If you’re craving a warm, cozy dinner that feels like it came straight from Grandma’s kitchen, Mamaw’s Chicken and Rice Casserole delivers every time. This old-fashioned recipe has been passed down through generations, showing up at church potlucks, busy school nights, and family dinners where everyone asked for seconds.

It’s simple, affordable, and deeply comforting — tender chicken, creamy rice, and rich flavor baked together in one pan. And yes, the butter on top is part of the magic.

Why This Chicken and Rice Casserole Is a Family Favorite

• One-dish dinner with minimal prep
• Uses budget-friendly pantry staples
• Mild, creamy flavor loved by kids and adults
• Perfect for weeknights, leftovers, and freezer meals
• Tastes even better the next day

This is the kind of recipe you keep forever.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s what makes Mamaw’s casserole so reliable and delicious:

• Chicken breasts – Cubed for even cooking
• Water – Helps the rice cook perfectly
• Instant white rice – Absorbs flavor quickly and evenly
• Cream of chicken soup – Adds savory depth
• Cream of celery soup – Classic Southern flavor
• Cream of mushroom soup – Extra richness and creaminess
• Salt & black pepper – Simple, crowd-pleasing seasoning
• Butter – Sliced and layered on top for moisture and flavor

Tip: Using instant rice is key here — regular long-grain rice will not cook correctly in this recipe.

How to Make Mamaw’s Chicken and Rice Casserole

1. Preheat and Prep

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish.

2. Combine the Ingredients

In the prepared dish, stir together:

• Cubed chicken
• Water
• Instant rice
• Cream of chicken, celery, and mushroom soups

Season lightly with salt and pepper.

3. Add the Butter

Arrange the butter pats evenly over the top. This keeps the casserole moist and gives it that unmistakable homemade flavor Mamaw would insist on.

4. Bake

Bake uncovered for 1 hour to 1 hour 15 minutes, until:

• Rice is tender
• Chicken is cooked through
• The top is lightly golden and bubbly

5. Rest and Serve

Let the casserole rest for 10–15 minutes before serving. This allows everything to set and makes serving easier.

Easy Variations and Add-Ins

This recipe is perfect as-is, but it’s also wonderfully flexible:

Rotisserie Chicken

Short on time? Swap raw chicken for shredded rotisserie chicken. Reduce bake time slightly and check for doneness.

Broccoli Chicken and Rice

Add fresh or frozen broccoli florets for color, nutrition, and flavor.

Cheesy Upgrade

Stir in or top with shredded Cheddar or Colby-Jack cheese for extra comfort.

Lighter Option

Use less butter on top if you prefer — though Mamaw might gently disagree.

What to Serve with Chicken and Rice Casserole

This dish is hearty enough to stand alone, but it pairs beautifully with:

• Green beans or buttered peas
• Simple side salad
• Biscuits or cornbread
• Steamed broccoli or carrots

Storing and Reheating Leftovers

Refrigerator

Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.

When reheating, add a splash of water and heat until steaming hot (at least 165°F) to keep the rice moist and safe to eat.

Freezer-Friendly

This casserole freezes extremely well.

• Cool completely
• Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and foil
• Freeze for up to 3 months

Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat in the oven or microwave.

Why This Recipe Never Goes Out of Style

Mamaw’s Chicken and Rice Casserole is proof that you don’t need fancy ingredients or complicated steps to make something truly special. It’s warm, filling, and full of nostalgia — the kind of meal that brings people to the table and keeps them there.