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.
Ingredients
Scale
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
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F and coat a 9×13-inch baking dish thoroughly with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- 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.
- 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.
- Stir the ingredients vigorously until everything is evenly distributed and creates a cohesive mixture.
- Pour the chicken and rice blend into the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly to ensure consistent cooking.
- Sprinkle the remaining shredded cheese across the top of the casserole to create a golden, melted cheese layer.
- Cover the dish completely with aluminum foil to trap moisture and promote even heating.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, ensuring the cheese melts completely and the casserole becomes bubbly and hot throughout.
- Remove the foil and let the casserole rest for 5 minutes to allow the ingredients to settle and cool slightly.
- 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