Dinner

Creamy Chicken and Rice Casserole with Italian Herbs and Colby Jack Cheese Recipe

Bymia larkspur October 24, 2025October 24, 2025

Introduction

This creamy chicken and rice casserole combines tender chicken, flavorful Italian herbs, and melted Colby Jack cheese for a comforting and satisfying meal. It’s easy to prepare and perfect for family dinners or a cozy gathering.

A close-up view of a white dish filled with a creamy, cheesy baked rice casserole. The top layer is golden brown melted cheese with small browned spots and sprinkled with green herbs. Below the cheese, there is a thick, creamy white sauce coating the tender rice grains. A spoon lifts a portion from the dish, showing stretchy, gooey melted cheese strands connecting the lifted portion to the dish. The background is softly blurred with a white marbled surface beneath the dish. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

3 cups cooked chicken, diced or shredded
3 cups cooked rice
1/2 cup butter, room temperature, cubed
8 ounces cream cheese, room temperature, 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: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and generously spray a 9×13-inch casserole dish with cooking spray.
Step 2: In a microwave-safe bowl, soften the cream cheese and butter by microwaving for 20-30 seconds. Whisk until smooth.
Step 3: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked chicken, cooked rice, softened butter and cream cheese mixture, cream of chicken soup, minced garlic, Italian dressing mix, chicken stock, half of the shredded Colby Jack cheese, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined.
Step 4: Transfer the mixture into the prepared casserole dish. Sprinkle the remaining shredded cheese evenly over the top.
Step 5: Cover the dish with foil and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the casserole is bubbling.
Step 6: Remove from the oven and let cool for 5 minutes before removing the foil. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve.

Tips & Variations

For added crunch, sprinkle breadcrumbs on top before baking.
Substitute Colby Jack with mozzarella or cheddar cheese if preferred.
Use leftover rotisserie chicken to save time and add extra flavor.
For a vegetarian version, replace the chicken with cooked mushrooms or a plant-based protein.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, or in the microwave in short intervals, stirring occasionally.

How to Serve

A close-up view of a white baking dish filled with three layers of creamy baked mac and cheese. The bottom layer is soft pasta mixed with a smooth, pale yellow cheese sauce. The middle layer shows gooey melted cheese with strings stretching up to a spoon lifting a portion, highlighting the rich texture. The top layer is golden-brown baked cheese with small browned spots and sprinkled green herbs on top. The dish is set against a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the casserole and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if baking from chilled.