Name: Cream Cheese Chicken and Rice One-Dish Dinner
Ingredients: 3 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded or diced; 3 cups cooked white rice (long grain or jasmine); 8 ounces cream cheese, softened and cubed; 1 ¼ cups condensed cream of mushroom soup; ½ cup unsalted butter, softened and cubed; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 cup chicken broth; 0.7 ounces dry Italian dressing mix (1 packet); 2 ½ cups shredded Colby Jack cheese, divided; ½ teaspoon salt; ¼ teaspoon black pepper; 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Cream Cheese Chicken and Rice One-Dish Dinner is the kind of meal that brings creamy comfort and simplicity to the table in every bite. This baked chicken and rice casserole combines tender chicken breast, smooth cream cheese, and creamy mushroom soup into a bubbling dish of cheesy satisfaction.

The beauty lies in the minimal cleanup, basic pantry ingredients, and rich flavor that’s both family-friendly and freezer-ready.

Whether you’re planning weeknight dinners or looking for a recipe that works well for potlucks and meal prep, this chicken casserole delivers warm, creamy goodness with ease.

Why You’ll Love This Cream Cheese Chicken and Rice Casserole

This Cream Cheese Chicken and Rice One-Dish Dinner checks all the boxes for busy families and casserole lovers.

Only one dish required from prep to oven
Packed with creamy texture and comforting flavor
Great way to use leftover or rotisserie chicken
Budget-friendly ingredients like rice and canned soup
Bakes beautifully for potlucks or freezer meals

This casserole proves you don’t need complicated steps to get bold, creamy results.

Cream Cheese Chicken and Rice Ingredients

Each ingredient works together to create a perfectly creamy baked casserole. Below is everything you need for the full flavor experience.

3 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded or diced
3 cups cooked white rice (long grain or jasmine)
8 ounces cream cheese, softened and cubed
1 ¼ cups condensed cream of mushroom soup
½ cup unsalted butter, softened and cubed
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup chicken broth
0.7 ounces dry Italian dressing mix (1 packet)
2 ½ cups shredded Colby Jack cheese, divided
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Use full-fat cream cheese for best texture and avoid fat-free options.

How to Make Cream Cheese Chicken and Rice Casserole

This chicken casserole is simple to assemble and goes straight from the mixing bowl to the oven. Here’s how to make Cream Cheese Chicken and Rice One-Dish Dinner in a few easy steps.

Preheat your oven to 350°F. Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with nonstick spray.
In a small bowl, whisk together the softened cream cheese and butter until smooth.
In a large bowl, combine cooked chicken, rice, garlic, cream of mushroom soup, dry Italian dressing mix, chicken broth, salt, pepper, and half the shredded cheese. Stir in the cream cheese mixture until fully incorporated.
Pour mixture into prepared baking dish and spread evenly. Top with the remaining cheese.
Cover dish with foil sprayed with nonstick spray. Bake for 25 minutes, removing foil halfway through. Bake until cheese is melted and edges are bubbly.
Let casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with parsley.

For more one-pan inspiration, try this One Pan Chicken and Rice Bake.

Serving Ideas for Cream Cheese Chicken and Rice Bake

Pair this creamy chicken casserole with fresh, crisp sides to balance its rich flavors. Here are some easy serving options that complement it well.

Side salad with balsamic vinaigrette or lemon dressing
Steamed or roasted broccoli, green beans, or carrots
Buttery garlic rolls or homemade biscuits
Sliced cucumbers and cherry tomatoes with light dressing
Cold cranberry relish for a sweet contrast

This baked chicken and rice also stands well alone as a full meal, especially on busy nights when simplicity matters.

Variations of Cream Cheese Chicken and Rice One-Dish Dinner

Casseroles are flexible, and this dish is easy to adapt to your pantry or taste.

Swap cream of mushroom for cream of chicken or cream of celery
Add steamed broccoli florets or frozen peas for a veggie boost
Use cooked brown rice (add ½ cup more broth and increase baking time by 10 minutes)
Stir in ½ cup salsa and use pepper jack for a Tex-Mex twist
Make it lower carb by using cauliflower rice (reduce broth to ½ cup)

Use what’s on hand while keeping the creamy base and simple method intact.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

This chicken and rice casserole keeps well for leftovers and meal prep.

To store:
Place cooled leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days.

To freeze:
Wrap fully cooled casserole tightly in plastic wrap and foil. Freeze up to 2 months.

To reheat:
Microwave individual servings with a splash of broth.
To reheat in the oven, cover with foil and bake at 300°F for 15 minutes or until hot.

Thaw frozen casserole in the fridge overnight before reheating.

Pro Tips for Best Cream Cheese Chicken and Rice Casserole

A few tips will ensure your Cream Cheese Chicken and Rice One-Dish Dinner turns out creamy and flavorful every time.

Soften cream cheese fully before mixing for a smooth texture
Always use pre-cooked rice and chicken to avoid undercooking
Mix all wet ingredients before adding rice for even moisture
Cover while baking to keep moisture locked in
Add the top layer of cheese during the last 10 minutes for golden, melted results

Take the extra moment to stir halfway if needed for uniform creaminess.

Mistakes to Avoid with Chicken and Rice Cream Cheese Bake

Avoid these common issues when preparing your casserole.

Using raw rice without increasing liquid or cook time
Skipping the foil cover, which results in dry chicken
Not letting cream cheese soften, which leads to clumps
Forgetting seasoning, which can dull the overall flavor
Serving too soon without letting it rest and set

Follow the steps precisely and you’ll get creamy, cheesy results every time.

Comforting Cream Cheese Chicken and Rice Casserole

Cream Cheese Chicken and Rice One-Dish Dinner brings comfort and simplicity to your oven in one casserole pan. With minimal prep, familiar ingredients, and an ultra-creamy result, it’s perfect for family dinners, meal prepping, or sharing with friends.

Love this recipe? Pin it now and share with someone who needs creamy comfort on their table tonight.

FAQs about Cream Cheese Chicken and Rice One-Dish Dinner

Can I use brown rice instead of white in this Cream Cheese Chicken and Rice One-Dish Dinner?

Yes, but brown rice takes longer to cook and absorbs more liquid. Use pre-cooked brown rice and add ½ cup extra broth for a moist, evenly cooked casserole.

Will low-fat cream cheese work in this easy chicken cream of mushroom recipe?

Low-fat cream cheese (1/3 less fat) works, but the texture may be slightly less creamy. Avoid fat-free varieties, as they may separate or curdle during baking.

What vegetables pair best with chicken breast cream cheese recipes?

Broccoli florets, green beans, mushrooms, and peas all complement the creamy base. Add 1 to 2 cups of lightly steamed vegetables before baking for best texture.

How do I prevent cream cheese from separating in chicken breast with cream of mushroom dishes?

Use room temperature cream cheese, whisk it with butter before mixing, and bake covered to retain moisture. This ensures a smooth and creamy sauce throughout.