Jackie's Cheese Melt Rice Casserole

Jackie’s Cheese Melt Rice Casserole is the ultimate comfort food, blending rich layers of cheesy goodness with hearty, home-cooked simplicity. This family-friendly casserole combines fluffy white rice, tender shredded chicken, and a creamy blend of sharp cheddar and mozzarella cheeses, all tied together with a savory mixture of cream of mushroom soup and sour cream. Packed with veggies like peas and carrots and topped with a golden, crispy Parmesan-breadcrumb crust, this dish is as satisfying as it is versatile. Perfect for weeknight dinners or potluck gatherings, this easy-to-make casserole will win over even the pickiest eaters. Ready in under an hour, it’s a warm, bubbly crowd-pleaser you’ll keep coming back to! Keywords: cheese melt casserole, rice casserole recipe, creamy chicken casserole, easy casserole ideas, family dinner recipes.

Nutriscore Rating: 67/100

Prep Time:20 mins

Cook Time:35 mins

Total Time:55 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 1.5 cups white rice
• 3 cups water
• 0.5 teaspoons salt
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 medium yellow onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
• 0.75 cup sour cream
• 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
• 1 cup frozen peas and carrots mix, thawed
• 0.5 teaspoons paprika
• 0.25 teaspoons black pepper
• 0.5 cups breadcrumbs
• 0.25 cups parmesan cheese, grated
• 1 as needed cooking spray

Directions

Step 1

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9x13 inch casserole dish with cooking spray.

Step 2

In a medium pot, combine the white rice, water, and salt. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and simmer for 15-18 minutes, or until the rice is cooked and the water is absorbed. Set aside.

Step 3

In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook for 3-4 minutes until softened. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.

Step 4

In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked rice, sautéed onion and garlic, shredded cheddar cheese, shredded mozzarella cheese, cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, shredded chicken, thawed peas and carrots, paprika, and black pepper. Mix well until fully incorporated.

Step 5

Transfer the mixture into the prepared casserole dish and spread it out evenly.

Step 6

In a small bowl, combine the breadcrumbs and grated parmesan cheese. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the top of the casserole.

Step 7

Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbly and the breadcrumb topping is golden brown.

Step 8

Remove from the oven and let cool for 5 minutes before serving. Enjoy!

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(2667.3g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	3551.5

Total Fat 193.3g	0%
Saturated Fat 111.4g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 5.2g
Cholesterol 912.3mg	0%
Sodium 6457.2mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 182.7g	0%
Dietary Fiber 13.4g	0%
Total Sugars 37.5g
Protein 276.4g	0%

Vitamin D 89.9IU	0%
Calcium 3332.9mg	0%
Iron 13.8mg	0%
Potassium 2213.6mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 48.6%

Protein: 30.9%

Carbs: 20.4%