If you’re on the hunt for a cozy, satisfying dinner that feels like a warm hug in food form, then this Creamy Chicken and Rice Casserole Recipe might just be your new go-to. I absolutely love how this casserole turns out velvety, cheesy, and packed with comforting flavors — plus, it’s surprisingly easy to whip up any night of the week. If you’ve been wanting a recipe that pleases the whole family without a ton of fuss, stick around because this one’s a winner!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Super Creamy Texture: Thanks to the cream cheese and butter combo, every bite melts in your mouth.
- Easy to Make: Using rotisserie chicken and simple pantry staples means minimal prep and maximum flavor.
- Family Favorite: My crew goes wild for this casserole — it’s an all-time comfort food classic in our house.
- Versatile: You can tweak it with different cheeses, herbs, or veggies to make it your own.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic behind this Creamy Chicken and Rice Casserole Recipe lies in how these ingredients harmonize — the chicken brings hearty protein, the rice offers a fluffy base, and the cream cheese adds that luscious creaminess that makes everyone ask for seconds. Plus, using rotisserie chicken makes things delightfully simple.
- Cream Cheese: Softened and cubed, this is key for that signature creamy texture.
- Butter: Also softened; it adds richness and helps bind the casserole together.
- Cooked Chicken: I love using rotisserie chicken—Costco’s is my favorite for juicy, flavorful meat.
- Cooked Rice: I mix wild rice with white rice for texture and a bit of nuttiness.
- Cream of Chicken Soup: This classic pantry staple keeps the casserole moist and flavorful.
- Garlic: Fresh minced garlic adds that punch of savory depth.
- Good Seasons Dry Italian Dressing Mix: This little seasoning secret packs herbs and spices for a tasty boost.
- Chicken Broth: Keeps everything juicy and helps blend all those flavors.
- Colby Jack Cheese: I use shredded, divided — half in the base, half melted on top for that irresistible cheese pull.
- Salt and Pepper: To bring out all the flavors without overpowering.
- Fresh Parsley: A sprinkle on top for color and a fresh note.
Variations
I always encourage you to put your twist on this recipe! I’ve played around with adding different veggies or swap out cheeses to keep it fresh and tailored to your family’s tastes — that’s part of the fun, right?
- Add Veggies: I sometimes toss in steamed broccoli or peas for a pop of color and nutrition; it blends beautifully without losing that creamy vibe.
- Spicy Kick: If you like a little heat, sprinkle some red pepper flakes or swap the Italian seasoning for Cajun spices — my husband loves it this way.
- Cheese Swap: Feel free to use sharp cheddar or mozzarella instead of Colby Jack for a different cheese flavor profile.
- Make it Gluten-Free: Swap out the cream of chicken soup for a gluten-free version and double-check that your broth is GF-friendly.
How to Make Creamy Chicken and Rice Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Get Your Oven and Dish Ready
Preheat your oven to 350°F (that’s 175°C). Give your 9×13-inch casserole dish a generous spray with cooking spray so the casserole won’t stick — trust me, this saves you the post-dinner scrubbing headache!
Step 2: Blend the Cream Cheese and Butter
In a small bowl, whisk together the softened cream cheese and butter until you get a nice smooth mixture. This creates the creamy base that’ll beautifully coat the chicken and rice.
Step 3: Combine the Main Ingredients
In a large bowl, toss your cooked chicken and rice with the cream cheese-butter blend, cream of chicken soup, minced garlic, Italian dressing mix, chicken broth, half of your shredded cheese, plus salt and pepper to taste. Mix everything well — you want that cheesy, savory goodness evenly spread.
Step 4: Assemble and Bake
Transfer the mixture into your prepared casserole dish and smooth out the top. Sprinkle the rest of the shredded Colby Jack cheese evenly over the surface. To keep that cheese nice and melty (and prevent sticking), spray a piece of foil with nonstick spray, then gently cover the dish with it.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Bake in the preheated oven for about 25 minutes. About halfway through baking, remove the foil so the top gets that beautiful golden, bubbly cheese crust. When the timer goes off, take it out and let it cool for 5 minutes before digging in — this helps it set just right.
Pro Tips for Making Creamy Chicken and Rice Casserole Recipe
- Using Rotisserie Chicken: It saves time and adds delicious flavor straight from the start.
- Softening Your Cream Cheese and Butter: I learned that letting these come to room temp makes mixing super smooth and avoids lumps.
- Spray Your Foil: Spray the foil with nonstick spray before covering the casserole to keep the cheese on top from sticking to it.
- Don’t Skip the Rest Time: Letting the casserole cool for a few minutes helps it set and makes serving neater.
How to Serve Creamy Chicken and Rice Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
I swear, fresh parsley sprinkled over the top not only adds a gorgeous pop of color but also a fresh, light contrast to all that richness. Occasionally, I add a pinch of cracked black pepper right before serving for a little extra bite.
Side Dishes
To keep things fresh and balanced, I pair this casserole with a simple crisp salad or roasted veggies like green beans or asparagus. Sometimes, a side of steamed broccoli works wonders too — just enough greens to round out the meal without stealing the show.
Creative Ways to Present
For holiday dinners or special occasions, I like serving this casserole in individual ramekins topped with a little extra cheese and fresh herbs. It feels fancy but is so easy, plus everyone gets their own personal cheesy comfort dish.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After your feast, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge. I’ve found it keeps well for up to 3 days without losing its creamy goodness.
Freezing
This casserole freezes beautifully! I usually scoop portions into freezer-safe containers or bags, label them, and they stay delicious for up to 3 months. When you want a quick dinner, just thaw overnight in the fridge.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers in the oven at 350°F for about 15-20 minutes until warmed through, or zap individual servings in the microwave with a damp paper towel on top to keep moisture in. It comes out creamy and cheesy every time!
FAQs
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Can I use uncooked rice in this Creamy Chicken and Rice Casserole Recipe?
This recipe calls for cooked rice because the casserole only bakes for about 25 minutes, which isn’t enough time to cook raw rice thoroughly. If you want to use uncooked rice, it’s best to adjust the cooking method significantly — I’d recommend cooking the rice separately beforehand like the recipe suggests to ensure perfect texture.
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What can I substitute for cream of chicken soup?
If you don’t have cream of chicken soup on hand or want a homemade version, you can make a simple cream sauce using butter, flour, milk, and chicken broth seasoned with garlic and herbs. This adds a fresh touch and lets you control the salt content.
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Is there a vegetarian version of this casserole?
Absolutely! You can swap the chicken for hearty mushrooms or a medley of your favorite vegetables like zucchini and bell peppers, and use vegetable broth and a vegetarian cream soup to keep it rich and delicious.
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Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the casserole a day ahead, cover it tightly, and refrigerate. When ready to eat, bake it as directed but add a few extra minutes to ensure it’s heated through. It’s a great option for busy weeknights or entertaining.
Final Thoughts
This Creamy Chicken and Rice Casserole Recipe has been a reliable comfort dish in my home for years — it’s one of those meals that instantly feels like a celebration of simple ingredients done right. If you want an easy, creamy, crowd-pleaser that comes together with minimal effort but maximum love, give this a try. I’m confident it’ll become a favorite in your rotation, just like it did in mine!
Print
Creamy Chicken and Rice Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Chicken and Rice Casserole is a creamy, cheesy, and comforting dish that combines tender cooked chicken, fluffy rice, and a rich blend of cream cheese, butter, and seasonings. It’s baked to perfection with a golden cheesy top and garnished with fresh parsley, making it a perfect family-friendly meal that’s both hearty and satisfying.
Ingredients
Base Ingredients
- 8 ounces Cream Cheese (softened and cubed)
- 1/2 Cup Butter (softened and cubed)
- 3 Cups Cooked Chicken (diced or shredded, rotisserie preferred)
- 3 Cups Cooked Rice (1/3 wild rice and 2/3 white rice)
Flavorings
- 1 ¼ Cup Cream of Chicken Soup
- 3 Cloves Garlic (minced)
- 0.7 ounce Good Seasons Dry Italian Dressing Mix
- 1 Cup Chicken Broth
- Salt and Pepper (to taste)
Cheese and Garnish
- 2 ½ Cups Colby Jack Cheese (shredded, divided)
- Fresh Parsley (for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F. Generously spray a 9×13” casserole dish with cooking spray to prevent sticking and set aside.
- Make the Cream Cheese Mixture: In a bowl, whisk together softened cream cheese and butter until smooth and creamy. This mixture forms the rich, creamy base of your casserole.
- Combine Main Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked chicken, cooked rice, cream cheese-butter mixture, cream of chicken soup, minced garlic, Italian dressing mix, chicken broth, half of the shredded Colby Jack cheese, and salt and pepper. Stir thoroughly until all ingredients are evenly combined.
- Assemble the Casserole: Transfer the combined chicken and rice mixture into the prepared casserole dish and spread into an even layer. Sprinkle the remaining shredded cheese evenly over the top.
- Cover and Bake: Lightly spray a piece of foil with nonstick spray and cover the casserole dish with it. Bake in the preheated oven for about 25 minutes. Remove the foil halfway through baking to allow the cheese to brown slightly.
- Serve: Remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for about 5 minutes. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving for a burst of color and fresh flavor. Enjoy your creamy and cheesy chicken and rice casserole!
Notes
- This casserole is indulgently creamy and packed with cheesy goodness—perfect for anyone craving comfort food.
- Using rotisserie chicken saves time and adds great flavor, but any cooked chicken works well.
- The mix of wild and white rice adds an interesting texture and subtle nuttiness.
- Spraying the foil prevents the cheese from sticking to it when baking covered.
- Halfway baking uncovered helps achieve a nice golden cheese topping.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 375 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 646 mg
- Fat: 26 g
- Saturated Fat: 15 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0.3 g
- Carbohydrates: 17 g
- Fiber: 0.4 g
- Protein: 18 g
- Cholesterol: 93 mg
