If you are looking for a comforting, crowd-pleasing dish that combines creamy, cheesy goodness with tender chicken and fluffy rice, then the Angel Chicken and Rice Casserole Recipe is your new best friend in the kitchen. This casserole blends familiar flavors and textures into a warm, satisfying meal that feels like a big, cozy hug on your plate. Whether it’s for a busy weeknight dinner or a casual family gathering, this casserole will bring smiles and second servings for sure.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Angel Chicken and Rice Casserole Recipe relies on simple, wholesome ingredients that work beautifully together to create layers of flavor and texture. Each component plays a crucial role, whether it’s the creamy base, the tender chicken, or the melty cheese topping that gives it that irresistible finish.
- 3 cups cooked chopped chicken: Provides lean protein and hearty texture, making the dish filling and satisfying.
- 3 cups cooked rice: Acts as the comforting carb foundation, perfectly soaking up all the creamy flavors.
- ½ cup unsalted butter (softened): Adds richness and a smooth mouthfeel without overwhelming the other flavors.
- 1 (8-oz) package cream cheese (softened): Brings luscious creaminess, helping bind the casserole beautifully.
- 1 (10.5-oz) can Unsalted Cream of Chicken Soup: Infuses savory notes and moisture that keep everything tender and flavorful.
- 3 cloves minced garlic: Delivers a punch of aromatic depth that elevates the taste profile.
- 1 (0.7-oz) packet Italian Dressing Mix: Infuses the dish with herbs and spices for a subtle, zesty kick.
- 1 cup chicken stock: Enhances moisture and umami, making every bite juicy without being soggy.
- 2 cups shredded colby jack cheese (divided): Provides gooey, melty indulgence on top and within the casserole.
- salt and pepper to taste: Essential for seasoning and balancing all the flavors perfectly.
How to Make Angel Chicken and Rice Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Dish
Start by preheating your oven to 350ºF, which ensures it’s nice and hot when your casserole goes in. Then, spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray to prevent sticking and help with easy cleanup later.
Step 2: Mix the Creamy Base
In a large bowl, combine the softened butter and cream cheese until smooth and well blended. This creamy duo forms the luscious foundation for your casserole’s irresistible texture. Next, stir in the cream of chicken soup, cooked chicken, cooked rice, minced garlic, Italian dressing mix, half of the shredded cheese, and chicken stock. Mix everything thoroughly so that each grain of rice and piece of chicken is coated in this rich mixture.
Step 3: Assemble the Casserole
Pour the rice and chicken mixture into your prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly for even cooking. Then sprinkle the remaining 1½ cups of shredded colby jack cheese generously over the top. This cheese layer will melt into a golden, bubbly crust that’s simply irresistible.
Step 4: Bake to Perfection
Cover the pan tightly with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and the casserole to heat through thoroughly. After that, remove the foil and bake for another 15 minutes so the cheese on top gets beautifully melted and bubbly. The finished casserole should be warm, gooey, and aromatic. Garnish with fresh parsley if you like a pop of color and freshness.
How to Serve Angel Chicken and Rice Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh herbs like parsley or chives sprinkled on top instantly brighten the appearance and add a subtle herbal zing that complements the creamy richness. If you want an extra burst of flavor, a squeeze of fresh lemon juice before serving can add a nice contrast to the savory notes.
Side Dishes
Keep your sides light and fresh to balance the hearty casserole. A crisp garden salad with a tangy vinaigrette, steamed green beans, or roasted asparagus make excellent companions. These crisp vegetables add texture and freshness that contrast the soft, creamy casserole perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
For a special occasion, serve individual portions in small ramekins topped with a sprinkle of extra cheese and herbs for a charming presentation. You can also layer the casserole in a clear glass baking dish to show off its cheesy layers, making it as much a feast for the eyes as the palate.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This casserole keeps well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Cover it tightly with plastic wrap or store in an airtight container to maintain moisture and prevent it from drying out. Leftovers are perfect for next-day lunches or quick dinners.
Freezing
If you want to prepare in advance, this Angel Chicken and Rice Casserole Recipe freezes beautifully. Assemble the casserole but don’t bake it, then wrap tightly with foil and plastic wrap before freezing. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge and bake as directed, adding extra minutes as needed.
Reheating
To reheat, cover the casserole or portion with foil and warm in a 350ºF oven until heated through, about 20-30 minutes depending on portion size. Microwaving works too for single servings but can sometimes make it less creamy, so the oven is ideal for best texture.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of cheese in this recipe?
Absolutely! While colby jack cheese provides great meltability and flavor, feel free to substitute with cheddar, mozzarella, or a blend of your favorite cheeses to tailor the dish to your taste preferences.
Is it possible to make this casserole gluten-free?
Yes, to make the Angel Chicken and Rice Casserole Recipe gluten-free, simply use gluten-free cream of chicken soup and verify that your chicken stock and Italian dressing mix contain no gluten ingredients.
Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
Yes, cooked brown rice can be used for a heartier texture and more fiber. Just make sure it’s fully cooked before mixing since the casserole isn’t baked long enough to cook rice from raw.
How can I make this casserole lower in fat?
To lighten up the recipe, use reduced-fat cream cheese and cheese, and swap butter for a heart-healthy oil. Using low-sodium soup and broth also helps control salt intake without sacrificing flavor.
What is the best way to shred the chicken for this recipe?
The easiest method is to use cooked chicken breasts or thighs and shred them with two forks. You want small, bite-sized pieces that distribute evenly throughout the casserole for balanced flavor and texture.
Final Thoughts
This Angel Chicken and Rice Casserole Recipe is truly a comforting classic that’s both simple to make and wonderfully satisfying to eat. Its creamy, cheesy goodness combined with tender chicken and fluffy rice hits all the right notes for an easy weeknight dinner or a loved family favorite. I can’t wait for you to try it and experience the warm, hearty magic it brings to your table!
Print
Angel Chicken and Rice Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Angel Chicken and Rice Casserole is a comforting, creamy baked dish featuring tender chicken, fluffy rice, and melted colby jack cheese, all blended with garlic, Italian dressing, and cream cheese for extra flavor. It’s a perfect family-friendly meal that’s easy to prepare and bakes into a cheesy, bubbling casserole.
Ingredients
Chicken and Rice Mixture
- 3 cups cooked chopped chicken
- 3 cups cooked rice
- 3 cloves minced garlic
- 1 (0.7-oz) packet Italian Dressing Mix
- 1 (10.5-oz) can Unsalted Cream of Chicken Soup
- 1 cup chicken stock
Dairy and Seasonings
- ½ cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 1 (8-oz) package cream cheese (softened)
- 2 cups shredded colby jack cheese (divided)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Dish: Preheat your oven to 350ºF (175ºC). Lightly spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Mix Ingredients: In a large bowl, stir together the softened butter and cream cheese until smooth. Add the cream of chicken soup, cooked chopped chicken, cooked rice, minced garlic, Italian dressing mix, half a cup of shredded colby jack cheese, and chicken stock. Stir thoroughly until all ingredients are well combined.
- Assemble Casserole: Pour the combined rice and chicken mixture into the prepared casserole dish, spreading it evenly. Sprinkle the remaining 1½ cups of shredded colby jack cheese evenly over the top.
- Bake Covered and Uncovered: Cover the casserole dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes. Then remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 15 minutes or until the casserole is bubbly and the cheese on top is fully melted and slightly golden. Optionally, garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Notes
- Use cooked chicken and rice ahead of time to reduce prep and cook time.
- Make sure the cream cheese and butter are softened to blend easily.
- You can substitute colby jack with mozzarella or cheddar cheese if preferred.
- Covering the casserole initially helps create a moist environment so the casserole doesn’t dry out.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.
