Mamaw's Chicken and Rice Casserole served in a bowl with herbs garnish

Mamaw’s Chicken and Rice Casserole

ByCasey Monroe

why make this recipe

Mamaw’s Chicken and Rice Casserole is a heartwarming dish that brings comfort and nostalgia. This recipe is simple to prepare and uses common ingredients found in most kitchens. Cooking this casserole can make your home smell amazing and create lasting memories with family and friends. It’s a perfect meal for busy days and gatherings, making it a favorite for many households.

how to make Mamaw’s Chicken and Rice Casserole

Ingredients :

  • 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
  • ½ cup butter, sliced into pats

Directions :

  1. Gather all ingredients.
  2. Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C).
  3. Grease the sides and bottom of a casserole dish.
  4. In the prepared casserole dish, stir together the chicken, water, rice, cream of chicken soup, cream of celery soup, and cream of mushroom soup.
  5. Season the mixture with salt and pepper.
  6. Arrange the pats of butter evenly over the top of the chicken mixture.
  7. Bake in the preheated oven for 1 hour to 75 minutes, until the rice is tender and the chicken is cooked through.
  8. Let it cool for 10 to 15 minutes before serving. Enjoy!

how to serve Mamaw’s Chicken and Rice Casserole

Serve Mamaw’s Chicken and Rice Casserole hot, straight from the oven. You can dish it up in bowls or on plates. It pairs well with a side of steamed vegetables or a fresh salad. For a complete meal, add some warm bread to soak up the delicious sauce.

how to store Mamaw’s Chicken and Rice Casserole

Once the casserole has cooled down, store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will last for about 3 to 4 days. You can also freeze it for up to 2 months. Just make sure to cover it well before placing it in the freezer. To reheat, simply thaw it in the fridge overnight and warm it in the oven or microwave until heated through.

tips to make Mamaw’s Chicken and Rice Casserole

  • Use freshly cooked chicken if you prefer. Just chop it up and mix it in.
  • For extra flavor, consider adding cooked vegetables like peas or carrots into the casserole.
  • If you like a crispy topping, sprinkle some breadcrumbs or grated cheese over the top before baking.

variation

You can adjust the recipe by using different kinds of soups or adding spices like garlic powder or paprika for more flavor. Additionally, using brown rice instead of white rice is a healthier option, though be mindful that cooking times may change.

FAQs

  1. Can I use frozen chicken for this casserole?
    Yes, you can use frozen chicken. Just make sure to cook it a little longer to ensure it’s completely cooked throughout.

  2. What can I substitute for cream of mushroom soup?
    You can replace cream of mushroom soup with more cream of chicken or cream of celery soup based on your preference.

  3. Is this casserole good for meal prep?
    Absolutely! This casserole is great for meal prep as it stores well in the refrigerator and reheats easily, making it perfect for lunches or quick dinners.