If you’re searching for a comforting, all-in-one meal that feels like a warm hug from home, look no further than Mamaw’s Chicken and Rice Casserole Recipe. This dish combines tender shredded chicken with fluffy rice and a creamy, cheesy sauce, all topped with a perfectly buttery, crunchy cracker crust. It’s simplicity at its finest, yet every bite bursts with nostalgic flavor that’s sure to become a new family favorite. Whether you’re serving a crowd or just craving some heartfelt comfort food, this casserole hits all the right notes.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Grab these simple but essential ingredients, each bringing its own magic to the dish. From the creamy soup base to the savory chicken and that irresistible cracker topping, these components work together to create a casserole that’s rich in flavor, texture, and visual appeal.
- Cooked shredded chicken: The star protein that adds heartiness and a tender, savory base.
- Cooked white rice: Provides a soft, fluffy texture that carries the flavors beautifully.
- Cream of chicken soup (10.5 oz can): Adds creaminess and binds everything together without fuss.
- Sour cream: Brings tangy richness to keep the casserole moist and flavorful.
- Shredded cheddar cheese (1 ½ cups): Melts into gooey goodness for depth and that classic cheesy appeal.
- Melted butter (½ cup): Essential for crisping up the cracker topping with golden, flavorful crunch.
- Ritz crackers (1 sleeve, crushed): These make the topping irresistibly crunchy and buttery.
- Salt (½ teaspoon): Enhances all the flavors without overpowering them.
- Black pepper (½ teaspoon): Adds a subtle kick to balance the creaminess.
- Optional garnishes – chopped green onions or parsley: For a fresh, color-popping finishing touch.
How to Make Mamaw’s Chicken and Rice Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Dish
Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9-by-13-inch baking dish. This ensures your casserole won’t stick and will come out cleanly every time, ready to wow your family.
Step 2: Mix the Filling
In a large bowl, combine the shredded chicken, cooked rice, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, one cup of shredded cheddar cheese, salt, and black pepper. Mix everything thoroughly until it becomes one creamy, cohesive mixture full of promise.
Step 3: Transfer to Baking Dish
Pour your chicken and rice mixture into the prepared baking dish, smoothing it out evenly so every section bakes consistently. Even layering helps create that perfect balance of flavors in each bite.
Step 4: Make the Topping
In a separate bowl, stir together the crushed Ritz crackers and melted butter. This combo will transform into a golden, crispy crust that contrasts wonderfully with the creamy cheesy base beneath.
Step 5: Add the Cracker Topping
Sprinkle the buttery cracker mixture evenly over the casserole’s surface, covering it completely. This generous topping is where the magic happens, adding texture and irresistible flavor.
Step 6: Finish with Cheese
Top your casserole with the remaining half cup of shredded cheddar cheese. This final layer melts over the crackers, adding another dimension of cheesiness that makes this dish truly comforting.
Step 7: Bake to Perfection
Place the casserole in the oven and bake uncovered for 30 to 35 minutes. It’s done when it’s bubbling around the edges and the top turns a beautiful golden brown. The aroma filling your kitchen will be absolutely enticing.
Step 8: Garnish and Serve
If you like, sprinkle chopped green onions or parsley over the casserole just before serving. This brightens the presentation and adds a lovely hint of freshness against the rich backdrop of flavors.
How to Serve Mamaw’s Chicken and Rice Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh green onions or finely chopped parsley are perfect garnishes that add a pop of color as well as a mild, fresh bite that balances the creamy, cheesy casserole beautifully.
Side Dishes
This casserole pairs wonderfully with bright, crisp side salads, steamed vegetables like green beans or broccoli, or even a simple fruit salad to add some sweetness and lightness to your meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For a dinner party or holiday meal, serve Mamaw’s Chicken and Rice Casserole Recipe in individual ramekins for a charming, personalized touch. You can also turn leftovers into warm, comforting sandwiches or scoop the casserole over a bed of greens for a hearty salad.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftovers covered in the refrigerator and consume within 3 to 4 days for the best taste and texture. The flavors often deepen overnight, making reheated bites just as delightful as fresh ones.
Freezing
This casserole freezes beautifully. Place it in an airtight container or cover tightly with foil and plastic wrap before freezing for up to 3 months. When ready, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers in the oven at 350°F until heated through and crispy again on top, usually about 20 minutes. You can also microwave individual portions, but baking helps maintain that incredible cracker crunch.
FAQs
Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
Absolutely! Brown rice will add a nuttier flavor and slightly chewier texture. Just ensure it’s fully cooked before mixing into the casserole since it takes longer to cook than white rice.
Can I make this casserole dairy-free?
Yes, by substituting dairy ingredients with alternatives like dairy-free sour cream, vegan cheddar cheese, and plant-based butter, you can make a delicious dairy-free version while keeping the creamy, comforting qualities.
Is it possible to add vegetables to this recipe?
Definitely. Fold in cooked veggies like peas, carrots, or mushrooms into the mixture before baking to boost nutrition and add texture without losing the classic appeal of Mamaw’s Chicken and Rice Casserole Recipe.
What type of chicken works best?
Shredded rotisserie chicken is super convenient and flavorful, but homemade poached or baked chicken breast shredded up works just as well. The key is juicy, tender chicken for that perfect bite.
Can this recipe be doubled for a larger crowd?
For sure! Simply double all ingredients and use a larger baking dish or two 9×13-inch pans. Just watch the baking time, as it might take slightly longer to heat through evenly.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend Mamaw’s Chicken and Rice Casserole Recipe enough when you want a dish that’s hearty, satisfying, and downright delicious. It’s the kind of recipe you’ll want to make again and again, whether for weeknight dinners or special gatherings. So go ahead, gather your ingredients, and enjoy the comfort and joy this casserole brings to your table.
Print
Mamaw’s Chicken and Rice Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 to 8 servings
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Mamaw’s Chicken and Rice Casserole is a comforting, creamy baked dish combining tender shredded chicken, fluffy white rice, and savory cream of chicken soup, topped with a buttery Ritz cracker crust and melted cheddar cheese. This hearty casserole is easy to prepare and perfect for family dinners, offering a golden, bubbly finish with optional fresh green onion or parsley garnish.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked shredded chicken
- 2 cups cooked white rice
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
Topping
- 1 sleeve Ritz crackers, crushed
- ½ cup melted butter
Optional Garnish
- Chopped green onions or parsley
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Dish: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to ensure the casserole doesn’t stick during baking.
- Mix Casserole Base: In a large bowl, combine the shredded chicken, cooked white rice, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are evenly incorporated.
- Transfer to Baking Dish: Pour the mixed casserole ingredients into the prepared baking dish and spread the mixture evenly to ensure uniform baking.
- Prepare Cracker Topping: In a separate bowl, mix the crushed Ritz crackers with the melted butter until the crumbs are fully coated and slightly clumped together.
- Add Topping to Casserole: Sprinkle the buttery cracker mixture evenly over the top of the casserole, covering the surface completely.
- Add Remaining Cheese: Sprinkle the remaining ½ cup of shredded cheddar cheese over the cracker topping for a cheesy crust.
- Bake: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake uncovered for 30–35 minutes, or until the top is bubbly, golden brown, and the casserole is heated through.
- Garnish and Serve: Once baked, remove the casserole from the oven and garnish with chopped green onions or parsley if desired. Serve warm for best flavor.
Notes
- Using cooked chicken and rice ahead of time speeds up preparation.
- You can substitute cream of chicken soup with cream of mushroom for a different flavor.
- For a lower-fat option, use low-fat sour cream and reduced-fat cheddar cheese.
- Crushing Ritz crackers finely helps achieve an even topping layer.
- This casserole can be prepared a day ahead and refrigerated before baking, just add a few extra minutes to baking time if cold from the fridge.
- Be careful not to overbake to prevent the topping from burning.
