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Mamaw’s Chicken and Rice Casserole baked with cheese and Ritz cracker topping

Mamaw’s Chicken and Rice Casserole – The Best Cheesy Southern Bake

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  • Author: Jessica
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 35 minutes
  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings
  • Category: Chicken
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Southern

Description

Nothing says home-cooked comfort like Mamaw’s Chicken and Rice Casserole! This easy, creamy, and flavorful casserole is a classic Southern favorite passed down for generations.


Ingredients

  • 500g (1 lb) chicken breast or thighs, cooked & shredded
  • 2 cups cooked rice (white or brown)
  • 1 can (300ml) cream of chicken soup
  • 1 can (300ml) cream of mushroom soup
  • 250ml (1 cup) chicken broth
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • ½ teaspoon paprika
  • Salt & black pepper, to taste
  • 150g (1 ½ cups) shredded cheddar cheese
  • 100g (1 cup) crushed Ritz crackers or buttered breadcrumbs
  • 2 tablespoons butter, melted


Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F).

2. Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.

3. In a large mixing bowl, combine shredded chicken, cooked rice, cream of chicken soup, cream of mushroom soup, chicken broth, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.

4. Stir everything together until well mixed.

5. Spread the chicken and rice mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish.

6. Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the casserole.

7. In a small bowl, mix crushed crackers with melted butter, then sprinkle over the cheese.

8. Bake uncovered for 30-35 minutes, or until the casserole is hot and bubbly and the topping is golden brown.

9. Let cool for 5 minutes before serving.


Notes

Use rotisserie chicken for easy prep and great flavor.

Try swapping cheddar for pepper jack, gouda, or mozzarella.

Make it ahead by assembling and refrigerating overnight before baking.

Stir in peas, carrots, or broccoli for added nutrition.

Bake uncovered for the last 5 minutes for extra crispiness.