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Creamy Chicken and Rice Casserole Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.4 from 113 reviews
  • Author: Jasmine
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 12 servings
  • Category: Casserole
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Description

This delicious Chicken and Rice Casserole is a creamy, cheesy comfort food featuring tender rotisserie chicken, a blend of white and wild rice, and a rich combination of cream cheese, butter, garlic, and Italian seasoning. Baked to perfection with melted Colby Jack cheese on top and garnished with fresh parsley, this casserole is perfect for a hearty family dinner.


Ingredients

Scale

Cheese and Dairy

  • 8 ounces Cream Cheese (softened and cubed)
  • 1/2 Cup Butter (softened and cubed)
  • 2 ½ Cups Colby Jack Cheese (shredded, divided)

Main Ingredients

  • 3 Cups Cooked Chicken (diced or shredded, rotisserie recommended)
  • 3 Cups Cooked Rice (mix of 1/3 wild rice and 2/3 white rice)
  • 1 ¼ Cup Cream of Chicken Soup
  • 1 Cup Chicken Broth

Seasonings

  • 3 Cloves Garlic (minced)
  • 0.7 ounce Good Seasons Dry Italian Dressing Mix
  • Salt and Pepper (to taste)
  • Fresh Parsley (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Preheat the Oven and Prepare Dish: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Generously spray a 9×13 inch casserole dish with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
  2. Mix Cream Cheese and Butter: In a bowl, whisk together the softened cream cheese and butter until the mixture becomes smooth and creamy.
  3. Combine Main Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, add the cooked chicken, cooked rice, the cream cheese and butter mixture, cream of chicken soup, minced garlic, Italian dressing mix, chicken broth, half of the shredded Colby Jack cheese, and salt and pepper to taste. Mix all ingredients thoroughly until well combined.
  4. Assemble the Casserole: Transfer the mixed chicken and rice mixture evenly into the prepared casserole dish, spreading it out smoothly.
  5. Add Cheese Topping and Cover: Sprinkle the remaining shredded Colby Jack cheese evenly over the top. Cover the casserole with aluminum foil that has been sprayed lightly with nonstick spray to prevent cheese from sticking.
  6. Bake: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 25 minutes. Halfway through baking, carefully remove the foil to allow the cheese to brown slightly.
  7. Rest and Garnish: Remove the casserole from the oven and allow it to cool for 5 minutes. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley before serving and enjoy your hearty chicken and rice casserole.

Notes

  • This casserole is rich and creamy, ideal for those seeking a comforting, cheesy chicken dish.
  • Using rotisserie chicken saves time and adds great flavor.
  • The mixture of wild and white rice adds texture and subtle flavor complexity.
  • The casserole can be prepared ahead of time and reheated; add a few minutes to the baking time if starting cold.
  • For a lighter version, substitute reduced-fat cream cheese and cheese, or use low-sodium chicken broth and soup.
  • Ensure the foil is sprayed with nonstick spray to prevent cheese melting onto it.

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