Heavenly Angel Chicken Rice Recipe: A Divine Dinner Delight

Comfort soars to new heights with this delectable angel chicken rice recipe that promises pure culinary magic.

Tender chicken nestles perfectly atop fluffy rice, creating a harmonious blend of flavors.

Creamy sauces whisper decadent promises with each delightful bite.

Rich ingredients dance together in a symphony of taste sensations.

Weeknight dinners just became something extraordinary, offering simplicity and satisfaction in one incredible dish.

Kitchen adventures await you with this crowd-pleasing meal that feels like a warm embrace.

Savor every spoonful and let this recipe become your new favorite comfort food companion.

Why Angel Chicken Rice Works So Well

• Family-Pleasing Flavors: Packed with creamy, cheesy goodness and tender chicken, this dish appeals to both kids and adults, making mealtime a crowd-pleasing experience.
• Versatile One-Dish Dish: Combine protein, carbs, and cheese in a single pan, eliminating multiple cooking steps and reducing kitchen cleanup time dramatically.
• Adaptable Ingredient Magic: Easily swap or modify ingredients to suit dietary preferences or use up leftover ingredients, making this recipe incredibly flexible for any kitchen.

Ingredients For Angel Chicken Rice

• Chicken: Tender and cooked protein perfect for a hearty casserole.

• Cream Cheese: Soft and rich spreadable cheese.
• Butter: Creamy dairy ingredient for richness.
• Shredded Cheese: Melty topping for extra flavor.
• Cream of Chicken Soup: Smooth and creamy base sauce.

• Rice: Fluffy white rice as the main starch.
• Chicken Stock: Flavorful liquid for moisture and depth.
• Italian Dressing Mix: Seasoning blend for zesty taste.

• Garlic: Aromatic and flavorful seasoning.
• Salt: Classic seasoning for balanced taste.
• Black Pepper: Mild spice for additional flavor.
• Fresh Parsley: Green herb for bright garnish.

• Cooking Spray: Non-stick surface helper.
• Foil: Covering for even baking.

How To Cook Angel Chicken Rice

Step 1: Prepare Oven and Baking Dish

Warm the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and generously coat a 9×13 inch casserole dish with cooking spray.

Step 2: Soften Dairy Ingredients

Place butter and cream cheese in a microwave-safe bowl.

Heat for 20-30 seconds, then whisk until smooth and creamy.

Step 3: Combine Casserole Ingredients

• Cooked chicken
• Prepared rice
• Softened butter and cream cheese
• Cream of chicken soup
• Minced garlic
• Italian dressing mix
• Chicken stock
• Half of shredded cheese
• Salt
• Pepper

Mix thoroughly until all components are evenly distributed.

Step 4: Transfer and Top Casserole

Pour the mixed chicken and rice combination into the prepared baking dish.

Sprinkle remaining shredded cheese across the top.

Step 5: Bake the Casserole

Cover the dish with aluminum foil.

Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes until cheese melts and casserole bubbles.

Step 6: Rest and Serve

Remove from oven and let the casserole rest for 5 minutes.

Take off the foil.

Garnish with fresh chopped parsley and serve hot.

Tips For Angel Chicken Rice Recipe

• Prepare the entire casserole up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerate, covered. Simply add 10-15 extra minutes to baking time when cooking directly from the refrigerator.
• Replace shredded chicken with rotisserie chicken or leftover grilled chicken for added flavor and convenience. Ensure chicken is pre-cooked and chopped into bite-sized pieces.
• Substitute dairy-free cream cheese and butter alternatives for lactose-intolerant friends. Use vegan cheese or nutritional yeast as a cheese replacement to maintain creamy texture.
• Add red pepper flakes, cayenne pepper, or diced jalapeños for extra heat. Start with small amounts and adjust according to personal spice tolerance for a customized kick.
• Use long-grain white rice for best results. If using brown rice, increase liquid and cooking time by 10-15 minutes to ensure proper rice softness and absorption.

Store And Reheat Chicken Rice

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking to maintain freshness and prevent bacterial growth.
• Keep refrigerated for 3-4 days, ensuring the dish stays covered to retain moisture and prevent contamination.
• Warm individual portions in the microwave for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through to distribute heat evenly and maintain texture.
• If the casserole seems dry when reheating, add a splash of chicken stock to restore moisture and prevent the rice from becoming tough.

Angel Chicken Rice Pairing Tips

• Pair with Crisp White Wine: Select a chardonnay or pinot grigio to complement the creamy, rich flavors of the Angel Chicken Rice casserole. The light, refreshing wine cuts through the dish's heaviness and enhances its delicate garlic and herb notes.
• Serve with Zesty Side Salad: Create a fresh mixed green salad with cucumber, cherry tomatoes, and a light vinaigrette dressing. The salad's crisp texture and tangy flavor provide a perfect contrast to the warm, comforting casserole.
• Match with Roasted Vegetable Medley: Prepare a colorful mix of roasted zucchini, bell peppers, and carrots seasoned with olive oil and herbs. These vegetables add nutritional balance and a delightful caramelized flavor that harmonizes with the chicken and rice dish.
• Complement with Buttery Garlic Bread: Toast a crusty baguette with garlic butter and sprinkle with parsley. The bread's crunchy texture and aromatic garlic perfectly echo the casserole's Italian dressing mix and provide a delicious way to soak up the creamy sauce.

Angel Chicken Rice Twists

• Gluten-Free Adaptation: Replace cream of chicken soup with gluten-free cream soup and use gluten-free Italian dressing mix to make the recipe safe for those with gluten sensitivities.
• Low-Carb Alternative: Swap rice with cauliflower rice or riced broccoli to reduce carbohydrate content while maintaining similar texture and flavor profile.
• Dairy-Free Version: Use dairy-free cream cheese substitute, plant-based butter, and dairy-free cheese alternative to accommodate lactose-intolerant individuals or vegan preferences.
• Spicy Herb Variation: Add red pepper flakes, fresh chopped jalapeños, and additional herbs like thyme or rosemary to create a more intense and complex flavor experience for those who enjoy bolder tastes.

FAQs

• Can I use rotisserie chicken for this recipe?

Yes, shredded rotisserie chicken works perfectly and saves time in meal preparation.

• Is this recipe freezer-friendly?

Absolutely! You can prepare the casserole, cover tightly with plastic wrap and foil, and freeze for up to 3 months before baking.

• How can I make this dish healthier?

Consider using low-fat cream cheese, reduced-sodium cream of chicken soup, and adding extra vegetables like diced bell peppers or spinach to boost nutrition.

• What type of rice works best for Angel Chicken Rice?

Long-grain white rice is ideal, but you can also use brown rice for added fiber. Just adjust cooking time and liquid ratio accordingly.

Angel Chicken Rice Recipe

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4.9 from 25 reviews

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Succulent angel chicken rice brings together tender chicken and creamy sauce in a comforting midweek masterpiece. Delicate herbs and rich parmesan elevate this simple yet elegant dish, offering you a satisfying meal that delights with each irresistible bite.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Protein:

• 3 cups cooked chicken, diced or shredded
• 2 cups shredded Colby Jack cheese

Grains:

• 3 cups cooked rice

Flavor Enhancers and Seasonings:

• 1/2 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 (Good Seasons)
• 1 cup chicken stock
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley for garnish

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F and coat a 9×13-inch baking dish thoroughly with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
2. Use a microwave-safe bowl to gently soften cream cheese and butter, heating for 20-30 seconds, then whisk until the mixture becomes completely smooth and uniform.
3. Combine the cooked chicken, prepared rice, creamy butter-cheese blend, cream of chicken soup, minced garlic, Italian dressing mix, chicken stock, half of the shredded cheese, salt, and pepper in a large mixing bowl.
4. Stir the ingredients vigorously until everything is evenly distributed and creates a cohesive mixture.
5. Pour the chicken and rice blend into the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly to ensure consistent cooking.
6. Sprinkle the remaining shredded cheese across the top of the casserole to create a golden, melted cheese layer.
7. Cover the dish completely with aluminum foil to trap moisture and promote even heating.
8. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, ensuring the cheese melts completely and the casserole becomes bubbly and hot throughout.
9. Remove the foil and let the casserole rest for 5 minutes to allow the ingredients to settle and cool slightly.
10. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and added freshness before serving.

Notes

• Soften cream cheese and butter completely to ensure smooth, lump-free mixing for a creamy texture.
• Use rotisserie chicken or leftover grilled chicken to save time and add extra flavor to the dish.
• For a gluten-free version, swap cream of chicken soup with a homemade version or use cornstarch-thickened broth as a substitute.
• Experiment with different cheese blends like cheddar and mozzarella to customize the flavor profile and add depth to the casserole.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 651
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 960 mg
• Fat: 38 g
• Saturated Fat: 21 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 46 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 36 g
• Cholesterol: 138 mg