Description
Looking for a comforting, easy dinner that the whole family will love? Mamaw’s Chicken and Rice Casserole is your answer. This creamy, cheesy, and ultra-satisfying baked dish is a timeless favorite—perfect for busy weeknights or cozy weekend meals. With tender chicken, perfectly cooked rice, and a layer of golden melted cheese, it’s one of those easy recipes you’ll come back to again and again. Whether you’re hunting for quick dinner ideas, one-pan meal solutions, or nostalgic food ideas that taste like home, this casserole covers it all. It’s one of the best make-ahead meals and also an ideal option for freezer-friendly cooking. A top pick for both breakfast ideas (hello leftovers!) and dinner ideas!
Ingredients
2 cups cooked chicken (shredded or chopped)
1 cup uncooked long grain white rice
1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
2 cups chicken broth (low sodium preferred)
1/2 cup sour cream (optional)
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
Salt and pepper to taste
1/2 teaspoon paprika
2 tablespoons butter (cubed)
Chopped parsley or green onions (optional garnish)
Instructions
1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. If not using rotisserie or pre-cooked chicken, cook and shred or cube about two chicken breasts.
3. In a large bowl, mix the uncooked rice, cream of chicken soup, cream of mushroom soup, chicken broth, sour cream (if using), garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
4. Stir in the cooked chicken and 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese.
5. Transfer the mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish and spread it evenly.
6. Dot the top with cubes of butter for extra richness.
7. Cover tightly with foil and bake for 50–60 minutes until the rice is tender.
8. Remove foil, sprinkle additional cheese and paprika on top.
9. Return to oven uncovered and bake for another 10 minutes until cheese is golden and bubbly.
10. Let rest for 5–10 minutes before garnishing with green onions or parsley and serving.
Notes
Don’t skip covering the dish with foil—this step ensures the rice cooks evenly and stays moist.
Use pre-cooked chicken to keep the casserole from becoming watery or undercooked.
Let it rest before serving so the casserole can set properly for clean slices.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 780mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 24g
- Cholesterol: 80mg