Ingredients
1 cup sour cream
½ cup milk
1 teaspoon garlic powder
2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced
2 cups cooked rice (white or brown)
1 cup frozen peas and carrots (optional)
1 (10.5 oz) can cream of chicken soup
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper
For the Topping:
2 cups shredded Colby Jack cheese
½ cup breadcrumbs (optional, for a golden crust)
2 tablespoons melted butter
👩🍳 Instructions
Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
Mix the Creamy Base
In a large bowl, combine the cream of chicken soup, sour cream, milk, garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Stir until smooth.
Add the Chicken and Rice
Stir in the cooked chicken, rice, and peas and carrots (if using). Mix until everything is evenly coated in the creamy sauce.
Assemble the Casserole
Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish. Spread evenly. Sprinkle the shredded Colby Jack cheese on top.
Add the Topping (Optional)
In a small bowl, combine breadcrumbs and melted butter, then sprinkle over the cheese for a crispy topping.
Bake to Perfection
Bake uncovered for 35–40 minutes, or until bubbly and golden brown on top.
Serve & Enjoy!
Let it rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley or a sprinkle of extra Italian herbs for color.
🌿 Tips & Variations
Add Veggies: Broccoli, spinach, or mushrooms make great additions.
Make It Spicy: Stir in a pinch of crushed red pepper or a few dashes of hot sauce.
Shortcut: Use rotisserie chicken and leftover rice for an ultra-quick prep.
Cheese Swap: Try mozzarella or Monterey Jack for a different flavor twist.
🍴 Serving Suggestions
Serve this creamy chicken and rice casserole with:
A crisp green salad or Caesar salad
Garlic bread or dinner rolls
Steamed green beans or roasted asparagus
❤️ Why You’ll Love It
Comfort food made easy
Family-friendly and budget-friendly
Freezer-friendly and perfect for meal prep
Creamy, cheesy, and full of savory Italian flavor
Would you like me to format this for blog publishing (with SEO title, meta description, tags, and Pinterest-friendly blurb)?