Mamaw's Chicken and Rice Casserole Recipe
Some recipes don't need fancy ingredients or complicated steps. They just need to be good — and this one absolutely delivers. Mamaw's Chicken and Rice Casserole is the kind of meal that fills your kitchen with a smell that makes everyone wander in asking, "What's cooking?" It's creamy, hearty, and satisfying in the most old-fashioned, homey way possible. One bite and you'll understand why this dish has been passed down through generations.
Ingredients
- 3 boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1 cup water
- 1½ cups instant white rice uncooked
- 1 can (10.5 oz) can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
- 1 can (10.5 oz) can (10.5 oz) ozcan (10.5 oz)
- 1 can (10.5 oz) can (10.5 oz) ozcan (10.5 oz)
- ½ tsp salt adjust to taste
- ¼ tsp black pepper adjust to taste
- ½ cup (1 stick) cup (1 stick) Sliced into thin pats
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease the bottom and sides of a 9x13 casserole dish.2. Add the cubed chicken, water, instant rice, cream of chicken soup, cream of celery soup, and cream of mushroom soup into the prepared dish. Season with salt and pepper and stir until everything is well combined.3. Arrange the butter pats in a single layer evenly across the top of the mixture.4. Bake uncovered for 60 to 75 minutes, until the rice is fully cooked and tender and the chicken is cooked through. The top should look golden and the edges will be bubbling.5. Remove from the oven and let rest for 10 to 15 minutes before serving. Enjoy!
Notes
- For a quicker version, swap raw chicken for shredded rotisserie chicken — no extra cooking needed.
- Stir in a cup of fresh or frozen broccoli florets before baking for added color and nutrition.
- Sprinkle shredded cheddar or pepper jack on top during the last 10 minutes for a cheesy crust.
- To make ahead, assemble the casserole up to 24 hours in advance, cover, and refrigerate. Add the butter pats just before baking.
- Store leftovers covered in the fridge for up to 4 days, or freeze in airtight containers for up to 2 months. Add a splash of water or broth when reheating to keep the rice moist.
Nutrition Facts
- Calories: 256
- Total Carbohydrate: 32g
- Dietary Fiber: 1g
- Total Sugars: 19g
- Protein: 3g
- Total Fat: 13g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Cholesterol: 23mg
- Vitamin C: 2mg
- Sodium: 171mg
- Calcium: 29mg
- Iron: 1mg
- Potassium: 96mg