This Mamaw’s Chicken & Rice Casserole comes together in about 30 minutes and is a classic one-pot dish that your family will love! Switch up the ingredients to suit your taste or use it as a “clean out the fridge” meal to get rid of leftovers and odds and ends! Trust me, whether you’re rushing home from soccer practice or just in need of a cozy dinner, this recipe has got you covered for a quick and easy weeknight meal.
Ingredient Breakdown
- 2 Cups Cooked Rice
- 2 Cups Cooked Chicken, Shredded
- 1 Can Cream of Chicken Soup
- 1 Cup Chicken Broth
- 1 Cup Shredded Cheese (Cheddar or Your Choice)
- 1 Cup Frozen Mixed Vegetables
- 1 Teaspoon Garlic Powder
- 1 Teaspoon Onion Powder
- Salt and Pepper to Taste
- Optional: Breadcrumbs for Topping
Step-by-Step Instructions
How to Make Mamaw’s Chicken & Rice Casserole
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). While the oven is heating up, it’s time to gather everything else, mixing it all together is half the fun!
In a large mixing bowl, combine cooked rice, shredded chicken, cream of chicken soup, chicken broth, cheese, mixed vegetables, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
Just toss everything in the bowl, makes life easier, right? Stir it all together until well combined. You want it to be a hearty, colorful mixture.Pour the mixture into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish. Get every last bit in there! You can use a spatula to scrape the sides of the bowl. Everyone deserves to enjoy this comforting goodness!
Optional: Sprinkle breadcrumbs on top for added crunch. If you’re feeling fancy, do it! It gives an amazing texture contrast and will brown beautifully in the oven.
Bake in the preheated oven for about 30-35 minutes or until hot and bubbly. That’s when you know it’s ready! You’ll start to smell it throughout the house trust me, your family will start wandering into the kitchen, noses twitching.
Serve warm and enjoy your comforting casserole! Ahh, the aroma wafting through the air as you serve this up is simply divine. It’s a moment worth savoring!
Why I Love This Recipe
This is my go-to recipe for busy nights when I want something comforting, nostalgic, and, honestly, crowd-pleasing. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve thrown this together when life gets chaotic, and every time my family digs in, happiness reigns. It’s comfort food at its finest, not only does it fill your belly, but it also warms your heart. I’m a real sucker for recipes that are versatile, and you can use whatever you’ve got on hand to make this dish better seriously, it’s a hug on a plate!
If you loved this casserole, be sure to check out my French Onion Butter Rice, my Carbonara Risotto, or my Homemade Mexican Rice!
Why This Recipe Works
Quick & Easy
This casserole comes together in under 30 minutes! Life is busy enough, and this recipe prioritizes your time while still delivering a wonderfully delicious meal.
One Pot
You’re going to love that it all comes together in one pot. Minimal cleanup is required, and you get to spend more time with your loved ones and less time scrubbing pots and pans!
Customizable
Perhaps the best part? You can adapt it! Add in leftover veggies, switch the chicken for turkey, or even mix up the cheese. It’s genuinely a recipe you can tweak to fit your family’s tastes or whatever you have in the fridge!
Comfort Food
This casserole is loaded with tons of flavor and nostalgia. It’s the kind of dish that brings everyone together and makes you feel all warm inside.
Make-Ahead Friendly
You can also assemble this ahead of time and refrigerate it to bake later! Perfect for those crazy weeknights when you need to be on your A-game!
Serving and Storage
What to Serve With This
This casserole makes for a hearty meal on its own, but I recommend serving it with a simple green salad or some crusty garlic bread for that extra level of comfort.
Storage
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. It’s great reheated for lunch or dinner.
Reheating Instructions
The best way to reheat this casserole is in the oven at 350°F for about 15 minutes or until heated through. You can also pop it in the microwave, but be sure to cover it to avoid a dry top.
Freezer Friendly?
Yes! You can freeze the casserole before baking it. Just make sure it’s in a freezer-safe dish. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply thaw it overnight in the fridge and bake as directed.
Now, gather your ingredients, and let’s make some memories around the dinner table! Trust me, Mamaw’s Chicken & Rice Casserole is a dish you’ll want on repeat for all those busy nights ahead! Happy cooking, friends! Follow LunaChef on Pinterest for daily meal inspiration.
Mamaw’s Chicken & Rice Casserole
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large mixing bowl, combine cooked rice, shredded chicken, cream of chicken soup, chicken broth, cheese, mixed vegetables, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Stir until well combined.
- Pour the mixture into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish.
- Optional: Sprinkle breadcrumbs on top for added crunch.
- Bake in the preheated oven for about 30-35 minutes or until hot and bubbly.
- Serve warm and enjoy your comforting casserole!