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
Scale
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.
