Mamaw’s Classic Chicken and Rice Casserole: Comfort Food Made Easy

Mamaw’s Chicken and Rice Casserole

This chicken and rice casserole is a cozy, creamy comfort-food classic that takes just minutes to prep and bakes into a cheesy, golden-brown dinner you’ll crave again and again.

Ingredients for Cheesy Chicken and Rice Casserole

• 3 chicken breasts, cut into cubes
• 1 cup long-grain white rice, rinsed
• 1 (10.5 oz) can cream of chicken soup
• 1 (10.5 oz) can cream of mushroom soup
• 1½ cups chicken broth
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• ½ cup diced onion
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• ½ tsp dried thyme
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Nonstick cooking spray or butter, for greasing

Step-by-Step Baking Instructions

1. Preheat & grease: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish with cooking spray or butter.
2. Mix the base: In a large bowl, whisk together rinsed rice, cream of chicken soup, cream of mushroom soup, chicken broth, diced onion, garlic, thyme, salt, and pepper until smooth.
3. Toss in chicken: Gently fold cubed chicken into the creamy mixture, ensuring every piece is coated.
4. Assemble & top: Pour the mixture into your prepared dish. Sprinkle shredded cheddar evenly over the top.
5. Bake covered: Cover with foil and bake for 60 minutes, until rice is tender and chicken is cooked through.
6. Brown the top: Remove foil and bake 10 more minutes to achieve a bubbly, golden crust.
7. Rest & serve: Let the casserole stand 5 minutes before serving so it sets perfectly.

Why You’ll Love This Chicken and Rice Casserole

Whether you’re craving hearty comfort food or need an easy dinner idea for busy weeknights, this baked chicken and rice casserole delivers:

• One-dish meal: Less cleanup, more time to relax.
• Family favorite: Creamy texture with gooey cheese that kids adore.
• Make-ahead friendly: Prep the night before and just pop it in the oven.

Tips & Variations

• Veggie boost: Stir in 1 cup frozen peas or broccoli florets for color and nutrients.
• Spice it up: Add a pinch of cayenne or smoked paprika for a little heat.
• Cheese swap: Try pepper jack or mozzarella for a different flavor profile.
• Low-sodium: Use reduced-sodium soups and broth to control salt.

Nutrition Information (per serving)

• 411 kcal
• 24 g carbs
• 24 g protein
• 24 g fat (12 g saturated)
• 100 mg cholesterol
• 810 mg sodium
• 1 g fiber
• 2 g sugar

Prep Time: 10 minutes  |  Cook Time: 1 hour 10 minutes  |  Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes

Servings: 6

Enjoy the ultimate creamy chicken and rice casserole that tastes just like Mamaw used to make, and watch everyone come back for seconds!