Description
This comforting Angel Chicken Rice Casserole combines tender cooked chicken, fluffy rice, and a creamy blend of butter, cream cheese, and cream of chicken soup. Enhanced with garlic and Italian dressing seasoning, then topped with melted Colby Jack cheese, this casserole is a hearty and delicious meal perfect for family dinners or potlucks.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein & Dairy
- 3 cups cooked chicken, diced or shredded
- 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
- 2 cups shredded Colby Jack cheese, divided
Grains & Liquids
- 3 cups cooked rice
- 1 cup chicken stock
Seasonings & Others
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 0.7-ounce packet Italian dressing mix (e.g., Good Seasons)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish to prevent sticking.
- Soften Butter & Cream Cheese: Place the butter and cream cheese in a microwave-safe bowl and heat for 20-30 seconds until softened. Whisk them together until smooth and creamy to help incorporate them evenly into the casserole mixture.
- Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, mix together 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 freshly ground black pepper. Stir all ingredients thoroughly to create a well-blended filling.
- Assemble the Casserole: Spread the combined mixture evenly into the prepared 9×13-inch casserole dish, ensuring a level surface for even cooking.
- Add Cheese Topping: Sprinkle the remaining shredded Colby Jack cheese evenly across the top of the casserole for a golden, cheesy crust after baking.
- Bake: Cover the casserole dish with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the casserole is hot and bubbly throughout.
- Rest and Garnish: Remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes to set. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley before serving to add a fresh and vibrant finish.
Notes
- Using cooked chicken and rice reduces prep time significantly; leftovers work well.
- Room temperature butter and cream cheese blend more smoothly into the mixture for creaminess.
- Italian dressing mix adds a flavorful punch; substitute with Italian seasoning if unavailable.
- Covering with foil during baking helps keep the moisture and prevents cheese from burning.
- For a crispier cheese top, remove the foil for the last 5 minutes of baking.
- Leftovers keep well refrigerated for 3-4 days and reheat nicely in the oven or microwave.
