Heavenly Chicken Dish (Print Version)

Ingredients:

01 - 3 cups cooked chicken, diced or shredded.
02 - 3 cups cooked rice.
03 - ½ cup butter, room temperature and cubed.
04 - 8 ounces cream cheese, room temperature and cubed.
05 - 10.5 ounces cream of chicken soup.
06 - 3 cloves garlic, minced.
07 - 0.7 ounce Italian dressing mix, I used Good Seasons.
08 - 1 cup chicken stock.
09 - 2 cup shredded Colby Jack cheese, divided use.
10 - Salt and pepper to taste.
11 - Fresh parsley for garnish.

Instructions:

01 - Preheat oven to 350 degrees F, and generously spray a 9x13” casserole dish with cooking spray.
02 - In a microwave-safe bowl, soften the cream cheese and butter in the microwave for 20-30 seconds. Whisk until smooth.
03 - In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked chicken, rice, butter and cream cheese mixture, cream of chicken soup, garlic, Italian dressing mix, chicken stock, half of the shredded cheese, and salt and pepper. Mix well until evenly combined.
04 - Transfer the chicken and rice mixture to into the prepared casserole dish.
05 - Top with remaining shredded cheese.
06 - Cover the dish with foil, and bake in preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, until the cheese is melted and the casserole is bubbling.
07 - Remove from oven, and allow the casserole to cool for 5 minutes. Remove foil. Garnish with fresh parsley, and enjoy.

Notes:

01 - You can add a little crunch to your casserole by sprinkling crushed crackers, cornflakes, pretzels, or potato chips on top.
02 - For an extra cheesy casserole, spread more shredded cheddar cheese on top just before serving. You could also add some shredded parmesan cheese for a sharper flavor.
03 - Garnish your casserole with chopped fresh green onions or parsley for a herby finish and pop of color!.