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
Scale
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.
