Angel Chicken Rice Casserole Recipe
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Nothing warms the soul quite like a hearty, cheesy, and comforting baked dish, and this Angel Chicken Rice Casserole Recipe is exactly that kind of meal. Loaded with tender chicken, creamy cheese, and fragrant herbs, it’s an effortless crowd-pleaser that transforms simple, everyday ingredients into a vibrant home-cooked feast. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or looking to impress guests with cozy flavors, this casserole is the ultimate combination of creamy, savory goodness and crowd-pleasing ease.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this recipe lies in its straightforward ingredients, each playing a vital role in building layers of flavor, creaminess, and satisfying texture. With a mix of tender chicken, creamy cheese, and a hint of zesty Italian seasoning, this casserole comes alive with every bite.
- 3 cups cooked chicken: Use diced or shredded chicken for tender, bite-sized pieces that soak up all the creamy flavors.
- 3 cups cooked rice: A comforting base that adds hearty texture and helps bind the casserole together.
- ½ cup unsalted butter: Adds rich creaminess and rounds out the flavor without overpowering the dish.
- 8 ounces cream cheese: Provides a lush, velvety texture that makes every forkful decadently smooth.
- 10.5 ounces cream of chicken soup: Classic comfort food star that delivers depth and moisture to the casserole.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced: Brings a savory aroma and gentle bite that lifts the overall flavor.
- 0.7-ounce packet Italian dressing mix: A punch of herbs and spices giving the dish zest and bright, savory notes.
- 1 cup chicken stock: Keeps the casserole moist and infuses subtle chicken flavor throughout.
- 2 cups shredded Colby Jack cheese, divided: Melts beautifully, creating a bubbly, golden cheese topping and blending seamlessly inside.
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste: Essential seasonings that enhance every ingredient perfectly.
- Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish: Adds a fresh, colorful finish that brightens the dish visually and flavor-wise.
How to Make Angel Chicken Rice Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Dish
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish so your Angel Chicken Rice Casserole Recipe will bake evenly without sticking. This simple prep sets you up for easy assembly and cleanup.
Step 2: Soften Butter and Cream Cheese
Place the cubed unsalted butter and cream cheese into a microwave-safe bowl and heat for 20-30 seconds until softened. Whisk them together until completely smooth and creamy. This step ensures your casserole has a perfect buttery and luscious base that will meld beautifully with the other ingredients.
Step 3: Combine the Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, stir together the cooked chicken, cooked rice, the softened butter and cream cheese blend, cream of chicken soup, minced garlic, Italian dressing mix, chicken stock, and half of the shredded Colby Jack cheese. Season the mixture generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Stir everything until it is evenly blended, giving you a savory, creamy filling ready to become a crowd favorite.
Step 4: Assemble the Casserole
Spread your delicious mixture evenly into the prepared casserole dish. This even layer ensures the dish cooks uniformly, distributing those rich flavors in every bite of Angel Chicken Rice Casserole Recipe.
Step 5: Add the Cheese Topping
Sprinkle the remaining shredded Colby Jack cheese generously over the top of your casserole. This cheesy blanket will melt and form a delightful golden crust that’s irresistible once baked.
Step 6: Bake Until Bubbling
Cover the casserole with foil to keep in the moisture and bake in your preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the cheese is completely melted and the casserole bubbles invitingly around the edges, signaling that creamy goodness inside is hot and melded perfectly.
Step 7: Rest and Garnish
Remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for about 5 minutes. This pause allows it to set slightly for easier serving. Just before bringing it to the table, sprinkle a generous handful of freshly chopped parsley on top. The parsley adds a fresh pop of color and a subtle herbal note that livens every forkful.
How to Serve Angel Chicken Rice Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh parsley is classic and adds an inviting visual contrast, but you can also add a few chopped green onions or a pinch of paprika for a little extra color and flavor dimension. These simple touches elevate the presentation and flavor profile with minimal effort.
Side Dishes
This casserole pairs beautifully with crisp, refreshing side dishes that balance its creamy richness. Consider a light green salad with a lemon vinaigrette, steamed green beans with a dash of garlic, or roasted vegetables to complement the cheesy, savory flavors without overwhelming your palate.
Creative Ways to Present
For a buffet or potluck, serve the Angel Chicken Rice Casserole Recipe in individual ramekins or small cast-iron skillets for charming personal portions. Alternatively, top portions with a dollop of sour cream or a sprinkling of crispy fried onions for delightful layers of texture and flavor that guests will love.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, transfer leftover Angel Chicken Rice Casserole Recipe to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to four days. The flavors often deepen overnight, making your leftovers even better the next day.
Freezing
For longer storage, freeze the casserole in a freezer-safe dish before baking, covered tightly with foil and plastic wrap. It will keep for up to three months. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking as directed.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers in the oven at 350°F (175°C) uncovered for 15-20 minutes or until warmed through and bubbly. You can also microwave single servings, though the oven will help maintain that delicious cheesy crust and texture you love.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of cheese?
Absolutely! While Colby Jack cheese melts beautifully and has a mild flavor, you can substitute with mozzarella, cheddar, or a blend of your favorites to tweak the casserole’s taste profile to your liking.
Is this recipe freezer-friendly?
Yes, Angel Chicken Rice Casserole Recipe freezes great. Freeze it before baking for best texture, and thaw completely before heating it in the oven to maintain that creamy consistency.
Can I make this casserole vegetarian?
To make a vegetarian version, simply replace the chicken with cooked vegetables or a plant-based protein, and use vegetable broth instead of chicken stock. The creamy base and seasonings still keep it rich and satisfying.
How can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Most ingredients here are naturally gluten-free, but be sure to use a gluten-free version of the cream of chicken soup and Italian dressing mix. This swap will keep the casserole safe for gluten-sensitive eaters.
What’s the best way to shred chicken quickly?
Use two forks to pull cooked chicken apart right before mixing the casserole. Another trick is to warm the chicken slightly in the microwave to make shredding easier and less time-consuming.
Final Thoughts
This Angel Chicken Rice Casserole Recipe is a genuine treasure—simple enough for weeknight dinners but comforting and impressive enough for guests. Once you try it, you’ll discover just how versatile and satisfying this creamy, cheesy casserole can be. So go ahead and give it a whirl; your taste buds are in for a wonderful, cozy treat!
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Angel Chicken Rice Casserole Recipe
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
Description
Angel Chicken Rice Casserole is a creamy, cheesy baked dish combining tender shredded chicken, fluffy rice, and a flavorful blend of cream cheese, butter, and Italian seasoning. This comforting casserole bakes to perfection with a golden melted cheese topping and is garnished with fresh parsley for a delightful family-friendly meal.
Ingredients
Protein & Grains
- 3 cups cooked chicken, diced or shredded
- 3 cups cooked rice
Dairy & Creamy Components
- ½ cup unsalted butter, cubed and at room temperature
- 8 ounces cream cheese, cubed and at room temperature
- 2 cups shredded Colby Jack cheese, divided
- 10.5 ounces cream of chicken soup
Seasonings & Liquids
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 0.7-ounce packet Italian dressing mix (e.g., Good Seasons)
- 1 cup chicken stock
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Garnish
- Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish to prevent sticking and ensure easy serving.
- Soften butter and cream cheese: Place the butter and cream cheese in a microwave-safe bowl and heat for 20-30 seconds. Remove and whisk together until the mixture is smooth and creamy, which helps to evenly combine it with the other ingredients.
- Combine ingredients: In a large bowl, mix the cooked chicken, cooked rice, softened butter and cream cheese mixture, cream of chicken soup, minced garlic, Italian dressing mix, chicken stock, and half of the shredded Colby Jack cheese. Season the mixture with salt and freshly ground black pepper to your preference, then stir thoroughly until well blended.
- Assemble the casserole: Transfer the mixture into the prepared casserole dish, spreading it out evenly for uniform cooking.
- Add the remaining cheese: Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of shredded Colby Jack cheese evenly over the top of the mixture to create a cheesy crust once baked.
- Bake the casserole: Cover the casserole dish with foil to keep moisture in, then bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes. The casserole is done when the cheese is melted, bubbly, and slightly golden on top.
- Rest and garnish: Remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes. This resting time helps the dish set for easier serving. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley before serving to add a fresh, vibrant touch.
Notes
- Ensure the chicken and rice are fully cooked before starting to save time and ensure proper texture.
- Room temperature butter and cream cheese blend more smoothly and mix better into the casserole.
- Feel free to substitute Colby Jack cheese with a mix of cheddar and Monterey Jack for a different flavor profile.
- If you prefer a thicker casserole, reduce the chicken stock slightly.
- This casserole can be prepared ahead of time and refrigerated; just add an extra 5-10 minutes to the baking time if baked cold.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days and reheated covered in the oven or microwave.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
