Cheesy Chicken and Rice: A Heavenly Casserole Recipe

Comfort food reaches new heights with this mouthwatering cheesy chicken and rice delight casserole that promises to satisfy even the pickiest eaters.

Layers of tender chicken, fluffy rice, and melted cheese create a symphony of flavors in every single bite.

Weeknight dinners just got a whole lot more exciting with this simple yet incredibly delicious dish.

The combination of creamy textures and rich ingredients makes this casserole a true crowd-pleaser.

Home cooks love how effortlessly this recipe comes together, turning ordinary ingredients into an extraordinary meal.

Warm, hearty, and packed with cheesy goodness, this casserole will have everyone asking for seconds.

Dive into this irresistible comfort classic that’s sure to become a staple in your recipe collection.

Ways to Serve It for Family Dinners

• Hearty Meal Companion: Serve this cheesy delight alongside a crisp green salad with tangy vinaigrette to balance the rich, creamy casserole flavors.
• Fresh Green Boost: Sprinkle extra chopped parsley or chives on top for a vibrant color pop and added fresh herb freshness that complements the cheesy chicken base.
• Protein Power Pairing: Add a side of roasted vegetables like asparagus, broccoli, or Brussels sprouts to create a complete and nutritionally balanced meal that everyone will love.
• Comfort Food Upgrade: Consider topping individual servings with a dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes for those wanting extra tang or a spicy kick.

Storing Chicken Casserole the Smart Way

• Fresh Batch Prep: Cook double the recipe and divide into individual containers for quick weeknight meals that save time and reduce daily cooking stress.
• Refrigerator Storage Strategy: Seal leftovers in airtight containers and refrigerate for up to 4 days. The casserole maintains delicious flavor and creamy texture when properly chilled.
• Freezer-Friendly Option: Wrap unbaked casserole tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in refrigerator before baking, adding 10-15 extra minutes to cooking time.
• Reheating Wisdom: Warm individual portions in microwave for 1-2 minutes, adding a splash of chicken stock to restore moisture and prevent dryness. For larger servings, reheat in oven at 350°F for 15-20 minutes, covering with foil to prevent excessive browning.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 25 minutes

Total Time: 35 minutes

Calories: 615 kcal

Servings: 7

Ingredients List for Chicken and Rice Casserole

• Cooked Chicken: Ensures tender, protein-packed foundation for the casserole, preferably using leftover roasted or rotisserie chicken for extra flavor.
• Rice: Provides hearty base and absorbs delicious seasonings, choose long-grain white rice for best texture.

• Butter, Cream Cheese: Creates luxurious, silky texture and adds rich depth, use full-fat versions for maximum creaminess.
• Cream of Chicken Soup: Enhances moisture and creates smooth consistency, opt for low-sodium version to control salt levels.
• Chicken Stock: Adds extra moisture and intensifies savory chicken flavor, homemade stock works best for deeper taste.

• Colby Jack Cheese: Melts beautifully and provides tangy, sharp cheese flavor, shred fresh for optimal melting.
• Italian Dressing Mix: Introduces zesty herb profile and subtle seasoning, adds complex taste without extra chopping.
• Minced Garlic: Brings aromatic punch and deep savory notes, fresh garlic provides more intense flavor than jarred.
• Salt and Pepper: Fundamental seasonings that balance and elevate overall dish flavor.
• Parsley: Adds fresh garnish and bright color, chop finely just before serving.

Tools for Building a Comforting Chicken Casserole

• 9×13 casserole dish: Large baking pan for holding and cooking the casserole.
• Microwave-safe bowl: Used for softening butter and cream cheese.
• Large mixing bowl: Essential for combining all ingredients thoroughly.
• Whisk: Helps blend butter and cream cheese smoothly.
• Measuring cups: Ensures accurate ingredient quantities.
• Foil: Covers casserole during baking to prevent excessive browning.
• Cutting board: For chopping parsley and preparing ingredients.
• Sharp knife: Needed for chopping chicken and parsley.
• Wooden spoon or spatula: Helps mix ingredients and transfer to baking dish.

Cooking Steps for Cheesy, Casserole Goodness

Comfort Chicken Casserole Dream

• Oven Warmup

Crank up the oven to a cozy 350 degrees. Grab a large baking dish and give it a quick spray of cooking magic to prevent sticking.

• Creamy Fusion

Soften butter and cream cheese in the microwave, whisking them into a silky smooth blend that’ll make your taste buds dance.

• Flavor Symphony

Combine tender chicken and fluffy rice in a big mixing bowl. Stir in the creamy mixture, adding a splash of chicken soup, garlic’s zesty punch, and a sprinkle of Italian seasoning. Fold in some cheese to create a delicious harmony of flavors.

• Casserole Transformation

Pour the dreamy mixture into the prepared baking dish. Shower the top with a generous blanket of remaining cheese, creating a golden promise of deliciousness.

• Baking Magic

Cover the dish with foil and slide it into the warm oven. Let it bubble and meld for 20-25 minutes until the cheese turns into a gorgeous golden landscape.

• Final Touch

Pull the casserole from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes. Sprinkle some fresh herbs on top for a burst of color and freshness. Serve up this comforting masterpiece and watch everyone’s eyes light up with joy.

Helpful Hints for Rice Texture and Melted Cheese

• Protein Power-Up: Swap chicken with rotisserie chicken, turkey, or even canned tuna for a quick protein alternative that adds exciting flavor variations.
• Rice Revolution: Try different rice types like brown rice, wild rice blend, or quinoa to boost nutritional value and create unique texture experiences.
• Veggie Boost: Incorporate diced bell peppers, frozen peas, or spinach to increase vegetable content and add vibrant colors and extra nutrients to the casserole.
• Spice Adventure: Experiment with different seasoning mixes like ranch, taco, or herb blends to transform the dish's flavor profile and keep meals interesting for your family.
• Cheese Creativity: Mix and match cheese varieties such as mozzarella, cheddar, or pepper jack to create your own signature cheesy combination that suits your taste preferences.

Comforting Chicken and Rice Casserole Recipe

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4.9 from 22 reviews

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 7 1x

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Description

Comfort meets convenience in this cheesy chicken and rice delight casserole recipe that combines hearty ingredients for a satisfying meal. Home cooks can easily prepare this nostalgic dish for family gatherings with minimal effort and maximum flavor.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 3 cups chicken, diced or shredded
• 8 oz (226 g) cream cheese, room temperature and cubed
• 10.5 oz (298 g) cream of chicken soup
• 3 cups rice, cooked
• 2 cups Colby Jack cheese, shredded (divided use)
• 1 cup butter, room temperature and cubed
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 0.7 oz (20 g) Italian dressing mix
• 1 cup chicken stock
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley for garnish

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Instructions

1. Preheat: Ignite the oven to 350 degrees F and generously spray a 9×13 baking dish with cooking lubricant.
2. Melt Fusion: Combine butter and cream cheese in a microwave-safe vessel, heating for 20-30 seconds and whisking until achieving a silky, uniform consistency.
3. Flavor Composition: In a large mixing bowl, orchestrate a symphony of shredded chicken, rice, butter-cream cheese blend, cream of chicken soup, minced garlic, Italian dressing mix, and chicken stock. Integrate half the Colby Jack cheese, seasoning with salt and pepper, ensuring a thorough and harmonious mixture.
4. Assembly: Pour the culinary mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading evenly to create a uniform landscape of savory potential.
5. Cheese Coronation: Scatter the remaining shredded cheese across the surface, promising a golden, molten blanket of flavor.
6. Baking Ritual: Cloak the casserole with foil and slide into the preheated oven. Allow the ingredients to meld and bubble for 20-25 minutes, transforming into a cohesive, aromatic masterpiece.
7. Final Touch: Remove the foil, revealing the bubbling, cheese-laden creation. Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley across the surface for a vibrant flourish. Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes, allowing flavors to intensify and settle before serving.

Notes

• Cheese Melting Tip: Use freshly shredded cheese for smoother, more even melting and superior texture compared to pre-packaged options.
• Moisture Management: Cover with foil during initial baking to prevent cheese from burning and maintain creamy consistency.
• Flavor Boosting Hack: Let casserole rest for 5 minutes after baking to allow ingredients to set and flavors to intensify.
• Chicken Preparation Shortcut: Use rotisserie chicken or leftover grilled chicken for quicker assembly and added depth of flavor.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 7
• Calories: 615
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 965 mg
• Fat: 42 g
• Saturated Fat: 24 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 18 g
• Trans Fat: 1 g
• Carbohydrates: 33 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 26 g
• Cholesterol: 108 mg