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
Scale
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
