“`html
If you are on the lookout for a comforting, crowd-pleasing meal that feels like a warm hug from the inside, the Cheesy Angel Chicken and Rice Casserole Recipe is exactly what you need. This dish brings together tender chicken, creamy cheese, and fluffy rice all baked into a luscious casserole that’s bursting with flavor in every bite. It’s simple enough to whip up on a weeknight but special enough to bring to a family gathering, making it a versatile staple that never disappoints.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this recipe plays an essential role in creating a harmony of flavors and textures — from the rich cream cheese that adds velvety creaminess to the zesty Italian dressing mix that gives it that extra kick of seasoning. Let’s take a look at the simple but vital components you’ll need to bring this dish to life.
- 3 cups cooked chicken: Tender diced or shredded chicken adds protein and heartiness to the casserole.
- 3 cups cooked rice: Fluffy rice absorbs all the delicious flavors while providing a comforting base.
- ½ cup butter, room temperature and cubed: Adds richness and helps create a smooth, creamy texture.
- 8 ounces cream cheese, room temperature and cubed: The secret to the casserole’s irresistible creaminess and tanginess.
- 10.5 ounces cream of chicken soup: A flavorful binder that keeps everything moist and savory.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced: Infuses the dish with a warm, aromatic depth.
- 0.7 ounce Italian dressing mix: Brings a zesty herb and spice blend that lifts all the flavors.
- 1 cup chicken stock: Adds moisture and enhances the chicken’s natural flavor.
- 2 cups shredded Colby Jack cheese, divided: A mild, melty cheese that crowns the casserole with gooey goodness.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Simple seasonings that balance and enhance every bite.
- Fresh parsley, for garnish: A pop of color and a fresh, green herbal note to finish.
How to Make Cheesy Angel Chicken and Rice Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prep
Start by setting your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit so it’s perfectly heated when your casserole is ready to go in. Generously coat a 9×13 inch casserole dish with cooking spray — this ensures your cheesy masterpiece will slide out easily after baking.
Step 2: Soften Cream Cheese and Butter
Place the cream cheese and cubed butter in a microwave-safe bowl and warm them for 20-30 seconds. Whisk vigorously until smooth and creamy, creating the base that will tie all the ingredients together in silky perfection.
Step 3: Combine Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, toss together the cooked chicken, cooked rice, cream cheese and butter mixture, cream of chicken soup, minced garlic, Italian dressing mix, chicken stock, half of the shredded Colby Jack cheese, salt, and pepper. Stir everything until it’s beautifully uniform — this is where the magic begins.
Step 4: Assemble Casserole
Pour the chicken and rice mixture into the prepared dish, spreading it out evenly so it bakes consistently. Then sprinkle the remaining shredded cheese over the top — this layer will melt into a golden, bubbly blanket during baking.
Step 5: Bake
Cover the casserole with foil to keep the moisture in, and bake it for 20-25 minutes. You want to see the cheese fully melted and the casserole bubbling slightly around the edges — that’s your sign it’s ready.
Step 6: Cool and Garnish
Once out of the oven, allow the casserole to rest for about 5 minutes without the foil. This cooling step helps everything set up nicely. Finish by sprinkling fresh parsley on top, adding a lovely fresh touch and a burst of color.
Step 7: Serve and Enjoy!
Dish out generous portions and enjoy the comforting flavors and creamy textures that make this Cheesy Angel Chicken and Rice Casserole Recipe such a beloved favorite.
How to Serve Cheesy Angel Chicken and Rice Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh parsley is a simple but perfect garnish for this casserole, adding both a fresh herbal taste and a burst of green that makes each serving look inviting. If you want to jazz it up, a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes can bring a subtle heat that balances the creaminess beautifully.
Side Dishes
Since the casserole is rich and filling, pairing it with a crisp green salad or steamed vegetables is ideal. Lightly dressed greens or roasted broccoli offer a refreshing contrast to the cheesy texture, rounding out the meal nicely without overwhelming your palate.
Creative Ways to Present
For gatherings, consider serving this casserole in individual ramekins for a charming personal touch. You can also layer it in a clear glass dish to showcase the colorful layers of rice, chicken, and cheese. A sprinkle of paprika or a dollop of sour cream can elevate presentation and flavor with minimal effort.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Cheesy Angel Chicken and Rice Casserole should be transferred to an airtight container and refrigerated within two hours of cooking. Stored properly, it will stay fresh for 3 to 4 days, perfect for quick lunches or dinners later in the week.
Freezing
This casserole freezes beautifully, making it a smart make-ahead meal. Freeze it in a freezer-safe dish or wrap tightly with foil and plastic wrap. It will maintain quality for up to 3 months, so you can enjoy this comforting dish anytime cravings hit without extra prep.
Reheating
To reheat, thaw frozen casserole overnight in the fridge if possible. Warm it in the oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit until heated through and bubbly, about 20 minutes. For refrigerated leftovers, microwave or oven reheat until hot, stirring halfway through for even warmth.
FAQs
Can I use different types of cheese for this recipe?
Absolutely! While Colby Jack melts beautifully and offers a mild flavor, you can substitute mozzarella, cheddar, or even a blend of your favorites. Just keep the quantity similar for a perfectly cheesy casserole.
Is this casserole suitable for meal prep?
Definitely. This Cheesy Angel Chicken and Rice Casserole Recipe is a fantastic option for meal prep because it stores well, freezes easily, and reheats without losing flavor or texture.
Can I use uncooked chicken and rice?
This recipe works best with cooked ingredients since the baking time is relatively short. Using uncooked chicken or rice would require longer cooking and adjustment of liquid quantities.
How can I make this casserole gluten-free?
Check that your cream of chicken soup and Italian dressing mix are gluten-free brands. Most ingredients are naturally gluten-free, so with careful selection, this casserole fits perfectly into a gluten-free diet.
What can I add for extra veggies?
Feel free to mix in chopped spinach, mushrooms, or diced bell peppers before baking. Just be sure to drain any excess moisture to keep your casserole from becoming watery.
Final Thoughts
If you’re searching for a dish that’s cheesy, creamy, and endlessly comforting, I can’t recommend the Cheesy Angel Chicken and Rice Casserole Recipe enough. It’s a recipe that feels like a warm embrace after a long day, and I promise once you try it, it will become one of your go-to favorites too. Get that oven warmed up — your new favorite casserole awaits!
“`
Print
Cheesy Angel Chicken and 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
This Cheesy Angel Chicken and Rice casserole is a comforting, creamy dish perfect for a quick and satisfying family meal. Loaded with tender cooked chicken, fluffy rice, and a mixture of cream cheese, butter, and cream of chicken soup, it’s baked to perfection with gooey melted Colby Jack cheese on top. Flavored with garlic and Italian dressing mix, it offers a deliciously rich and savory experience that’s easy to prepare in under 35 minutes.
Ingredients
Chicken and Rice Mixture
- 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 (e.g., Good Seasons)
- 1 cup chicken stock
- Salt and pepper to taste
Cheese Topping
- 2 cups shredded Colby Jack cheese, divided
Garnish
- Fresh parsley, for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat and Prep: Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F. Generously spray a 9×13 inch casserole dish with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Soften Cream Cheese and Butter: Place the cream cheese and butter cubes in a microwave-safe bowl and microwave for 20-30 seconds until softened. Whisk together until smooth and creamy.
- Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked chicken, cooked rice, the 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. Mix thoroughly to ensure all ingredients are evenly incorporated.
- Assemble Casserole: Transfer the combined chicken and rice mixture into the prepared casserole dish, spreading it 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 and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is fully melted and the casserole is bubbling around the edges.
- Cool and Garnish: Remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for 5 minutes. Remove the foil and garnish the dish with fresh parsley for a pop of color and fresh flavor.
- Serve: Dish out portions of the cheesy angel chicken and rice and enjoy this comforting, creamy casserole!
Notes
- You can use any cooked chicken you have on hand, such as rotisserie or leftover baked chicken.
- If you prefer a spicier flavor, add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes to the mixture.
- Feel free to substitute Colby Jack with mozzarella or cheddar cheese according to your preference.
- For a gluten-free version, ensure the cream of chicken soup and Italian dressing mix are gluten-free certified.
- Leftovers can be stored covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.
