Nana’s Chicken and Rice Casserole

If you’re searching for the ultimate easy chicken casserole recipe that brings comfort, warmth, and satisfaction to the dinner table, Mamaw’s Chicken and Rice Casserole is the perfect choice. This timeless dish has been passed down through generations, earning a reputation as the go-to recipe for busy weeknights, Sunday suppers, or family gatherings. With tender chicken, creamy soups, fluffy rice, and a buttery topping, it’s a one-dish meal that delivers hearty flavors with minimal effort.

This recipe is especially loved because it uses simple pantry staples yet creates a rich, comforting flavor profile that everyone—from kids to adults—will enjoy. It’s budget-friendly, versatile, and makes plenty to feed a hungry family.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• One Pan Wonder: Everything bakes together in one casserole dish, making cleanup quick and easy.
• Family Favorite: Creamy, hearty, and filling, this dish is guaranteed to please picky eaters.
• Budget-Friendly: Uses affordable ingredients you likely already have in your pantry.
• Perfect for Leftovers: Stores well and tastes even better the next day.
• Customizable: Swap in different proteins, veggies, or soup bases to make it your own.

Ingredients Breakdown

Let’s take a closer look at the key ingredients that make this casserole so delicious:

• Chicken Breasts: Lean, tender protein that becomes juicy when baked with the creamy rice mixture.
• Instant White Rice: Cooks quickly in the oven and absorbs all the savory flavors of the soups and chicken.
• Cream of Chicken Soup: Adds richness and enhances the chicken flavor.
• Cream of Celery Soup: Provides a subtle, earthy note that balances the dish.
• Cream of Mushroom Soup: Adds depth and creaminess while pairing perfectly with poultry.
• Butter: Sliced into pats and layered on top, it creates a golden, flavorful finish.
• Salt & Black Pepper: Simple seasoning that enhances all the flavors without overpowering them.

Tips and Tricks

• Use rotisserie chicken if you want to cut down on prep time. Just shred the cooked chicken and mix it in with the rice mixture.
• For extra flavor, swap water with chicken broth or stock.
• Always cover tightly with foil during the first stage of baking to prevent the rice from drying out.
• Let the casserole rest for at least 5 minutes before serving so the rice can fully set.

Variations and Customizations

• Add Vegetables: Stir in frozen peas, carrots, broccoli, or green beans for a balanced one-dish meal.
• Cheesy Upgrade: Sprinkle shredded cheddar, mozzarella, or Monterey Jack cheese on top before baking uncovered.
• Protein Swap: Substitute chicken with turkey, ham, or even cooked ground beef.
• Healthier Twist: Use brown rice and low-fat cream soups, though you’ll need to adjust baking time.

Pairing Suggestions

Mamaw’s Chicken and Rice Casserole is hearty enough to stand alone, but here are some tasty pairings:

• Fresh green salad with a light vinaigrette
• Steamed vegetables such as broccoli, asparagus, or green beans
• Homemade cornbread or warm dinner rolls
• A chilled glass of iced tea or lemonade for the perfect comfort meal

Storage Instructions

• Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Freezer: Freeze baked casserole in individual portions for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Reheating: Warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, or microwave individual servings for 2–3 minutes.

Popular Questions

1. Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble the casserole up to a day in advance, cover tightly with foil, and refrigerate until ready to bake.

2. Can I use uncooked rice instead of instant rice?
It’s best to stick with instant rice for this recipe. Regular rice won’t fully cook in the listed baking time.

3. Can I add cheese to the casserole?
Absolutely! Adding cheese gives it an extra layer of flavor and gooey texture.