Introduction
Hey there, fellow food lovers! Ready to transform simple ingredients into a cozy, crowd-pleasing casserole that’ll have everyone asking for seconds? Mamaw’s Chicken and Rice Casserole is the answer! This recipe is a warm hug in a dish, perfect for busy weeknights or special family gatherings. Get ready for a taste of pure comfort food magic!
Why This Works
This recipe works because it’s ridiculously easy, incredibly flavorful, and uses ingredients you probably already have in your pantry. The creamy rice, tender chicken, and savory broth create a harmonious blend of textures and tastes that will leave you completely satisfied. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to use leftover cooked chicken!
Key Ingredients
- 🐔 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- 🍚 2 cups cooked rice
- 🧅 1 medium onion, chopped
- 🥕 1 cup carrots, chopped
- 🍄 1 cup mushrooms, sliced
- 🥣 1 (10.75 ounce) can condensed cream of mushroom soup
- 🥛 1 cup milk
- 🧀 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 🌿 1/2 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 🧈 2 tablespoons butter
Instructions
1️⃣ Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
2️⃣ In a large bowl, combine the cooked chicken, rice, onion, carrots, and mushrooms.
3️⃣ In a separate bowl, whisk together the cream of mushroom soup and milk until smooth.
4️⃣ Pour the soup mixture over the chicken and vegetable mixture, stirring gently to combine.
5️⃣ Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese and parsley.
6️⃣ Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish.
7️⃣ Dot the top with butter.
8️⃣ Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until heated through and bubbly. Let it sit for a few minutes before serving.
Handy Tips
- Don’t overmix the casserole once you add the soup mixture; a little bit of texture is nice!
- If you want a crispier top, broil the casserole for the last 2-3 minutes of baking time, but watch it carefully to prevent burning.
- Feel free to add other vegetables you enjoy, like peas, corn, or green beans.
Heat Control
The 350°F (175°C) oven temperature ensures the casserole cooks evenly and the cheese melts perfectly without burning. Don’t be tempted to crank up the heat; patience is key to a perfectly cooked and delicious casserole!
Crunch Factor
While this casserole is known for its creamy texture, you can add a little crunch by topping it with some crispy fried onions or crumbled bacon before baking.
Pro Kitchen Tricks
- Use rotisserie chicken to save time on prepping.
- For extra flavor, add a teaspoon of poultry seasoning to the soup mixture.
- If you don’t have fresh parsley, dried parsley works in a pinch (use about 1 tablespoon).
Storage Tips
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or oven.
Gift Packaging Ideas
This casserole makes a wonderful potluck dish or a thoughtful gift for friends and family. You can bake it in a disposable aluminum pan for easy transport. A pretty ribbon tied around the pan adds a nice touch.
Flavor Variations
🌟 Spicy Mamaw’s: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of your favorite hot sauce to the soup mixture for a kick.
🌟 Cheesy Supreme: Increase the cheddar cheese to 1.5 cups and add a cup of your favorite shredded cheese blend.
🌟 Creamy Alfredo: Substitute cream of mushroom soup with cream of chicken soup and add 1/4 cup of grated Parmesan cheese.
🌟 Veggie Delight: Add a cup of frozen mixed vegetables along with the carrots and mushrooms.
Troubleshooting
- Too dry: If the casserole is too dry, add a little more milk next time.
- Too wet: If it’s too wet, bake it uncovered for a longer time to allow excess moisture to evaporate.
- Burnt top: Reduce the oven temperature slightly next time or watch it closely and cover the top with foil if it starts to brown too quickly.
FAQ
Q: Can I use frozen chicken? A: Yes, but make sure it’s fully thawed and cooked before adding it to the casserole.
Q: Can I make this ahead of time? A: Yes, assemble the casserole up to a day ahead and refrigerate it until ready to bake. You may need to add a few minutes to the baking time.
Q: Can I freeze this casserole? A: Yes, you can freeze the unbaked casserole in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw completely overnight in the refrigerator and bake as directed.
Conclusion
Mamaw’s Chicken and Rice Casserole is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, simple enough for a weeknight meal and delicious enough for a special occasion. Give it a try, and don’t forget to share your photos and feedback on RateMyRecipes! Happy cooking!
Mamaw's Comfort Food: Chicken & Rice Casserole
A warm and hearty chicken and rice casserole, perfect for family gatherings or a cozy night in.
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked white rice
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup frozen mixed vegetables
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375u00b0C.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add diced chicken and cook until no longer pink, about 5-7 minutes.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine cooked rice, cream of chicken soup, chicken broth, frozen vegetables, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Stir until well combined.
- Add the cooked chicken to the rice mixture and stir until evenly distributed.
- Transfer the mixture to a greased 9x13 inch baking dish and spread it out evenly.
- Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese on top.
- Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes.
- Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
- Let it cool for a few minutes before serving.
Tips
- For added flavor, marinate the chicken in your favorite spices before cooking.
- You can substitute the mixed vegetables with any of your favorite veggies or use fresh ones if preferred.