This Angel Chicken Rice Casserole is the ultimate comfort food that brings a warm and creamy touch to your dinner table. With tender chicken, fluffy rice, rich cream cheese, and gooey Colby Jack cheese, it’s a dish that’s easy to prepare and hard to resist. Perfect for busy weeknights or when you need a little extra comfort, this casserole combines simple ingredients into a meal that feels like a hug in every bite.
Easy Angel Chicken Rice Casserole Recipe
Imagine a bubbling casserole dish filled with golden, melted cheese over a creamy mix of chicken and rice, infused with the savory goodness of Italian herbs and garlic. Every forkful of this dish delivers rich, cheesy flavor with a velvety texture that melts in your mouth. This recipe is quick to make, taking just 25 minutes in the oven, and it’s perfect for feeding a hungry family or meal-prepping for the week.
Why You’ll Love Angel Chicken Rice Casserole
Our Angel Chicken Rice Casserole stands out as a perfect balance of simplicity, flavor, and comfort.
- Simple Ingredients: Everything you need is likely already in your pantry or fridge.
- Quick and Easy: Just 10 minutes of prep and minimal effort required.
- Cheesy Goodness: Melted Colby Jack cheese adds a rich and satisfying flavor.
- Family-Friendly: Creamy and comforting, this dish is a surefire hit for all ages.
Ingredients Notes for Angel Chicken Rice Casserole
Each ingredient in our Angel Chicken Rice Casserole contributes to the dish’s irresistible texture and flavor.
- 3 cups cooked chicken: Use shredded or diced chicken. Rotisserie chicken works great for convenience.
- 3 cups cooked rice: Fluffy and absorbent, perfect for soaking up the creamy sauce. Any variety works, but white rice or jasmine rice are ideal.
- 1/2 cup butter, cubed: Adds richness and blends with the cream cheese for a luscious texture.
- 8 ounces cream cheese, cubed: Creates the base of the creamy sauce. Soften for easier mixing.
- 10.5 ounces cream of chicken soup: Provides a savory depth of flavor.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced: Enhances the savory flavor with a hint of aromatics.
- 0.7 ounce Italian dressing mix: Adds zesty, herbaceous seasoning.
- 1 cup chicken stock: Keeps the casserole moist and adds flavor.
- 2 cups shredded Colby Jack cheese: Divided between mixing into the casserole and sprinkling on top.
- Salt and pepper: Season to taste.
- Fresh parsley: A garnish for freshness and color.
Kitchen Tools Needed
- 9×13-inch casserole dish
- Large mixing bowl
- Microwave-safe bowl
- Whisk
- Spatula
How to Make Angel Chicken Rice Casserole
This comforting Angel Chicken Rice Casserole comes together quickly with these easy steps.
1. Preheat the Oven
Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and generously spray a 9×13-inch casserole dish with nonstick cooking spray to prevent sticking.
2. Soften the Cream Cheese and Butter
In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the cream cheese and butter, then microwave for 20-30 seconds. Whisk until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
3. Combine Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, mix together the cooked chicken, cooked rice, softened cream cheese and butter mixture, cream of chicken soup, minced garlic, Italian dressing mix, chicken stock, half of the shredded Colby Jack cheese, and salt and pepper. Stir until evenly combined.
4. Assemble the Casserole
Transfer the mixture to the prepared casserole dish, spreading it out evenly. Sprinkle the remaining shredded Colby Jack cheese on top.
5. Bake
Cover the dish with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbling and the cheese is fully melted.
6. Cool and Serve
Remove from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes. Remove the foil, garnish with fresh parsley, and serve warm.
Serving and Storage Tips
Serving: Pair this Angel Chicken Rice Casserole with a crisp green salad, steamed vegetables, or buttery garlic bread for a balanced meal. Garnish with fresh parsley for a vibrant finishing touch.
Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating: Reheat in the oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes, or microwave individual portions until warm.
Angel Chicken Rice Casserole Variations
- Add Veggies: Stir in 1-2 cups of steamed broccoli, peas, or diced carrots for added nutrition.
- Substitute Protein: Swap the chicken for cooked turkey, ham, or even cooked shrimp.
- Herbed Topping: Add a sprinkle of chopped fresh basil or oregano before serving to enhance the flavor.
Helpful Notes
- Leftovers: This casserole is perfect for using up leftover chicken and rice. If you’re short on time, use rotisserie chicken or pre-cooked rice.
- Cream Cheese Consistency: Make sure the cream cheese is softened for easy mixing.
- Customize the Flavor: If you don’t have an Italian dressing mix, make your own blend with dried basil, oregano, garlic powder, and onion powder.
Tips from Chefs
Ina Garten: Add a splash of dry white wine to the chicken stock for a subtle flavor boost that pairs beautifully with the creamy texture.
Gordon Ramsay: Combine Colby Jack cheese with sharp cheddar or Parmesan for extra layers of cheesy flavor.
Ree Drummond: Top the casserole with breadcrumbs mixed with melted butter for a crispy, golden crust.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: Can I use instant rice?
Yes, instant rice works perfectly, but ensure it’s fully cooked before mixing it into the casserole.
Q2: Can I prepare this casserole ahead of time?
Definitely! Assemble the casserole, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Add 5-10 minutes to the baking time if baking from chilled.
Q3: Can I freeze this casserole?
Yes! After baking, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then freeze. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat in the oven at 350°F for 20-25 minutes.
Q4: What if I don’t have cream of chicken soup?
You can substitute it with a quick mix of 1 cup chicken broth, 1/3 cup milk, and 1 tablespoon flour, whisked and heated until thickened.
Q5: Can I make this casserole gluten-free?
Yes, simply use gluten-free cream of chicken soup, Italian dressing mix, and ensure your chicken stock is gluten-free.
This creamy, cheesy Angel Chicken Rice Casserole is a surefire way to bring comfort and flavor to your dinner table. Whether for a weeknight meal or a cozy weekend dinner, this recipe is sure to become a family favorite. For more delicious
Angel Chicken Rice Casserole
Ingredients
- 3 cups cooked chicken diced or shredded
- 3 cups cooked rice
- 1/2 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 e.g., Good Seasons
- 1 cup chicken stock
- 2 cups shredded Colby Jack cheese divided
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and generously spray a 9×13-inch casserole dish with cooking spray.
- Soften Butter and Cream Cheese: In a microwave-safe bowl, microwave the cubed butter and cream cheese for 20-30 seconds, then whisk until smooth.
- Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine cooked chicken, cooked rice, softened butter and cream cheese mixture, cream of chicken soup, minced garlic, Italian dressing mix, chicken stock, half of the shredded cheese, and salt and pepper. Mix until well combined.
- Assemble the Casserole: Transfer the mixture into the prepared casserole dish, smoothing it out into an even layer.
- Top with Cheese: Sprinkle the remaining shredded cheese over the top of the casserole.
- Bake: Cover the casserole dish with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the casserole is bubbling.
- Serve: Remove from oven and let cool for 5 minutes. Remove foil, garnish with fresh parsley, and enjoy.
Notes
- Cooked Rice and Chicken: This recipe is a great way to use up leftover rice and chicken. You can cook them fresh, or use pre-cooked options for convenience.
- Cream Cheese and Butter Consistency: Soften the cream cheese and butter to make mixing easier and ensure an even, creamy texture.
- Italian Dressing Mix: This seasoning packet adds great flavor, but you can substitute it with a homemade mix of dried basil, oregano, garlic powder, and onion powder if preferred.
