Zesty Paula Deen Chicken & Rice Casserole Recipe Magic

Paula Deen’s chicken and rice casserole bursts with Southern charm, transforming humble ingredients into a culinary sensation.

Comfort food reaches its pinnacle in this soulful, one-pan marvel that whispers tales of home-cooked goodness.

Tender chicken nestles among fluffy rice, creating a symphony of textures that dance across your palate.

Creamy, golden layers promise a feast that warms both body and spirit.

Families will crave every savory spoonful, finding solace in its rich, hearty embrace.

Simple yet sophisticated, this casserole turns ordinary weeknight meals into extraordinary memories.

Your taste buds are about to embark on a delectable journey that celebrates the heart of home cooking.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 25 minutes

Total Time: 40 minutes

Calories: 550 kcal

Servings: 5

What Goes Into Paula Deen’s Chicken and Rice Casserole

• Diced Chicken: Select fresh, boneless chicken for tender, succulent bites that blend seamlessly with other ingredients.
• Cooked Rice: Choose long-grain white rice for a fluffy texture that absorbs surrounding flavors perfectly.

• Mayonnaise, Cream of Celery Soup: Pick full-fat mayonnaise and a quality condensed soup for rich, smooth consistency.
• Cheddar Cheese: Opt for sharp cheddar to introduce a bold, tangy flavor profile to the casserole.

• Water Chestnuts, Green Beans, Pimentos: Select crisp water chestnuts, fresh green beans, and bright red pimentos for delightful textural contrast and vibrant color.
• Onions: Choose sweet yellow onions for a mild, caramelized foundation when sautéed.
• Salt: Use kosher or sea salt to enhance and balance the overall taste.
• Butter: Select unsalted butter for controlled seasoning during the sautéing process.

Bakeware and Tools for Casserole

• Small skillet: Perfect for sautéing onions with a smooth, even heat surface.
• Large mixing bowl: Spacious container for combining all casserole ingredients comfortably.
• 3-quart casserole dish: Ceramic or glass baking pan that helps distribute heat evenly.
• Measuring cups: Essential for accurately portioning ingredients like soup and water chestnuts.
• Wooden spoon or spatula: Great tool for mixing ingredients smoothly without breaking delicate components.
• Dicing knife: Sharp kitchen knife for chopping onions and chicken into consistent, small pieces.
• Oven mitts: Protective gear for safely handling hot dishes during baking and removal.
• Cooking spray or butter: Used for greasing the casserole dish to prevent sticking.

Cooking Instructions for Chicken and Rice Casserole

• Kickstart The Flavor Base

Melt butter in a skillet and sizzle onions until they turn soft and golden. Slide these aromatic onions into a large mixing bowl, setting the stage for a delicious culinary adventure.

• Blend Heartwarming Ingredients

Combine the sautéed onions with cream of celery soup, vibrant pimentos, crunchy water chestnuts, tender green beans, succulent diced chicken, creamy mayonnaise, fluffy rice, and sharp cheddar cheese. Stir everything together until the mixture looks like a harmonious comfort food symphony.

• Create Casserole Magic

Generously coat a casserole dish with butter or cooking spray. Pour the mixed ingredients into the dish, spreading them evenly to ensure every bite is packed with flavor. Slide the dish into a preheated oven and let the magic happen.

• Bake And Savor

Bake the casserole until it bubbles with excitement and turns a beautiful golden brown, typically around 20-25 minutes. Once done, let it rest briefly to allow the flavors to mingle and settle, creating a mouthwatering meal that’ll make everyone at the table smile.

Tips for Flavoring Paula Deen’s Chicken & Rice Casserole

• Swap proteins easily by replacing chicken with turkey, shrimp, or even tofu for diverse meal options. Each alternative brings a unique flavor profile to the classic recipe.
• Incorporate additional vegetables like cauliflower, broccoli, or diced carrots to increase nutritional value and create more texture. Roasting vegetables beforehand can intensify their natural sweetness and depth.
• Sprinkle crushed crackers, sliced almonds, or breadcrumbs on top before baking to add a delightful crispy layer. These toppings transform the casserole's texture and provide an exciting contrast to the creamy base.
• Select low-sodium cream of celery soup and reduced-fat mayonnaise to cut down on salt and calories. These simple swaps maintain delicious flavor while supporting healthier eating habits.

Serving Ideas for Chicken and Rice

• Pair with Fresh Salad: Create a crisp green salad with mixed lettuce, cherry tomatoes, and light vinaigrette to balance the creamy casserole's richness.
• Serve with Crusty Bread: Offer warm, toasted French bread or garlic rolls to soak up the delicious sauce and add extra texture to the meal.
• Garnish with Fresh Herbs: Sprinkle chopped parsley or chives on top for a burst of color and fresh flavor that complements the casserole's hearty profile.
• Add Side of Roasted Vegetables: Prepare simple roasted seasonal vegetables like zucchini or asparagus to provide a nutritious and colorful accompaniment to the chicken dish.

Storage and Meal Prep Instructions

• Stash Smartly: Keep your chicken casserole fresh and delicious with these storage tips.
• Refrigerate Promptly: Cool the casserole completely within 2 hours of cooking, then transfer to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days, ensuring maximum flavor and food safety.
• Freeze for Future Meals: Wrap the casserole tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil before freezing. Frozen casseroles maintain quality for 2-3 months, providing a convenient meal option for busy days.
• Reheat with Care: Thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then warm in the oven at 350°F for 20-25 minutes. Cover with foil to prevent drying out and maintain the casserole's creamy texture and delightful taste.
• Portion and Preserve: Divide leftovers into individual servings for easy grab-and-go lunches or quick weeknight dinners. Use clear, dated containers to track freshness and minimize food waste.

Comforting Paula Deen Chicken And Rice Casserole Recipe

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4.7 from 13 reviews

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Comfort meets convenience in Paula Deen’s chicken and rice casserole, a Southern classic that brings warmth to family dinners. Creamy, cheesy goodness combines with tender chicken and fluffy rice, creating a satisfying meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

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• 3 cups diced cooked chicken
• 1 cup grated sharp cheddar cheese
• 1 (10 ¾ oz or 305 g) can condensed cream of celery soup
• 1 cup mayonnaise
• 1 (6 oz or 170 g) box cooked long grain wild rice
• 2 (14 ½ oz or 411 g) cans drained and rinsed green beans
• 1 (8 oz or 227 g) can drained and chopped water chestnuts
• 1 (4 oz or 113 g) jar pimentos
• 1 medium peeled and diced onion
• 2 tbsps vegetable oil butter
• 1 pinch salt

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Instructions

1. Caramelize Base: Melt butter in a skillet over medium heat, sauté onions until translucent and golden, then transfer to a large mixing bowl.
2. Combine Ingredients: Mix cream of celery soup, pimentos, water chestnuts, green beans, diced chicken, mayonnaise, cooked rice, and cheddar cheese. Season with salt and blend thoroughly until ingredients are evenly distributed.
3. Prepare Dish: Grease a 3-quart casserole dish, then pour the mixture into the dish, spreading it uniformly to ensure consistent cooking.
4. Bake and Rest: Place the casserole in an oven preheated to 350°F and bake for 20-25 minutes. Look for bubbling edges and a golden surface as indicators of doneness. After removing from the oven, let the casserole rest for 3-5 minutes to allow ingredients to settle before serving.

Notes

• Sauté Secret: Caramelize onions slowly to unlock deep, sweet flavors that elevate the entire casserole’s taste profile.
• Texture Balance: Combine crunchy water chestnuts and soft rice to create a delightful contrast in every bite.
• Cheese Melting Tip: Shred cheddar cheese fresh for smoother melting and more intense flavor development.
• Resting Ritual: Let the casserole sit for a few minutes after baking to allow ingredients to meld and set properly, ensuring perfect serving consistency.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 550
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 35 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 20 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 40 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 30 g
• Cholesterol: 90 mg