Gather round the dinner table for this heavenly chicken and rice casserole! It’s an easy, cheesy crowd-pleaser made with pantry staples.
Grandma’s classic chicken and rice gets upgraded with rich, creamy goodness in this hearty baked casserole. Melty cheese and velvety sauce take this retro recipe to heavenly new heights. Keep reading for everything you need to know!
Ingredients You’ll Need
At the heart of this casserole is tender cooked chicken, fluffy rice, and a luscious cream sauce. Here’s what goes into this divine dinner:
. Shredded or diced cooked chicken – rotisserie chicken works great
. Cooked white rice – make sure it’s fully cooked before using
. Cream of chicken soup – adds creamy flavor
. Butter and cream cheese – makes an ultra-rich and smooth sauce
. Garlic – for aromatic flavor
. Italian dressing mix – infuses herby flavor
. Chicken stock – keeps it moist
. Shredded cheese – melts to cheesy perfection
Flavor Variations
. This classic recipe begs to be customized. Try these tasty ways to switch it up:
. Use brown rice, wild rice or other grain varieties instead of white rice. The possibilities are endless! Just ensure any rice is fully cooked before mixing into the casserole.
. Substitute cream of mushroom or celery soup for more savory depth.
. For a shortcut, use garlic powder rather than mincing fresh garlic.
. Whip up your own Italian dressing mix if you’re out of the packaged mix. The blend of oregano, basil, parsley, thyme, rosemary, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, and a touch of sugar makes a well-balanced seasoning.
. Get creative with the cheese too! Any melty cheese like pepper jack, Monterey jack, gouda, fontina or mozzarella would be delightful.
