Description
Comfort meets flavor in this cheesy chicken and rice delight, where tender chicken nestles among creamy rice and melted cheese. Hearty ingredients blend seamlessly, promising a satisfying meal that welcomes you to savor each delicious, homemade bite.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Protein:
- 3 cups cooked chicken, diced or shredded
Starches and Base:
- 3 cups cooked rice
- 1 cup chicken stock
Cheese and Dairy:
- 1 cup butter, room temperature and cubed
- 8 ounces (226 grams) cream cheese, room temperature and cubed
- 2 cups shredded Colby Jack cheese, divided
Flavor Enhancers:
- 10.5 ounces (298 grams) cream of chicken soup
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 0.7 ounce (20 grams) Italian dressing mix (suggested brand: Good Seasons)
Seasoning:
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
Garnish:
- Fresh parsley
Instructions
- Thoroughly grease a 9×13 inch baking vessel and warm the oven to a moderate 350 degrees fahrenheit for optimal cooking conditions.
- Utilize the microwave to gently melt butter and cream cheese, whisking them together until achieving a silky, uniform consistency.
- In a spacious mixing vessel, amalgamate the pre-cooked poultry, rice, velvety cream cheese blend, condensed chicken gravy, aromatic minced garlic, zesty italian seasoning blend, rich chicken broth, and approximately half of the grated cheese.
- Season the mixture with salt and pepper, carefully stirring to ensure every morsel is perfectly seasoned and evenly distributed.
- Meticulously transfer the creamy concoction into the prepared baking dish, smoothing the surface to create an even layer.
- Lavishly sprinkle the remaining cheese across the top, creating a tempting golden blanket.
- Shield the casserole with aluminum foil, then slide into the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, allowing the cheese to melt luxuriously and the edges to bubble enticingly.
- Once removed from the oven, permit the dish to rest and slightly cool for five minutes, allowing flavors to meld.
- Garnish with fresh chopped parsley for a vibrant touch of color and serve while still warmly inviting.
Notes
- Meal Prep Magic: Shred chicken and cook rice ahead of time to slash preparation time and make this dish a breeze.
- Flavor Boosting Tip: Italian dressing mix transforms ordinary ingredients into a zesty, restaurant-worthy casserole with minimal effort.
- Texture Perfection: Whisking cream cheese and butter ensures a smooth, creamy base that coats every bite of chicken and rice.
- Storage Wisdom: Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days, reheating gently to maintain the dish’s delicious consistency.
- Customization Corner: Swap chicken with turkey or add frozen vegetables like peas or carrots for extra nutrition and color.
- Smart Serving Suggestion: Pair with a light green salad or roasted vegetables to balance the rich, cheesy casserole.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Lunch
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 600
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 900 mg
- Fat: 35 g
- Saturated Fat: 20 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 45 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 90 mg