There is something deeply satisfying about a warm, creamy casserole that feels like a big hug on a plate, and that is exactly what you get with Angel Chicken Rice: A Comforting, Creamy Chicken and Rice Casserole Recipe. This dish combines tender chicken, fluffy rice, and a luscious blend of cream cheese and chicken soup to create an irresistible texture and comforting taste that your whole family will love. It’s an easy-to-make, hearty meal that manages to feel both indulgent and wholesome, perfect for those cozy nights when you want something warming without a ton of fuss.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of Angel Chicken Rice: A Comforting, Creamy Chicken and Rice Casserole Recipe is that it relies on simple, pantry-friendly ingredients that come together to deliver layers of flavor and texture. Each component plays a crucial role from the savory chicken stock to the creamy cheeses, making every bite comforting and satisfying.
- 3 cups cooked chicken: Use diced or shredded chicken for tender, protein-packed bites throughout the casserole.
- 3 cups cooked rice: Provides a soft, fluffy base that soaks up all the creamy goodness around it.
- ½ cup butter: Adds richness and helps meld the flavors beautifully while keeping the dish moist.
- 8 ounces cream cheese: The secret to that ultra-creamy texture and subtle tang that elevates the entire casserole.
- 10.5 ounces cream of chicken soup: Brings a classic savory depth and helps bind everything together.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced: Infuses the casserole with a gentle aromatic kick that warms up every bite.
- 0.7 ounce Italian dressing mix: Adds herbs and a nice punch of zesty flavor to balance out the richness.
- 1 cup chicken stock: Keeps the mixture moist and flavorful, ensuring the rice and chicken don’t dry out.
- 2 cups shredded Colby Jack cheese, divided: Provides gooey melted layers, with some folded in and some sprinkled on top for a golden crust.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential seasonings to bring all the flavors into perfect harmony.
- Fresh parsley for garnish: Adds a pop of color and fresh taste when serving.
How to Make Angel Chicken Rice: A Comforting, Creamy Chicken and Rice Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prep
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C), so it’s ready to create that golden bubbly top as soon as your casserole is assembled. You’ll also want to grease a 9×13-inch baking dish — this prevents sticking and helps with even cooking, making cleanup easier too.
Step 2: Combine Chicken and Rice
In a large mixing bowl, mix the cooked chicken and cooked rice thoroughly. This base is where the tender chicken pieces will meet the fluffy rice, ensuring every scoop is packed with both proteins and carbs you love.
Step 3: Make the Creamy Mixture
In a separate bowl, combine the cubed butter, cream cheese, cream of chicken soup, minced garlic, and Italian dressing mix. Stir in the chicken stock gradually until everything blends into a smooth, creamy mixture. This sauce is key—the cream cheese and soup provide richness, while the Italian dressing mix and garlic bring refreshing notes that wake up the palate.
Step 4: Combine All Ingredients
Pour the creamy mixture over the chicken and rice. Stir everything together until fully combined, ensuring that every grain of rice and shred of chicken is coated in that luscious sauce. Then fold in 1½ cups of the shredded Colby Jack cheese, mixing until melted cheese is evenly distributed.
Step 5: Bake and Finish
Transfer the entire mixture into your prepared baking dish and smooth it out evenly. Sprinkle the remaining ½ cup of shredded cheese on top for a golden, bubbly crust. Bake uncovered for 25-30 minutes until you see the cheese melted and slightly golden with bubbles forming around the edges, signaling it’s perfectly cooked through.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Once out of the oven, sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the casserole for a touch of color and a burst of freshness. Now it’s ready to be enjoyed!
How to Serve Angel Chicken Rice: A Comforting, Creamy Chicken and Rice Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh parsley is a simple but effective garnish that brightens the dish visually and adds a delicate herbal note. For extra flair, consider a light sprinkle of paprika or a few thinly sliced green onions to provide additional color and mild flavor contrast.
Side Dishes
This casserole is wonderfully filling on its own but pairs beautifully with crisp, refreshing sides. Think fresh garden salads, steamed green beans, or roasted vegetables to add crunch and balance the creamy richness of the Angel Chicken Rice: A Comforting, Creamy Chicken and Rice Casserole Recipe.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve this casserole portioned in individual ramekins for single servings that look elegant and personalized. You can also turn leftovers into cozy lunch bowls topped with avocado slices or a dollop of sour cream for a creamy, tangy lift.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled to room temperature, cover leftovers tightly with plastic wrap or transfer to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days to keep the cheesy creaminess intact and the chicken moist.
Freezing
Angel Chicken Rice: A Comforting, Creamy Chicken and Rice Casserole Recipe freezes surprisingly well. Portion into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating to maintain the casserole’s smooth texture without drying out.
Reheating
To reheat, warm individual portions in the microwave or place the whole casserole in a 350°F oven, covered with foil to prevent over-browning, until heated through and bubbly again. A quick sprinkle of extra cheese on top while reheating can add extra melty goodness.
FAQs
Can I use different types of cheese in this casserole?
Absolutely! While Colby Jack melts beautifully and offers a mild flavor, sharp cheddar, mozzarella, or even Monterey Jack can add different moods to the dish. Just choose cheeses that melt well and complement chicken.
What if I don’t have Italian dressing mix?
No worries! You can substitute with a blend of dried Italian herbs like oregano, basil, parsley, and a pinch of garlic powder and onion powder to replicate that herby zest.
Can this recipe be made with uncooked rice?
This version calls for cooked rice because it ensures the casserole texture stays creamy and perfectly tender without overcooking. Using uncooked rice requires more liquid and baking time, so it’s best to stick with cooked rice for ease and consistent results.
Is this casserole suitable for meal prepping?
Yes! It reheats beautifully and keeps well in the fridge or freezer, making it a great option for preparing meals ahead of busy weeks or packing lunch for work or school.
Can I add vegetables to this casserole?
Definitely! Chopped spinach, broccoli florets, or mushrooms can easily be mixed in before baking to boost nutrition and add variety. Just make sure to lightly cook tougher veggies first so they soften properly during baking.
Final Thoughts
If you’re seeking a dish that wraps you in cozy comfort without complexity, Angel Chicken Rice: A Comforting, Creamy Chicken and Rice Casserole Recipe is an absolute must-try. It’s that perfect blend of creamy, cheesy, and savory that feels like home in every bite. Once you whip up this casserole, it’ll become your go-to for comforting dinners and joyous family meals. Give it a try and watch it quickly become a beloved classic in your recipe collection!
Print
Angel Chicken Rice: A Comforting, Creamy Chicken and Rice Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Angel Chicken Rice is a comforting and creamy chicken and rice casserole perfect for a hearty family meal. With tender cooked chicken, creamy cheese, and a flavorful blend of seasonings, this easy-to-make dish comes together quickly and bakes to a bubbly, golden perfection.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 3 cups cooked chicken, diced or shredded
- 3 cups cooked rice
- ½ cup butter, room temperature and cubed
- 8 ounces cream cheese, room temperature and cubed
- 10.5 ounces cream of chicken soup
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 0.7 ounce Italian dressing mix (Good Seasons recommended)
- 1 cup chicken stock
- 2 cups shredded Colby Jack cheese, divided
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it’s at the perfect temperature for baking the casserole.
- Combine Chicken and Rice: In a large mixing bowl, add the cooked diced or shredded chicken and cooked rice, mixing gently to combine these base ingredients evenly.
- Make Cream Cheese Mixture: In a separate bowl, mix together the room-temperature butter, cream cheese, cream of chicken soup, minced garlic, and Italian dressing mix. Gradually stir in the chicken stock until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
- Combine Mixtures: Pour the cream cheese mixture over the chicken and rice mixture, stirring thoroughly to combine all the flavors evenly.
- Add Cheese: Add 1½ cups of shredded Colby Jack cheese into the combined mixture and stir until evenly incorporated.
- Prepare Baking Dish: Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish well to prevent sticking. Transfer the prepared mixture into the dish and smooth the top.
- Add Topping Cheese: Sprinkle the remaining ½ cup of shredded Colby Jack cheese evenly over the top of the casserole for a cheesy golden crust.
- Bake: Place the baking dish uncovered in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbly and the cheese on top has melted and turned golden brown.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from oven and garnish with fresh parsley before serving to add a touch of freshness and color to the dish.
Notes
- Use leftover cooked chicken and rice to make this dish quick and easy.
- Room temperature butter and cream cheese help create a smooth creamy sauce.
- Feel free to substitute Colby Jack cheese with Monterey Jack or mild cheddar if preferred.
- For extra flavor, consider adding sautéed onions or mushrooms to the cream cheese mixture.
- This casserole can be made ahead and refrigerated, then baked before serving.
- Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheat thoroughly before serving.
