Mamaw’s Chicken and Rice Casserole is the ideal meal to create when the temperature drops or you’re just hankering after something filling and warm. Loved for its simplicity, taste, and warmth, this traditional casserole recipe has been handed down through the years. This simple one-pan dinner sure to bring the family together combines succulent chicken, creamy rice, and a few cupboard basics.
Why Will You Like Chicken and Rice Casserole Made by Mamaw?
Mamaw’s Chicken and Rice Casserole is beautiful in its nostalgic warmth and ability to be created using probably already present ingredients in your kitchen. This casserole fits everyone, from busy mothers trying to get supper on the table fast to novice cooks to just searching for a cozy meal to enjoy with loved ones.
This dish is flexible as well as delicious and filling. Add vegetables or seasonings to make it your own, but the basic recipe stays incredibly easy. Every mouthful of this one-dish miracle offers pleasant excellence.
Ingredients for the Rice Casserole and Mamaw’s Chicken
Making Mamaw’s Chicken and Rice Casserole calls for the following:
- Two cups cooked chicken—diced or shredded
- One cup raw white rice.
- One can use homemade or cream of chicken soup.
- One optional yet flavorful can of diced tomatoes.
- 1 1/2 cups chicken broth—or water—but broth is preferred for more taste.
- Half cup sour cream (for extra richness)
- One diced tiny onion.
- One cup (optional, for topping) shredded cheddar cheese
- One tablespoon of butter.
- Taste of salt and pepper
- One half teaspoon of optional but advised garlic powder.
- One half teaspoon dried thyme (optional but really enhances taste)
- directions for Mamaw’s chicken and rice casserole
Step 1: Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Rice
Start by 350°F (175°C) preheating your oven. If you haven’t cooked the rice yet, prepare it now following package directions. On the other hand, this is the ideal meal to make use of left-over rice!
Second Step: Sauté the Onion
Melt the butter across medium heat in a large skillet or sauté pan. Add the chopped onion and sauté until the onion softens and turns transparent, three to five minutes. This stage will assist the onions’ inherent sweetness to be highlighted, therefore enhancing the taste of the casserole.
Third step: mix the materials
Once the onions are done, toss in the cooked chicken, rice, cream of chicken soup, chicken broth, sour cream, garlic powder, thyme, salt, and pepper. Stir everything until completely blended. At this stage you could add extra sour cream or a dash of milk if you like your casserole somewhat creamier
Step 4: Prepare the Casserole.
Spoon mixture onto a 9x 13-inch buttered baking dish. Use a spoon or spatula to equally distribute it. Top with shredded cheddar cheese if you want a cheesy topping—which we strongly advise!
Step 5: Bake
Aluminium foil covers the dish; bake it in the preheated oven for roughly half an hour. Remove the foil after 30 minutes; bake for another 10 to 15 minutes, or until the top is brown and bubbling. The dish will be heated all through; the rice should be soft.
Sixth step: Present and savor.
After the casserole comes out of the oven, let it settle for a few minutes before serving. This simplifies serving the meal and lets it set. Present it on plates, sprinkle fresh herbs or more cheese if preferred, and have this soothing dinner.
Advice on Making Rice Casserole and Mamaw’s Chicken
Eat left-overs chicken. Any cooked chicken you have on hand or leftover rotisserie chicken may be used nicely in this dish. It saves time and lends even more taste to the casserole.
To increase the nutritional worth and provide some color to the meal, toss frozen peas, carrots, or corn.
Make it fiery. For a zesty twist, toss some chopped jalapeños or red pepper flakes if you enjoy some spice.
Made ahead, this dish should keep in the refrigerator for up to two days. Just securely cover it with foil or plastic wrap. Follow the directions when ready to bake; if the oven is cold from the refrigerator, add a little extra time there.
Final Thoughts
Mamaw’s Chicken and Rice Casserole is a consoling custom that brings families together, not only a dinner. This dish will never let you down whether your supper is a potluck, family get-together, or evening meal. Perfect for laid-back evenings when you want something substantial and filling, this is a basic, great meal.
Remember Mamaw’s Chicken and Rice Casserole next time you’re in the mood for comfort cuisine. Like it did for decades past, it will surely become a favorite in your house.
