Description
Mamaw's Chicken and Rice Casserole is a cherished Southern family recipe passed down through generations. This comforting and hearty casserole combines tender chicken, creamy soups, and instant rice baked to perfection with a buttery topping. Ideal for busy weeknights, it offers a delicious, easy-to-make meal that’s just as satisfying as leftovers the next day.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 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
- ½ cup butter, sliced into pats
Instructions
- Prepare Ingredients: Gather all necessary ingredients and preheat your oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C). Grease the sides and bottom of a 9x13-inch casserole dish to prevent sticking.
- Mix Ingredients: In the prepared casserole dish, combine the cubed chicken breasts, water, instant white rice, cream of chicken soup, cream of celery soup, and cream of mushroom soup. Season the mixture with salt and ground black pepper to your preference, stirring gently to evenly distribute all components.
- Add Butter Topping: Arrange the sliced pats of butter evenly over the top of the chicken and rice mixture. This step adds richness and helps create a golden, flavorful crust as it bakes.
- Bake 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. The top should be bubbly and slightly browned.
- Cool and Serve: Remove the casserole from the oven and allow it to cool for 10 to 15 minutes before serving. This resting period helps the casserole set, making it easier to portion and enhancing the overall flavor.
Notes
- You can adjust the amount of butter on top according to your preference; traditional Southern recipes often use the full half stick for rich flavor.
- If you prefer, substitute water with chicken broth for an extra depth of flavor.
- Ensure chicken breasts are cut into uniform cubes for even cooking.
- Leftovers store well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and can be reheated in the oven or microwave.
- This recipe can be doubled easily for larger gatherings; use a larger casserole dish or two separate dishes.