There is something truly comforting and irresistible about this Angel Chicken Rice Casserole Recipe that makes it one of those dishes you’ll want to have on repeat. Imagine tender, juicy chicken mingling with fluffy rice, all enveloped in a creamy blend of butter, cream cheese, and a touch of Italian seasoning. Topped with bubbly, melted Colby Jack cheese and kissed with garlic, this casserole manages to be both hearty and elegantly simple. It’s a perfect way to gather friends and family around the table for a warm, satisfying meal that feels like a big, delicious hug in every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the ingredients for this Angel Chicken Rice Casserole Recipe is delightfully straightforward. Each element plays a key role—from the creamy richness of the butter and cream cheese to the savory notes of chicken stock and Italian dressing mix—coming together to create a melody of flavors and textures that will surprise you with their harmony.
- 3 cups cooked chicken: diced or shredded, the star protein that brings heartiness and flavor.
- 3 cups cooked rice: the perfect fluffy base soaking up all the saucy goodness.
- ½ cup butter: room temperature and cubed, for that luscious creaminess and smooth texture.
- 8 ounces cream cheese: softened, adding a velvety touch and slight tang to the dish.
- 10.5 ounces cream of chicken soup: the secret to extra moisture and delicious savory depth.
- 3 cloves garlic: minced for an aromatic punch that wakes up the whole casserole.
- 0.7 ounce Italian dressing mix: such as Good Seasons, for an easy burst of herbs and zest.
- 1 cup chicken stock: enhancing the chicken’s flavor and adding just the right amount of liquid.
- 2 cups shredded Colby Jack cheese: divided use, for gooey melted goodness that tops and blends perfectly.
- Salt and pepper: to taste, seasoning the dish just right.
- Fresh parsley: for garnish, adding a pop of color and fresh brightness.
How to Make Angel Chicken Rice Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Dish
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it warms up, grab a 9×13-inch casserole dish and give it a generous spray with cooking spray to make sure your casserole releases easily after baking. This simple prep sets the stage for a perfect bake.
Step 2: Soften Your Creamy Ingredients
Next, place the cubed butter and cream cheese in a microwave-safe bowl. Heat for 20 to 30 seconds until softened, then whisk them together until smooth and creamy. This step ensures your creamy base is beautifully blended with no lumps, which will make every bite silky and rich.
Step 3: Combine All the Flavors
In a large mixing bowl, toss together the cooked chicken and rice with your cream cheese and butter mixture. Add in the cream of chicken soup, minced garlic, Italian dressing mix, chicken stock, half of the shredded cheese, and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Mix it all thoroughly so every forkful will be bursting with flavor and comfort.
Step 4: Assemble Your Casserole
Transfer this delicious mixture to your prepared casserole dish. Spread it out evenly to ensure it cooks uniformly. Then top the whole thing with the remaining shredded Colby Jack cheese, which will melt into a golden, bubbly crown that makes this dish truly special.
Step 5: Bake Until Bubble and Melty
Cover the dish tightly with foil and pop it into your preheated oven. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes—just enough time for the cheese to melt perfectly and the casserole to start bubbling around the edges, sending mouthwatering aromas through your kitchen.
Step 6: Let It Rest and Garnish
Once the baking time is up, carefully remove the casserole from the oven and let it sit, still covered, for about 5 minutes. This resting period helps the casserole set slightly, making it easier to serve. Just before serving, remove the foil and sprinkle fresh parsley over the top to add a lovely hint of color and a fresh, herbaceous finish.
How to Serve Angel Chicken Rice Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
While the fresh parsley garnish is a classic, you can also sprinkle some extra shredded Colby Jack or even a dash of paprika for an extra pop of color and mild smoky flavor. Crispy fried onions or chopped green onions add a fun crunch and an additional layer of flavor. The garnishes are the final flair that make every serving look as good as it tastes.
Side Dishes
This Angel Chicken Rice Casserole Recipe pairs beautifully with crisp, refreshing sides. A simple garden salad with a light vinaigrette helps balance the richness of the casserole. Steamed or roasted vegetables like broccoli or green beans offer vibrant color and a healthy crunch that complements the creamy softness of the dish.
Creative Ways to Present
For a lovely family-style presentation, serve the casserole straight from the baking dish on a wooden board surrounded by bowls of mixed greens and crusty bread. Or, if you want to impress guests, dish out individual portions in ramekins and sprinkle each with a little extra cheese and herbs under a broiler for a golden crust. Either way, it’s a crowd-pleaser that makes every meal feel cozy and special.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have leftovers (which is rare!), cover the casserole tightly with plastic wrap or transfer portions into airtight containers. Stored properly in the refrigerator, it will stay delicious for up to 3 to 4 days—making for easy lunches or dinners during a busy week.
Freezing
This recipe freezes wonderfully, making it a perfect make-ahead meal. After assembling but before baking, cover tightly with foil and freeze. When you’re ready, bake straight from frozen, adding extra cooking time as needed until bubbly and hot throughout. You can also freeze leftovers in portioned containers for quick reheats.
Reheating
To bring your Angel Chicken Rice Casserole Recipe back to life, reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through, usually about 15 to 20 minutes. For a quicker option, microwave individual servings, but be sure to cover loosely to retain moisture. The creamy, cheesy goodness is never far from perfect, even after reheating.
FAQs
Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
Absolutely! Brown rice will add a nuttier flavor and a bit more texture, but make sure it’s fully cooked before mixing into the casserole since it takes longer to cook than white rice.
What can I substitute for cream of chicken soup?
If you prefer homemade or want a healthier option, you can make a simple cream sauce using butter, flour, chicken broth, and milk or cream. This lets you control the ingredients and flavors while keeping the creamy texture intact.
Can I add vegetables to this casserole?
Yes! Feel free to mix in cooked vegetables like peas, carrots, or mushrooms to boost nutrition and add color. Just make sure they’re cooked before adding to the mixture to keep the casserole cooking time consistent.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
With a few tweaks, yes. Use gluten-free cream of chicken soup and Italian dressing mix to keep the dish safe for gluten-sensitive eaters without compromising flavor.
How can I make this casserole lower in calories?
Try using reduced-fat cream cheese and cheese, substitute the butter with olive oil, and use a low-sodium chicken broth. Keeping the portion size moderate also helps enjoy this comforting dish without overdoing it.
Final Thoughts
There’s no denying that the Angel Chicken Rice Casserole Recipe holds a very special place in the recipe hall of fame. It’s a dish that offers coziness, flavor, and impressive versatility all in one pan. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or looking for a nourishing weeknight dinner, this recipe promises to deliver warm smiles and full bellies. So go ahead—grab those ingredients and bring some angelic magic to your dinner table tonight!
Print
Angel Chicken Rice Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Angel Chicken Rice is a creamy, cheesy casserole combining tender cooked chicken and fluffy rice with a rich blend of cream cheese, butter, cream of chicken soup, and Italian dressing mix, baked to perfection with melted Colby Jack cheese on top. This comforting dish is perfect for an easy weeknight dinner that serves a crowd.
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 (such as Good Seasons)
- 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) and generously spray a 9×13-inch casserole dish with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Soften Butter and Cream Cheese: In a microwave-safe bowl, microwave the cream cheese and butter for 20-30 seconds until softened, then whisk together until smooth and creamy.
- Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, add the 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 Colby Jack cheese, and season with salt and pepper. Mix thoroughly until evenly combined.
- Transfer to Casserole Dish: Pour the chicken and rice mixture into the prepared casserole dish, spreading it out evenly.
- Add Cheese Topping: Sprinkle the remaining shredded 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, or until the cheese is melted and the casserole is bubbling around the edges.
- Rest and Garnish: Remove the casserole from the oven, let it cool for 5 minutes with the foil on. Then remove the foil and garnish with freshly chopped parsley before serving.
Notes
- Ensure the chicken and rice are fully cooked before starting the recipe.
- You can use rotisserie chicken to save time.
- Feel free to substitute Colby Jack cheese with cheddar or Monterey Jack for variation.
- For a lower fat option, use reduced-fat cream cheese and chicken soup.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.
