If you are searching for a soul-soothing dish that blends simplicity with rich, creamy goodness, you’re going to fall head over heels for Angel Chicken Rice: A Comforting, Creamy Chicken and Rice Casserole Recipe. This casserole brings together tender chicken, fluffy rice, and a luscious cream cheese sauce woven with garlic and Italian seasoning for a heartwarming meal. It’s perfect for busy weeknights or when you want to impress guests without a fuss. Each bite offers that perfect balance of cheesy comfort and savory depth that keeps you coming back for more.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of Angel Chicken Rice: A Comforting, Creamy Chicken and Rice Casserole Recipe lies in its straightforward, pantry-friendly ingredients that work beautifully together. Every element plays a unique role, from creating creamy texture to lending aromatic flavor and a satisfying cheesy finish.
- Cooked chicken (3 cups): Using shredded or diced chicken provides tender protein that soaks up the creamy sauce wonderfully.
- Cooked rice (3 cups): Fluffy rice acts as the comforting base that holds the casserole together and adds gentle texture.
- Butter (½ cup, cubed): Adds richness and helps meld the creamy components into a silky sauce.
- Cream cheese (8 ounces, cubed): The star of the creamy sauce, giving this dish that velvety, luscious mouthfeel.
- Cream of chicken soup (10.5 ounces): Brings classic casserole comfort and depth of flavor.
- Garlic (3 cloves, minced): Infuses the dish with aromatic warmth and a subtle kick.
- Italian dressing mix (0.7 ounce): Adds a zesty herb and spice blend that elevates every bite.
- Chicken stock (1 cup): Thins the sauce perfectly and enhances the savory undertones.
- Shredded Colby Jack cheese (2 cups, divided): Melts into a golden, cheesy blanket topping and enriches the casserole.
- Salt and pepper: Simple seasoning to balance and brighten the flavors.
- Fresh parsley for garnish: A pop of color and fresh herbal note that finishes the dish beautifully.
How to Make Angel Chicken Rice: A Comforting, Creamy Chicken and Rice Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prep
Begin by heating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures the casserole bakes evenly and the cheese topping melts just right. Meanwhile, gather your cooked chicken and rice to combine the base ingredients of the dish.
Step 2: Mix Chicken and Rice
In a large mixing bowl, toss together the cooked chicken and rice. This step sets the foundation for the casserole. The starchiness of the rice complements the tender chicken perfectly, preparing it to soak up all the creamy goodness you will add next.
Step 3: Make the Creamy Sauce
In a separate bowl, blend the butter, cream cheese, cream of chicken soup, minced garlic, and Italian dressing mix. Stir in the chicken stock until the mixture is smooth and creamy. This sauce is the heart of the recipe — rich, velvety, and infused with vibrant herb and savory notes that will coat every grain of rice and piece of chicken.
Step 4: Combine Sauce with Chicken and Rice
Pour the cream cheese mixture over the chicken and rice mixture, stirring gently to combine evenly. This is where the casserole comes to life, as the creamy sauce coats the ingredients, promising a luscious, comforting bite.
Step 5: Add Cheese to the Mixture
Stir in 1½ cups of shredded Colby Jack cheese. The cheese melts into the sauce, bringing a delightful cheesiness and binding everything together with extra gooey goodness.
Step 6: Transfer to Baking Dish and Top
Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish lightly and transfer the mixture into it. Evenly sprinkle the remaining ½ cup of shredded cheese on top. This topping will melt and form a beautiful golden crust that adds texture and flavor.
Step 7: Bake Until Golden and Bubbly
Bake uncovered for 25 to 30 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the casserole is bubbling gently around the edges and the cheese topping is melted and golden brown. The aroma will fill your kitchen with warm, inviting scents, signaling that your Angel Chicken Rice: A Comforting, Creamy Chicken and Rice Casserole Recipe is ready to enjoy.
Step 8: Garnish and Serve
Once out of the oven, sprinkle fresh parsley over the casserole for a burst of color and a fresh herbal note that perfectly complements the creamy richness.
How to Serve Angel Chicken Rice: A Comforting, Creamy Chicken and Rice Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
A simple garnish of chopped fresh parsley adds a lovely pop of green and a fresh, slightly peppery flavor that balances the richness of the casserole. For an extra touch, a light sprinkle of freshly cracked black pepper or a squeeze of lemon juice can brighten the dish just before serving.
Side Dishes
This casserole pairs beautifully with crisp, refreshing sides. Consider a simple green salad with a tangy vinaigrette, roasted vegetables like asparagus or broccoli, or even a side of steamed green beans to add some crunch and color contrast to your plate.
Creative Ways to Present
You can serve Angel Chicken Rice: A Comforting, Creamy Chicken and Rice Casserole Recipe straight from the baking dish for a cozy family-style meal or portion it into individual ramekins for a charming presentation. For extra flair, sprinkle additional shredded cheese over individual servings and broil briefly to create a personal cheesy crust.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover casserole can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors deepen as it rests, making for even tastier bites when you reheat.
Freezing
Angel Chicken Rice: A Comforting, Creamy Chicken and Rice Casserole Recipe freezes well. Portion it into freezer-safe containers before baking, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking. This way, you can enjoy homemade comfort food anytime.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers covered with foil in a 350°F oven for about 20 minutes until warmed through. You can also microwave servings on medium power, stirring halfway, to ensure even heating while maintaining that creamy texture.
FAQs
Can I use different types of cheese in this recipe?
Absolutely! While Colby Jack cheese melts beautifully and adds mild flavor, cheddar, mozzarella, or Monterey Jack can be tasty alternatives depending on your taste preferences.
Is it better to use fresh cooked chicken or canned chicken?
Fresh cooked chicken, whether roasted or poached, offers the best texture and flavor. Canned chicken can be used in a pinch but may lack the same tenderness and taste depth.
Can I make this casserole vegetarian?
You can adapt the recipe by substituting the chicken with vegetables like mushrooms or a medley of your favorite veggies, and swapping the cream of chicken soup for cream of mushroom or vegetable soup.
What’s the best way to cook rice for this casserole?
Long-grain white rice or jasmine rice works well, cooked until just tender but not mushy. Using a rice cooker or stovetop method with a bit less water than usual helps keep the texture perfect.
Can I prepare this casserole ahead and bake it later?
Yes! Assemble everything in the baking dish, cover it tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready, bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes if baking from cold.
Final Thoughts
Angel Chicken Rice: A Comforting, Creamy Chicken and Rice Casserole Recipe is truly a champion when it comes to easy, satisfying meals that feel like a warm hug. Whether you’re feeding family or treating guests, it’s a dish that brings people together with its irresistibly creamy texture and heartwarming flavors. Give it a try—you’ll soon find it becoming one of your household favorites.
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 cozy family dinner. It combines tender cooked chicken, fluffy rice, creamy cheese, and a savory blend of Italian dressing and garlic, baked to bubbly perfection with a golden cheesy topping.
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 reaches the right temperature for baking the casserole evenly.
- Combine Chicken and Rice: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked chicken and cooked rice, mixing them well to distribute evenly.
- Mix Creamy Sauce: In a separate bowl, blend the butter, cream cheese, cream of chicken soup, minced garlic, and Italian dressing mix. Stir in the chicken stock gradually until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
- Combine All Components: Pour the creamy sauce over the chicken and rice mixture, stirring thoroughly to coat everything evenly.
- Add Cheese: Incorporate 1½ cups of shredded Colby Jack cheese into the mixture and stir until well combined.
- Assemble Casserole: Transfer the entire mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, spreading it evenly. Sprinkle the remaining ½ cup of shredded cheese on top.
- Bake: Bake the casserole uncovered for 25-30 minutes, until it is bubbly and the cheese on top is melted and golden brown.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from the oven and garnish with fresh parsley before serving to add a pop of color and freshness.
Notes
- Use freshly cooked chicken and rice for the best texture and flavor.
- You can substitute Colby Jack cheese with a blend of cheddar and Monterey Jack if desired.
- Adjust salt and pepper seasoning according to taste, especially considering the saltiness of the soup and dressing mix.
- For added crunch, sprinkle breadcrumbs on top before baking.
- This casserole can be prepared a day ahead and baked when ready.
