When you think of comfort food, Mamaw’s Chicken and Rice Casserole probably comes to mind. It’s the kind of dish that feels like a warm hug after a long day—it’s creamy, hearty, and packed with homey flavors. This recipe brings together tender chicken, fluffy rice, and a rich, cheesy sauce baked to golden perfection. Whether you’re cooking to please picky eaters or looking to indulge your nostalgic side, this one-pot wonder won’t disappoint. Let’s dive in and make your kitchen smell like pure happiness!
Table of content
- About The Recipe
- Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Key Ingredients and Substitutions
- How to Make the Recipe(Step-by-Step)
- Expert Tips for Success
- Variations and Customizations
- Nutritional Information
- Storage and Reheating Instructions
- Recipe Card
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- Comments & Reviews
- Social Sharing Options
About The Mamaw’s Chicken and Rice Casserole Recipe
Mamaw’s Chicken and Rice Casserole has been a staple in many American households for years—a recipe that has warmed hearts and filled bellies across generations. Why ‘Mamaw’? Because this is the kind of meal you’d expect your loving grandmother to whip up, complete with that extra touch of care and nostalgia. Legend has it that recipes like this were born during times when families needed to stretch ingredients without sacrificing taste. It combines simple pantry staples like rice, chicken, and canned soup, transforming them into something so delicious you’ll wonder how you never made it sooner. The creamy sauce and melted cheese make every bite irresistible, and the best part? You don’t need to be a pro chef to make it—it’s as easy as dump, stir, and bake. Plus, it’s perfect for leftovers or feeding a crowd. Whether you’re new to cooking or just craving something hearty, this recipe’s got you covered. Let’s get cooking and bring some of that time-tested magic into your own kitchen!Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Perfect one-pot meal for the whole family.
- Simple ingredients you likely already have at home.
- Beginner-friendly recipe—no special skills required.
- Ideal for cozy family dinners or meal prep.
- Creamy, cheesy, and bursting with comforting flavor.
- Easily customizable for varied dietary needs.
- Timeless recipe passed down through generations.
Key Ingredients and Substitutions
- Shredded Chicken: Use rotisserie chicken for convenience, or cook fresh chicken breasts and shred them.
- Rice: White rice is classic, but you can swap for brown rice or wild rice—just adjust cooking time and liquid.
- Cream of Chicken Soup: Adds creaminess; substitute with cream of mushroom or cream of celery if you prefer.
- Sour Cream: Adds tang and richness; Greek yogurt works as a lighter option.
- Cheese: Cheddar is standard, but feel free to mix it up with Monterey Jack or mozzarella.
- Optional Seasonings: Paprika, garlic powder, or parsley can add a flavor twist.
How to Make the Recipe (Step-by-Step)
- Preheat your oven to 350°F—the perfect temperature for a golden, bubbly casserole.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine shredded chicken, rice, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, and half of the shredded cheese.
- Season the mixture with salt, pepper, and any additional spices you like (try paprika or garlic powder!).
- Transfer the mixture into a greased casserole dish, spreading it out evenly.
- Sprinkle the remaining cheese on top for that perfect melted, gooey layer.
- Bake for about 25-30 minutes or until the top is golden and bubbly.
- Let it rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to settle.
Expert Tips for Success
For extra flavor, use chicken broth instead of water.
Don’t skimp on the cheese—it’s the star of this dish!
Make sure your rice is fully cooked before mixing in; uncooked rice can throw off the texture.
If you want crispy edges, bake uncovered for the last 10 minutes.
Variations and Customizations
If you’re looking to make the dish a bit healthier, swap sour cream out for Greek yogurt and use brown rice instead of white. For added veggies, try mixing in some sautéed mushrooms, peas, or broccoli. Feeling adventurous? Add some shredded rotisserie chicken seasoned with Cajun spices for a flavor twist. Picky eaters at home? Stick to the classic recipe—it’s foolproof!
Nutritional Information
One serving of Mamaw’s Chicken and Rice Casserole averages around 400-450 calories, depending on portion size. It’s a well-rounded meal with about 20-25g of protein (thanks to the chicken), 40g of carbs (the rice keeps you full), and 15g of fat (mostly from the cheese and sour cream). Substituting lighter ingredients like Greek yogurt or low-fat cheese can reduce the fat content, while adding vegetables boosts the overall nutritional value.
Storage and Reheating Instructions
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. For reheating, the oven is your best bet: cover the casserole with foil and bake at 350°F for 15-20 minutes until heated through. If you’re in a hurry, the microwave works too—just heat in 1-minute intervals, stirring in between to keep it evenly warmed.
Recipe Card of Mamaw's Chicken and Rice Casserole
Ingredients list
- 3 chicken breasts, cut into cubes
- 2 cups water
- 2 cups instant white rice
- 1 can cream of chicken soup (10.75 ounce)
- 1 can cream of celery soup (10.75 ounce)
- 1 can cream of mushroom soup (10.75 ounce)
- salt and ground black pepper to taste
- 0.5 cup butter, sliced into pats
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Gather all ingredients. Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C). Grease the sides and bottom of a casserole dish.
- Stir chicken, water, rice, cream of chicken soup, cream of celery soup, and cream of mushroom soup together in the prepared casserole dish; season with salt and pepper.
- Arrange butter evenly over the top of the chicken mixture.
- Bake in the preheated oven until the rice is tender and the chicken is cooked through, 1 hour to 75 minutes.
- Cool 10 to 15 minutes before serving. Enjoy this warm and delightful meal!
Recipe Video
Notes
Nutrition
All Your Questions About This Recipe
Can I use canned chicken instead of freshly cooked or rotisserie chicken?
Yes! Canned chicken works great in a pinch—just drain it well before adding to the mix.
Can I freeze Mamaw’s Chicken and Rice Casserole?
Absolutely. Assemble the casserole without baking, cover tightly, and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to cook, thaw overnight in the fridge and bake.
What if I don’t have cream of chicken soup?
No worries! You can substitute with cream of mushroom, cream of celery, or even make your own creamy sauce using flour, butter, and chicken broth.
Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes, prepare it up to the baking step, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Just add 5-10 minutes to the baking time.
Is this recipe kid-friendly?
Totally! The creamy, cheesy flavors are always a hit with kids, and it’s easy to sneak in some hidden veggies like finely chopped broccoli.
This recipe for Mamaw’s Chicken and Rice Casserole looks absolutely heartwarming! I love how it combines creamy soups and tender chicken into a simple, one-dish meal. I’m definitely trying the tip to use chicken broth instead of water for extra flavor. Maybe I’ll add some shredded cheddar on top for a cheesy twist! Thank you for sharing!