Mamaw’s Chicken and Rice Casserole Recipe

If you’re searching for a cozy, classic dish that tastes like a big, warm hug from grandma, Mamaw’s Chicken and Rice Casserole is the recipe you’ll want to keep close at hand. This beloved casserole has everything you dream of in comfort food: tender chunks of chicken, creamy rice, and a velvety trio of soups to bind it all into a spoonful of nostalgia. With just a handful of pantry staples and an oven, you’ll have a hearty meal that reliably brings everyone back to the table—just the way Mamaw did.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of Mamaw’s Chicken and Rice Casserole is in its simplicity: no fancy ingredients, just honest pantry items that each play a starring role. Every component adds to the heartiness, flavor, or creamy texture that makes this casserole such a favorite.

• Chicken breasts: Cut into cubes to ensure juicy, tender bites in every serving.
• Water: Allows the rice to steam and soak up all the creamy flavors as the casserole bakes.
• Instant white rice: Cooks up soft and fluffy, absorbing the chicken and soup flavors beautifully.
• Cream of chicken soup: Adds legendary richness and depth with a classic chicken flavor.
• Cream of celery soup: Brings a subtle herbal note and extra creaminess to balance the dish.
• Cream of mushroom soup: Offers earthiness and another creamy layer, making each bite extra silky.
• Salt and ground black pepper: Give a tailored seasoning touch so you can make the flavors sing.
• Butter (sliced into pats): Melts over the top for a golden finish and irresistible, savory taste.

How to Make Mamaw’s Chicken and Rice Casserole

Step 1: Prep Your Baking Dish

Start by gathering all your ingredients and preheating your oven to 400 degrees F. To prevent sticking and make cleanup a breeze, generously grease the sides and bottom of a deep casserole dish with butter or nonstick spray. This little step ensures your casserole lifts out easily, every time.

Step 2: Stir Everything Together

In your prepared baking dish, combine the cubed chicken, water, instant rice, cream of chicken soup, cream of celery soup, and cream of mushroom soup. Give everything a good stir so the rice and chicken are evenly coated with all that luscious soup. Season the mixture with salt and ground black pepper, tasting if you wish—or trust Mamaw’s instincts and stick with a classic balance.

Step 3: Dot with Butter

Arrange the sliced pats of butter evenly over the top of the casserole mixture. As it bakes, the butter melts down into the casserole, adding richness to the rice and giving a lovely, golden finish. Don’t be tempted to skip this step—the butter is Mamaw’s secret touch!

Step 4: Bake to Perfection

Place the casserole dish in your preheated oven and bake uncovered for 60 to 75 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the rice is tender and fluffy, the chicken is cooked through and juicy, and the top glistens with buttery, golden magic. If you notice any uneven browning, you can gently cover with foil partway through baking. Trust your nose—the aroma alone will make mouths water!

Step 5: Rest Before Serving

Once baked, let Mamaw’s Chicken and Rice Casserole cool for 10 to 15 minutes before serving. This helps everything set up a bit, making it easier to serve neatly and giving all those flavors a moment to mingle and develop even more.

How to Serve Mamaw’s Chicken and Rice Casserole

Garnishes

For a finishing touch, sprinkle your casserole with a handful of fresh parsley, a dusting of paprika, or even a little shredded cheddar if you’re feeling extra indulgent. These simple garnishes add just the right splash of color and a hint of fresh contrast to the creamy richness.

Side Dishes

This comforting casserole is hearty on its own, but it pairs beautifully with a bright, crisp green salad or simply steamed green beans. If you want to channel Mamaw, serve it with warm rolls or classic Southern cornbread for a meal that brings everyone back for seconds.

Creative Ways to Present

Mamaw’s Chicken and Rice Casserole shines in a simple family-style dish, but you can also bake it in individual ramekins for an elevated dinner party twist. Or, bring it to a potluck in a pretty, oven-safe dish—watch how quickly it disappears!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

When you have leftovers (a rare occurrence!), let your casserole cool to room temperature. Transfer any remaining servings to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 or 4 days. The flavors tend to get even more delicious overnight, making for crave-worthy leftovers.

Freezing

This casserole freezes like a dream. Cool completely, then portion into freezer-safe containers or wrap the entire dish tightly in plastic wrap and foil. Freeze for up to 2 months—just remember to label and date it so you can easily find Mamaw’s Chicken and Rice Casserole later.

Reheating

To reheat refrigerated casserole, place a portion in the microwave (cover loosely) and heat until hot throughout, stirring halfway if needed. For oven reheating, cover the dish with foil and bake at 350 degrees F until warmed through. Add a splash of broth or milk if the casserole seems a tad dry, and it will come back to life perfectly.

FAQs

Can I use rotisserie chicken or cooked chicken instead of raw?

Absolutely! If you have leftover cooked or rotisserie chicken, just fold it in instead of raw chicken. Reduce the total bake time by about 15 minutes, since the chicken is already cooked—be sure the rice is tender before pulling it from the oven.

Can I swap in brown rice or another grain?

Instant brown rice will work, but it may require a tad more liquid and slightly longer baking time. Regular (non-instant) rice isn’t recommended in this recipe, as it won’t cook through in the oven with the same results.

Is it possible to make Mamaw’s Chicken and Rice Casserole dairy-free?

For a dairy-free version, use a dairy-free butter substitute for the topping and seek out dairy-free “cream” soup varieties (there are several on the market now). The texture will be slightly different, but you’ll still get a creamy, satisfying casserole.

Can I add vegetables to the casserole?

Yes! For extra color and nutrition, feel free to stir in a cup or two of frozen peas, carrots, corn, or even chopped fresh broccoli just before baking. Mamaw would approve of the added nutrition and texture.

What size casserole dish should I use?

A standard 9×13-inch casserole dish works perfectly for this recipe. If you have a slightly smaller or larger baking dish, just keep an eye on the thickness of the mixture and adjust your baking time accordingly.

Final Thoughts

There’s a good reason Mamaw’s Chicken and Rice Casserole has stood the test of time—it’s simple, satisfying, and just downright comforting. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just looking to bring a bit of homey flavor into your weeknight routine, this is a recipe you’ll turn to again and again. Give it a try, and let this classic casserole become one of your new family favorites, just as it’s been in kitchens for generations.

Print