Mamaw’s Chicken and Rice Casserole: A Timeless Comfort Food Classic

There are few dishes in the world of home cooking that can evoke a sense of warmth and family tradition quite like a classic casserole. Among these, Mamaw’s Chicken and Rice Casserole stands out as a crown jewel of comfort food. This hearty, creamy, and utterly satisfying dish is a testament to the power of simple ingredients coming together to create something truly extraordinary. It’s the kind of meal that fills your kitchen with an inviting aroma and your family with happy anticipation. Perfect for a busy weeknight, a potluck dinner, or a Sunday family gathering, this casserole is big on taste and comfort, yet a cinch to make .

Its popularity is undeniable, with recipes being shared and enjoyed hundreds of thousands of times, passed down through generations, and across community potlucks . This article will guide you through everything you need to know to create the perfect Mamaw’s Chicken and Rice Casserole, from its humble ingredients to expert tips, delightful variations, and the secrets to serving it like a pro.

The Story Behind the Casserole

Every family has its culinary heirlooms, and Mamaw’s Chicken and Rice Casserole is a prime example. The name “Mamaw” itself—a term of endearment for a grandmother in many parts of the American South—hints at its origins as a tried-and-true recipe passed down from grandmothers to their children and grandchildren . It’s a dish steeped in nostalgia, often sparking fond memories of childhood dinners and family gatherings.

As one home cook shares, this casserole recipe is one they “grew up on,” originally obtained from a church potluck long ago . Another home cook, Regan Tindall, recounts a touching memory of a similar dish during her high school rodeo days, noting, “I’m not sure where my mom’s recipe was recorded but this recipe has to be very close to what I loved! Thank you so much for sharing this recipe, it’s very special to me!” . This is more than just a recipe; it’s a connection to the past, a vehicle for “Mamaw’s love” that turns a simple meal into a cherished experience .

Mamaw’s Chicken and Rice Casserole: The Tried & True Recipe

This is the classic, old-school recipe done right. It’s a one-dish wonder that requires minimal prep and delivers maximum flavor.

Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cook Time: 60-75 minutes | Total Time: About 1 hour 30 minutes | Servings: 6-8

📜 Ingredients

To make this classic casserole, you will need:

• 3 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (approximately 1 ½ to 2 lbs), cut into bite-sized cubes

• 2 cups water

• 2 cups instant white rice

• 1 can (10.75 oz) cream of chicken soup, condensed

• 1 can (10.75 oz) cream of celery soup, condensed

• 1 can (10.75 oz) cream of mushroom soup, condensed

• Salt and fresh ground black pepper to taste

• ½ cup butter, sliced into pats

👩‍🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat and Prepare: Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Thoroughly grease the bottom and sides of a 9×13-inch baking dish .

2. Combine the Ingredients: In the prepared baking dish—or in a large bowl for easier mixing—add the cubed chicken, water, and instant rice. Pour in all three cans of condensed soup (cream of chicken, cream of celery, and cream of mushroom). Season with salt and pepper .

3. Mix Thoroughly: Stir all the ingredients together until well combined and the chicken and rice are evenly coated in the soup mixture. A pro tip from many who have made this is to mix everything in a separate bowl before transferring it to the baking dish to ensure a more uniform mix and a cleaner dish .

4. Top with Butter: Evenly arrange the pats of butter over the entire surface of the chicken and rice mixture. This butter will melt during baking, creating a rich, golden, and deliciously crispy top layer .

5. Bake to Perfection: Place the casserole, uncovered, on the middle rack of your preheated oven. Bake for 60 to 75 minutes. The casserole is done when the rice is tender, the liquid is bubbly and absorbed, and the chicken is cooked through .

6. Rest and Serve: Once out of the oven, allow the casserole to cool for 10 to 15 minutes before serving. This resting period is crucial as it allows the casserole to set, making it easier to slice and serve, and it lets the flavors meld together perfectly .

Pro-Tips for Casserole Perfection

While the recipe is straightforward, a few tips from those who have made it countless times can elevate your casserole from good to great.

• Uniform Chicken Cubes: Cut the chicken breasts into consistent, bite-sized pieces. This ensures that every piece of chicken cooks evenly and at the same rate, preventing some pieces from being overcooked while others are underdone .

• The Butter is Key: Don’t skip the butter pats on top! As the casserole bakes, the butter melts and bastes the top, resulting in those coveted crispy, golden-brown edges that are packed with flavor .

• Let it Rest: Resisting the urge to dig in immediately is hard, but allowing the casserole to rest for 10-15 minutes after baking is a game-changer. It helps the liquids to be fully absorbed and redistributed, giving you a perfect, cohesive slice rather than a runny mess .

• Taste the Base: Before assembling, you can taste the soup and water mixture (without the raw chicken) to check the seasoning. Adjust the salt and pepper to your liking, keeping in mind that the rice will absorb a lot of the flavor .

Delicious Variations and Substitutions

The beauty of Mamaw’s Chicken and Rice Casserole lies in its versatility. It’s a fantastic base recipe that you can customize to your family’s preferences or based on what you have in your pantry.

🥦 Popular Add-Ins

• Vegetables: Add a pop of color and nutrition by mixing in frozen broccoli florets , a bag of frozen mixed vegetables, or peas. Some cooks also enjoy sautéing chopped onion and celery with a little butter and mixing them in for extra flavor and texture .

• Cheese: For a cheesy twist, sprinkle a half-cup to a full cup of shredded sharp cheddar cheese over the casserole before adding the butter, or during the last 10 minutes of baking . One reviewer, Kelley Ehresman, notes, “I add cheese… Can’t wait to try it!” .

• Extra Crunch: For a delightful textural contrast, top the casserole with a layer of crushed Ritz crackers or French’s fried onions along with the butter, or during the last few minutes of baking .

🔄 Smart Substitutions

• Different Soups: Don’t have all three soups? No problem. You can use a combination of two, or even just one type. If you’re not a fan of cream of mushroom, you can replace it with an extra can of cream of chicken or try cream of broccoli soup. One commenter, Deanna Weis, shared, “Also not a cream of mushroom fan so we replaced with broccoli cheese soup.” .

• Broth for Water: For a richer, deeper flavor, swap the 2 cups of water for 2 cups of chicken broth .

• Using Pre-Cooked Chicken: To save time, you can use a rotisserie chicken or leftover cooked chicken. Simply shred or cube about 3 cups of cooked chicken and mix it in. Since the chicken is already cooked, the baking time may be slightly less—just bake until the rice is tender and the casserole is heated through .

• Different Rice: While instant rice is specified for its quick cooking time, you can use long-grain white rice. The key is to pre-cook the long-grain rice beforehand, as it requires more liquid and a longer cooking time than instant rice. If using uncooked long-grain rice, you will likely need to increase the liquid and extend the baking time .

Here is a quick-reference guide for common substitutions:

Answering Your Casserole Questions (FAQ)

Can I make Mamaw’s Chicken and Rice Casserole ahead of time?
It is best to bake this casserole fresh. Assembling it the day before and storing it in the fridge can make the rice gummy as it soaks in the liquid overnight . For make-ahead meals, it’s better to bake it first, let it cool completely, and then store it in the fridge or freezer .

Can I freeze the casserole?
Absolutely! This casserole freezes beautifully. After baking and cooling completely, cover it tightly with plastic wrap and then foil, or place it in an airtight freezer-safe container. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating .

Why is my rice still crunchy?
If your rice is undercooked, it may be because your oven runs cool, the dish was too crowded, or the foil (if used) wasn’t tight enough, allowing steam to escape. Cover the casserole tightly with foil and return it to the oven for another 10-15 minutes, adding a small splash of broth or water if it looks dry .

What should I serve with this casserole?
This is a complete meal in itself, but it pairs wonderfully with simple, fresh sides to balance its richness. A crisp side salad, steamed green beans, broccoli, or roasted carrots are all excellent choices .

Mamaw’s Chicken and Rice Casserole: A Timeless Comfort Food Classic

Print Recipe

There’s something timeless about a good chicken and rice casserole — warm, creamy, and oh-so comforting. This is one of those dishes that brings everyone to the table, filling the kitchen with that familiar, homey aroma of love and simplicity. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or Sunday dinner, Mamaw’s recipe never fails to satisfy.

• Author: alae

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 3 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into cubes

• 2 cups water

• 2 cups instant white rice

• 1 (10.75 oz) can cream of chicken soup

• 1 (10.75 oz) can cream of celery soup

• 1 (10.75 oz) can cream of mushroom soup

• Salt and ground black pepper, to taste

• ½ cup (1 stick) butter, sliced into pats

Instructions

1. Preheat and Prep
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Grease the bottom and sides of a large casserole dish.

2. Mix It Up
In the prepared dish, stir together the cubed chicken, water, rice, cream of chicken soup, cream of celery soup, and cream of mushroom soup until well combined. Season generously with salt and pepper.

3. Add the Butter
Place the butter slices evenly over the top of the casserole mixture.

4. Bake to Perfection
Cover the dish tightly with foil and bake for 45 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for another 15 minutes, or until the rice is tender, the chicken is fully cooked, and the top is lightly golden.

5. Serve and Enjoy
Let the casserole rest for about 5 minutes before serving. It’s creamy, cozy, and perfect with a side of green beans or a fresh salad.

Notes

• Add a Crunch: Sprinkle crushed buttery crackers or fried onions on top before the final 10 minutes of baking.

• Boost the Flavor: Add a dash of garlic powder, paprika, or shredded cheddar cheese.

• Use Leftover Chicken: Rotisserie or pre-cooked chicken works great—just reduce baking time by 10 minutes.

• Make Ahead: Assemble up to a day in advance and refrigerate. Bake when ready to serve.

Nutrition

• Calories: 420 kcal per serving
• Fat: 23 g
• Saturated Fat: 12 g
• Carbohydrates: 25 g
• Protein: 27 g

More Than a Meal: Serving and Storing

Mamaw’s Chicken and Rice Casserole is the epitome of comfort in a dish. It’s a versatile recipe that welcomes your personal touch, whether you stick strictly to the classic method or add your own family’s favorite ingredients. As you bake this casserole, you’re not just making dinner; you’re participating in a long tradition of home cooks creating delicious, comforting memories around the family table. So gather your simple ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to enjoy one of the best old-school recipes that truly stands the test of time.