Description
The Cheesy Chicken and Rice Delight Casserole is a heartwarming dish that perfectly combines the robust flavors of tender chicken, creamy cheese, and fluffy rice. Designed to cater to family meals and comfort food enthusiasts alike, this casserole is not just satisfying but also simple to prepare. Perfect for both everyday dinners and special occasions, it promises a delightful culinary experience that is sure to keep everyone at the table happy.
Ingredients
- 3 cups cooked chicken, diced or shredded
- 3 cups cooked rice
- 1 cup butter, room temperature and cubed
- 8 ounces cream cheese, room temperature and cubed
- 10.5 ounces cream of chicken soup
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 0.7 ounce Italian dressing mix
- 1 cup chicken stock
- 2 cups shredded Colby Jack cheese, divided use
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Step-by-step Directions
Step 1: Preparing the Oven and Casserole Dish
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F. Use cooking spray generously to coat a 9×13 casserole dish, setting it aside for later use.
Step 2: Softening Butter and Cream Cheese
In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the cubes of room temperature butter and cream cheese. Microwave for 20-30 seconds, or until sufficiently soft. Whisk the mixture until smooth.
Step 3: Mixing the Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, add the cooked chicken, rice, the smooth butter and cream cheese mixture, cream of chicken soup, minced garlic, Italian dressing mix, and chicken stock. Include half of the shredded Colby Jack cheese, seasoning with salt and pepper. Stir well to ensure the ingredients are evenly mixed.
Step 4: Assembling the Casserole
Pour the chicken and rice mixture into the prepared casserole dish. Sprinkle the remaining shredded cheese evenly over the top.
Step 5: Baking
Cover the casserole dish with foil and place it in the preheated oven. Bake for 20-25 minutes until the cheese on top is melted and the casserole is bubbling at the edges.
Step 6: Garnishing and Serving
Remove the casserole from the oven and let it sit for about 5 minutes. Carefully remove the foil and garnish with freshly chopped parsley before serving.
Servings & Preparation Time
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cooking Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Calories: 548 kcal per serving
- Servings: 8
Tips for Storage & Reheating
- To store, cool the casserole completely and cover it with foil or transfer it to an airtight container. It can be refrigerated for up to 3-4 days.
- For reheating, place the desired amount in an oven-safe dish, cover with foil, and warm at 350 degrees F for about 20 minutes or until heated through. Alternatively, individual portions can be microwaved for 1-2 minutes, checking intermittently.
- Freezing the casserole is possible. Wrap it tightly with both cling wrap and foil, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating as usual.
Conclusion
The Cheesy Chicken and Rice Delight Casserole offers a delightful blend of comfort food ingredients that come together superbly for a delicious meal. With its creamy texture and rich flavors, this dish is perfect for making ahead and serves as an ideal meal for any event, be it casual or festive. This recipe not only guarantees a delightful dining experience but also showcases the ease and versatility of casserole cooking. Enjoy the warm, cheesy goodness of this classic dish and make it a staple in your recipe collection.
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Cheesy Chicken and Rice Delight Casserole
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
Description
The Cheesy Chicken and Rice Delight Casserole is a heartwarming dish that perfectly combines the robust flavors of tender chicken, creamy cheese, and fluffy rice. Designed to cater to family meals and comfort food enthusiasts alike, this casserole is not just satisfying but also simple to prepare. Perfect for both everyday dinners and special occasions, it promises a delightful culinary experience that is sure to keep everyone at the table happy.
Ingredients
- 3 cups cooked chicken, diced or shredded
- 3 cups cooked rice
- 1 cup butter, room temperature and cubed
- 8 ounces cream cheese, room temperature and cubed
- 10.5 ounces cream of chicken soup
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 0.7 ounce Italian dressing mix
- 1 cup chicken stock
- 2 cups shredded Colby Jack cheese, divided use
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Step 1: Preparing the Oven and Casserole Dish Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F. Use cooking spray generously to coat a 9×13 casserole dish, setting it aside for later use.
- Step 2: Softening Butter and Cream Cheese In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the cubes of room temperature butter and cream cheese. Microwave for 20-30 seconds, or until sufficiently soft. Whisk the mixture until smooth.
- Step 3: Mixing the Ingredients In a large mixing bowl, add the cooked chicken, rice, the smooth butter and cream cheese mixture, cream of chicken soup, minced garlic, Italian dressing mix, and chicken stock. Include half of the shredded Colby Jack cheese, seasoning with salt and pepper. Stir well to ensure the ingredients are evenly mixed.
- Step 4: Assembling the Casserole Pour the chicken and rice mixture into the prepared casserole dish. Sprinkle the remaining shredded cheese evenly over the top.
- Step 5: Baking Cover the casserole dish with foil and place it in the preheated oven. Bake for 20-25 minutes until the cheese on top is melted and the casserole is bubbling at the edges.
- Step 6: Garnishing and Serving Remove the casserole from the oven and let it sit for about 5 minutes. Carefully remove the foil and garnish with freshly chopped parsley before serving.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
Nutrition
- Calories: 548 kcal per serving