Mamaw’s Chicken and Rice Casserole

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1. Preparing the Chicken:

  1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Season and Cook Chicken: Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chicken breasts and cook for about 5-7 minutes on each side, or until they are browned and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and let it cool. Once cooled, shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces.

2. Preparing the Casserole Base:

  1. Cook Onions and Garlic: In the same skillet, add the chopped onion and minced garlic. Cook over medium heat until the onion is translucent and the garlic is fragrant, about 3-4 minutes.
  2. Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the chicken broth, cream of chicken soup, cream of mushroom soup, and milk. Stir until well blended.
  3. Add Seasonings: Add the dried thyme, dried parsley, onion powder, garlic powder, and paprika to the wet mixture. Stir to combine.

3. Assembling the Casserole:

  1. Combine Ingredients: In a large casserole dish, combine the uncooked rice, cooked onions and garlic, shredded chicken, and frozen peas and carrots if using. Pour the wet mixture over the top and stir to ensure everything is evenly distributed.
  2. Add Cheese: Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top of the casserole.

4. Preparing the Topping:

  1. Make Topping: In a small bowl, combine the crushed Ritz crackers or breadcrumbs with the melted butter. Mix until the crumbs are evenly coated.
  2. Add Topping: Sprinkle the crumb mixture evenly over the top of the casserole.

5. Baking the Casserole:

  1. Cover and Bake: Cover the casserole dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 45 minutes.
  2. Uncover and Bake: After 45 minutes, remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the rice is tender.

6. Serving:

  1. Rest and Serve: Let the casserole rest for about 10 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld together and makes it easier to serve.

Tips for Success:

  • Chicken Options: For added convenience, use rotisserie chicken or leftover cooked chicken instead of cooking fresh chicken breasts.
  • Rice: Ensure you use long-grain white rice for the best texture. Brown rice can be used, but it may require a longer cooking time and additional liquid.
  • Vegetables: Customize the casserole with your favorite vegetables, such as broccoli, green beans, or corn.

Variations:

  • Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the seasoning mixture for a spicy twist.
  • Cheese Variations: Try using a blend of cheeses like mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or Parmesan for different flavor profiles.
  • Herb Variations: Fresh herbs like parsley, thyme, or dill can be used instead of dried herbs for a fresher taste.

Conclusion:

Mamaw’s Chicken and Rice Casserole is a classic comfort dish that brings warmth and satisfaction with every bite. This recipe combines tender chicken, creamy rice, and a blend of savory seasonings, all topped with a buttery crumb crust. Perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or meal prep, this casserole is sure to become a favorite in your home. Enjoy the timeless flavors and the comfort of home-cooked goodness with this beloved recipe.

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