Mamaw’s Chicken and Rice Casserole Recipe
Mamaw’s Chicken and Rice Casserole is a comforting and creamy one-dish meal featuring tender chicken breasts, instant white rice, and a trio of cream soups baked to perfection. Rich and flavorful, this casserole is easy to prepare and perfect for family dinners or potlucks.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American Southern
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 3 chicken breasts, cut into cubes
- 2 cups water
- 2 cups instant white rice
Soup Mixtures
- 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
Seasoning and Fat
- Salt and ground black pepper to taste
- ½ cup butter, sliced into pats
Instructions
- Prepare casserole dish: Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C). Grease the sides and bottom of a casserole dish to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
- Combine ingredients: In the prepared casserole dish, stir together the cubed chicken breasts, 2 cups of water, 2 cups of instant white rice, and the three cans of cream soups—cream of chicken, cream of celery, and cream of mushroom. Season the mixture with salt and ground black pepper to your taste, ensuring an even distribution.
- Add butter: Arrange pats of butter evenly over the top of the chicken and rice mixture. This will melt during baking, adding richness and moisture to the casserole.
- Bake the casserole: Place the casserole dish in the preheated oven and bake for 1 hour to 1 hour 15 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the chicken is fully cooked through. The cooking time may vary slightly depending on your oven and the thickness of your chicken pieces.
- Cool and serve: Once done, remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for 10 to 15 minutes. This resting time helps the casserole set, making it easier to serve. Enjoy warm!
Notes
- Use instant white rice as directed for optimal texture; other types may require different cooking times.
- Adjust salt and pepper according to your taste and dietary requirements.
- Butter can be substituted with a plant-based margarine for a slightly lighter version.
- Letting the casserole rest after baking helps it hold its shape when served.
- This dish pairs well with a fresh green salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.
Keywords: Chicken casserole, rice casserole, creamy chicken rice bake, comfort food, easy dinner, baked chicken and rice
