Description
Mamaw’s Chicken and Rice Casserole is a beloved Southern family recipe perfect for quick weeknight dinners or cozy gatherings. This creamy, comforting casserole combines tender chicken, instant rice, and a trio of cream soups, topped generously with butter for a rich finish. Passed down through generations, it’s a nostalgic dish that is easy to prepare and delicious as leftovers.
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
- Prepare Ingredients: Gather all necessary ingredients and preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Grease the sides and bottom of a 9×13-inch casserole dish to prevent sticking.
- Mix Chicken and Rice: In the prepared casserole dish, combine cubed chicken breasts, water, instant white rice, cream of chicken soup, cream of celery soup, and cream of mushroom soup. Stir until well mixed. Season the mixture with salt and ground black pepper to your taste.
- Add Butter Topping: Evenly arrange the sliced pats of butter over the top of the chicken and rice mixture. This butter topping adds a rich, golden finish to the casserole.
- Bake the Casserole: 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.
- Rest Before Serving: Remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for 10 to 15 minutes. This allows it to set slightly, making it easier to serve. Enjoy your warm, comforting Mamaw’s Chicken and Rice Casserole!
Notes
- You can reduce the amount of butter on top if you prefer a lighter dish, but the full half cup gives it a classic rich Southern flavor.
- Using instant white rice saves time and ensures the casserole cooks evenly.
- Feel free to adjust the seasoning with extra herbs like thyme or parsley for added flavor.
- The casserole is best served warm and can be refrigerated for up to 3 days; reheat thoroughly before serving.
- Substitute the cream soups with homemade versions or low-sodium options for a healthier twist.
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 1 hr
- Category: Main Dish, Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Southern, American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/6 of casserole (~1 cup)
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 780mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 13g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0.5g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
