Description
Angel Chicken Rice is a comforting and creamy casserole combining tender cooked chicken, fluffy rice, and a rich blend of cream cheese, butter, and cream of chicken soup. Seasoned with garlic and Italian dressing mix, and topped with melted Colby Jack cheese, this dish is baked to golden perfection and garnished with fresh parsley, making it a perfect family-friendly meal.
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 use
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and generously spray a 9×13-inch casserole dish with cooking spray to ensure the casserole does not stick.
- Soften Cream Cheese and Butter: In a microwave-safe bowl, soften the cream cheese and butter by microwaving for 20-30 seconds, then whisk until smooth and creamy for easy mixing.
- Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, add 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 cheese, and salt and pepper. Stir thoroughly to evenly combine all ingredients into a uniform mixture.
- Prepare Casserole Dish: Transfer the combined chicken and rice mixture into the prepared casserole dish, spreading it out evenly to form the base layer.
- Add Cheese Topping: Sprinkle the remaining shredded Colby Jack cheese evenly over the top of the casserole mixture.
- Bake: Cover the casserole dish with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and slightly golden.
- Cool Slightly: Remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for 5 minutes before removing the foil. This allows the dish to set slightly for easier serving.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle fresh parsley over the casserole as a garnish, then serve warm for a hearty and delicious meal.
Notes
- Using cooked chicken and rice in advance can save preparation time.
- Feel free to substitute Colby Jack cheese with cheddar or mozzarella as preferred.
- Adding vegetables like peas or mushrooms can enhance the dish’s nutrition and flavor.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheat covered in the oven or microwave until warmed through.
