🧀 CREAMY QUESO CHICKEN AND RICE CASSEROLE! 🍗🍚 Imagine tender shredded chicken, perfectly seasoned rice, and melted Mexican cheese all baked together, then smothered in a rich, creamy layer of warm white queso! 😍🧀 This cheesy, comforting casserole is packed with delicious Tex-Mex flavors and makes the perfect family dinner for busy weeknights or cozy weekends! 🛒 INGREDIENTS 2 boxes (6.9 oz each) chicken-flavored rice and vermicelli mix Seasoning packets included in both boxes 4 cups chicken broth 1 can (10 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies, including the juices 1 packet (1 oz) taco seasoning 1 tsp garlic powder ½ tsp onion powder ½ tsp ground black pepper 4 cups cooked chicken, shredded 2 cups shredded Mexican cheese blend 6 tbsp butter, cut into small pieces 2–2½ cups prepared white queso sauce 👩‍🍳 HOW TO MAKE IT 1️⃣ Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking. 2️⃣ Prepare the Rice Base: Evenly distribute the uncooked rice and vermicelli mixture across the bottom of your prepared casserole dish. 3️⃣ Add the Seasonings: Pour the chicken broth over the rice. Stir in the diced tomatoes with green chilies and their juices, both seasoning packets, taco seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper. 4️⃣ Mix in the Chicken and Cheese: Add the cooked shredded chicken, Mexican cheese blend, and butter pieces. Stir everything together until well combined, making sure the rice and vermicelli remain covered by the liquid. 5️⃣ Cover and Bake: Seal the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil and place it in the oven. Bake for approximately 45 minutes. 6️⃣ Finish Baking: Carefully uncover the casserole and give everything a gentle stir. Return it to the oven, uncovered, for another 10–15 minutes, or until the rice becomes tender and most of the broth has been absorbed. 7️⃣ Add the Creamy Queso: Allow the casserole to sit for 5–10 minutes after baking. Then generously pour the warm white queso sauce over the top, spreading it evenly to create a deliciously creamy, cheesy finish. 8️⃣ Serve and Enjoy: Scoop into generous portions and serve while warm, creamy, and irresistibly cheesy! 🧀❤️ 💡 HELPFUL COOKING TIP If the rice is still slightly firm after the first 45 minutes, pour in an additional ¼–½ cup of warm chicken broth. Cover the casserole again and continue baking for about 10 minutes, or until the rice is fully tender. ⏱️ RECIPE DETAILS Prep Time: 15 minutes Bake Time: 50–60 minutes Total Time: Approximately 1 hour 5–15 minutes ❤️ SAVE THIS RECIPE FOR LATER! If you love creamy, cheesy comfort food, this Queso Chicken and Rice Casserole deserves a spot on your next dinner menu! #ChickenCasserole #QuesoChicken #EasyDinnerRecipes #CheesyCasserole #ComfortFood — @amberrecipe TikTok