Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon
Comforting Paula Deen Chicken And Rice Casserole Recipe

Comforting Paula Deen Chicken And Rice Casserole Recipe


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.7 from 13 reviews

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

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.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 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

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