Mamaw’s Chicken and Rice Casserole Recipe
If you’re searching for the ultimate comfort food, look no further than Mamaw’s Chicken and Rice Casserole Recipe. This creamy, dreamy classic is the very definition of home-cooked goodness: tender chicken breasts nestled over a bed of perfectly seasoned rice, all baked together in a trio of savory soups. It’s the kind of dish that fills your kitchen with irresistible aromas and brings everyone running to the table—a family favorite that warms you from the inside out with every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of Mamaw’s Chicken and Rice Casserole Recipe lies in its simplicity—each ingredient plays a starring role, building layers of flavor and texture that create magic in the oven. Gather these pantry staples and you’re already halfway to a hearty, homemade meal.
- Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are the protein foundation; they cook up juicy and tender in the casserole.
- Long-Grain White Rice: Uncooked rice absorbs all the rich flavors as it bakes, giving you a perfectly fluffy base.
- Cream of Chicken Soup: Adds velvety texture and a comforting chicken flavor that ties everything together.
- Cream of Mushroom Soup: Brings earthy depth and a creamy consistency to the mix.
- Cream of Celery Soup: Offers brightness and a subtle, herby note that balances the richness.
- Water or Chicken Broth: Keeps the casserole moist as it bakes; broth adds an extra boost of flavor.
- Garlic Powder: A dash of this brings warmth and subtle complexity.
- Onion Powder: Enhances the base flavor without any chopping required.
- Salt: Just enough to bring all the flavors together.
- Black Pepper: Adds a gentle kick and rounds out the seasoning.
- Butter: Dotting the top with butter gives a golden, luscious finish.
- Chopped Fresh Parsley (optional): For a final touch of color and a hint of freshness when serving.
How to Make Mamaw’s Chicken and Rice Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Prep the Oven and Baking Dish
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or nonstick spray—this ensures nothing sticks to the pan and every scoop comes out perfectly. Setting up the dish now makes assembling Mamaw’s Chicken and Rice Casserole Recipe a total breeze.
Step 2: Mix the Creamy Base and Rice
In a large mixing bowl, combine the uncooked long-grain white rice, cream of chicken soup, cream of mushroom soup, cream of celery soup, water or chicken broth, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Stir everything together until it’s completely smooth and all the rice is coated. This creamy mixture is the heart of the casserole, ensuring every grain of rice soaks up maximum flavor.
Step 3: Assemble the Casserole
Pour the rice mixture into your prepared baking dish and spread it out evenly. Lay the chicken breasts on top, gently pressing them into the rice so they’re partly nestled in but still visible. Dot the surface with small pieces of butter—these will melt and add extra richness as the casserole bakes.
Step 4: Bake to Perfection
Cover the dish tightly with foil to trap in steam, which helps cook the rice and keep the chicken moist. Bake in your preheated oven for 1 hour and 15 minutes. Then, remove the foil and return the casserole to the oven for another 10 to 15 minutes. This final stretch allows the top to get beautifully golden and ensures the chicken is fully cooked and the rice is tender.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Once baked, let the casserole rest for about 5 minutes before serving. If you like, sprinkle chopped fresh parsley on top for a pop of color and freshness. Now you’re ready to dig in and enjoy Mamaw’s Chicken and Rice Casserole Recipe at its very best!
How to Serve Mamaw’s Chicken and Rice Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
A scatter of fresh parsley is classic, but you can also add a sprinkle of paprika or some sliced green onions for a little extra flair. For special occasions, a handful of shredded cheddar melted on top during the last few minutes of baking transforms Mamaw’s Chicken and Rice Casserole Recipe into a cheesy showstopper.
Side Dishes
Round out your meal with a crisp green salad or some steamed vegetables for balance. Buttermilk biscuits or warm dinner rolls are always a hit for soaking up all that creamy sauce—trust me, your family will be asking for seconds.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve individual portions in ramekins for dinner parties or potlucks. Or, dress things up by layering the casserole on a bed of sautéed spinach or roasted broccoli. If you’re packing a lunch, scoop a generous helping into a thermos to keep it deliciously warm on the go.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Mamaw’s Chicken and Rice Casserole Recipe holds up wonderfully in the fridge. Simply transfer leftovers to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to four days. The flavors meld even more as it sits, making for tasty reheated meals all week long.
Freezing
This casserole is a true freezer hero. Once baked and cooled, portion it into freezer-safe containers or wrap the whole dish tightly in foil and plastic wrap. It will keep well for up to three months—perfect for prepping ahead or gifting to friends in need of a homemade meal.
Reheating
To reheat, simply cover and bake in a 350°F oven until heated through, or microwave individual servings for a quick lunch. If the casserole seems a little dry after freezing, add a splash of chicken broth before reheating to bring back that creamy texture.
FAQs
Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
You can, but keep in mind that brown rice takes longer to cook and may not become as tender in the same baking time. If you want to try it, consider par-cooking the brown rice before assembling the casserole, or add additional liquid and extend the baking time.
What other chicken cuts work in this casserole?
Chicken thighs are a fantastic swap for breasts—they add extra richness and stay super juicy. You can also use bone-in pieces, but be sure to adjust the cooking time so everything cooks through evenly.
Can I make Mamaw’s Chicken and Rice Casserole Recipe dairy-free?
Absolutely! Look for dairy-free versions of the condensed soups and use olive oil or a plant-based butter substitute. The results are still wonderfully creamy and satisfying.
Is it possible to add vegetables to the casserole?
Definitely—stir in a cup of frozen peas, carrots, or mixed veggies with the rice mixture before baking. This is a great way to sneak in extra nutrition and color without any fuss.
How can I tell when the casserole is fully cooked?
The chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F, and the rice should be tender and have absorbed most of the liquid. If you notice any excess liquid after baking, let the casserole rest uncovered for a few minutes; it will thicken up as it cools.
Final Thoughts
If you’re longing for a taste of true Southern comfort, Mamaw’s Chicken and Rice Casserole Recipe will never let you down. It brings families together, sparks warm memories, and delivers pure satisfaction in every forkful. Give it a try—you just might find it becomes your own treasured family tradition.
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Mamaw’s Chicken and Rice Casserole Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 35 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Mamaw’s Chicken and Rice Casserole is a comforting Southern American dish featuring tender chicken breasts baked in a creamy mixture of three savory soups and long-grain white rice. This easy-to-make casserole is perfect for weeknight dinners or make-ahead meals, offering a rich and hearty flavor with simple pantry ingredients.
Ingredients
Chicken and Rice Mixture
- 3 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup long-grain white rice (uncooked)
- 1 can (10.5 ounces) cream of chicken soup
- 1 can (10.5 ounces) cream of mushroom soup
- 1 can (10.5 ounces) cream of celery soup
- 1 cup water or chicken broth
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Toppings and Garnishes
- 1 tablespoon butter (cut into small pieces)
- Chopped fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Baking Dish: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
- Mix Rice and Soups: In a large mixing bowl, combine the uncooked long-grain white rice with the cream of chicken soup, cream of mushroom soup, cream of celery soup, water or chicken broth, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Stir everything thoroughly until the mixture is smooth and well blended.
- Assemble the Casserole: Pour the soup and rice mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish and spread it out uniformly. Place the boneless, skinless chicken breasts on top of the rice mixture and gently press them in slightly so they sit snugly.
- Add Butter and Cover: Dot the top of the chicken breasts with the small pieces of butter. Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil to keep moisture sealed during baking.
- Bake Covered: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 1 hour and 15 minutes, allowing the rice to cook through and the chicken to become tender.
- Uncover and Finish Baking: Carefully remove the foil and continue baking for another 10 to 15 minutes until the chicken is fully cooked (internal temperature of 165°F) and the rice is tender and slightly crisp on top.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from the oven and sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the casserole if desired before serving. Enjoy warm as a hearty main course.
Notes
- You can substitute chicken thighs for chicken breasts to add extra flavor and tenderness.
- For a cheesy variation, sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese on top during the last 10 minutes of baking.
- This casserole is excellent for make-ahead meal prep and reheats well for leftovers.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Southern American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 1/2 cups
- Calories: 460
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 950mg
- Fat: 17g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
