Mamaw’s Creamy Chicken and Rice Casserole

Golden, bubbling cheese atop a creamy blend of tender chicken and perfectly cooked rice—Mamaw’s Creamy Chicken and Rice Casserole is the ultimate comfort food that warms both belly and soul. This treasured family recipe combines simple ingredients into something truly magical, creating that distinctive homemade flavor that only comes from a grandmother’s kitchen. The velvety sauce envelops each grain of rice and morsel of chicken, delivering comforting goodness in every spoonful. You’ll learn how to recreate this beloved classic that has been passed down through generations, ensuring perfect results every time.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Mamaw’s Creamy Chicken and Rice Casserole is the epitome of homestyle cooking that brings families together around the dinner table. The contrast between the crispy, golden-brown top layer and the creamy, tender interior creates an irresistible texture experience that keeps everyone coming back for seconds.

What makes this casserole truly special is its perfect balance of flavors—savory chicken, aromatic herbs, and rich creaminess come together in perfect harmony. Unlike many casseroles that can be time-consuming, this recipe offers impressive results with minimal effort, making it ideal for busy weeknights when you need comfort food without the fuss.

The versatility of this dish is another reason to love it. It works beautifully as a main course served with a simple side salad, or as a hearty side dish for holiday gatherings. Plus, the ingredients are pantry staples that you likely already have on hand, eliminating the need for special shopping trips.

Ingredients

For Mamaw’s Creamy Chicken and Rice Casserole, you’ll need:

• 2 cups white rice, uncooked (long-grain preferred for best texture)
• 3 cups chicken broth (low-sodium recommended)
• 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced (rotisserie chicken works wonderfully)
• 1 (10.5 oz) can cream of chicken soup
• 1 (10.5 oz) can cream of mushroom soup
• 1 cup sour cream (full-fat provides the creamiest results)
• 1/2 cup butter, melted (1 stick)
• 1 medium onion, finely diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup celery, finely diced (about 2-3 stalks)
• 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon dried parsley
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• Salt to taste

Pro Tips

When making Mamaw’s Creamy Chicken and Rice Casserole, a few key techniques will elevate your dish from good to exceptional. First, pre-cooking the rice to just slightly underdone (about 2 minutes less than package directions) ensures your casserole won’t become mushy during baking. The rice will continue cooking in the oven, absorbing the flavorful sauce while maintaining the perfect texture.

For maximum flavor development, sauté your onions, celery, and garlic before adding them to the casserole mixture. This simple step caramelizes the vegetables, bringing out their natural sweetness and adding depth to the final dish. The aroma alone will have your family gathering in the kitchen!

Finally, resist the urge to uncover the casserole too early during baking. Keeping it covered for the first 30 minutes allows the flavors to meld and the rice to fully absorb the liquid. Only then should you remove the foil and add the remaining cheese, giving you that irresistible golden, bubbly top that makes Mamaw’s Creamy Chicken and Rice Casserole so memorable.

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. If you haven’t already, cook your rice until it’s slightly underdone, about 2 minutes less than package instructions. You want it to be a bit firm since it will continue cooking in the oven. While the rice cooks, shred or dice your cooked chicken into bite-sized pieces.

Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics
In a large skillet over medium heat, melt 2 tablespoons of the butter. Add the diced onions and celery, cooking until they begin to soften, about 3-4 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant. Your kitchen should be filling with that wonderful aroma that signals good things are coming!

Step 3: Create the Creamy Base
In a large mixing bowl, combine both cans of soup, sour cream, and the remaining melted butter. Stir until smooth, then add the sautéed vegetables, cooked rice, shredded chicken, dried thyme, dried parsley, black pepper, and salt. Gently fold in 1 cup of the shredded cheese, saving the remaining 1/2 cup for topping.

Step 4: Assemble and Bake
Transfer the mixture to your prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly. Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes. The foil helps trap moisture, ensuring your Mamaw’s Creamy Chicken and Rice Casserole stays wonderfully creamy.

Step 5: Final Touches
After 30 minutes, remove the foil and sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of cheddar cheese evenly over the top. Return the casserole to the oven, uncovered, and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes until the cheese is melted and golden brown. Let the casserole rest for 5-10 minutes before serving – this resting period allows the flavors to settle and makes serving easier.

Variations

Mamaw’s Creamy Chicken and Rice Casserole is wonderfully adaptable to suit different tastes and dietary needs. For a broccoli chicken version, simply add 2 cups of lightly steamed broccoli florets to the mixture before baking. The bright green color and subtle crunch create a beautiful contrast to the creamy casserole, while adding nutritional value.

For a dairy-free adaptation, substitute the sour cream with coconut cream and use dairy-free cream soups and cheese alternatives. The coconut cream adds a subtle sweetness that complements the savory chicken beautifully, creating a unique but equally delicious casserole.

If you’re looking for a spicier twist, try a Southwest variation by adding 1 cup of corn kernels, 1 diced bell pepper, 1 small can of diced green chilies, and 1 teaspoon of cumin to the base recipe. Top with pepper jack cheese instead of cheddar for an extra kick that transforms Mamaw’s Creamy Chicken and Rice Casserole into a fiesta-worthy dish.

Storage and Serving

Mamaw’s Creamy Chicken and Rice Casserole keeps beautifully, making it perfect for meal prep. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For longer storage, portion the casserole into freezer-safe containers, where it will keep for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator if frozen, then warm in a 325°F oven until heated through (about 20 minutes), adding a splash of chicken broth if it seems dry.

For serving, pair this comforting chicken and rice bake with a crisp green salad dressed with a light vinaigrette to balance the casserole’s richness. The fresh, tangy notes complement the creamy texture perfectly. For a complete Sunday dinner, serve alongside steamed green beans or roasted asparagus and warm dinner rolls for soaking up the delicious sauce.

For an elegant presentation, serve individual portions in ramekins topped with a sprinkle of fresh herbs like parsley or chives. This brings a touch of color and freshness to Mamaw’s Creamy Chicken and Rice Casserole, making it suitable for even special occasions.

FAQs

Can I use brown rice instead of white rice in Mamaw’s Creamy Chicken and Rice Casserole?
Yes, but you’ll need to adjust cooking times. Pre-cook the brown rice for about 30 minutes (it won’t be fully cooked), then proceed with the recipe. You may also need to add an extra 1/4 cup of liquid to the casserole.

Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Absolutely! Assemble the casserole up to 24 hours in advance, cover and refrigerate. When ready to bake, allow it to sit at room temperature for 30 minutes, then add an extra 10-15 minutes to the covered baking time.

What’s the best chicken to use in this recipe?
Rotisserie chicken provides excellent flavor and convenience. Alternatively, poached chicken breasts or thighs work well, as does leftover roasted chicken.

My casserole seems too dry/too wet. What went wrong?
For a dry casserole, your rice may have been overcooked before baking. Next time, cook it less. If too wet, you might need to bake it uncovered for an additional 5-10 minutes.

Can I use fresh herbs instead of dried?
Yes! Triple the amount called for with dried herbs, and add half during cooking and half just before serving for the freshest flavor.

Conclusion

This Mamaw’s Creamy Chicken and Rice Casserole is comfort food at its finest — a velvety, aromatic blend of tender chicken and perfectly cooked rice that brings back memories of family gatherings and cozy Sunday dinners. It’s the kind of dish that bridges generations, with a timeless appeal that satisfies both children and adults alike. Whether you’re seeking a reliable weeknight dinner solution or a crowd-pleasing potluck contribution, this casserole delivers that homemade magic that only recipes passed down through loving hands can achieve. Enjoy the warm embrace of this family classic, and perhaps it will become a treasured recipe in your own household for years to come.

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