Name: Creamy Chicken and Rice Casserole with Italian Herbs and Colby Jack Cheese Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: American
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

Jump to Recipe· 4.2 from 9 reviews

I am absolutely thrilled to share one of my all-time favorite comfort foods with you: the Creamy Chicken and Rice Casserole with Italian Herbs and Colby Jack Cheese Recipe. This dish is everything I look for in a meal—rich, satisfying, and bursting with layers of creamy texture and a vibrant herb-infused flavor. Whenever I make it, the whole house fills with the aroma of garlic and Italian herbs, and it never fails to bring smiles around the table. The gooey melted Colby Jack cheese on top seals the deal, making this casserole an absolute crowd-pleaser every single time.

Why You’ll Love This Creamy Chicken and Rice Casserole with Italian Herbs and Colby Jack Cheese Recipe

What really excites me about this recipe is the beautiful harmony of flavors and textures. The creamy base made with softened cream cheese, butter, and cream of chicken soup gently envelops the tender chicken and fluffy rice, while the Italian dressing mix adds just the right punch of herbs and spices. The Colby Jack cheese, both mixed inside and melted over the top, brings a mild, buttery richness that feels indulgent but totally comforting. It’s like a warm hug in casserole form.

Another thing I adore is how incredibly easy this casserole is to prepare. It feels like a fancy dish, but it actually comes together quickly, especially if you have cooked chicken and rice on hand. The steps are straightforward, and the bake time is perfect for multitasking in the kitchen or prepping a simple side salad to complete the meal. It’s my go-to dish for busy weeknights, casual family dinners, and even when entertaining guests because it looks impressive without demanding hours of work.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows a white rectangular baking dish filled with a baked casserole. The casserole has a creamy, light brown top layer with melted shredded cheese in white and orange shades spread evenly, creating a slightly bubbly texture. Small green parsley bits are scattered over the cheese, adding a fresh touch. A wooden spoon rests diagonally on the edge of the dish, hinting at the casserole being served. The dish sits on a white marbled surface with some green herbs blurred in the background. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The beauty of this recipe is in its simple yet essential ingredients, each playing a key role in delivering the creamy texture, savory flavor, and appealing color that make this casserole so irresistible. From tender chicken and fluffy rice to the zesty Italian herbs and velvety Colby Jack cheese, everything comes together perfectly with a few pantry staples.

Pro Tip ✨

Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.

3 cups cooked chicken: Diced or shredded, this is the hearty protein that forms the base of the casserole.
3 cups cooked rice: I usually use long grain white rice for fluffy texture that absorbs the creamy sauce beautifully.
1/2 cup butter, room temperature: Adds richness and helps create that smooth, velvety consistency.
8 ounces cream cheese, room temperature: The secret ingredient that makes this casserole irresistibly creamy.
10.5 ounces cream of chicken soup: Provides comforting flavor and ties all the elements together.
3 cloves garlic, minced: Adds aromatic depth and a slightly spicy warmth.
0.7 ounce Italian dressing mix: Brings a vibrant, herby burst that elevates the entire dish.
1 cup chicken stock: Keeps the casserole moist while amplifying the chicken flavor.
2 cups shredded Colby Jack cheese, divided: Mixed in and sprinkled on top, it melts perfectly for that golden, gooey finish.
Salt and pepper: To taste, essential for balancing and enhancing all the flavors.
Fresh parsley: A fresh, colorful garnish that brightens up the presentation and adds a mild herbal note.

Directions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and generously spray a 9×13-inch casserole dish with cooking spray. This ensures your casserole won’t stick and makes cleanup a breeze.

Step 2: Soften the cream cheese and butter by placing them in a microwave-safe bowl and microwaving for 20-30 seconds. Then whisk them together until you get a smooth, creamy mixture. This step is crucial for a velvety texture in the finished dish.

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, and salt and pepper to taste. Stir everything together until the ingredients are evenly incorporated and the mixture looks creamy and well combined.

Step 4: Transfer the mixture into the prepared casserole dish, smoothing it out evenly. Then sprinkle the remaining shredded Colby Jack cheese over the top for that irresistible golden cheese crust.

Step 5: Cover the dish tightly with foil and bake for 20-25 minutes until you see the cheese melted and the casserole bubbling joyfully at the edges.

Step 6: Remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for about 5 minutes before removing the foil. This resting time helps the flavors settle and makes serving easier. Garnish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley for a bright, pop of color and fresh herbal aroma before digging in.

Servings and Timing

This Creamy Chicken and Rice Casserole with Italian Herbs and Colby Jack Cheese Recipe yields approximately 8 generous servings, making it perfect for a family dinner or leftovers for the next day. The prep time is around 10 minutes, mostly for mixing and gathering ingredients, with a cook time of 25 minutes. Altogether, you’re looking at about 35 minutes from start to finish, including resting time. This makes it a wonderfully speedy dish that fits perfectly into a busy weeknight or a relaxed weekend meal.

How to Serve This Creamy Chicken and Rice Casserole with Italian Herbs and Colby Jack Cheese Recipe

The image shows a white plate with a dish that has two main parts. The larger part is a square-shaped baked casserole with a yellow-orange melted cheese layer on top, underneath which you can see bits of white rice mixed with small pieces of green peas and orange carrots. Next to the casserole is a slice of light brown bread with a soft texture. The plate is placed on a surface that looks like white marble with a fork beside the plate on the right side. Scattered in the background are loose green peas and orange carrot pieces along with a small pile of white rice. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

I love serving this hearty casserole with a simple green side salad dressed lightly with lemon vinaigrette to add some fresh balance to the richness. Roasted or steamed veggies like broccoli, asparagus, or green beans also complement it beautifully, adding color and crunch. For a cozier crowd, garlic bread or warm dinner rolls are fantastic for mopping up any creamy sauce left on the plate.

Presentation is easy but inviting—just scoop generous portions onto warm plates and top with a bit more fresh parsley for color and texture. I sometimes like to add a tiny drizzle of olive oil or a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes if we are feeling adventurous. I usually enjoy it hot straight from the oven, but it’s also wonderful warm or even at room temperature if you’re serving buffet-style for parties or potlucks.

When it comes to drinks, I find a crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or a light Chardonnay pairs wonderfully with the creamy, cheesy flavors. For a non-alcoholic choice, sparkling water with a splash of lemon or iced tea with fresh mint feels refreshing and keeps things balanced. This casserole truly shines at family dinners, casual gatherings, or whenever you want to treat yourself to a delicious and comforting meal.

Variations

I like to get creative with variations on this Creamy Chicken and Rice Casserole with Italian Herbs and Colby Jack Cheese Recipe depending on what I have on hand or dietary needs. For a gluten-free version, just be sure to use gluten-free cream of chicken soup and check that your chicken stock is free from any wheat-based additives. It’s an easy swap that doesn’t sacrifice the wonderful flavor or creaminess.

If you want to mix up the flavors, I sometimes substitute Italian dressing mix for ranch seasoning for a tangier, herb-packed twist. Another variation I enjoy is swapping out the Colby Jack for a sharper cheddar or smoky gouda for extra flavor depth. For a lighter version, you can reduce the butter and cream cheese or use Greek yogurt as a substitute, but keep in mind it will be less rich and creamy.

For cooking methods, while baking in the oven is my favorite way to get that bubbly golden cheese crust, I have also successfully made this in a slow cooker on low for 3-4 hours, stirring halfway through, to enjoy a hands-off slow-cooked comfort meal. No matter how you adapt it, the heart of this recipe—creamy, cheesy, and full of herbaceous goodness—always shines through.

Storage and Reheating

Storing Leftovers

After enjoying your delicious casserole, store any leftovers in airtight containers to keep them fresh and prevent drying out. I like to portion the casserole into individual servings so reheating is quick and easy. Stored in the refrigerator, your leftovers will stay good for up to 3-4 days—perfect for next-day lunches or easy dinners.

Freezing

This casserole freezes very well, making it a great make-ahead option. Before baking, you can cover the assembled casserole tightly with plastic wrap and then aluminum foil, or freeze individual portions in freezer-safe containers. Frozen casseroles maintain their best quality for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

To reheat, I prefer using the oven to keep the texture intact. Cover the casserole with foil and bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 20 minutes or until warmed through. For individual portions, reheating in a microwave works well—just cover loosely to retain moisture and heat in short intervals, stirring in between to keep things evenly heated. Avoid reheating repeatedly to maintain the creamy texture and cheesy goodness.

FAQs

Can I use brown rice instead of white rice in this casserole?

Absolutely! Brown rice works great here and adds a bit more fiber and nuttiness, though it may require slightly more cooking time if you’re starting with uncooked rice. For best results, use cooked brown rice and adjust moisture slightly if needed since it can be a bit firmer than white rice.

Is it okay to use rotisserie chicken for this recipe?

Yes, rotisserie chicken is a fantastic shortcut and actually adds great flavor. Just shred or dice it before mixing. It’s a wonderful way to save time without compromising the taste or texture of the casserole.

Can I make this dish vegetarian?

To make a vegetarian version, swap the chicken for hearty vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, or a blend of beans, and use vegetable stock plus cream of mushroom soup instead of cream of chicken. The cheese and Italian herbs still provide plenty of flavor and creaminess.

How can I make this casserole spicier?

If you want to add a little heat, I recommend stirring in some red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños to the mixture before baking. Another option is topping the casserole with sliced fresh chili peppers or serving with a spicy hot sauce on the side.

Can this casserole be prepared ahead of time?

Definitely! You can assemble the casserole up to a day ahead, cover it, and keep it in the fridge ready to bake. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if it’s coming straight from the refrigerator to ensure it’s heated through and bubbly.

Conclusion

I hope you feel as inspired as I do to dive into this Creamy Chicken and Rice Casserole with Italian Herbs and Colby Jack Cheese Recipe. It’s one of those dishes that welcomes you home with open arms, brimming with comforting flavors and satisfying textures. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just treating yourself, this casserole is guaranteed to warm your heart and delight your taste buds. Give it a try—your cozy, cheesy dinner awaits!