🍗 Mamaw’s Chicken and Rice Casserole 🍚

Mamaw’s Chicken and Rice Casserole is the ultimate comfort food, featuring tender chicken, creamy soup, and hearty rice all baked to perfection. This recipe is simple to prepare and perfect for a family dinner, offering a delicious, home-cooked meal everyone will love.

📋 Ingredients:

• 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced 🐔
• 1 cup white rice, uncooked 🍚
• 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup 🥄
• 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup 🥄
• 1 cup chicken broth 🥣
• 1 cup water 💧
• 1/2 cup milk 🥛
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder 🌿
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder 🌿
• Salt and pepper, to taste 🧂
• 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional) 🧀

📝 Instructions:

1. Preheat the Oven:

1. Set the temperature:

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.

2. Combine Ingredients:

1. Mix the soups:

• In a large mixing bowl, combine the cream of chicken soup, cream of mushroom soup, chicken broth, water, and milk. Stir until well combined.

1. Add seasonings and rice:

• Stir in the garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Add the uncooked rice and mix well.

1. Add chicken:

• Fold in the cooked chicken, ensuring it’s evenly distributed throughout the mixture.

3. Assemble the Casserole:

1. Pour into baking dish:

• Pour the chicken and rice mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly.

1. Optional cheese:

• If you want an extra cheesy casserole, sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese on top before baking.

4. Bake:

1. Cover and bake:

• Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 45 minutes.

1. Uncover and finish:

• Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the casserole is bubbly.

5. Serve:

1. Rest:

• Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld.

1. Garnish (optional):

• Garnish with fresh parsley for a pop of color.

🍽️ Tips:

• Add veggies: For extra nutrition, add 1 cup of mixed vegetables (like peas and carrots) to the rice mixture before baking.
• Cheese: Swap the cheddar cheese for mozzarella or Monterey Jack for a different flavor.
• Leftovers: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave.

⏱️ Preparation Time: 10 minutes
⏱️ Cooking Time: 60 minutes
🍽️ Servings: 6
🔥 Calories: Approximately 350 kcal per serving

Enjoy Mamaw’s Chicken and Rice Casserole for a warm, comforting dinner that’s easy to make and packed with flavor! 🍗🍚🥄