If you’re craving a warm, comforting, and downright irresistible meal, look no further than this Cheesy Angel Chicken and Rice Casserole Recipe. It’s the kind of dish that hugs you from the inside out, bringing together tender chicken, creamy cheese, and perfectly cooked rice in a dreamy, cheesy casserole that’s so easy to whip up. Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a special gathering, this casserole promises gooey, flavorful bites that everyone will ask for seconds of. Trust me, once you try this Cheesy Angel Chicken and Rice Casserole Recipe, it will quickly become a beloved staple in your recipe rotation.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe keeps things wonderfully simple, relying on familiar ingredients that pack a punch in flavor and texture. Each element plays its part in making the casserole creamy, cheesy, and utterly comforting.
- Cooked chicken (3 cups): Use shredded or diced for tender, juicy bites throughout the casserole.
- Cooked rice (3 cups): Provides a fluffy, hearty base that absorbs all the delicious flavors.
- Butter (½ cup, room temperature and cubed): Adds rich creaminess and a silky texture to the dish.
- Cream cheese (8 ounces, room temperature and cubed): Gives an irresistible smoothness and tang to the casserole.
- Cream of chicken soup (10.5 ounces): Locks in moisture and layers on savory goodness.
- Garlic (3 cloves, minced): Infuses the casserole with warmth and savory depth.
- Italian dressing mix (0.7 ounce): Delivers a blend of herbs and spices that elevate every bite.
- Chicken stock (1 cup): Enhances flavor while keeping the casserole moist.
- Shredded Colby Jack cheese (2 cups, divided): Melts perfectly on top and inside for that cheesy dream.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential to bring out the full spectrum of flavors.
- Fresh parsley (for garnish): Adds a pop of color and a hint of freshness.
How to Make Cheesy Angel Chicken and Rice Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Dish
First things first, set your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and give a 9×13 inch casserole dish a generous spray with cooking spray. This ensures nothing sticks and your clean-up will be a breeze.
Step 2: Soften the Cream Cheese and Butter
Pop the cream cheese and butter into a microwave-safe bowl and soften them for about 20 to 30 seconds. Whisk them until they’re smooth and perfectly combined—this step is key to creating that creamy base everyone will love.
Step 3: Mix the Magic
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 your shredded Colby Jack cheese, salt, and pepper. Stir everything thoroughly to make sure every bite is bursting with flavor.
Step 4: Assemble in the Casserole Dish
Transfer the luscious chicken and rice mixture into your prepared casserole dish, spreading it out evenly so every scoop offers the perfect ratio of cheesy goodness and hearty ingredients.
Step 5: Top with Cheese
Sprinkle the remaining shredded cheese over the top. This cheese layer will melt to a golden, bubbly perfection, creating the ultimate comfort food crust.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Cover your casserole dish with foil to keep the moisture in and bake for 20 to 25 minutes. When you remove the foil, you’ll reveal a bubbling, cheesy masterpiece ready to make its grand debut.
Step 7: Let It Rest and Garnish
Once out of the oven, allow the casserole to cool for about 5 minutes. This resting period helps everything set nicely. Then, sprinkle fresh parsley on top for a bright, fresh finish.
Step 8: Enjoy Your Cheesy Angel Chicken and Rice Casserole Recipe
Now comes the best part—dig in and savor every creamy, cheesy, flavorful bite of your homemade masterpiece.
How to Serve Cheesy Angel Chicken and Rice Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
Adding fresh parsley is a classic choice, giving the dish a beautiful color contrast and a hint of herbal freshness. For a little more flair, try a sprinkle of chopped green onions or a dash of paprika to add extra visual appeal and flavor punch.
Side Dishes
This casserole is quite hearty on its own, but pairing it with crisp, fresh greens or a tangy salad provides a wonderful balance. Roasted vegetables or steamed broccoli also make for delightful, nutritious sides that complement the casserole’s richness.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve individual portions in cute ramekins or small oven-safe dishes for an elegant touch at dinner parties. Alternatively, spoon the casserole into lettuce cups for a low-carb twist or top with crunchy breadcrumbs before baking for added texture and a satisfying crunch.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh and delicious for up to 4 days, making it perfect for quick lunches or a simple dinner the day after your feast.
Freezing
This Cheesy Angel Chicken and Rice Casserole Recipe freezes beautifully. Assemble the casserole without baking, cover tightly with foil and plastic wrap, and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge before baking.
Reheating
To reheat, cover the casserole with foil and warm it in a 350-degree Fahrenheit oven for about 20 minutes or until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions, though the oven method keeps the cheese melty and textures perfect.
FAQs
Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
Absolutely! Brown rice works well for this recipe if you want a nuttier flavor and more fiber. Just be sure it’s fully cooked before mixing into the casserole since it takes longer to soften.
What kind of chicken is best for this casserole?
Leftover roasted chicken, poached chicken breast, or even rotisserie chicken all work perfectly. The key is to have about 3 cups of cooked, shredded or diced chicken ready to go.
Is there a vegetarian alternative for this recipe?
Definitely! You can swap the chicken for cooked mushrooms or a plant-based protein, and substitute the cream of chicken soup with a cream of mushroom or vegetable soup to keep the dish savory and satisfying.
Can I make this dish dairy-free?
You can try using dairy-free cream cheese, butter substitutes, and a vegan cheese blend to recreate the casserole. Just expect a slightly different texture and flavor but still a comforting, tasty meal.
How spicy is this casserole?
This Cheesy Angel Chicken and Rice Casserole Recipe is mild with a gentle herbaceous kick from the Italian dressing mix, making it perfect for all palates—including kids and those who prefer milder flavors.
Final Thoughts
Now that you know just how simple and satisfying this Cheesy Angel Chicken and Rice Casserole Recipe is, it’s time to grab your ingredients and get baking. It’s a heartwarming dish filled with creamy, cheesy, and savory flavors that never fail to bring smiles to the table. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a weekend gathering, this casserole will quickly become one of your all-time favorites. Enjoy every delicious bite!
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 Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Cheesy Angel Chicken and Rice casserole is a comforting and creamy one-dish meal featuring tender cooked chicken, fluffy rice, and a rich blend of cream cheese, butter, and cream of chicken soup. Enhanced with garlic and Italian dressing mix, it’s topped with melted Colby Jack cheese and fresh parsley for a flavorful and satisfying dinner that serves eight.
Ingredients
Chicken and Rice Mixture
- 3 cups cooked chicken, diced or shredded
- 3 cups cooked rice
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 0.7 ounce Italian dressing mix (Good Seasons or similar)
- 1 cup chicken stock
- Salt and pepper to taste
Dairy and Cheese
- 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
Garnish
- Fresh parsley, for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Generously spray a 9×13 inch casserole dish with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Soften Cream Cheese and Butter: In a microwave-safe bowl, soften the cream cheese and cubed butter by microwaving for 20-30 seconds until they become soft enough to whisk smoothly together.
- Mix Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine 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. Stir everything thoroughly until the mixture is smooth and well incorporated.
- Transfer to Casserole Dish: Pour and spread the combined chicken and rice mixture evenly into the prepared casserole dish.
- Add Cheese Topping: Sprinkle the remaining shredded Colby Jack cheese evenly over the top of the mixture to create a cheesy crust.
- Bake: Cover the casserole dish tightly with aluminum foil, then bake in the preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the cheese is fully melted and the casserole is hot and bubbly around the edges.
- Rest and Garnish: Remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes uncovered. Then, garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a fresh, vibrant finish.
- Serve and Enjoy: Dish out portions and enjoy this creamy, cheesy comfort meal perfect for family dinners or gatherings.
Notes
- Using pre-cooked chicken and rice saves time and makes this dish easy to prepare.
- Feel free to swap Colby Jack cheese for cheddar or Monterey Jack for a different flavor profile.
- If you want extra crispiness, remove the foil in the last 5 minutes of baking to brown the cheese on top.
- Leftovers can be stored covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.
- For a lower sodium option, use low-sodium chicken stock and reduced-sodium cream of chicken soup.
