Creamy, comforting, and packed with tender chicken and cheesy goodness, Mamaw’s Chicken and Rice Casserole is a recipe that warms both the belly and the heart. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or bringing a dish to a potluck, this Southern classic delivers every time. The rich blend of creamy soup, seasoned rice, juicy chicken, and gooey melted cheese will remind you of cozy nights around the dinner table.

This dish is also wonderfully easy to prepare, using pantry staples and minimal prep time. Plus, it’s a perfect way to use leftover rotisserie chicken or cooked chicken breasts. The crispy top layer of cheddar and bacon brings all the textures together into one bubbling, golden-brown casserole. One bite, and you’ll know why it’s been passed down from Mamaw’s kitchen.

Why You’ll Love This Mamaw’s Chicken and Rice Casserole

It’s ultra-creamy and savory with a satisfying cheesy top.
It feeds a crowd without breaking the bank.
Great for meal prep, leftovers taste even better.
Minimal chopping or hands-on cooking involved.
Easily adaptable with your favorite veggies or cheese.

What Type of Rice Works Best for This Casserole?

You’ll want to use uncooked long grain white rice for the best texture. It cooks perfectly in the casserole, soaking up all that creamy flavor without turning mushy. Instant rice or brown rice may cook unevenly, so stick with classic long grain unless you’re adjusting liquids and bake time.

Ingredients for the Mamaw’s Chicken and Rice Casserole

Cooked Chicken: Adds protein and hearty texture. Rotisserie or leftover chicken works beautifully.

Uncooked Long Grain White Rice: Soaks up all the flavor while baking.

Cream of Chicken Soup: Adds creaminess and deep chicken flavor.

Cream of Celery Soup: Offers a subtle veggie base and savory layer.

Chicken Broth: Enhances the flavor and helps cook the rice.

Sour Cream: Gives richness and tang.

Shredded Cheddar Cheese: Melts beautifully on top for that signature cheesy crust.

Cooked Bacon: Brings smoky, crispy bits that make each bite irresistible.

Butter: Helps brown the topping and adds buttery flavor.

Chopped Fresh Chives: For garnish and a mild oniony finish.

How To Make the Mamaw’s Chicken and Rice Casserole

Step 1: Prep the Oven and Pan

Preheat your oven to 350°F. Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Mix the Casserole Base

In a large bowl, stir together the cream of chicken soup, cream of celery soup, sour cream, chicken broth, and uncooked rice until smooth. Fold in the shredded chicken.

Step 3: Assemble the Layers

Pour the mixture into the greased baking dish and spread evenly. Top with shredded cheddar cheese and crumbled bacon.

Step 4: Bake to Perfection

Cover the dish tightly with foil and bake for 45 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes until the cheese is golden and bubbly.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Sprinkle fresh chopped chives over the top before serving. Let it sit for 5 minutes to set.

How to Serve This Casserole Best

This casserole feeds 8 people comfortably and pairs beautifully with fresh salads, roasted veggies, or a side of green beans. For a crowd, serve it straight from the baking dish with extra chives on the side.

Best Way to Store and Reheat Leftovers

Let the casserole cool completely before storing. Transfer leftovers to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days. To reheat, microwave individual portions or bake at 325°F covered with foil until warmed through (about 20 minutes). You can also freeze individual portions for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight before reheating.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use canned chicken?
Yes, drained canned chicken works in a pinch. The flavor and texture are best with fresh or rotisserie chicken, though.

Can I prep this casserole ahead of time?
Absolutely. Assemble it a day in advance and refrigerate, covered. Add 5-10 extra minutes to the baking time if baking straight from the fridge.

What if I don’t have cream of celery soup?
Swap it with another can of cream of chicken, or use cream of mushroom for an earthier note.

Can I add vegetables?
Yes! Stir in 1 cup of frozen peas and carrots or broccoli florets before baking.

What cheese works best besides cheddar?
Monterey Jack, Colby, or a cheddar blend all melt well and taste great.

Want More Casserole Ideas?

If you love this comforting chicken bake, you’ll definitely want to try:

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And let me know in the comments how yours turned out! Did you add veggies? Use a different cheese? I love hearing how others make these recipes their own. Questions are welcome too—let’s help each other cook smarter.

Looking for more hearty meals? You’ll find tons of daily recipe inspiration over on Life With Livia.

Mamaw’s Chicken and Rice Casserole

Author: Livia Scott
Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
Yield: 8 servings

Print Recipe

Description

This ultra-creamy Mamaw’s Chicken and Rice Casserole is the ultimate comfort food — a quick dinner idea that’s rich, cheesy, and incredibly satisfying. Packed with shredded chicken, long grain rice, cream of soups, and crispy bacon, it’s a no-fail favorite for family dinners, meal trains, or cozy Sunday suppers. Whether you’re looking for easy dinner recipes, meal prep food ideas, or crowd-pleasing casseroles, this hearty bake is a winner every time.

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.

2. In a large bowl, mix cream of chicken soup, cream of celery soup, sour cream, chicken broth, and uncooked rice until combined.

3. Fold in the shredded chicken until evenly coated.

4. Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread evenly.

5. Top with shredded cheddar cheese and crumbled bacon.

6. Drizzle melted butter over the top.

7. Cover tightly with foil and bake for 45 minutes.

8. Remove foil and bake an additional 10–15 minutes, until cheese is bubbly and lightly golden.

9. Remove from oven and let sit for 5 minutes before garnishing with chopped chives and serving.

Notes

Use rotisserie chicken to save time.

Let the casserole rest after baking to firm up.

You can mix in 1 cup of frozen vegetables for extra flavor and color.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 55 minutes
Category: Dinner
Method: Baked
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 slice (approx. 1/8 of casserole)
Calories: 435
Sugar: 2g
Sodium: 720mg
Fat: 26g
Saturated Fat: 12g
Unsaturated Fat: 10g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 26g
Fiber: 1g
Protein: 24g
Cholesterol: 85mg

Keywords: chicken casserole, chicken and rice, easy dinner, southern casserole