Description
Angel Chicken Orzo is a creamy, cheesy casserole combining tender chicken, orzo pasta, and a flavorful blend of cream cheese, sour cream, and Italian dressing. This comforting baked dish is perfect for family dinners, providing a savory and satisfying meal with melty colby jack cheese topping.
Ingredients
Scale
Wet Ingredients
- 1 (10.5-oz) can Unsalted Cream of Chicken Soup
- 1 (16-oz) container sour cream
- ½ cup melted butter
- 1 (8-oz) package cream cheese (room temperature)
- 2½ cups chicken stock
- 3 cloves minced garlic
Dry and Packaged Ingredients
- 1 (0.7-oz) packet Italian Dressing Mix
- 1 (16-oz) package orzo pasta (uncooked)
Protein and Dairy
- 4 cups cooked chopped chicken
- 2 cups shredded colby jack cheese (divided)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350ºF (175ºC) and prepare a 9×13-inch baking dish by spraying it with nonstick cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Mix Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the cream of chicken soup, sour cream, cream cheese (softened), melted butter, and chicken broth until smooth. Stir in the cooked chicken, uncooked orzo pasta, minced garlic, Italian dressing mix, and ½ cup of shredded colby jack cheese. Season the mixture with salt and freshly ground black pepper to your preference.
- Assemble Casserole: Pour the prepared chicken and orzo mixture into the greased baking dish. Spread it evenly, then sprinkle the remaining 1½ cups of shredded colby jack cheese evenly on top. Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil to lock in moisture.
- Bake: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake covered for 25 minutes. Then remove the foil and bake uncovered for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese topping has melted and the casserole is bubbly around the edges.
Notes
- Make sure the cream cheese is at room temperature to ensure smooth mixing without lumps.
- Use cooked chicken—rotisserie chicken works well for quick preparation.
- If desired, add vegetables like peas or spinach for extra nutrition.
- For a crispier top, broil the casserole for 1-2 minutes at the end, watching carefully to avoid burning.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.
