Description
Grandma's Chicken & Rice Casserole is a comforting, creamy baked dish that combines tender chicken, instant white rice, and a trio of savory cream soups. Infused with garlic powder and seasoned with salt and pepper, this casserole is topped with butter slices for a rich finish. Perfect for a family dinner, it’s easy to prepare and delivers home-style flavor baked to golden perfection.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 2 1/2 cups chicken, shredded or cubed
Rice & Liquids
- 2 cups instant white rice
- 2 cups water
Soups & Seasonings
- 1 (10.5 oz) can cream of chicken soup
- 1 (10.5 oz) can cream of celery soup
- 1 (10.5 oz) can cream of mushroom soup
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
Fat
- ½ cup butter, sliced
Instructions
- Preheat and prepare dish: Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish thoroughly to prevent sticking. Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit to ensure it reaches the right temperature for even baking.
- Combine ingredients: In the prepared baking dish, add the shredded or cubed chicken, instant white rice, water, cream of chicken soup, cream of celery soup, cream of mushroom soup, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Stir all ingredients together until well combined to distribute seasonings and soups evenly.
- Add butter topping: Arrange slices of butter evenly around the top of the mixture in the baking dish. This will melt during baking, creating a rich, golden finish on the casserole.
- Bake covered: Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil to trap steam and moisture. Bake in the preheated oven for 45 minutes. This allows the rice to absorb liquid and the flavors to meld.
- Bake uncovered: Remove the foil carefully and continue baking the casserole uncovered for an additional 15 to 20 minutes. This step browns and slightly crisps the top layer, completing the casserole’s texture and flavor.
- Serve: Once cooked through and bubbly, remove from oven and let it rest for a few minutes before serving. This makes it easier to portion and enhances the flavors.
Notes
- Use cooked shredded chicken from leftovers or rotisserie chicken to save time.
- Ensure the baking dish is tightly covered with foil to prevent drying out during the initial baking phase.
- For a lower fat version, reduce the butter amount or use a butter substitute.
- Instant white rice is crucial as it cooks thoroughly within the baking time; do not substitute with regular rice unless pre-cooked.
- This casserole contains dairy and poultry allergens; it is not suitable for vegan or dairy-free diets.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American