly and keeps everything moist in the casserole.
- 2 cups instant white rice: The base that absorbs the savory sauces and chicken juices for a tender bite.
- 1 (10.5 ounce) can cream of chicken soup: Adds rich chicken flavor and thick creaminess.
- 1 (10.5 ounce) can cream of celery soup: Brings subtle herbs and a silky texture to the dish.
- 1 (10.5 ounce) can cream of mushroom soup: Deep umami notes that enhance every bite.
- Salt and ground black pepper to taste: Simple seasoning that elevates all the ingredients naturally.
- ½ cup butter, sliced into pats: A golden, flavorful topping that melts into the casserole, creating a luscious finish.
How to Make Mamaw’s Chicken and Rice Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prep
Start by heating your oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C). Greasing your casserole dish is a small step that prevents sticking and makes serving a breeze, setting the stage perfectly for this hearty meal.
Step 2: Combine Ingredients
In your greased casserole dish, mix together the cubed chicken, water, instant rice, and all three creamy soups. This combination is the heart of Mamaw’s recipe—each soup contributes unique flavors and richness, while the water and rice bind it all seamlessly. Season to your taste with salt and black pepper to make it your own.
Step 3: Top with Butter
Lay the half-cup of butter cut into pats evenly over the top of your chicken and rice mixture. This step might seem simple, but it’s key. As the casserole bakes, the butter melts and infuses every bite with that classic golden richness Mamaw’s dish is loved for.
Step 4: Bake Until Perfect
Place the casserole in your preheated oven and bake for anywhere between 1 hour and 1 hour 15 minutes. You’re looking for tender rice and perfectly cooked chicken, which signals that all those creamy flavors have melded beautifully. The top will develop a slight golden hue, making it irresistible.
Step 5: Cool and Serve
Once baked, let the casserole rest for 10 to 15 minutes before digging in. This resting time allows the casserole to firm up slightly, making it easier to serve and enhancing the overall texture.
How to Serve Mamaw’s Chicken and Rice Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh parsley or chives adds a bright color contrast and a burst of mild freshness that complements the casserole’s richness. For extra flavor, a light dusting of paprika or crushed red pepper flakes brings a lovely warmth and visual appeal.
Side Dishes
Massive bowls of creamy casserole love light, crisp sides. Consider a fresh green salad with a tangy vinaigrette or roasted seasonal vegetables like asparagus or green beans. These sides add freshness and a touch of crunch, balancing out the meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve individual portions in mini cast iron skillets or ramekins. This presentation feels special and cozy, perfect for family dinners or small gatherings. You can also top the casserole with shredded cheese before baking to create a melty crust that makes each serving stand out.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Mamaw’s Chicken and Rice Casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep well for up to 3 days, making it great for next-day lunches or weeknight dinners. The flavors actually settle and intensify, so it tastes even better!
Freezing
This casserole freezes wonderfully. After baking and cooling completely, portion it into freezer-safe containers. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. When you’re ready, thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating, or bake straight from frozen by adding extra time and covering it tightly with foil.
Reheating
To reheat, gently warm the casserole in the oven at 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) until heated through, usually about 20-30 minutes. You can also microwave single servings, covering to retain moisture and stirring halfway through to ensure even heating.
FAQs
Can I use brown rice instead of instant white rice?
Yes, you can substitute brown rice, but it will require longer cooking time and more water. Adjust the baking time accordingly, and consider partially cooking the brown rice beforehand to ensure it becomes tender along with the chicken.
Is it possible to make Mamaw’s Chicken and Rice Casserole Recipe dairy-free?
To make this casserole dairy-free, you can replace the butter with a plant-based alternative and look for dairy-free versions of the cream soups or make your own thickened broth base. The dish will still be creamy and delicious with these swaps.
Can I add vegetables to this casserole?
Absolutely! Diced carrots, peas, or chopped broccoli blend nicely into the casserole. Add them raw for a little crunch or lightly steam them beforehand for a softer texture. Just keep portion proportions in mind to maintain the right moisture balance.
What’s the best way to tell if the chicken is fully cooked?
The chicken should be opaque throughout and reach an internal temperature of 165 degrees F (74 degrees C). The rice will also be tender and have soaked up the savory sauce, indicating the casserole is done.
Can I use leftover cooked chicken in this recipe?
Yes, using pre-cooked chicken is a great shortcut. Just reduce the baking time since the chicken only needs to warm through. This tweak makes Mamaw’s Chicken and Rice Casserole Recipe even more convenient without losing any flavor.
Final Thoughts
Cooking Mamaw’s Chicken and Rice Casserole Recipe is like stepping back into a warm kitchen filled with love and timeless flavor. It’s such a wonderful, straightforward dish that brings smiles and satisfies every time. I truly hope you give this classic a try—it’s perfect for sharing with family or cozy solo nights when only comfort will do.
Print
Mamaw’s Chicken and Rice Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American Southern
Description
Mamaw’s Chicken and Rice Casserole is a comforting, creamy baked dish featuring tender cubed chicken breasts combined with instant white rice and a trio of savory cream soups. Baked to perfection with pats of butter on top, this casserole offers a hearty, easy-to-make meal perfect for family dinners.
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 thoroughly to prevent sticking.
- Combine ingredients: In the prepared casserole dish, mix together the cubed chicken breasts, water, instant white rice, cream of chicken soup, cream of celery soup, and cream of mushroom soup until well combined. Season the mixture with salt and ground black pepper according to your taste.
- Top with butter: Evenly distribute the sliced butter pats over the top of the chicken and rice mixture in the casserole dish. This will add richness and help develop a golden top.
- Bake: Place the casserole dish in the preheated oven and bake for 1 hour to 1 hour and 15 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the chicken is fully cooked through. The butter on top should melt and slightly brown.
- Serve: Once baked, allow the casserole to cool for about 10 to 15 minutes before serving. This rest time helps the dish set and makes it easier to serve. Enjoy your hearty, delicious Mamaw’s Chicken and Rice Casserole!
Notes
- Use instant white rice for best results as it cooks evenly within the baking time.
- Taste and adjust seasoning before baking if needed, as cream soups can be salty.
- Allow the casserole to rest before serving to help it firm up and enhance flavors.
- For a lower fat version, butter can be reduced or substituted with a lighter margarine.
- This dish pairs well with a fresh green salad or steamed vegetables.
