Cheesy Chicken and Rice Casserole

Cheesy Chicken and Rice Casserole is the ultimate comfort food that delivers creamy indulgence in every bite. This satisfying casserole brings together tender, juicy chicken, fluffy rice, and a rich, cheesy sauce that turns simple ingredients into a family favorite meal. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or looking for an easy dinner to make on a weeknight, this chicken and rice casserole checks all the boxes for delicious comfort food. With straightforward prep, simple ingredients, and an irresistible cheesy topping, it’s sure to become a staple in your recipe collection.

Why You’ll Love Cheesy Chicken and Rice Casserole

There are so many reasons you’ll fall in love with this Cheesy Angel Chicken and Rice Casserole. First, it’s incredibly creamy thanks to a dreamy combination of cream cheese, butter, and cream of chicken soup that creates a luscious base for the chicken and rice. The blend of wild and white rice gives the casserole a wonderful texture, while the Italian seasoning brings just the right amount of savory flavor. Cheese lovers will appreciate the generous amount of Colby Jack that melts into gooey perfection on top. Best of all, this dish is simple to prepare, easy to customize, and perfect for potlucks, family dinners, or cozy nights in. It truly embodies everything comforting about classic home cooking.

Ingredients

Here is what you need to make this irresistible Cheesy Angel Chicken and Rice Casserole:

• 8 ounces cream cheese, softened and cubed
• 1/2 cup butter, softened and cubed
• 3 cups cooked chicken, diced or shredded (rotisserie chicken works great)
• 3 cups cooked rice (I use 1/3 wild rice and 2/3 white rice)
• 1 ¼ cup cream of chicken soup
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 0.7 ounce Good Seasons dry Italian dressing mix
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 2 ½ cups Colby Jack cheese, shredded, divided
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Fresh parsley, for garnish

Equipment:

• Measuring cups and spoons
• Wusthof knives
• Can opener
• 9×13” casserole dish
• Box grater
• Whisk
• Metal mixing bowls
• Wooden spoon

Step-by-Step: How to Make Cheesy Chicken and Rice Casserole

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare

Begin by preheating the oven to 350 degrees F. Spray a 9×13” casserole dish generously with cooking spray to prevent sticking and make cleanup easy.

Step 2: Cream the Cheese and Butter

In a mixing bowl, whisk together cream cheese and butter until smooth and well combined. This will form the rich, creamy base of the casserole.

Step 3: Combine Ingredients

In a large metal mixing bowl, add the cooked chicken, cooked rice, and the cream cheese‑butter mixture. Then add the cream of chicken soup, minced garlic, Italian dressing mix, chicken broth, and half of the shredded Colby Jack cheese. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Mix everything thoroughly until it is evenly combined. The texture should be moist but not soupy.

Step 4: Transfer to Casserole Dish

Spread the chicken and rice mixture evenly into the prepared casserole dish. Make sure it’s packed well but not overly compressed.

Step 5: Add Cheese and Cover

Top the casserole with the remaining shredded Colby Jack cheese in an even layer. Spray a piece of foil with nonstick cooking spray and gently cover the dish to keep the cheese from sticking to the foil.

Step 6: Bake

Place the covered casserole in the oven and bake for about 25 minutes. Halfway through the baking time, remove the foil to allow the cheese to brown and bubble slightly.

Step 7: Cool and Serve

Once the casserole is done baking, remove it from the oven and let it cool for about 5 minutes before serving. Sprinkle fresh parsley on top for brightness and visual appeal. Scoop and serve warm.

Helpful Tips

• Use rotisserie chicken to save time. Store‑bought cooked chicken makes this casserole incredibly easy and quick.
• Rice texture matters. Make sure your cooked rice isn’t overly sticky or mushy—it should have separated grains for the best casserole texture.
• Don’t skip the parsley! The fresh herb adds a pop of color and brightness that balances the richness of the cheese.
• Adjust seasoning. Taste the mixture before baking and add extra salt, pepper, or Italian seasoning if needed.
• Lighter version. Swap half‑and‑half or low‑fat milk for some of the cream cheese to lighten the dish slightly.
• Crispier top. If you like a crunchy cheese topping, broil for 2 to 3 minutes at the end of baking—but watch closely so it doesn’t burn.

Substitutions and Variations

This Cheesy Angel Chicken and Rice Casserole is versatile and adapts well to your preferences.

Protein Variations

• Turkey: Use leftover turkey for a post‑holiday version.
• Rotisserie Turkey Sausage: For a smoky twist, swap half of the chicken for sliced turkey sausage.
• Vegetarian: Substitute chicken with mushrooms, or add beans for protein.

Rice Options

• Brown rice: Use brown rice for added fiber, but bake a few extra minutes if needed.
• Cauliflower rice: For a lower carb version, substitute cauliflower rice and reduce broth slightly.

Cheese Choices

• Cheddar: Sharp cheddar adds a tangier cheese flavor.
• Mozzarella: For extra gooey pull, mix in mozzarella with the Colby Jack.
• Parmesan: Sprinkle grated Parmesan on top for a salty, crispy crust.

Extra Flavor Boosters

• Red pepper flakes for a bit of heat.
• Diced onions sautéed with garlic for deeper flavor.
• Fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary for aromatics.

Storage Instructions

Leftovers keep well and make excellent next‑day meals.

Refrigerating

Cover the cooled casserole with foil or plastic wrap and store in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days.

Freezing

To freeze, place the unbaked mixture into a freezer‑safe casserole dish and wrap tightly with foil. Freeze for up to 2 months. Before baking, let the casserole thaw in the refrigerator overnight, then proceed with baking as usual. You can also freeze baked portions in individual containers.

Reheating

Reheat individual portions in the microwave for 1 to 2 minutes until warm. For casseroles, reheat in a 350 degrees F oven for 15 to 20 minutes until heated through.

Nutritional Information

The estimated nutrition per serving, assuming 12 portions, is as follows:

• Calories: ~380–420 kcal
• Protein: ~22–26 g
• Fat: ~21–25 g
• Carbohydrates: ~28–32 g
• Fiber: ~1–2 g
• Sodium: Varies depending on salt and soup used

This hearty casserole is rich in protein and comforting carbs, making it a satisfying main dish. If you’re watching calories, adjust the cheese and butter, or use reduced‑fat dairy.

Serving Suggestions

Cheesy Angel Chicken and Rice Casserole pairs beautifully with:

• Fresh green salad with a tangy vinaigrette
• Steamed broccoli or green beans for color and crunch
• Garlic bread or dinner rolls to soak up extra cheese sauce
• Pickled vegetables to balance richness

For a complete meal, serve it with a light dessert like fruit sorbet or a citrusy treat to refresh the palate after the creamy main.

Frequently Asked Questions About Cheesy Chicken and Rice Casserole

Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Absolutely. Feel free to prepare the casserole a day in advance and store it covered in the fridge until you’re ready to bake.

Is this recipe freezer friendly?
Absolutely. You can freeze the unbaked casserole for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight and then bake. Freezing after baking works too, but the texture may change slightly.

What kind of rice is best to use?
This recipe uses a combination of wild rice and white rice for texture and flavor. Feel free to use brown rice, but adjust baking times if needed to ensure it’s fully heated.

Can I use a different soup base?
Yes. If you prefer, use cream of mushroom or cream of celery soup for a slightly different flavor profile.

How can I make this lighter?
Swap regular cream cheese with light cream cheese and use low‑fat milk. You can also reduce the cheese amount or use a lighter cheese option.

Final Thoughts

Thank you for exploring this Cheesy Chicken and Rice Casserole recipe with me. I truly enjoy how this dish brings comfort and joy to the dinner table with its creamy texture and rich, cheesy flavor. It’s easy to prepare, filled with wholesome ingredients, and warms your soul just like a classic comfort meal should. I hope you and your loved ones savor each delicious bite and make this casserole part of your favorite recipe rotation. Happy cooking and bon appetit!

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