Shredded rotisserie chicken, frozen mixed vegetables, and uncooked Minute Rice combine with cream of chicken soup, milk, and warm spices in a single mixing bowl. Three cups of Colby Jack go in and on top before the dish bakes at 350°F. The casserole takes about 45 minutes and serves 12.
Two cups of Minute Rice go in uncooked and absorb the soup and milk during baking rather than in a separate pot. Regular long-grain rice would need far more liquid and a longer bake time than this recipe calls for. Minute Rice is what makes the 30-to-35-minute bake work without pre-boiling anything.
The three cups of Colby Jack split between the filling and the topping, and each half does a different job. The half folded into the filling melts into the rice and keeps the interior creamy throughout. The half on top caramelizes and forms a golden, slightly crisped crust the filling layer never could.
Creamy Chicken Rice Casserole Recipe
Course: DinnerCuisine: AmericanDifficulty: Easy12
servings10
35
minutes279
kcalCreamy Chicken Rice Casserole Recipe with rotisserie chicken, Minute Rice, frozen mixed vegetables, Colby Jack cheese, and cream of chicken soup. Serves 12
Ingredients
- Casserole
3 cups rotisserie chicken, shredded
2 cups frozen mixed vegetables, thawed
2 cups Minute Rice (instant rice), uncooked
1 (10 oz) can cream of chicken soup
2½ cups milk (2% or whole)
2 teaspoons minced garlic
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
3 cups Colby Jack cheese, shredded (divided)
- Garnish
1 tablespoon fresh chopped parsley
Directions
- Preheat oven to 350°F and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken, thawed mixed vegetables, Minute Rice, cream of chicken soup, milk, garlic, onion powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
- Fold in 1½ cups of the shredded Colby Jack.
- Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish and spread evenly. Sprinkle the remaining 1½ cups of cheese over the top.
- Bake uncovered for 30 to 35 minutes until the rice is tender. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve warm.
FAQs
Can a different cheese replace Colby Jack?
Colby Jack melts smoothly because its fat content is high enough to do so without breaking or going grainy. Cheddar is the most common swap and works well, with sharp giving more bite and mild staying soft and buttery. A Mexican blend or Monterey Jack work at the same quantity and both melt as cleanly as Colby Jack.
Can this casserole be assembled the night before and refrigerated before baking?
The casserole can be assembled up to 24 hours ahead, covered, and refrigerated before baking. Pull it from the refrigerator 20 minutes before baking so the cold center doesn’t extend the cook time. Add 5 extra minutes to the bake if the dish still feels very cold going in.
What frozen mixed vegetables work best in this recipe?
Any standard frozen mixed vegetable blend works here, and the choice mainly changes the color and texture of each bite. Classic blends with peas, carrots, corn, and green beans suit the Italian seasoning and Colby Jack flavors best. Avoid any blend with broccoli or cauliflower, as both can turn mushy and waterlogged during the bake.
What chicken and rice casserole uses bone-in chicken thighs for a richer result?
Bone-in thighs bring more fat and collagen to a rice casserole than rotisserie meat, and the difference shows in every bite. A chicken thigh rice casserole on this site bakes bone-in thighs directly over a mushroom herb rice base in a single skillet. Together the two give the chicken and rice casserole format a quick version and a richer one.
What creamy chicken and rice casserole takes a different approach with Rice-A-Roni?
Rice-A-Roni swaps in for plain rice and adds a seasoned, buttery pasta element that plain long-grain rice can’t match. A Rice-A-Roni chicken casserole on this site pairs that base with cream of chicken soup, sour cream, and cheddar for a savory, layered bake. Together the two show how much the rice base changes the character of the finished dish.