Description
Mamaw’s Chicken and Rice Casserole is a comforting Southern American main dish featuring tender shredded chicken, creamy soups, and savory spices baked to perfection with cheesy goodness. Ideal for an easy family dinner, this casserole blends simple pantry staples with hearty chicken and rice for a satisfying homemade meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Rice Mixture
- 3 cups cooked chicken, shredded or chopped
- 1 cup long grain white rice, uncooked
- 1 (10.5 oz) can cream of chicken soup
- 1 (10.5 oz) can cream of mushroom soup
- 1 1/2 cups chicken broth
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
Topping and Dish Preparation
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional)
- 1 tablespoon butter (for greasing the dish)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Dish: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter to prevent sticking and to add flavor.
- Mix Soups, Broth, and Seasonings: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cream of chicken soup, cream of mushroom soup, chicken broth, sour cream, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Stir well until all ingredients are fully incorporated.
- Add Rice and Chicken: Stir the uncooked rice into the soup mixture until evenly distributed. Then gently fold in the shredded or chopped cooked chicken, mixing gently to maintain texture.
- Assemble and Cover: Pour the combined mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish. Spread it out smoothly. Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil to keep moisture in during baking.
- Bake Covered: Place the covered dish in the preheated oven and bake for 1 hour. This allows the rice to cook fully in the creamy mixture.
- Add Cheese and Bake Uncovered: Remove the foil carefully. Stir the casserole gently to evenly distribute ingredients. Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the top, if using. Return the dish to the oven uncovered and bake for an additional 10–15 minutes until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and slightly golden.
- Rest and Serve: Remove from oven and let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving. This helps the casserole set for easier portioning.
Notes
- Use rotisserie chicken for quicker prep.
- Add steamed broccoli or peas to make it a complete meal.
- If substituting brown rice, increase baking time to ensure rice is fully cooked.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Southern American
