Mamaw’s Chicken and Rice Casserole Recipe

This Mamaw’s Chicken and Rice Casserole is a classic comfort food recipe that’s sure to please the whole family. Tender chicken, fluffy rice, and a creamy sauce come together in this easy-to-make casserole that’s perfect for a weeknight dinner or a potluck gathering. It’s a nostalgic dish that’s sure to bring back fond memories of home cooking.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Comforting and flavorful: The combination of chicken, rice, and a creamy sauce creates a classic comfort food flavor that’s both satisfying and delicious.
• Easy to make: This recipe is simple to follow and requires minimal prep work.
• One-pan meal: Everything cooks together in one casserole dish, making cleanup a breeze.
• Versatile: You can easily customize the recipe with different vegetables or herbs to your liking.

this Recipe

Ingredients for Mamaw’s Chicken and Rice Casserole

This recipe uses simple, pantry-friendly ingredients to create a comforting and flavorful casserole. Here’s what you’ll need:

• Chicken Breasts: Cut into bite-sized cubes for even cooking.
• Water: Helps cook the rice and create the sauce.
• Instant White Rice: Cooks quickly and absorbs the flavors of the sauce.
• Cream of Chicken, Celery, and Mushroom Soup: Creates a creamy and flavorful sauce.
• Salt and Ground Black Pepper: Enhance the overall taste.
• Butter: Adds richness and flavor to the casserole.

(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

How to Make Mamaw’s Chicken and Rice Casserole

Step 1: Preheat and Prep

Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit (200 degrees Celsius). Grease the sides and bottom of a casserole dish.

Step 2: Combine the Ingredients

In the prepared casserole dish, stir together the cubed chicken, water, rice, cream of chicken soup, cream of celery soup, and cream of mushroom soup. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Step 3: Add the Butter

Arrange the sliced butter evenly over the top of the chicken mixture.

Step 4: Bake

Bake in the preheated oven for 1 hour to 75 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the chicken is cooked through.

Step 5: Cool and Serve

Remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for 10-15 minutes before serving. Enjoy!

Tips for Making the Recipe

• Chicken: You can use boneless, skinless chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts.
• Rice: You can use other types of rice, such as brown rice or wild rice, but you may need to adjust the cooking time and the amount of liquid.
• Vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables to the casserole, such as diced carrots, peas, or green beans.
• Herbs: You can add fresh or dried herbs, such as thyme, rosemary, or parsley, to the casserole for additional flavor.

How to Serve Mamaw’s Chicken and Rice Casserole

• Weeknight dinner: This casserole is perfect for a quick and easy weeknight meal.
• Potluck or gathering: It’s also a great dish to bring to a potluck or gathering.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store leftover casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Reheating

Reheat individual portions in the microwave or reheat the entire casserole in the oven until heated through.

FAQs

Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the casserole ahead of time and bake it later. Simply cover the casserole dish tightly with foil and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.

Can I freeze this casserole?
Yes, you can freeze the assembled casserole before baking. Simply cover the casserole dish tightly with foil and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking.

My casserole is a bit watery, what did I do wrong?
If your casserole is watery, it could be that you used too much liquid or that the rice didn’t have enough time to absorb the liquid. You can try using less liquid or baking the casserole for a longer time.

Can I make this casserole in a slow cooker?
Yes, you can! Simply combine all the ingredients in a slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours, or until the chicken is cooked through and the rice is tender.

There you have it! A simple and delicious recipe for Mamaw’s Chicken and Rice Casserole. I hope you enjoy it!

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