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    You are here: Home / Recipes / Chicken

    Old Fashioned Southern Chicken and Rice Casserole

    📋 Modified: Jul 31, 2023 by 👩🏻‍🍳 Jami Powell · This post may contain affiliate links · Leave a Comment

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    Imagine the smell of a bubbling casserole, filling your kitchen with warmth and anticipation. Our Old Fashioned Southern Chicken and Rice Casserole is a timeless family classic that will take you right into the heart of the South. This easy comfort food recipe contains condensed soup just like Grandma used to make, so you can whip it up in no time.

    Old Fashioned Southern Chicken and Rice in Casserole dish

    The Old Fashioned Southern Chicken and Rice Casserole is a traditional dish that has been passed down through generations in the South. It combines tender chicken pieces with fluffy rice, all baked together in a creamy and flavorful sauce. This casserole embodies comfort food at its finest, providing a hearty and satisfying meal that warms both the body and soul. The dish is known for its simplicity, utilizing basic ingredients such as condensed soups to create a childhood craving that will transport you back to simpler times.

    Why We Love This Recipe:

    • It's easy - Quick to prepare and perfect for busy weeknights.
    • It's tasty - The flavorful combination of chicken, rice, and creamy sauce keeps you coming back for more.
    • It's a crowd-pleaser - The whole family enjoys this dish, making it a reliable go-to recipe.

    Looking for more amazing Southern dishes? Try this Delicious Smothered Potatoes Recipe or these Cowboy Potatoes.

    Jump to:
    • INGREDIENTS
    • INSTRUCTIONS
    • SUBSTITUTIONS
    • VARIATIONS
    • EQUIPMENT
    • STORAGE
    • Top Tips
    • MORE RECIPES
    • 📖 Recipe
    • Food Safety
    • 💬 Comments

    INGREDIENTS

    • Chicken thighs - The bone-in chicken thighs will create a flavorful broth for the rice to soak up.
    • Rice - We use Uncle Ben's par-boiled rice for a hearty and satisfying meal.
    • Cream of celery soup - Adds a creamy and savory element to the casserole.
    • Cream of mushroom soup - Enhances the depth of flavor.
    • Cream of chicken soup - Provides richness and a velvety texture to the dish.
    • Unsalted butter - Adds a delicious buttery taste to the casserole.
    • Seasoning - Use your favorite all-purpose chicken seasoning.
    • Olive oil - For searing the chicken with seasoning for a flavorful crust.
    • Salt and pepper - To taste

    Note: Refer to the recipe card below for exact quantities.

    INSTRUCTIONS

    How to Make Old Fashioned Chicken and Rice Casserole

    STEP ONE: Prepare the Chicken

    Prepare the chicken by seasoning it with salt, pepper, and your favorite all-purpose seasoning. Sear the chicken in a skillet until the skin is browned and crispy. Set aside.

    STEP TWO: Combine the Ingredients

    In a greased casserole dish, combine the parboiled rice, water, cream of celery soup, cream of mushroom soup, and cream of chicken soup. Mix well to ensure all the ingredients are evenly distributed. Dice the unsalted butter and distribute it evenly on top of the rice mixture.

    STEP THREE: Bake and Serve

    Place the seared chicken thighs on top of the rice mixture, crispy side up. Cover the dish with foil and bake in a preheated oven until the chicken is fully cooked to a safe internal temperature and the rice is tender. Remove foil and cook 5-10 minutes longer to achieve crispier skin.

    SUBSTITUTIONS

    • Chicken - You can use raw chicken breasts or a combination of chicken breasts and thighs for this recipe. To save time, you could also use pre-cooked rotisserie chicken. Simply shred the chicken and layer it in the rice mixture while baking. You will need to adjust the cooking time.
    • Rice - Long-grain or basmati rice would make a good substitution. Be sure to adjust the cooking time.
    • Soup - If you're not a fan of celery, you can substitute the Cream of Celery Soup with more Cream of Mushroom or Cream of Chicken Soup. For a twist, you could also try other cream soup options such as Cream of Broccoli Soup.
    • Diet - For a lighter version, use low-fat or reduced-sodium cream of chicken soup.

    VARIATIONS

    • Method - If you prefer a hands-off approach, you can adapt this old school chicken recipe for the slow cooker. Simply follow the steps up until placing the chicken on top of the rice mixture. Instead of baking, transfer everything to a slow cooker and cook on low for 4-6 hours or on high for 2-3 hours.
    • Add-ins - For extra flavor, consider adding diced onions, garlic, or herbs to the rice mixture.

    EQUIPMENT

    This post shows some of our kitchen essentials. Please visit our shop if you would like to see more of our favorites. These are Amazon affiliate links and we earn commission from qualifying purchases.

    • Stoneware casserole dish or baking dish
    • Cast iron skillet or Frying pan
    • Knife
    • Cutting board
    • Aluminum foil

    STORAGE

    Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

    Reheat individual portions in the microwave or warm the entire casserole in the oven at a low temperature until heated through.

    Top Tips

    To achieve a crispier chicken skin, remove the foil during the last 5-10 minutes of baking.

    Make sure to let the chicken casserole cool for 15 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld together.

    MORE RECIPES

    Have leftover ingredients?

    • Consider using the chicken to make a flavorful salad with protein.
    • Leftover Campbell's soup could be used as a base for homemade sauces or gravies. It can also be incorporated into other casseroles, such as a chicken and vegetable casserole or a comforting chicken pot pie.

    Need something to pair this with?

    Serve the Old Fashioned Chicken Rice Casserole with a side of steamed vegetables or a fresh salad for a well-rounded meal.

    • Arugula Salad with Lemon Vinaigrette
    • Tomato and Avocado Side Salad

    More chicken recipes you will love:

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    Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

    Yes, you can substitute chicken breasts or a combination of breasts and thighs in this recipe. Keep in mind that chicken breasts may require less cooking time, so adjust accordingly.

    Can I freeze this casserole?

    Yes, you can freeze this casserole before baking. Prepare the dish up until step three, then cover tightly with foil and freeze. When ready to bake, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and follow the remaining steps as directed.

    Can I use minute rice for this recipe?

    Yes, you can use minute rice instead of parboiled rice. Follow the package instructions for cooking times and adjust accordingly.

    📖 Recipe

    casserole dish filled with rice and chicken

    Old Fashioned Southern Chicken and Rice Casserole

    Jami Powell
    Imagine the smell of a bubbling casserole, filling your kitchen with warmth and anticipation. Our Old Fashioned Southern Chicken and Rice Casserole is a timeless family classic that will take you right into the heart of the South. This easy comfort food recipe contains condensed soup just like Grandma used to make, so you can whip it up in no time.
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Save Recipe Saved Recipe!
    Prep Time 10 minutes mins
    Cook Time 1 hour hr 20 minutes mins
    Total Time 1 hour hr 30 minutes mins
    Course Main Course
    Cuisine Southern
    Servings 6
    Calories 377 kcal

    Equipment

    • Stoneware casserole dish or baking dish
    • Cast iron skillet or Frying pan
    • Knife
    • Cutting board
    • Aluminum foil

    Ingredients
      

    • 6-8 qty chicken thighs
    • 2 cups instant rice parboiled
    • 2 cups water
    • 1 10.5oz can cream of celery soup
    • 1 10.5oz can cream of mushroom soup
    • 1 10.5oz can cream of chicken soup
    • ½ cup unsalted butter, diced
    • 2 tablespoon olive oil
    • 2 tablespoon all-purpose seasoning
    • 1 fresh parsley (for garnish, optional)
    • salt to taste
    • pepper to taste

    Instructions
     

    • Preheat the oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit (200 degrees Celsius).
    • Season the chicken thighs with salt, pepper, and your favorite all-purpose seasoning. Set aside.
    • In a large cast iron skillet or oven-safe pan, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken thighs for 1-2 minutes on each side until the skin is browned and crispy. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
    • In a lightly greased 9x12-inch casserole dish, combine the parboiled rice, water, cream of celery soup, cream of mushroom soup, and cream of chicken soup. Stir well to mix the ingredients evenly.
    • Distribute the diced butter evenly over the rice mixture.
    • Place the seared chicken thighs on top of the rice mixture, crispy side up.
    • Cover the casserole dish with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 60-75 minutes, or until the chicken reaches a safe internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit (75 degrees Celsius) and the rice is fully cooked.
    • Remove the foil during the last 10 minutes of baking to allow the chicken skin to further crisp up.
    • Once cooked, remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for 15 minutes before serving.
    • Optional: Garnish with fresh chopped parsley for added freshness and color.

    Nutrition

    Serving: 1servingCalories: 377kcalCarbohydrates: 37gProtein: 7gFat: 23gSaturated Fat: 12gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 6gTrans Fat: 1gCholesterol: 54mgSodium: 1151mgPotassium: 217mgFiber: 3gSugar: 1gVitamin A: 816IUVitamin C: 0.5mgCalcium: 119mgIron: 5mg
    Did you make this recipe?Tag @powell.family.cooking on Instagram

    Food Safety

    Cook chicken to a minimum internal temperature of 165 °F (74 °C)

    • Create a clean work area.
    • Wash hands after touching raw meat or seafood.
    • Rinse fresh produce thoroughly.
    • Do not use the same cutting board or utensils on cooked food or produce, that previously touched raw meat or seafood.
    • Do not leave food sitting out at room temperature for extended periods.
    • Never leave cooking food unattended.
    • Use oils with a high smoking point to avoid harmful compounds.
    • Always have good ventilation when using a gas stove.

    See more guidelines at USDA.gov.

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    Welcome to Powell Family Cooking! Our family enjoys creating delicious meals with healthy ingredients that can be shared by many. Our goal is to provide simple, elegant dish ideas for weeknight dinners or entertaining guests. Many of the recipes on our website have been passed down from family and friends. We hope you are inspired to do the same.

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