A classic, comforting dish with tender chicken, creamy rice, and a rich blend of savory soups. This easy casserole is perfect for a cozy family dinner, bringing warmth and nostalgia to every bite.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- One-dish meal – Everything bakes together in one pan for easy cleanup.
- Rich and creamy – A blend of soups creates a luscious, comforting texture.
- Perfect for busy nights – Just mix, bake, and enjoy!
- Family favorite – A timeless classic that everyone will love.
- Great for leftovers – Even better the next day!
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into cubes
- Water
- Instant white rice
- Cream of chicken soup
- Cream of celery soup
- Cream of mushroom soup
- Salt and black pepper
- Butter, sliced into pats
Directions
1. Preheat the Oven
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) and grease a large casserole dish.
2. Mix the Ingredients
- In the casserole dish, combine the cubed chicken, water, rice, cream of chicken soup, cream of celery soup, and cream of mushroom soup.
- Stir well to evenly distribute everything.
- Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
3. Add Butter
- Place the butter slices evenly on top of the mixture.
4. Bake the Casserole
- Bake uncovered for 1 hour to 1 hour 15 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the chicken is cooked through.
5. Let Rest & Serve
- Remove from the oven and let the casserole sit for 10-15 minutes before serving.
- Enjoy!
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 6
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cooking Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes
- Calories: Approximately 411 kcal per serving
Variations
- Cheesy Twist: Sprinkle shredded cheddar or Parmesan cheese on top before baking.
- Veggie Add-In: Stir in peas, carrots, or broccoli for extra nutrition.
- Crunchy Topping: Add crushed Ritz crackers or French-fried onions on top.
- Seasoned Chicken: Use garlic powder, onion powder, or paprika for extra flavor.
- Brown Rice Option: Swap instant white rice for cooked brown rice and reduce the baking time.
Storage/Reheating
- Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: Freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
- Reheating: Warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes or microwave individual portions for 2-3 minutes.
FAQs
1. Can I use regular rice instead of instant rice?
Yes, but you’ll need to increase the liquid and baking time to ensure the rice cooks through.
2. Can I substitute the soups?
Absolutely! Use any combination of cream-based soups, like cream of cheddar or cream of onion.
3. What can I serve with this casserole?
It pairs well with a side salad, steamed veggies, or garlic bread.
4. Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble the casserole and refrigerate overnight, then bake when ready.
5. Can I use pre-cooked chicken?
Yes, but reduce the baking time to 35-40 minutes since the chicken is already cooked.
6. How do I prevent the rice from drying out?
Make sure to cover the casserole with foil if it looks too dry while baking.
7. Can I make this in a slow cooker?
Yes! Cook on low for 4-6 hours or until the chicken is tender and the rice is cooked.
8. Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
Yes! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs will add extra juiciness and flavor.
9. How do I make this recipe healthier?
Use reduced-fat soups, swap butter for olive oil, and add extra veggies.
10. Can I use homemade cream soups instead of canned?
Yes! You can make a homemade version with butter, flour, milk, and chicken broth.
Conclusion
Mamaw’s chicken and rice casserole is the ultimate comfort food, offering creamy, hearty flavors in every bite. Whether you’re making it for a cozy family dinner or meal prepping for the week, this easy one-pan dish is a guaranteed hit. Try it today and enjoy a taste of home-cooked nostalgia!
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Mamaw’s Chicken and Rice Casserole
This Mamaw’s Chicken and Rice Casserole is the ultimate comfort food, combining tender chicken, creamy rice, and savory soups in one easy dish! A family favorite that’s rich, creamy, and packed with nostalgia, this one-pan meal is perfect for busy weeknights or cozy dinners.
- Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into cubes
- 2 cups instant white rice
- 2 cups water
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of celery soup
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
- ½ tsp salt (or to taste)
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 4 tbsp butter, sliced into pats
Instructions
1. Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish.
2. Mix the Ingredients:
- In the casserole dish, combine cubed chicken, instant rice, water, cream of chicken soup, cream of celery soup, and cream of mushroom soup.
- Stir everything until evenly mixed.
- Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
3. Add Butter:
- Evenly place slices of butter on top of the mixture.
4. Bake the Casserole:
- Bake uncovered for 1 hour to 1 hour 15 minutes, until the rice is tender and the chicken is cooked through.
5. Let Rest & Serve:
- Remove from the oven and let sit for 10-15 minutes before serving.
- Enjoy warm!
Notes
- Cheesy Version: Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese on top before baking.
- Veggie Add-Ins: Stir in peas, carrots, or broccoli for extra nutrition.
- Crunchy Topping: Add crushed Ritz crackers or French-fried onions before baking.
- Storage: Refrigerate for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 2 months.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course, Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Southern-Inspired
