Amazing Mamaw’s Chicken and Rice Casserole Now

You know those nights when you just need a big, warm hug in food form? That’s exactly what Mamaw’s Chicken and Rice Casserole is for me. It’s more than just a meal; it’s a memory, a feeling of home, and a reminder of cozy family traditions. I’m Anna, and I’m absolutely passionate about sharing simple, flavorful chicken recipes that make everyday cooking feel joyful and easy. My kitchen is usually a happy mess, filled with the aroma of comfort food, and this Mamaw’s Chicken and Rice Casserole is a star player. It’s the kind of dish that makes everyone gather ‘round the table, happy and satisfied. Trust me, this recipe is going to become your go-to for those days when you just need a little something special.

The Heart of Mamaw’s Chicken and Rice Casserole

There’s something truly special about a dish that feels like it was made just for you, and Mamaw’s Chicken and Rice Casserole absolutely fits that bill. It’s the ultimate comfort food, a warm hug in a baking dish that’s ridiculously easy to put together. This isn’t some fussy, complicated meal; it’s pure, simple goodness that tastes like it came straight from a loving grandmother’s kitchen. Sharing recipes like this, ones that have been passed down and loved for generations, is so important to me because it’s about connection and creating those happy food memories.

Why You’ll Love This Mamaw’s Chicken and Rice Casserole

Seriously, what’s not to adore about this dish? It’s a weeknight warrior and a weekend crowd-pleaser all rolled into one!

• Super Simple to Make: Just toss everything in the dish and bake. No fancy techniques needed!
• Incredible Comfort Food: Creamy, cheesy, and packed with tender chicken and fluffy rice – it’s pure deliciousness.
• Family Favorite Guaranteed: Kids and adults alike will be asking for seconds (and thirds!).
• Minimal Cleanup: One dish means less washing up, which is always a win in my book.
• Perfect for Busy Nights: Prep it ahead or throw it together in minutes for a satisfying meal.

Gathering the Essentials for Mamaw’s Chicken and Rice Casserole

Alright, let’s get our game faces on and gather everything we need for this absolute gem of a recipe. Mamaw’s Chicken and Rice Casserole is all about simplicity, so you probably have most of this stuff already hanging out in your pantry and fridge. But just to make sure we’re all on the same page, here’s the rundown of what you’ll need. Having everything prepped and ready to go makes the whole process a breeze, trust me!

Ingredient	Quantity	Preparation Notes
Chicken Breasts	3	Cut into 1-inch cubes
Water	2 cups	Standard measuring cup
Instant White Rice	2 cups	Uncooked
Cream of Chicken Soup	1 (10.75 ounce) can	Undiluted
Cream of Celery Soup	1 (10.75 ounce) can	Undiluted
Cream of Mushroom Soup	1 (10.75 ounce) can	Undiluted
Salt	To taste	Fine sea salt or kosher salt recommended
Ground Black Pepper	To taste	Freshly ground for best flavor
Butter	1/2 cup	Sliced into uniform pats (approx. 1/4 inch thick)

Ingredient Notes and Substitutions

So, let’s chat about these ingredients for a sec. Those three cans of condensed soup are the secret sauce here, bringing all the creaminess and flavor without any fuss. Make sure you use them undiluted – that’s part of the magic! If you’re not a fan of celery soup, you could totally swap it for another can of cream of chicken or even cream of mushroom. For the chicken, boneless, skinless breasts are easiest, but thighs would work too if you trim off any excess fat. And for the rice, instant is key because it cooks right in the casserole. If you happen to only have regular white rice, you’ll need to cook it separately first, but honestly, the instant stuff is just so much simpler for this recipe!

Crafting Your Mamaw’s Chicken and Rice Casserole: Step-by-Step

Alright, let’s get down to the good stuff – putting this amazing Mamaw’s Chicken and Rice Casserole together! It’s seriously one of the easiest things you’ll ever make, and watching it bake up into pure comfort is so satisfying. Don’t worry if you’re not a seasoned chef; this recipe is foolproof. Just follow along, and you’ll have a piping hot dish of deliciousness ready before you know it!

Getting Started: Oven and Dish Prep

First things first, let’s get that oven fired up. We need it nice and hot at 400 degrees F (that’s 200 degrees C for my metric friends!). While it’s heating, grab your favorite casserole dish – a 9×13 inch one is usually perfect for this. Give the sides and bottom a good greasing with a little butter or cooking spray. This little step is key to making sure nothing sticks and we get those lovely, clean servings later.

Assembling the Mamaw’s Chicken and Rice Casserole

Now for the fun part! In that greased casserole dish, dump in your cubed chicken. Don’t worry about cooking it first; it’ll cook right up in the oven. Next, add in the water, the instant rice (just dump it in, no need to pre-cook!), and all three cans of those glorious condensed soups – cream of chicken, celery, and mushroom. Now, grab a spoon and gently stir everything together until it’s just combined. We don’t want to overmix and make things mushy. Season it up with salt and pepper to your liking. I usually go with a good pinch of each, but you do you!

Adding the Finishing Touch

This is where Mamaw’s magic really shines! Take your sliced butter pats and arrange them evenly all over the top of the chicken and rice mixture. These little buttery gems will melt down as it bakes, adding an extra layer of richness and helping everything get that lovely golden-brown top. It looks so pretty, too!

Baking Your Mamaw’s Chicken and Rice Casserole to Perfection

Pop that dish into your preheated oven. We’re going to let it bake for about 1 hour to 75 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the rice is perfectly tender and the chicken is cooked all the way through. The top should be bubbly and maybe a little golden. Once it’s out of the oven, do yourself a favor and let it rest for about 10 to 15 minutes. This lets all those yummy flavors settle in and makes it easier to serve. Trust me, the wait is worth it!

Serving and Enjoying Your Mamaw’s Chicken and Rice Casserole

This Mamaw’s Chicken and Rice Casserole is honestly a meal all on its own, but if you want to round out your dinner, a simple green salad with a light vinaigrette is perfect. A side of steamed broccoli or green beans also adds a nice fresh crunch. Sometimes, I just love digging into a big bowl of it with a spoon and calling it a day! It’s that satisfying. Seriously, this casserole is so comforting and delicious, it doesn’t need much else. Just serve it warm and watch everyone’s faces light up!

Questions About Mamaw’s Chicken and Rice Casserole

Got questions about this Mamaw’s Chicken and Rice Casserole? I’ve got you covered! It’s such a popular dish, and I get asked about it all the time. Let’s dive into some of the most common ones so you can make it perfectly every time.

Q1. Can I use pre-cooked chicken for this casserole?
You sure can! If you have leftover cooked chicken, like from a rotisserie chicken, you can totally use that. Just make sure you have about 3 cups of chopped or shredded chicken and add it in with the other ingredients when you’re assembling the casserole. It’ll save you a little time, and it still turns out wonderfully!

Q2. What if I don’t have all three types of cream soup?
No worries! The beauty of this Mamaw’s Chicken and Rice Casserole is its flexibility. If you’re missing one or two of the soups, you can just substitute with more of the others. So, you could use two cans of cream of chicken and one of cream of mushroom, or any combination that adds up to three cans. It might change the flavor profile just a tiny bit, but it will still be delicious comfort food.

Q3. My rice seems a bit firm after an hour. What should I do?
Sometimes ovens can vary, or maybe your instant rice is a different brand and cooks a little slower. If the chicken is cooked through but the rice isn’t quite tender enough, just pop the casserole back into the oven, maybe covered loosely with foil this time to prevent the top from getting too brown. Give it another 10-15 minutes, and it should be perfect. Always check the rice first!

Q4. Can I make this Mamaw’s Chicken and Rice Casserole ahead of time?
Absolutely! This is a great make-ahead meal. You can assemble the whole casserole (up to the point of adding the butter pats), cover it tightly, and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready to bake, let it sit on the counter for about 20-30 minutes to take the chill off, add the butter pats, and then bake as directed, adding a little extra time if needed.

Storing and Reviving Your Mamaw’s Chicken and Rice Casserole

Leftovers? Lucky you! This Mamaw’s Chicken and Rice Casserole is just as delicious the next day, maybe even better as the flavors meld. Once it’s cooled down a bit, scoop any extra into an airtight container. It’ll keep nicely in the fridge for about 3 to 4 days. If you’re planning way ahead, you can totally freeze portions of it for up to a month or two. Just make sure it’s sealed up tight!

Storage Method	Duration	Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator	3-4 days	Reheat in oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through. Spooning a little water or broth in can help keep it moist.
Freezer	1-2 months	Thaw in refrigerator overnight. Reheat in oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through.

Nutritional Insights for Mamaw’s Chicken and Rice Casserole

Now, I’m all about deliciousness, but it’s good to have a general idea of what’s in your food, right? Keep in mind these numbers are estimates, and they can totally change depending on the exact brands you use or if you make any little tweaks. But for a typical serving of this Mamaw’s Chicken and Rice Casserole, here’s the ballpark:

Nutrition	Value (per serving)
Calories	550
Fat	25g
Saturated Fat	10g
Carbohydrates	45g
Fiber	2g
Protein	35g
Sodium	1200mg
Sugar	4g
Cholesterol	120mg

Share Your Mamaw’s Chicken and Rice Casserole Experience

I just LOVE hearing from you all! Did you make this Mamaw’s Chicken and Rice Casserole? Did your family love it? Please drop a comment below and let me know how it turned out, or give it a star rating! Your feedback makes my day and helps other home cooks find their next favorite meal. You can also find more great recipes on Pinterest.

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