If you’re searching for a dish that feels like a warm hug from your childhood, Mamaw’s Chicken and Rice Casserole is just the ticket. Tender chicken nestled in creamy, flavorful rice with a golden, savory top, this casserole is the kind of meal that brings everyone to the table with big smiles and second helpings. There’s a reason it’s been passed down through generations: it’s comforting, unfussy, and always delivers on taste. Whether you’re serving a hungry crowd or just craving something nostalgic, Mamaw’s Chicken and Rice Casserole is pure, homespun comfort food at its best.

Mamaw’s Chicken and Rice Casserole Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

What makes Mamaw’s Chicken and Rice Casserole so irresistible is the way simple, everyday ingredients come together to create magic. Each item plays a special role, whether it’s adding depth of flavor, a creamy texture, or that crave-worthy golden finish.

Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts soak up all the savory flavors and turn out juicy every time.
Long-Grain White Rice: Uncooked rice bakes to fluffy, tender perfection, absorbing all the deliciousness from the soups and seasonings.
Cream of Chicken Soup: Adds rich, savory flavor and a luscious, creamy base.
Cream of Mushroom Soup: Contributes an earthy depth that rounds out the casserole’s flavor.
Cream of Celery Soup: Brings a subtle freshness and more creaminess to the party.
Water: Ensures the rice cooks just right and the mixture stays perfectly moist.
Onion Soup Mix: Delivers that signature savory zing and a beautiful golden top.
Garlic Powder: Adds gentle warmth and a hint of garlicky goodness.
Black Pepper: A simple seasoning that ties everything together with a touch of heat.
Butter: Dotting the top with butter gives you those mouthwatering, golden brown spots and extra flavor.
Fresh Parsley (optional): A sprinkle of parsley not only looks pretty, but brings a fresh, herby pop to the finished dish.

How to Make Mamaw’s Chicken and Rice Casserole

Step 1: Prep Your Baking Dish

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. This prevents sticking and ensures every delicious scoop comes out easily, keeping your casserole perfectly intact.

Step 2: Layer the Rice

Spread the uncooked long-grain white rice evenly across the bottom of your prepared dish. This forms the hearty base of Mamaw’s Chicken and Rice Casserole and allows the rice to soak up all those savory flavors as it bakes.

Step 3: Mix the Creamy Filling

In a medium bowl, combine the cream of chicken, cream of mushroom, and cream of celery soups. Stir in the water, garlic powder, and black pepper until everything is smooth and well-blended. This mixture creates the creamy, flavorful blanket that makes this casserole so irresistible.

Step 4: Assemble the Casserole

Pour the creamy soup mixture evenly over the rice, making sure it covers the rice completely. Lay the chicken breasts on top, nestling them gently into the mixture. Every bite of chicken will be infused with creamy flavor as it cooks.

Step 5: Add the Onion Soup Mix and Butter

Sprinkle the onion soup mix evenly over the top of the chicken. Dot the surface with small pieces of butter. This not only adds rich flavor, but also helps create those irresistible golden brown spots on top.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake for 1 hour and 15 minutes. This allows the chicken to cook gently and the rice to absorb all the flavors. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10–15 minutes, until the chicken is cooked through and the rice is tender.

Step 7: Rest, Garnish, and Serve

Let the casserole rest for about 5 minutes after baking. Sprinkle with fresh parsley if you like, and serve warm. The short rest helps everything set up and makes serving easier (plus, the flavors meld beautifully!).

How to Serve Mamaw’s Chicken and Rice Casserole

Garnishes

The simplest touch of fresh chopped parsley brings a pop of color and a little freshness to each serving of Mamaw’s Chicken and Rice Casserole. You can also try a sprinkle of paprika for a bit of smoky color, or even a handful of crispy fried onions for crunch if you’re feeling adventurous!

Side Dishes

This casserole is a meal in itself, but it pairs beautifully with light, fresh sides. Try a crisp green salad with a simple vinaigrette, buttery green beans, or roasted carrots. Even a basket of warm rolls or cornbread will make the meal feel extra special and complete.

Creative Ways to Present

If you want to dress up Mamaw’s Chicken and Rice Casserole for a gathering, spoon it into individual ramekins for personal servings, or top each portion with a dollop of sour cream and a sprinkle of chives. For a family-style table, serve it straight from the casserole dish, letting everyone dig in for that homey, communal vibe.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Mamaw’s Chicken and Rice Casserole keeps beautifully in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just cover the dish tightly with foil or transfer individual portions to airtight containers to lock in moisture and flavor.

Freezing

If you want to freeze the casserole, allow it to cool completely, then wrap it well with plastic wrap and a layer of foil. It will keep in the freezer for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for the best texture and flavor.

Reheating

For best results, reheat covered in a 350°F oven until hot throughout (about 20-25 minutes). You can also microwave individual portions, but add a splash of water or broth and cover loosely to keep the rice from drying out.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs are a fantastic substitute and actually add even more flavor and tenderness to Mamaw’s Chicken and Rice Casserole. Just make sure to trim any excess fat for the best texture.

Can I add vegetables to the casserole?

Yes, you can easily stir in a half cup of frozen peas, carrots, or even chopped broccoli before baking. They’ll cook right along with the rice and chicken, adding color and extra nutrition.

What if I only have brown rice?

You can use brown rice, but keep in mind it will need additional liquid and a longer baking time. Add about 1/2 cup extra water and increase the bake time by 15–20 minutes, checking for tenderness before serving.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Mamaw’s Chicken and Rice Casserole can be gluten-free if you use gluten-free versions of the canned soups and onion soup mix. Always double-check labels to be sure.

How do I know when the chicken is cooked through?

The chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F and be white and juicy throughout. If you’re unsure, cut into the thickest part of a breast to check before serving.

Final Thoughts

There’s just something special about Mamaw’s Chicken and Rice Casserole—it’s the kind of dish that fills your kitchen with mouthwatering aromas and your table with happy faces. Give it a try and you’ll understand why it’s a timeless favorite. I hope it finds a place in your own family’s rotation, just like it has in mine!

Mamaw’s Chicken and Rice Casserole Recipe

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4.6 from 11 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 1 hour 40 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

Mamaw’s Chicken and Rice Casserole is a comforting, creamy baked dish featuring tender chicken breasts nestled atop a bed of long-grain white rice and a trio of savory cream soups. Enhanced with onion soup mix and a hint of garlic and black pepper, this hearty casserole is perfect for a family dinner or cozy meal, offering rich flavors and easy preparation all in one dish.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken and Rice Base

3 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 cup uncooked long-grain white rice

Creamy Soup Mixture

1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
1 can (10.5 oz) cream of celery soup
1 1/2 cups water

Seasonings and Toppings

1 packet onion soup mix
1/2 tsp garlic powder
1/2 tsp black pepper
1 tbsp butter, cut into small pieces
chopped parsley for garnish (optional)

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Instructions

Preheat and Prepare Dish: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking and prepare for layering.
Layer Rice: Evenly spread the uncooked long-grain white rice across the bottom of the prepared baking dish, forming a uniform base.
Mix Soups and Seasonings: In a medium bowl, combine the cream of chicken, cream of mushroom, and cream of celery soups with 1 1/2 cups water. Stir in garlic powder and black pepper until well combined to create a flavorful liquid mixture.
Pour Mixture Over Rice: Pour the creamy soup mixture evenly over the rice in the baking dish, ensuring the rice is fully covered for even cooking.
Add Chicken and Onion Soup Mix: Place the chicken breasts on top of the soup and rice layer. Sprinkle the packet of onion soup mix evenly over the chicken breasts to enhance flavor.
Add Butter and Cover: Dot the casserole top with small pieces of butter, distributing them evenly. Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil to trap moisture during baking.
Bake Covered: Bake in the preheated oven for 1 hour and 15 minutes, allowing the rice to cook and the chicken to absorb the flavors.
Bake Uncovered: Remove the foil and bake an additional 10 to 15 minutes to lightly brown the chicken and finish cooking through.
Rest and Garnish: Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes after baking to settle. Garnish with chopped parsley if desired before serving.

Notes

You can substitute chicken thighs for chicken breasts if you prefer a more flavorful and juicier result.
For added color, texture, and nutrients, include a half cup of frozen peas or carrots mixed into the rice before adding the soup mixture.
Ensure to use gluten-free cream soups if you want to keep this recipe gluten-free.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American