Chicken and Rice Casserole Recipe

This creamy chicken and rice casserole recipe is quick and easy and a great choice when a little bit of comfort food is in order. There are a few slightly different versions of this southern chicken casserole favorite. The version that I made is a Paula Dean’s Food Network favorite. Cooking at home is always a great way to save money, Plus, you can make this ahead of time and freeze for future use … saving time during hectic work weeks.

Chicken and Rice Casserole Recipe Ingredients:

• 6 cups cooked chicken
• 1 (6-oz) package Uncle Ben’s Long Grain and Wild Rice cooked – I prefer the fast cook variety
• 1 (10 ¾ oz) can cream of celery soup or cream of mushroom soup
• 1 (4 oz) jar pimientos, sliced – can omit if don’t like or don’t have on hand. I made without pimientos and didn’t miss them.
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 2 cans French style green beans, drained
• 1-cup mayonnaise – I prefer Duke’s Mayo
• 1 (8 oz) can water chestnuts sliced
• Shredded cheddar cheese
• Salt & Pepper to taste

Chicken and Rice Casserole Directions:

1. Season 4 chicken breast and bake them for an hour. Let chicken cool and then chop. You can substitute rotisserie chicken or chicken with bone in if you prefer. Simple cook, remove from bone, and chop.
2. While chicken is cooking, saute chopped onions.
3. Prepare Uncle Ben’s Long Grain and Wild Rice according to package directions. As mentioned I prefer the fast cook variety which is much quicker to prepare.
4. Next, mix all ingredients.  Pour into a greased 4-quart casserole dish.
5. Bake chicken and rice casserole for 30 minutes at 350.

Serves 6 to 8.

Recipe Note:  You can make this chicken casserole ahead of time and it freezes well. Prepare as directed above. Pour into casserole dish and freeze PRIOR to baking. When ready to eat, simply defrost and bake as directed.

Great served with a salad!

Check out some of my other recipes that you might enjoy:

Velveeta Rotel Chicken Pasta Casserole Recipe

Skinny Margarita Recipe

Chicken and Rice Casserole Recipe

Roasted Red Pepper and Chipotle Hummus Recipe

Turkey Lasagna Recipe with Lasagna Sauce

Lisa’s Nearly Famous Pulled Pork Recipe

Quick and Easy Mighty Meatloaf Recipe

Turkey Pot Pie Recipe

An Irish Feast Fit for Big Guys in Kilts – St. Patrick’s Day Recipe