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

Creamy Chicken and Rice Casserole with Italian Herbs and Colby Jack Cheese
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A comforting and creamy casserole featuring tender chicken breast, Italian herbs, fluffy rice, and melted Colby Jack cheese. This one-dish bake is easy to prepare, packed with savory flavors, and perfect for family dinners or make-ahead meals.

Ingredients

Scale

Protein and Dairy

  • 1 lb chicken breast, diced into bite-sized pieces
  • 1 ½ cups shredded Colby Jack cheese
  • ½ cup sour cream or cream cheese
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil

Grains and Liquids

  • 1 cup long grain white rice (uncooked)
  • 2 ½ cups chicken broth

Vegetables and Aromatics

  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 2–3 cloves garlic, minced

Herbs and Seasonings

  • 1 tablespoon Italian herb blend (oregano, basil, thyme, rosemary)
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Chicken and Aromatics: Dice the chicken breast into bite-sized pieces. In a large pan, heat olive oil and butter over medium heat. Sauté the chicken along with finely chopped onions and minced garlic until the chicken turns golden and the aromatics are soft and fragrant.
  2. Mix the Creamy Base: In a separate bowl, combine chicken broth, sour cream or cream cheese, Italian herbs, salt, and black pepper. Stir until smooth to create a luscious, creamy sauce that will keep the rice and chicken moist during baking.
  3. Combine Ingredients and Add Rice: In a casserole dish, mix together the sautéed chicken and aromatics with the uncooked rice. Pour the creamy herb sauce evenly over the mixture, ensuring the rice is fully submerged for even cooking.
  4. Add Cheese and Bake: Evenly top the casserole with shredded Colby Jack cheese. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 45-50 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
  5. Rest and Serve: Remove from the oven and let the casserole rest for 5 to 10 minutes to thicken slightly. Serve warm, optionally garnished with fresh parsley or basil.

Notes

  • Use long grain rice for fluffy, separate grains and better texture.
  • Allow the casserole to rest before serving to let the creamy sauce firm up.
  • Spread cheese evenly across the top to ensure every bite is cheesy and melty.
  • If using dried herbs instead of fresh, reduce the quantity as dried herbs are more concentrated.
  • Cover loosely with foil halfway through baking if the cheese browns too quickly.

Nutrition

Keywords: creamy chicken casserole, chicken and rice, Italian herbs, Colby Jack cheese, comfort food, easy casserole, family dinner, make ahead meal

Find it online: https://mealsbysarah.com/creamy-chicken-and-rice-casserole-with-italian-herbs-and-colby-jack-cheese/