Mamaw’s Chicken and Rice Casserole

Ingredients

3 cooked chicken breasts, cubed or shredded

2 cups of instant white rice

2 cups of water

1 can of cream of mushroom soup

1 can of cream of chicken soup

1 can of cream of celery soup

½ cup of butter cut into slices

½ tsp salt

¼ tsp black pepper

Instructions

Step 1:

Preheat the oven to 400*

Lightly grease the sides and bottom of a baking dish

Step 2:

Stir together the cream of mushroom, the cream of chicken and the cream of celery soup with the water, Stir until blended smooth

Step 3:

Add the chicken and the rice into the soup mix

Sprinkle with the salt and pepper

Step 4:

Carefully scoop into the baking dish

Place the pats of butter evenly over the top of the casserole

Step 5:

Bake for 60 to 75 minutes, until rice is cooked and chicken is cooked through

Enjoy!

Nutrition Information:

SERVING SIZE: 1

Amount Per Serving:

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use brown rice instead of instant white rice?

Yes, you can substitute brown rice for instant white rice in this recipe.

However, note that brown rice typically requires a longer cooking time and more liquid than white rice, so you may need to adjust the cooking time and add more water accordingly.

Can I use homemade cream soups instead of canned ones?

Absolutely! You can use homemade cream of mushroom, cream of chicken, and cream of celery soups if you prefer.

Just make sure they’re well-blended and have a creamy consistency similar to canned soups.

What can I use as a substitute for butter?

If you prefer to use a different fat or oil, you can substitute melted margarine, olive oil, or vegetable oil for the butter in this recipe.

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Keep in mind that different fats may alter the flavor slightly.

Can I add vegetables to this casserole?

Yes, you can add vegetables such as diced carrots, peas, corn, or green beans to the casserole for extra flavor and nutrition.

Simply mix them in with the chicken and rice before baking.

How can I ensure the rice cooks evenly?

To ensure the rice cooks evenly, make sure it’s evenly distributed in the baking dish and fully submerged in the soup mixture.

You can also cover the baking dish with aluminum foil for the first part of the baking time to help trap steam and cook the rice more evenly.

Can I use uncooked chicken instead of cooked chicken breasts?

Yes, you can use uncooked chicken breasts in this recipe.

Simply place the raw chicken breasts in the baking dish along with the other ingredients, and make sure to adjust the baking time accordingly to ensure the chicken cooks through.

Is it necessary to use all three types of cream soups, or can I use just one or two?

You can customize the soup mixture according to your preference or what you have on hand.

Feel free to use just one or two types of cream soup if desired.

However, using all three adds depth of flavor to the casserole.

Can I use low-sodium or reduced-fat cream soups to make this dish healthier?

Yes, you can use low-sodium or reduced-fat versions of cream soups to reduce the sodium and fat content of the casserole.

Just be aware that it may alter the flavor slightly, so you may want to adjust the seasoning accordingly.

What size baking dish should I use for this casserole?

A 9×13-inch baking dish is recommended for this recipe.

However, you can use a similar-sized dish or divide the mixture between smaller dishes if needed.

Can I prepare this casserole ahead of time and bake it later?

Yes, you can assemble the casserole ahead of time and refrigerate it until you’re ready to bake.

Simply cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and refrigerate for up to 24 hours.

When ready to bake, remove from the refrigerator, let it come to room temperature, and then bake as directed.

What can I serve with Mamaw’s Chicken and Rice Casserole?

This casserole pairs well with a side salad, steamed vegetables, or dinner rolls.

You can also serve it with crusty bread for soaking up the delicious sauce.

Can I freeze leftovers of this casserole?

Yes, you can freeze leftovers of Mamaw’s Chicken and Rice Casserole.

Allow the casserole to cool completely, then transfer individual portions or the entire dish to airtight freezer-safe containers or freezer bags.

Freeze for up to 3 months.

Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating in the oven or microwave.

What’s the purpose of adding butter slices on top of the casserole?

The butter slices add richness and flavor to the casserole as they melt during baking.

They also help to keep the chicken moist and prevent the rice from drying out.

Can I add additional seasonings or herbs to enhance the flavor?

Absolutely! Feel free to add your favorite herbs or seasonings to the casserole for extra flavor.

Thyme, rosemary, parsley, or Italian seasoning blend well with the creamy soup mixture.

Adjust the seasoning to taste before baking.