If you’re searching for a cozy, comforting dinner that feels like a big warm hug, look no further than this Cheesy Angel Chicken and Rice Bake Recipe. It’s one of those magical dishes where tender chicken, creamy cheese, and fluffy rice come together in perfect harmony, creating loads of flavor with minimal effort. Whether you’re feeding a family or hosting friends, this bake delivers a satisfying, homey meal that everyone will rave about long after the last bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient here plays a starring role in building the hearty texture and irresistible flavors of the Cheesy Angel Chicken and Rice Bake Recipe. These simple staples come together to offer creaminess, savory notes, and just the right touch of zing, creating a dish that’s as easy to make as it is rewarding to eat.
- Cooked chicken (3 cups): Use diced or shredded for tender, hearty protein that soaks up all the flavors.
- Cooked rice (3 cups): Acts as a fluffy base, perfect for soaking in the rich cheesy sauce.
- Butter (½ cup, cubed): Adds richness and helps create a creamy texture when combined with cream cheese.
- Cream cheese (8 ounces, cubed): Brings luscious creaminess that binds everything together beautifully.
- Cream of chicken soup (10.5 ounces): Adds depth of savory flavor and moisture.
- Garlic (3 cloves, minced): Infuses the bake with a fragrant, savory aroma.
- Italian dressing mix (0.7 ounce): Packs in herbs and brightness, lifting the whole dish.
- Chicken stock (1 cup): Provides extra moisture to keep the rice perfectly tender.
- Shredded Colby Jack cheese (2 cups, divided): Melts delightfully and creates that irresistible bubbly cheese topping.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Enhances every flavor in subtle ways.
- Fresh parsley (for garnish): Adds a pop of color and fresh herbal notes at the end.
How to Make Cheesy Angel Chicken and Rice Bake Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prep
Start by preheating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. While waiting, generously spray a 9×13 inch casserole dish with cooking spray to ensure the bake won’t stick and will come out cleanly, making cleanup a breeze later on.
Step 2: Soften Cream Cheese and Butter
Next, place the cream cheese and cubed butter in a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave them gently for 20 to 30 seconds until soft enough to whisk smoothly. This simple step creates the creamy foundation that ties the whole dish together.
Step 3: Combine Ingredients
Now it’s time for some mixing magic. In a large bowl, combine the cooked chicken, cooked rice, cream cheese and butter mixture, cream of chicken soup, minced garlic, Italian dressing mix, chicken stock, half of your shredded Colby Jack cheese, plus salt and pepper. Stir everything together until it’s evenly blended—this is where your casserole’s flavor really starts to shine.
Step 4: Assemble Casserole
Transfer this flavorful mixture into your prepared casserole dish. Spread it out evenly to ensure every bite has a good balance of chicken, rice, and cheesy goodness.
Step 5: Top with Cheese
Sprinkle your remaining shredded Colby Jack cheese evenly over the top. This layer will melt into that perfect golden crust everyone loves on a baked casserole.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Cover the dish tightly with foil and bake for 20 to 25 minutes. You’re aiming for bubbling, melted cheese with irresistible aromas filling your kitchen. Removing the foil towards the end helps get that cheesier final touch.
Step 7: Cool and Garnish
Once out of the oven, let your bake cool for about 5 minutes—this step helps it set so it slices beautifully. Finish off with a sprinkle of fresh parsley for a splash of freshness and color.
How to Serve Cheesy Angel Chicken and Rice Bake Recipe
Garnishes
Adding a handful of chopped fresh parsley or even a few cracked black pepper flakes not only perks up the appearance but also adds a mild herbal burst that complements the creaminess of the dish perfectly.
Side Dishes
This bake pairs wonderfully with simple, crisp sides like a bright green salad or steamed vegetables. Try roasted broccoli or sautéed green beans to balance out the richness with some natural crunch and color.
Creative Ways to Present
Want to impress your guests? Serve individual portions in cute ramekins topped with extra cheese melted under a broiler for a golden crust. Or set it buffet-style, where guests can customize their portions with toppings like crispy bacon bits, caramelized onions, or a drizzle of hot sauce for some kick.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 4 days. This casserole keeps its creamy texture wonderfully, making it perfect for next-day lunches or dinners.
Freezing
The Cheesy Angel Chicken and Rice Bake Recipe freezes beautifully. Simply assemble the casserole in a freezer-safe dish before baking, cover tightly, and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge before baking as usual.
Reheating
To reheat, warm individual portions in the microwave for a couple of minutes or reheat the entire casserole covered with foil in a 350-degree oven until bubbly and hot throughout. Adding a splash of chicken stock can help maintain moisture during reheating.
FAQs
Can I use brown rice instead of white rice in this recipe?
Absolutely! Brown rice adds a lovely nutty flavor and extra fiber. Just be sure to cook it fully ahead of time since it takes longer to cook than white rice.
Is it possible to make this recipe dairy-free?
While the cheese and cream cheese are key to the signature creaminess, you could try substituting with vegan cream cheese and plant-based cheeses. The result will be slightly different but still delicious.
Can I add vegetables to the bake?
Definitely! Adding steamed peas, diced bell peppers, or mushrooms can add color and nutrients without overwhelming the cozy flavors.
What’s the best way to shred cooked chicken for this recipe?
Using two forks to gently pull the meat apart works wonderfully for shredding cooked chicken into bite-sized pieces perfect for mixing into the casserole.
Can this recipe be doubled for a larger crowd?
Yes, it scales up nicely! Just use a larger baking dish or split between two casseroles and increase baking time slightly until heated through and bubbly.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly comforting about the Cheesy Angel Chicken and Rice Bake Recipe that just can’t be beat. This dish is a total crowd-pleaser with its creamy texture, savory flavors, and easy prep. I hope you try it soon and make it a regular favorite in your kitchen—the cozy warmth from this casserole is just waiting to become your next go-to comfort meal.
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Cheesy Angel Chicken and Rice Bake Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Cheesy Angel Chicken and Rice casserole is a creamy, comforting dish featuring tender chicken, flavorful rice, and a rich blend of cheeses and seasonings. Perfect for a family dinner, it combines cooked chicken and rice with cream cheese, cream of chicken soup, and Italian dressing mix, baked until bubbly and topped with melty Colby Jack cheese and fresh parsley.
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
Garnish
- Fresh parsley, for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat and Prep: Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Generously spray a 9×13 inch casserole dish with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Soften Cream Cheese and Butter: Place the cream cheese and cubed butter in a microwave-safe bowl. Heat in the microwave for 20-30 seconds until softened. Whisk together until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
- 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 Colby Jack cheese, and salt and pepper to taste. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are evenly combined.
- Assemble Casserole: Transfer the combined chicken and rice mixture into the prepared casserole dish, spreading it out evenly.
- Top with Cheese: Sprinkle the remaining shredded Colby Jack cheese evenly over the top of the casserole.
- Bake: Cover the casserole dish with aluminum foil. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, until the cheese is melted and the casserole is bubbly around the edges.
- Cool and Garnish: Remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool uncovered for 5 minutes. Remove the foil carefully and garnish with fresh parsley for a pop of color and freshness.
- Serve and Enjoy: Serve warm as a comforting main dish and enjoy this hearty and cheesy chicken and rice casserole.
Notes
- Use freshly cooked chicken and rice or leftover to save time.
- For extra flavor, consider adding a pinch of paprika or onion powder to the mixture.
- Substitute cream of chicken soup with a homemade white sauce for a fresher taste.
- Make sure to soften the cream cheese and butter properly for easier mixing and a smoother casserole texture.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 2 months.
- To reheat, cover with foil and bake at 350°F until heated through.
