Heavenly Angel Chicken Rice Casserole Recipe For Dinner Joy

Comfort food reaches new heights with this creamy angel chicken rice casserole that promises pure culinary bliss.

Tender chicken nestles among fluffy rice, creating a harmonious blend of flavors and textures.

Each bite promises a rich, satisfying experience that warms you from the inside out.

Succulent chicken pieces mingle with a velvety sauce that brings depth and excitement to the dish.

Incredibly simple to prepare, this casserole delivers restaurant-quality taste right from your kitchen.

Cheese lovers will appreciate the golden, melted topping that adds a delightful crunch.

This recipe transforms ordinary ingredients into an extraordinary meal everyone will adore.

Gather around the table and savor every delicious spoonful of this irresistible comfort classic.

Why Angel Chicken Casserole Feels So Heavenly

• Crowd-Pleasing Flavor Explosion: Packed with creamy, cheesy goodness and savory chicken that guarantees smiles around the dinner table, appealing to both kids and adults.
• One-Dish Dish: Streamlines meal preparation by combining proteins, grains, and cheese in a single casserole, reducing cleanup and saving precious evening time for family moments.
• Versatile Meal Solution: Perfect for busy weeknights, potlucks, or casual gatherings, offering a hearty and satisfying dish that can be prepared quickly with minimal ingredients.

What You Need for Chicken Rice Casserole

• Chicken: Tender and juicy protein that forms the heart of this comforting dish.
• Colby Jack Cheese: Creamy and melty cheese with a mild, smooth flavor.

• Butter, Cream Cheese: Rich and smooth ingredients that create a luxurious texture.
• Cream of Chicken Soup: Creamy base that adds depth and richness.

• Rice, Italian Dressing Mix, Garlic, Chicken Stock, Salt, Pepper: Aromatic and flavorful ingredients that build a delicious taste profile.
• Parsley: Fresh herb for a bright, colorful garnish.

How to Bake Creamy Angel Chicken Rice

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Crank your oven to a cozy 350°F.

Grab a 9×13-inch baking dish and give it a generous spray of non-stick cooking magic.

Step 2: Create a Creamy Blend

Grab butter and cream cheese and zap them in the microwave for a quick 20-30 seconds.

Whisk these two into a silky smooth mixture that’ll make your taste buds dance.

Step 3: Mix the Casserole Base

• Cooked chicken
• Cooked rice
• Softened butter and cream cheese fusion
• Cream of chicken soup
• Minced garlic
• Italian dressing mix
• Chicken stock
• Half of the Colby Jack cheese

Season with a sprinkle of salt and pepper.

Stir until everything is best friends.

Step 4: Spread the Love

Pour the chicken and rice mixture into your prepped baking dish.

Smooth it out like you’re tucking in a delicious blanket.

Step 5: Cheese Crown

Shower the top with the remaining Colby Jack cheese.

Let it rain cheese!

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Cover the dish with aluminum foil and slide it into the oven.

Bake for 20-25 minutes until the cheese melts and the edges are bubbling with excitement.

Step 7: Rest and Garnish

Pull the casserole out and let it chill for 5 minutes.

Peel back the foil, sprinkle some fresh parsley on top, and get ready to dig in while it’s warm and wonderful.

Pro Tips for a Perfectly Creamy Casserole

• Microwave butter and cream cheese in short bursts to prevent overheating, ensuring a smooth blend without burning or separating the ingredients.
• Swap Italian dressing mix with homemade herbs like dried basil, oregano, and thyme for a more personalized and fresh taste profile.
• Use day-old rice or briefly toast uncooked rice before mixing to prevent mushiness and maintain a perfect texture in the casserole.
• Replace chicken with rotisserie chicken, turkey, or even canned tuna for a quick protein swap that keeps the dish versatile and exciting.
• Substitute cream of chicken soup with a homemade version using cornstarch and gluten-free chicken broth to accommodate dietary restrictions without compromising flavor.

How to Keep Chicken Rice Casserole Fresh

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep refrigerated for 3-4 days maximum for best quality and safety.
• Transfer casserole to freezer-safe containers or wrap tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2 months. Label with date and contents.
• Preheat oven to 350°F. Place refrigerated casserole in baking dish, cover with foil to prevent drying. Warm for 15-20 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165°F.
• Place individual portions on microwave-safe plate. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until thoroughly warmed. Add splash of chicken stock to maintain moisture if needed.

What Goes Well With Angel Chicken Casserole

• Refresh with Crisp White Wine: Pair this creamy casserole with a chilled Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio to cut through the rich, cheesy texture and provide a light, refreshing contrast.
• Create a Bright Side Salad: Serve alongside a crisp mixed green salad with a tangy vinaigrette to balance the casserole's creamy and comforting profile, adding freshness and acidity to the meal.
• Select Herb-Roasted Vegetables: Complement the dish with roasted asparagus or Brussels sprouts seasoned with rosemary and thyme, which will enhance the Italian dressing mix's herbal undertones and add nutritional variety.
• Pour Craft Beer Companion: Choose a light, hoppy craft beer like a wheat ale or blonde ale to cleanse the palate and provide a subtle, complementary flavor that won't overpower the casserole's delicate taste.

Tasty Spins on Angel Chicken Rice Bake

• Vegetarian Rice Casserole: Replace chicken with firm tofu or mixed roasted vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, and mushrooms for a plant-based alternative.
• Gluten-Free Version: Swap cream of chicken soup with gluten-free cream soup and use gluten-free Italian dressing mix to accommodate wheat-sensitive diets.
• Low-Carb Option: Substitute rice with cauliflower rice or riced broccoli to reduce carbohydrate content while maintaining similar texture and flavor profile.
• Dairy-Free Adaptation: Use dairy-free cream cheese, coconut milk instead of chicken stock, and plant-based cheese alternative to create a lactose-free version of the casserole.

FAQs

• Can I use different types of chicken in this recipe?

Yes, you can use rotisserie, grilled, or even leftover roasted chicken. Shredded or chopped chicken works best for this casserole.

• Is it possible to make this dish ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the casserole, cover it, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. Just add an extra 10 minutes to the baking time if cooking from cold.

• Can I substitute the cream of chicken soup?

Cream of mushroom or cream of celery soup can work as alternatives. Each will slightly change the flavor profile of the dish.

• What if I don't have an Italian dressing mix?

You can create a substitute by mixing dried herbs like oregano, basil, garlic powder, and a pinch of red pepper flakes to replicate the flavor complexity.

Angel Chicken Rice Casserole Recipe

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4.8 from 28 reviews

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Comfort meets elegance in this Angel Chicken Rice Casserole, blending creamy textures with rich flavors. Midwestern home cooking shines through with its hearty combination of tender chicken, smooth sauce, and perfectly seasoned rice that will satisfy hungry families.

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Ingredients

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Main Proteins:

• 3 cups cooked chicken, diced or shredded
• 1 cup chicken stock

Dairy and Cheese:

• 1/2 cup (113 grams) butter, cubed and at room temperature
• 8 ounces (226 grams) cream cheese, cubed and at room temperature
• 2 cups shredded Colby Jack cheese, divided

Additional Ingredients:

• 3 cups cooked rice
• 10.5 ounces (298 grams) cream of chicken soup
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 0.7-ounce (20 grams) packet Italian dressing mix (e.g., Good Seasons)
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Fresh parsley, for garnish

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F and prepare a 9×13-inch casserole dish with non-stick cooking spray, ensuring complete coverage.
2. Microwave butter and cream cheese for 20-30 seconds until malleable, then whisk together until achieving a silky, uniform consistency.
3. Combine cooked chicken, rice, softened dairy mixture, cream of chicken soup, minced garlic, Italian dressing mix, and chicken stock in a large mixing bowl, thoroughly blending ingredients until evenly distributed.
4. Incorporate half the Colby Jack cheese into the mixture, seasoning with salt and pepper to enhance overall flavor profile.
5. Carefully transfer the chicken and rice mixture into the prepared casserole dish, spreading evenly to create a uniform layer.
6. Sprinkle remaining Colby Jack cheese across the top, creating a complete and appetizing cheese coverage.
7. Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 20-25 minutes, ensuring the cheese melts completely and the casserole bubbles around its edges.
8. Remove from oven and let the casserole rest for 5 minutes, allowing flavors to settle and temperature to moderate.
9. Uncover the dish, garnish with fresh chopped parsley, and serve while still warm for optimal taste and texture.

Notes

• Ensure chicken is thoroughly cooked and shredded to guarantee tender, juicy meat and prevent dryness.
• Use day-old rice or slightly cooled rice to prevent soggy texture and maintain perfect casserole consistency.
• Experiment with different cheese varieties like mozzarella or sharp cheddar for unique flavor profiles and exciting taste variations.
• Replace cream of chicken soup with Greek yogurt or homemade white sauce for a lighter, healthier alternative that still delivers creamy richness.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 510
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 850 mg
• Fat: 28 g
• Saturated Fat: 17 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
• Trans Fat: 1 g
• Carbohydrates: 40 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 30 g
• Cholesterol: 85 mg