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If you love comforting, cheesy casseroles that bring together tender chicken, fluffy rice, and a dreamy blend of creamy goodness, then you are going to adore this Cheesy Angel Chicken and Rice Casserole Recipe. It’s a heartwarming dish that feels like a big, delicious hug on a busy evening, yet it comes together effortlessly with simple ingredients that shine on their own. This recipe creates a cozy, crowd-pleasing meal perfect for family dinners or feeding a hungry group with minimal fuss and maximum flavor.
Ingredients You’ll Need
What makes this Cheesy Angel Chicken and Rice Casserole Recipe truly special are the straightforward, everyday ingredients that come together to create a dish bursting with richness, tenderness, and just the right amount of garlic zing. Each ingredient plays a vital role, whether it’s the silky cream cheese adding luscious creaminess or the Italian dressing mix bringing a subtle herbaceous kick.
- 3 cups cooked chicken: Use diced or shredded chicken for tender, protein-packed bites throughout the casserole.
- 3 cups cooked rice: Provides the fluffy base that soaks up all the creamy, cheesy goodness.
- ½ cup butter, room temperature and cubed: Adds a silky richness that melts perfectly when baked.
- 8 ounces cream cheese, room temperature and cubed: Creates that iconic creamy texture everyone will crave.
- 10.5 ounces cream of chicken soup: Boosts moisture and savory depth, blending the flavors beautifully.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced: Fresh garlic gives a warm, aromatic punch that elevates every bite.
- 0.7 ounce Italian dressing mix (Good Seasons recommended): Infuses the casserole with herbs and subtle zest, keeping it lively and bright.
- 1 cup chicken stock: Enhances flavor and keeps the texture perfectly moist during baking.
- 2 cups shredded Colby Jack cheese, divided: Melts to golden, bubbly perfection, topping the dish with cheesy bliss.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential seasoning for balancing and highlighting all flavors.
- Fresh parsley, for garnish: Adds a fresh, colorful finishing touch that lifts the whole dish.
How to Make Cheesy Angel Chicken and Rice Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prep
Start by heating your oven to 350 degrees F. Lightly spray a 9×13 inch casserole dish with cooking spray to ensure your casserole won’t stick and will come out perfectly when it’s ready.
Step 2: Soften Cream Cheese and Butter
In a microwave-safe bowl, soften the cream cheese and butter by microwaving them for 20 to 30 seconds. Then whisk until the mixture is smooth and well combined — this ensures your casserole will have that creamy, dreamy base that ties everything together.
Step 3: Combine Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, toss together all your components: 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, plus salt and pepper. Mix everything thoroughly until each bite will deliver a balanced flavor and wonderful texture.
Step 4: Assemble the Casserole
Transfer this luscious chicken and rice mixture into your prepared casserole dish, spreading it out evenly to ensure consistent cooking and flavor harmony.
Step 5: Top with Cheese
Sprinkle the remaining shredded Colby Jack cheese generously over the mixture. This cheesy layer will melt to perfection, creating a golden, bubbly crown on your casserole.
Step 6: Bake and Cool
Cover your casserole dish with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes. Bake it until the cheese has melted fully and the casserole is bubbling all around. After baking, let it cool for 5 minutes before uncovering and garnishing.
Step 7: Garnish with Fresh Parsley
Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley on top to add a pop of bright color and a hint of freshness that perfectly contrasts the creamy, cheesy layers.
How to Serve Cheesy Angel Chicken and Rice Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh parsley is the classic choice, but you can also add a sprinkle of chopped chives or a light dusting of smoked paprika for extra flair. A drizzle of hot sauce on the side can add a surprising kick that balances the rich flavors beautifully.
Side Dishes
This casserole is delightfully hearty on its own, but pairing it with a light green salad tossed in a tangy vinaigrette or roasted vegetables offers a refreshing balance. Steamed broccoli or crisp green beans also make fantastic complements.
Creative Ways to Present
For a family-style dinner, serve it straight from the casserole dish, letting everyone dive in and enjoy the gooey cheese and tender chicken. For a fancier twist, portion it into individual ramekins and broil the cheese topping for a minute or two to achieve a golden, crispy crust that impresses every guest.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After cooling completely, cover the casserole tightly with plastic wrap or foil and refrigerate. It will keep well for 3 to 4 days, making it excellent for quick lunches or reheated dinners.
Freezing
This casserole freezes wonderfully. To freeze, transfer it to an airtight container or wrap the casserole dish securely with foil and plastic wrap. Freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge for the best results.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers in the oven at 350 degrees F for about 15-20 minutes until warmed through and bubbly. Alternatively, microwave individual portions on medium power, checking every 1-2 minutes to maintain moistness and prevent overcooking.
FAQs
Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
Absolutely! Brown rice adds a nuttier flavor and chewier texture. Just make sure it’s fully cooked before mixing into the casserole since it requires longer cooking time than white rice.
What type of chicken is best for this casserole?
Cooked, shredded or diced chicken works best. You can use leftovers, rotisserie chicken, or poach some breasts to keep the meat juicy and tender within the casserole.
Can I make this casserole dairy-free?
To make a dairy-free version, substitute the cream cheese, butter, cream of chicken soup, and cheese with suitable dairy-free alternatives. Keep in mind this will alter the creamy texture but can still yield a tasty dish.
Is there a way to make this recipe spicier?
Definitely! Add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the mixture before baking to give it a delightful spicy kick that pairs well with the creamy cheese.
Can this recipe be doubled or halved easily?
Yes, the Cheesy Angel Chicken and Rice Casserole Recipe is very flexible. Just adjust the ingredients proportionally and use an appropriately sized baking dish for even cooking.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend this Cheesy Angel Chicken and Rice Casserole Recipe enough for when you want something comforting, cheesy, and full of flavor with minimal effort. It’s like a warm hug on a plate, perfect for sharing with family or friends. Give it a try soon—you’ll be adding this gem to your meal rotation before you know it!
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Print
Cheesy Angel Chicken and Rice Casserole 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 comforting, easy-to-make dish featuring tender chicken, creamy cheese sauce, and flavorful rice topped with melted Colby Jack cheese. Perfect for a hearty family meal, it combines simple ingredients with a creamy, cheesy texture heated to perfection in the oven.
Ingredients
Protein & Dairy
- 3 cups cooked chicken, diced or shredded
- ½ cup butter, room temperature and cubed
- 8 ounces cream cheese, room temperature and cubed
- 10.5 ounces cream of chicken soup
- 2 cups shredded Colby Jack cheese, divided
Grains & Liquids
- 3 cups cooked rice
- 1 cup chicken stock
Seasonings & Aromatics
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 0.7 ounce Italian dressing mix (such as Good Seasons)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Garnish
- Fresh parsley, for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat and Prep: Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Generously spray a 9×13 inch casserole dish with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Soften Cream Cheese and Butter: Place the cubed cream cheese and butter in a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave for 20-30 seconds until softened, then 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, salt, and pepper. Stir well until all ingredients are evenly incorporated.
- 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 and bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is thoroughly melted and the casserole is bubbling around the edges.
- Cool and Garnish: Remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool uncovered for 5 minutes. Remove the foil and garnish with fresh parsley for a pop of color and freshness.
- Serve: Serve warm as a satisfying main dish. Enjoy your cheesy, comforting Angel Chicken and Rice casserole!
Notes
- Using leftover or rotisserie chicken can save time and add flavor.
- You can substitute cream of chicken soup with cream of mushroom or celery soup for a different taste.
- Adding steamed vegetables like broccoli or peas can enhance the nutritional value and texture.
- If you prefer a crispier cheese topping, remove the foil in the last 5 minutes of baking.
- Leftovers keep well refrigerated for up to 3 days and can be reheated in the oven or microwave.
