Mamaw’s Chicken and Rice Casserole Recipe
If comfort food had its own hall of fame, Mamaw’s Chicken and Rice Casserole would be among the first inducted. This cozy, creamy casserole brings together tender chicken, fluffy white rice, and a duo of savory soups, all lovingly melded with gooey cheddar and a hint of herby goodness. Topped with a buttery, golden crust, it’s the kind of meal that warms hearts, fills bellies, and brings generations together around the table. Whether you’re craving something nostalgic or seeking an easy, crowd-pleasing dinner, this casserole is a true family classic you’ll want to make again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Making Mamaw’s Chicken and Rice Casserole is a breeze, and each ingredient plays a special role in creating that signature comforting flavor. The lineup is humble but powerful – every single component works together to create a casserole that’s creamy, flavorful, and delightfully hearty.
- White rice: Cooked white rice is the backbone of this casserole, giving it structure and soaking up every bit of flavor.
- Cooked, shredded chicken breast: Having pre-cooked and shredded chicken makes this recipe speedy, and you can use rotisserie chicken for even more flavor.
- Cream of chicken soup: This classic, creamy soup adds richness and locks in that old-fashioned comfort flavor.
- Cream of mushroom soup: Adds earthiness and another layer of creaminess, balancing the casserole’s flavor beautifully.
- Sour cream: For tangy creaminess that lightens and enriches the casserole without overpowering.
- Chicken broth: A splash keeps the casserole moist and intensifies the chicken flavor.
- Shredded cheddar cheese: Melts into gooey pockets throughout, adding a cheesy pop with every bite.
- Garlic powder: A little goes a long way to round out all the savory flavors.
- Onion powder: Offers gentle sweetness and depth without needing to chop onions.
- Salt: Essential for bringing out all the flavors in the dish.
- Black pepper: Adds a subtle kick and warmth to every forkful.
- Crushed buttery crackers or breadcrumbs (optional): If you like a little crunch, this is your ticket to a golden, crispy topping.
- Melted butter (optional): Mix with your crackers or crumbs to deliver an irresistible, buttery finish.
How to Make Mamaw’s Chicken and Rice Casserole
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. This gives you plenty of time to prep your ingredients while the oven warms up. A hot oven is key for bubbling, golden-topped casseroles!
Step 2: Mix the Sauces and Spices
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cream of chicken soup, cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, chicken broth, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Use a sturdy spoon or spatula to blend everything until smooth and fully incorporated. This is where the magic starts, as all those creamy elements lay the foundation for a flavorful casserole.
Step 3: Add Rice and Chicken
Fold in the cooked white rice and shredded chicken breast. Be thorough, making sure the rice and chicken are evenly coated with the creamy sauce. If you’re using rotisserie chicken, don’t be shy about tossing in any extra flavorful bits!
Step 4: Add the Cheese
Gently stir in the shredded cheddar cheese, ensuring it’s evenly distributed throughout the mixture. The cheese will melt into glorious little pockets as it bakes, making every bite a gooey delight.
Step 5: Assemble the Casserole
Transfer the mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Spread it out evenly with a spatula to ensure even baking. If you’re a fan of crunchy toppings, this is the moment to shine: Combine the crushed buttery crackers or breadcrumbs with the melted butter, then sprinkle it evenly over the casserole.
Step 6: Bake
Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes. This keeps everything moist and ensures gentle, even cooking. After 25 minutes, remove the foil and continue baking for another 10-15 minutes. The topping (if using) should turn gloriously golden, and the casserole will bubble gently at the edges.
Step 7: Rest and Serve
Pull the casserole from the oven and let it rest for about 5 minutes. This helps it set up for neater servings, and you’ll avoid burning your tongue on the first bite!
How to Serve Mamaw’s Chicken and Rice Casserole
Garnishes
If you want to take Mamaw’s Chicken and Rice Casserole to the next level, try sprinkling freshly chopped parsley or chives over the top right before serving. A little crack of black pepper or an extra sprinkle of cheddar cheese looks and tastes fantastic, delivering a pop of color and flavor that’s hard to resist.
Side Dishes
This casserole is hearty enough to stand alone, but it pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad, roasted green beans, or steamed broccoli. For a Southern touch, serve it with a basket of warm dinner rolls or buttermilk biscuits. These simple sides round out the meal and balance the casserole’s rich, creamy texture.
Creative Ways to Present
You can scoop Mamaw’s Chicken and Rice Casserole into individual ramekins or oven-safe bowls for a fun, personalized touch. If you’re hosting a gathering, serve it family-style in the same baking dish for that authentic, comforting vibe. For potlucks, transfer it to a slow cooker to keep it warm and creamy all evening long.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Refrigerate any leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen as they rest, making for a wonderful treat the next day. Just be sure to let the casserole cool a bit before placing it in the fridge so moisture doesn’t build up.
Freezing
Mamaw’s Chicken and Rice Casserole freezes beautifully. Cool the casserole completely, then wrap it tightly with both plastic wrap and aluminum foil (or use a freezer-safe container). label with the date and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
For best results, reheat the casserole in the oven covered at 350°F until hot and bubbly, about 20-25 minutes. You can also reheat individual portions in the microwave, but use a microwave-safe cover or wrap to hold in moisture and prevent drying.
FAQs
Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
Absolutely! Brown rice works well in Mamaw’s Chicken and Rice Casserole, though you may notice a heartier texture and slightly nuttier flavor. Just make sure the rice is fully cooked before you add it to the casserole, as it requires more moisture to soften than white rice.
Is it possible to make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble Mamaw’s Chicken and Rice Casserole up to a day in advance. Cover tightly and refrigerate, then bake just before serving. You may need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time if it’s going straight from the fridge to the oven.
What can I use instead of cream of mushroom soup?
If someone in your family isn’t a mushroom fan, simply swap in another can of cream of chicken soup or even cream of celery. The casserole will still be ultra-creamy and delicious.
Can I add vegetables to this casserole?
Definitely! Green beans, peas, corn, or even sautéed mushrooms make tasty additions. Just stir them in with the rice and chicken before transferring everything to the baking dish. It’s a great way to boost both color and nutrition.
How do I make the casserole gluten-free?
For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free condensed soups and skip the cracker or breadcrumb topping, or substitute gluten-free crackers. Always check your labels to be sure, but it’s easy to tailor Mamaw’s Chicken and Rice Casserole for dietary needs.
Final Thoughts
There’s just nothing like a pan of Mamaw’s Chicken and Rice Casserole to make any night a little warmer and a lot more special. I hope you’ll give this beloved family recipe a spot at your own table. Whip it up, share it with those you love, and create some new memories around this classic comfort dish!
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Mamaw’s Chicken and Rice Casserole Recipe
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
A comforting and creamy chicken and rice casserole that’s perfect for a family dinner. This recipe, known as Mamaw’s Chicken and Rice Casserole, combines tender shredded chicken with cooked rice, creamy soups, and melted cheddar cheese, all baked to golden perfection.
Ingredients
For the casserole:
- 2 cups cooked white rice
- 2 cups cooked and shredded chicken breast
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
For the topping (optional):
- 1/2 cup crushed buttery crackers or breadcrumbs
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F.
- Prepare the casserole: In a large bowl, combine cream of chicken soup, cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, chicken broth, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Stir in cooked rice and shredded chicken. Fold in cheddar cheese. Transfer the mixture to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish and spread evenly.
- Add topping: If using, mix crushed crackers or breadcrumbs with melted butter and sprinkle over the top.
- Bake: Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove foil and bake an additional 10-15 minutes until hot and bubbly with golden brown topping.
- Serve: Let sit for 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
- You can substitute rotisserie chicken for added flavor and convenience.
- For extra texture, add drained green beans or peas to the casserole.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 430
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 820 mg
- Fat: 24 g
- Saturated Fat: 11 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 29 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 23 g
- Cholesterol: 75 mg
