Description
Angel Chicken Rice Casserole is a creamy, cheesy baked dish combining tender cooked chicken, fluffy rice, and a flavorful blend of cream cheese, butter, Italian dressing mix, and cream of chicken soup. Topped with melted Colby Jack cheese and garnished with fresh parsley, this comforting casserole is perfect for a hearty family meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Rice
- 3 cups cooked chicken, diced or shredded
- 3 cups cooked rice
Cheese and Dairy
- 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
Other Ingredients
- 10.5 ounces cream of chicken soup
- 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
- Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish to prepare it for baking.
- Soften butter & cream cheese: In a microwave-safe bowl, heat the butter and cream cheese together for 20-30 seconds. Then whisk the mixture until smooth and creamy.
- Mix ingredients: In a large bowl, combine 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 with salt and freshly ground black pepper to your taste. Stir everything together until well blended.
- Assemble the casserole: Evenly spread the prepared mixture into the greased casserole dish, making sure it is leveled out evenly.
- Add cheese topping: Sprinkle the remaining Colby Jack cheese evenly over the top of the casserole.
- Bake: Cover the dish with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes. Bake until the cheese is melted and the casserole is hot and bubbling around the edges.
- Rest & serve: Remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley for a burst of color and fresh flavor.
Notes
- For a crispier top, remove the foil during the last 5 minutes of baking to brown the cheese.
- You can substitute Colby Jack cheese with cheddar or Monterey Jack if preferred.
- Use leftover cooked chicken and rice for a quick and easy preparation.
- To make it gluten-free, ensure the cream of chicken soup and Italian dressing mix are certified gluten-free.
- Leftovers can be covered and refrigerated for up to 3 days.
