Cheesy Chicken and Rice Casserole: The Ultimate Comfort Dish in 30 Minutes

The secret to this recipe lies in the rich combination of cream cheese, mozzarella, and paprika, giving it that irresistible taste. Whether you’re cooking for the family or treating yourself, this dish will leave everyone satisfied. And the best part? It’s so versatile and customizable that you can tweak it to suit your cravings.

Say goodbye to boring dinners! This recipe will quickly become a favorite in your weekly rotation, offering the perfect balance of comfort and indulgence without any fuss.

Ingredients for the Perfect Cheesy Chicken and Rice Casserole

To create a rich, creamy, and perfectly seasoned casserole, you’ll need a handful of simple yet flavorful ingredients. These items are easy to find and likely already in your kitchen, making this dish as convenient as it is delicious.

• 2 cups of cooked rice: The base of the dish, providing a soft and satisfying texture to soak up all the creamy flavors.
• 2 cups of shredded cooked chicken: Adds a hearty protein element that pairs wonderfully with the creamy and cheesy sauce.
• 2 chopped and sautéed green onions: These bring a light onion flavor and subtle crunch, perfectly balancing the richness of the dish.
• 4 tablespoons of cream cheese: The secret ingredient for extra creaminess that makes every bite irresistibly smooth.
• 2 tablespoons of paprika: Adds a smoky, slightly sweet depth of flavor that takes this casserole to the next level.
• 1/2 cup of heavy cream: Ensures the casserole has a luscious, velvety sauce that ties all the ingredients together.
• 1 1/2 cups of shredded mozzarella: The star cheese of the recipe! This gooey, melted mozzarella forms a delicious crust on top and blends beautifully throughout the casserole.
• Salt: Use 1 teaspoon to season the dish perfectly. You can always adjust to taste for that ideal balance of flavor.
• Pepper: Add 1/2 teaspoon for just the right touch of subtle heat. Feel free to adjust to your liking.
• Butter: Use 1 tablespoon to grease the skillet, ensuring the casserole doesn’t stick while also adding a touch of richness to the dish.

Each ingredient plays an important role in creating a casserole that is full of flavor, creamy, and comforting. Together, they bring out the best in this easy, crowd-pleasing recipe.

Step-by-Step Guide to Preparing Your Cheesy Chicken and Rice Casserole

1. Butter the skillet:
   • Use butter to generously coat an oven-safe skillet. This ensures the casserole won’t stick and adds a rich flavor to the dish.
2. Preheat the oven:
   • Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it’s the right temperature for melting the cheese and cooking the casserole evenly.
3. Combine the ingredients:
   In a large mixing bowl, add the following ingredients:
   • 2 cups cooked rice
   • 2 cups shredded cooked chicken
   • ½ cup sautéed green onions (sauté until soft)
   • ½ cup heavy cream
   • 4 oz cream cheese (softened)
   • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
   • Season with salt and pepper to taste.
4. Mix everything thoroughly:
   • Stir the ingredients well until the mixture is smooth and uniform, ensuring all components are fully incorporated. This helps achieve a creamy, consistent texture.
5. Transfer to the skillet:
   • Pour the mixture into the buttered skillet and spread it evenly across the bottom.
6. Top with mozzarella:
   • Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup shredded mozzarella on top of the casserole. This will melt into a delicious, bubbly crust.
7. Bake the casserole:
   • Place the skillet in the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes or until the top is golden and bubbly.
8. Serve and enjoy:
   • Once done, remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy your creamy, cheesy casserole!

Cheesy Chicken and Rice Casserole: The Ultimate Comfort Dish in 30 Minutes

The secret to this recipe lies in the rich combination of cream cheese, mozzarella, and paprika, giving it that irresistible taste. Whether you're cooking for the family or treating yourself, this dish will leave everyone satisfied. And the best part? It's so versatile and customizable that you can tweak it to suit your cravings.

Author: Rosy Cooking Method: Baking Cuisine: American Courses: Main Course

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Prep Time 15 mins Cook Time 15 mins Total Time 30 mins Difficulty: Beginner Cooking Temp: 350  °C Servings: 4 Calories: 350 Best Season: Suitable throughout the year

Ingredients

Servings

• 2 cups of cooked rice

• 2 cups of shredded cooked chicken

• 2 green onions (chopped and sautéed)

• 4 tablespoons of cream cheese

• 2 tablespoons of paprika

• ¹⁄₂ cup of heavy cream

• 1 ¹⁄₂ cups of shredded mozzarella

• 1 teaspoon Salt (adjust to taste)

• ¹⁄₂ teaspoon Pepper (adjust to taste)

• 1 tablespoon Butter (for greasing the skillet)

Instructions

1. Butter an oven-safe skillet. Preheat the oven to 350°F.
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2. In a bowl, add the rice, chicken, sautéed green onions, heavy cream, cream cheese, and 1 cup of shredded mozzarella.
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3. Season and mix the preparation well.
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4. Pour the mixture into the skillet, sprinkle with the remaining mozzarella, and bake until golden and bubbly.
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Keywords: cheesy chicken and rice casserole,