Description
Mamaw’s Chicken and Rice Casserole is a comforting and hearty baked dish combining tender cubed chicken, instant white rice, and a creamy blend of chicken, celery, and mushroom soups. This easy-to-make casserole is perfect for family dinners, offering a rich, flavorful meal that requires minimal preparation and cooks to perfection in the oven.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Rice Mixture
- 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
Topping
- 4 tbsp butter, sliced into pats
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) to ensure it reaches the perfect temperature for baking the casserole evenly.
- Prepare Baking Dish: Grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish thoroughly with butter or cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Combine Ingredients: In the greased casserole dish, add the cubed chicken breasts, instant white rice, water, cream of chicken soup, cream of celery soup, and cream of mushroom soup.
- Mix Thoroughly: Stir all ingredients together in the dish until they are evenly combined ensuring chicken and rice are well coated with soups.
- Season: Sprinkle salt and black pepper over the mixture according to your taste preferences.
- Add Butter Topping: Evenly distribute the sliced pats of butter on top of the casserole mixture. This will help create a rich, golden finish.
- Bake: Place the casserole uncovered in the preheated oven. Bake for 1 hour to 1 hour and 15 minutes or until the rice is tender and chicken is fully cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F).
- Rest: Remove the casserole from the oven and allow it to sit for 10 to 15 minutes. This resting period allows the casserole to set and makes serving easier.
- Serve: Serve the casserole warm and enjoy this comforting homemade dish.
Notes
- Ensure chicken is cut into small, evenly sized cubes for uniform cooking.
- You can adjust the salt and pepper according to dietary needs or preferences.
- Using instant rice significantly reduces cooking time; do not substitute with regular rice without adjusting water and time.
- Letting the casserole rest after baking helps the flavors to meld and the texture to firm up.
- For a crispier top, broil for 2-3 minutes after baking but watch closely to avoid burning.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
