Angel Chicken Rice Casserole is a heavenly blend of tender chicken, fluffy rice, and a creamy, cheesy sauce infused with Italian herbs. Topped with melty Colby Jack cheese, this comforting dish is rich, flavorful, and incredibly easy to prepare. It’s the perfect meal for family dinners, gatherings, or whenever you need a satisfying, one-pan meal.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Rich & Creamy – The combination of cream cheese, butter, and cream of chicken soup creates a luxurious, velvety sauce.
- Cheesy & Comforting – With Colby Jack cheese melted throughout, every bite is cheesy and delicious.
- Quick & Easy – Uses pre-cooked chicken and rice, making it a fast and effortless recipe.
- Perfect for Meal Prep – Stores well and reheats beautifully, making it great for leftovers.
- Crowd-Pleaser – A great dish to bring to potlucks, family dinners, or gatherings.
Ingredients
- 3 cups cooked chicken, diced or shredded
- 3 cups cooked rice
- ½ cup unsalted butter, cubed and at room temperature
- 8 ounces cream cheese, cubed and at room temperature
- 10.5 ounces cream of chicken soup
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 0.7-ounce packet Italian dressing mix (e.g., Good Seasons)
- 1 cup chicken stock
- 2 cups shredded Colby Jack cheese, divided
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish with non-stick cooking spray.
- In a microwave-safe bowl, heat the butter and cream cheese for 20-30 seconds until softened. Whisk together until smooth and creamy.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked chicken, cooked rice, softened butter and cream cheese mixture, cream of chicken soup, minced garlic, Italian dressing mix, chicken stock, and half of the shredded Colby Jack cheese. Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Stir until all ingredients are well blended.
- Transfer the chicken and rice mixture to the prepared casserole dish, spreading it evenly.
- Sprinkle the remaining shredded Colby Jack cheese evenly over the top.
- Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the casserole is bubbling around the edges.
- Once baking is complete, remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for about 5 minutes. Remove the foil, garnish with fresh parsley, and serve warm.
Servings and Timing
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cooking Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Servings: 8
Variations
- Different Cheeses – Swap Colby Jack for mozzarella, cheddar, or Monterey Jack for a new flavor twist.
- Add Veggies – Stir in sautéed mushrooms, peas, or spinach for added nutrition.
- Make It Spicy – Add red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce for a little heat.
- Swap the Soup – Use cream of mushroom or cream of celery soup instead of cream of chicken.
- Crunchy Topping – Add crushed crackers or breadcrumbs on top for extra texture.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Warm in the microwave or oven at 350°F until heated through. Add a splash of chicken stock if it needs extra moisture.
- Freezing: Assemble the casserole and freeze before baking. Thaw overnight in the fridge and bake as directed.
FAQs
1. Can I use rotisserie chicken for this recipe?
Yes! Rotisserie chicken works perfectly and saves time.
2. Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
Yes, but brown rice takes longer to cook, so make sure it’s fully cooked before adding it to the casserole.
3. Can I substitute the cream cheese?
You can use sour cream or Greek yogurt for a lighter version, though the texture will be slightly different.
4. What can I use instead of Italian dressing mix?
A mix of dried basil, oregano, parsley, onion powder, and a pinch of sugar can be used as a substitute.
5. Can I add a crunchy topping?
Yes! Sprinkle crushed crackers, breadcrumbs, or French-fried onions on top before baking for added crunch.
6. Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Absolutely! Assemble it up to a day in advance, refrigerate, and bake when ready.
7. Is it necessary to cover the casserole while baking?
Yes, covering it helps retain moisture and ensures the cheese melts evenly.
8. What side dishes go well with this casserole?
A fresh green salad, roasted vegetables, or garlic bread pair beautifully with this dish.
9. How do I make this casserole gluten-free?
Use a gluten-free cream of chicken soup and a homemade Italian seasoning blend without gluten additives.
10. Can I double the recipe?
Yes! Use a larger baking dish or two 9×13-inch pans and adjust the cooking time as needed.
Conclusion
Angel Chicken Rice Casserole is a creamy, cheesy, and flavor-packed dish that’s sure to be a hit with your family. With minimal prep and easy ingredients, this comforting casserole is perfect for weeknights, meal prep, or sharing with guests. Whether served fresh out of the oven or reheated the next day, this dish is guaranteed to be a favorite. Try it today and enjoy every rich, cheesy bite!
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Angel Chicken Rice Casserole
Angel Chicken Rice Casserole is a creamy, cheesy, and flavor-packed comfort dish featuring tender chicken, fluffy rice, and a rich sauce made with cream cheese, butter, and Italian herbs. Topped with melty Colby Jack cheese, this easy one-pan meal is perfect for weeknight dinners, potlucks, or meal prep. A true crowd-pleaser that’s as simple as it is delicious!
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
Ingredients
- 3 cups cooked chicken, diced or shredded
- 3 cups cooked rice
- ½ cup unsalted butter, cubed and at room temperature
- 8 ounces cream cheese, cubed and at room temperature
- 10.5 ounces cream of chicken soup
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 0.7-ounce packet Italian dressing mix (e.g., Good Seasons)
- 1 cup chicken stock
- 2 cups shredded Colby Jack cheese, divided
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish.
- Soften the butter & cream cheese: In a microwave-safe bowl, heat the butter and cream cheese for 20-30 seconds. Whisk until smooth.
- Mix ingredients: In a large bowl, combine cooked chicken, cooked rice, softened butter and cream cheese mixture, cream of chicken soup, minced garlic, Italian dressing mix, chicken stock, and half of the shredded Colby Jack cheese. Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Stir until well blended.
- Assemble the casserole: Spread the mixture evenly in the prepared dish.
- Add cheese: Sprinkle the remaining Colby Jack cheese over the top.
- Bake: Cover with foil and bake for 20-25 minutes until the cheese is melted and the casserole is bubbling.
- Rest & serve: Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley.
Notes
- Cheese Variations: Swap Colby Jack for mozzarella, cheddar, or Monterey Jack.
- Extra Veggies: Stir in sautéed mushrooms, peas, or spinach.
- Spicy Twist: Add red pepper flakes or hot sauce.
- Crunchy Topping: Sprinkle crushed crackers or breadcrumbs on top before baking.
- Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free cream of chicken soup and a homemade Italian seasoning mix.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
