Today I’m sharing Mamaw’s Chicken & Rice Casserole—a recipe that’s both comforting and delicious, and so simple to make! It’s the best kind of quick and easy comfort food, just like they used to make.
This chicken and rice casserole is perfect for those busy days, potlucks, or when you want to bring some comfort to loved ones. Serve it with your favourite green veggies and a side salad for a wholesome meal that tastes just like home.
And here’s a tip: It makes fantastic leftovers! It often tastes even better the next day. Pair it with a side salad and some veggies like broccoli or green beans for a complete and satisfying meal.
Mamaw’s Chicken & Rice Casserole Recipe
Ingredients
- 3 cooked Chicken breasts cubed or shredded
- 2 cups Instant white rice
- 2 cups Water
- 1 can cream of Mushroom soup
- 1 can cream of Chicken soup
- 1 can Cream of celery soup
- ½ cup Butter cut into slices
- ½ tsp Salt
- ¼ tsp Black pepper
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Prepare the baking dish: Lightly grease the sides and bottom of a baking dish.
- Mix the soups: In a large bowl, stir together the cream of mushroom, cream of chicken, and cream of celery soups with the water until the mixture is smooth.
- Add chicken and rice: Mix the cooked chicken and instant rice into the soup mixture.
- Season: Sprinkle with salt and pepper, then carefully scoop the mixture into the prepared baking dish.
- Top with butter: Evenly place the slices of butter over the top of the casserole.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 60 to 75 minutes, until the rice is cooked and the chicken is heated through.
- Enjoy: Serve and enjoy your comforting and delicious casserole!
Nutrition Facts:
| Nutrition | Value |
|---|---|
| Calories | 135 kcal |
| Fat | 13g |
| Sodium | 319mg |
| Fiber | 4g |
| Carbohydrate | 46g |
| Protein | 30g |
| Sugars | 4g |
Can I Use Regular Rice Instead of Instant Rice?
Yes, you can substitute regular rice for instant rice in this recipe. However, you may need to adjust the cooking time and possibly increase the amount of liquid (water or broth) used, as regular rice takes longer to cook than instant rice. Check the casserole occasionally to ensure the rice cooks properly.
What Can I Substitute for Cream of Mushroom Soup if I Don’t Have It?
If you don’t have cream of mushroom soup, you can substitute it with an equal amount of cream of chicken or cream of celery soup. Alternatively, you can make a homemade white sauce by combining butter, flour, milk, and seasonings to achieve a similar creamy texture.
Can I Freeze Mamaw’s Chicken & Rice Casserole?
Yes, you can freeze this casserole for future meals. Prepare the casserole as directed but do not bake it. Instead, cover it tightly with foil or transfer it to an airtight container and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and then bake it according to the recipe instructions.