A comforting and creamy dish featuring tender chicken, fluffy rice, and a rich sauce made with cream cheese, butter, and Italian seasoning. Perfect for family dinners or gatherings, this casserole is topped with melty cheese for the ultimate crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients
- 3 cups cooked chicken, diced or shredded
- 3 cups cooked rice
- ½ cup butter, room temperature, cubed
- 8 oz cream cheese, room temperature, cubed
- 10.5 oz cream of chicken soup
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 0.7 oz Italian dressing mix (such as Good Seasons)
- 1 cup chicken stock
- 2 cups shredded Colby Jack cheese, divided
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
1. Preheat Oven:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish with cooking spray.
2. Prepare Sauce:
In a microwave-safe bowl, microwave the cream cheese and butter for 20–30 seconds until softened. Whisk until smooth.
3. Combine Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, combine cooked chicken, cooked rice, softened cream cheese and butter mixture, cream of chicken soup, garlic, Italian dressing mix, chicken stock, half of the shredded cheese, salt, and pepper. Mix well until evenly incorporated.
4. Assemble Casserole:
Transfer the chicken and rice mixture to the prepared casserole dish. Spread evenly and top with the remaining shredded cheese.
5. Bake:
Cover the dish with foil and bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbling and the cheese is melted.
6. Finish and Serve:
Remove the foil and bake for an additional 5 minutes to lightly brown the top. Allow the casserole to rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley.
Notes
- Chicken Shortcut: Use pre-cooked rotisserie chicken for convenience.
- Rice Tips: Cook rice separately to maintain a fluffy texture during baking.
- Vegetable Variations: Add mushrooms, peas, or bell peppers for extra nutrition.
- Cheese Options: Swap Colby Jack for mozzarella, Swiss, or your favorite cheese for variety.
- Sodium Control: Replace store-bought Italian dressing mix with a homemade herb blend.
Leave a Comment