Cheesy Chicken and Rice Casserole
This creamy, cheesy, and ultra-comforting casserole is a twist on Grandma’s classic chicken and rice dish. With just a handful of pantry staples, this one-dish meal comes together effortlessly for busy weeknights or cozy family dinners.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
✔️ Quick & Easy – Only 10 minutes of prep!
✔️ Rich & Creamy – Butter, cream cheese, and soup create a luscious texture.
✔️ Customizable – Switch up the cheese, add veggies, or use different grains.
✔️ Great for Meal Prep – Make ahead or freeze for later.
Ingredients You’ll Need
📌 For the Casserole:
- 3 cups cooked shredded chicken (rotisserie works great!)
- 3 cups cooked long-grain white rice
- ½ cup butter, room temperature
- 8 oz cream cheese, room temperature
- 10.5 oz can cream of chicken soup
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 0.7 oz packet Italian dressing mix
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 2 cups shredded Colby Jack cheese, divided
- Salt & pepper to taste
📌 For Garnish (Optional):
- Chopped parsley for a fresh touch
How to Make It
🔥 1️⃣ Preheat & Prep
- Preheat oven to 350°F.
- Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray.
🧈 2️⃣ Make the Creamy Base
- In a microwave-safe bowl, soften butter & cream cheese for 20-30 seconds.
- Whisk until smooth and creamy.
🥘 3️⃣ Mix Everything Together
- In a large bowl, combine:
✅ Shredded chicken
✅ Cooked rice
✅ Butter & cream cheese mixture
✅ Cream of chicken soup
✅ Minced garlic
✅ Italian dressing mix
✅ Chicken broth
✅ 1 cup shredded cheese
✅ Salt & pepper to taste - Stir until fully mixed.
🥄 4️⃣ Assemble the Casserole
- Transfer mixture to the greased baking dish.
- Sprinkle with the remaining 1 cup shredded cheese.
🔥 5️⃣ Bake & Serve
- Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes, until bubbly.
- Remove from oven and let rest for 5 minutes.
- Garnish with parsley, serve warm, and enjoy!
Easy Ways to Customize It
🥦 Add Veggies – Stir in peas, carrots, broccoli, or spinach.
🧀 Switch the Cheese – Try Monterey Jack, Gouda, Mozzarella, or Pepper Jack.
🍄 Different Soup Base – Use cream of mushroom or celery soup for a savory twist.
🍚 Change the Rice – Use brown rice, wild rice, or quinoa (make sure it’s pre-cooked).
🌿 Homemade Italian Mix – Combine oregano, basil, thyme, garlic & onion powder.
Make-Ahead & Storage Tips
🥶 To Store:
- Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
🔥 To Reheat:
- Microwave individual portions until hot.
- For best texture, reheat in a 350°F oven for a few minutes.
❄️ To Freeze:
- Assemble the unbaked casserole and freeze for up to 3 months.
- Thaw overnight in the fridge before baking as directed.
A Comforting Classic Made Better!
This creamy, cheesy chicken and rice casserole is a no-fuss, family-friendly dinner that’s both nostalgic and satisfying. Perfect for weeknights, potlucks, or make-ahead meals, it’s bound to become a favorite at your dinner table!
🍽 Try it tonight and let the comfort food magic begin!