Description
Paula Deen’s Chicken and Rice Casserole delivers comfort straight from Southern kitchens. Creamy rice, tender chicken, and golden cheese create a hearty one-dish meal that welcomes families around the dinner table with warm, satisfying flavors.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Proteins:
- 3 cups diced cooked chicken
- 1 cup grated sharp cheddar cheese
Vegetables and Pantry Items:
- 2 (14 ½ ounces or 411 grams) cans drained and rinsed green beans
- 1 (8 ounces or 227 grams) can drained and chopped water chestnuts
- 1 (4 ounces or 113 grams) jar pimentos
- 1 medium peeled and diced onion
- 1 (10 ¾ ounces or 305 grams) can condensed cream of celery soup
Additional Ingredients:
- 1 (6 ounces or 170 grams) box cooked according to package directions long grain wild rice
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil butter
- 1 pinch salt
Instructions
- Prepare the aromatic base by gently melting 30 grams (2 tablespoons) of butter in a small skillet over medium heat. Introduce finely chopped onions and sauté for approximately 5 minutes until they become translucent and develop a soft, golden hue. Carefully transfer the caramelized onions to a spacious mixing bowl.
- Create the casserole mixture by combining cream of celery soup, vibrant diced pimentos, crisp water chestnuts, tender green beans, succulent diced chicken, creamy mayonnaise, fluffy cooked rice, and sharp cheddar cheese. Season with a precise pinch of salt to enhance the overall flavor profile. Thoroughly blend all ingredients until they are evenly distributed throughout the mixture.
- Prepare a 3-quart casserole dish by lightly greasing its surface to prevent sticking. Gently pour the assembled mixture into the dish, using a spatula to spread the contents uniformly, ensuring an even layer that will cook consistently.
- Position the casserole in a preheated oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes. Look for visual cues of bubbling edges and a golden surface, indicating the dish is heated through. Allow the casserole to rest for 3-5 minutes after removing from the oven, which helps the ingredients settle and makes serving easier.
Notes
- Resting time allows the casserole to stabilize, creating a more cohesive and easier-to-serve dish.
- Sharp cheddar provides a bold, tangy punch that cuts through the creamy texture and elevates the overall flavor profile.
- Thorough mixing ensures every bite delivers a perfect blend of chicken, cheese, and seasonings.
- Fully sautéed onions develop a sweet, caramelized undertone that adds depth to the casserole’s base.
- Freshly cooked chicken guarantees maximum moisture, tenderness, and a just-prepared taste that frozen or canned alternatives can’t match.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 8
- Calories: 539 kcal
- Sugar: 1.15 g
- Sodium: 794.35 mg
- Fat: 45.15 g
- Saturated Fat: 8.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 17.11 g
- Fiber: 0.82 g
- Protein: 18.11 g
- Cholesterol: 67.23 mg