Description
Savory Cheesy Chicken and Rice Delight casserole combines comfort and flavor in one hearty dish. Creamy cheese, tender chicken, and perfectly seasoned rice blend together, promising a satisfying meal that will make dinner feel special for everyone at the table.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Proteins:
- 3 cups cooked chicken, diced or shredded
- 8 ounces cream cheese, room temperature and cubed
- 10.5 ounces cream of chicken soup
Grains and Base:
- 3 cups cooked rice
- 2 cups shredded Colby Jack cheese, divided use
Seasonings and Enhancers:
- 1 cup butter, room temperature and cubed
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 0.7 ounce Italian dressing mix
- 1 cup chicken stock
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the culinary canvas by heating the oven to a steady 350 degrees F and thoroughly coating a 9×13 baking vessel with cooking spray.
- Transform butter and cream cheese into a silky emulsion by microwaving in a microwave-safe container for 20-30 seconds, whisking until luxuriously smooth.
- Construct the flavor foundation in a spacious mixing vessel by combining tender shredded chicken, fluffy rice, the velvety butter-cream cheese blend, aromatic cream of chicken soup, pungent minced garlic, zesty Italian dressing mix, and rich chicken stock.
- Introduce half of the Colby Jack cheese into the mixture, seasoning with salt and pepper. Blend thoroughly to ensure a harmonious distribution of ingredients.
- Transfer the savory amalgamation into the prepared baking dish, creating an even layer that promises delectable comfort.
- Crown the dish with the remaining shredded cheese, creating a golden, melty topping that will tantalize taste buds.
- Drape the casserole with foil and slide into the preheated oven, allowing the ingredients to meld and bubble for 20-25 minutes.
- Once the cheese has transformed into a molten landscape and the edges dance with bubbling excitement, carefully extract the casserole from the oven.
- Allow the dish to rest and settle for 5 minutes, letting the flavors harmonize and intensify.
- Unveil the foil and sprinkle freshly chopped parsley across the surface, adding a vibrant final touch before serving this comforting culinary creation.
Notes
- Prep Like a Pro: Soften butter and cream cheese beforehand to ensure smooth blending and easier mixing.
- Smart Shortcut: Use rotisserie chicken or leftover grilled chicken to cut down on cooking time and add extra flavor.
- Cheese Tip: Shred cheese fresh for better melting and a more luxurious texture compared to pre-shredded varieties.
- Customization Magic: Swap Italian dressing mix with ranch or taco seasoning for a quick flavor transformation.
- Make-Ahead Wonder: Assemble the casserole up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerate, then bake when ready to serve.
- Leftover Love: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days, reheating gently in the microwave or oven.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Lunch
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 850 mg
- Fat: 30 g
- Saturated Fat: 18 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 1 g
- Carbohydrates: 36 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 28 g
- Cholesterol: 100 mg