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
Scale
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.
