If you’re searching for a comforting, crowd-pleasing dish that delivers creamy, cheesy goodness with every bite, this Cheesy Angel Chicken and Rice Recipe is an absolute winner. It combines tender chicken, fluffy rice, and a luscious blend of cheese and creamy flavors that come together in one warm casserole. Perfect for family dinners or easy entertaining, this recipe is a true hug on a plate that’s both simple to prepare and irresistibly delicious.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are straightforward yet each plays an essential role in bringing this dish to life. From creamy textures to the perfect balance of savory flavors and a touch of garlic to brighten it all up, every component is carefully chosen to make your Cheesy Angel Chicken and Rice Recipe shine.
- 3 cups cooked chicken: Use either diced or shredded chicken to provide tender, meaty bites throughout the casserole.
- 3 cups cooked rice: Acts as the hearty base, absorbing all the wonderful flavors while keeping the dish filling.
- ½ cup butter (room temperature and cubed): Adds richness and helps create a smooth, velvety texture in the sauce.
- 8 ounces cream cheese (room temperature and cubed): Provides creamy tanginess that elevates the dish with a luscious mouthfeel.
- 10.5 ounces cream of chicken soup: Brings depth of flavor and moisture, making every bite perfectly moist.
- 3 cloves garlic (minced): Fresh garlic infuses the casserole with a subtle kick and aromatic warmth.
- 0.7 ounce Italian dressing mix: (I used Good Seasons) Seasoning that adds herbs and seasoning complexity to the mixture.
- 1 cup chicken stock: Enhances the savory profile and helps blend everything together beautifully.
- 2 cups shredded Colby Jack cheese (divided): Half folds into the filling, while the rest tops the casserole for that irresistible golden crust.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential for balancing and enhancing all other flavors perfectly.
- Fresh parsley for garnish: Adds a pop of color and fresh herbaceous aroma at the end.
How to Make Cheesy Angel Chicken and Rice Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Dish
Start by preheating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Generously coat a 9×13″ casserole dish with cooking spray to ensure your cheesy masterpiece doesn’t stick and is easy to serve up later.
Step 2: Soften Butter and Cream Cheese
Place the cubed cream cheese and butter in a microwave-safe bowl and soften them for about 20 to 30 seconds. Once softened, whisk until the mixture is wonderfully smooth and creamy—this will be the silky base that binds the dish together.
Step 3: Combine All Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, toss together the cooked chicken, rice, the butter and cream cheese blend, cream of chicken soup, minced garlic, Italian dressing mix, chicken stock, half of your shredded cheese, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Stir everything until it’s perfectly combined and creamy, with every ingredient evenly distributed.
Step 4: Assemble the Casserole
Transfer your delectable chicken and rice mixture into the prepared casserole dish, smoothing it out so it’s even. Then sprinkle the remaining cheese across the top to create a cheesy crust that will melt beautifully while baking.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Cover the casserole with foil and bake for 20 to 25 minutes until the cheese on top is melted and the entire dish is bubbling with warmth. This step melds the flavors together and ensures a gooey, comforting texture.
Step 6: Final Touch and Serve
Once out of the oven, let the casserole cool for about five minutes before removing the foil. Sprinkle fresh parsley over the top for a burst of color and freshness, then it’s ready to enjoy!
How to Serve Cheesy Angel Chicken and Rice Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh parsley is the classic way to brighten up this dish visually and add a subtle grassy note that contrasts beautifully with the rich cheese. You can also toss in a little freshly cracked black pepper or a pinch of smoked paprika to add a hint of warmth and complexity.
Side Dishes
This casserole is wonderfully filling on its own, but if you want to round out the meal, consider pairing it with a crisp green salad or steamed vegetables like broccoli or green beans to add some crunch and freshness. Garlic bread or warm dinner rolls also make excellent accompaniments to soak up any lingering cheesy sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
Serving this dish straight from the casserole is comforting and homey, but you can also create individual portions in ramekins for a special touch. For gatherings, garnish each serving with a little extra shredded cheese or even a drizzle of melted butter infused with herbs for a gourmet feel.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftover Cheesy Angel Chicken and Rice Recipe, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It should keep well for up to 3 days, making it a perfect next-day comfort meal or quick lunch option.
Freezing
This recipe freezes beautifully. Portion it into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, thaw overnight in the refrigerator for best results before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers in the oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit until warmed through to retain that beautiful cheesy texture. Alternatively, microwave on medium power in short intervals, stirring in between, to make sure every bite is hot and satisfying.
FAQs
Can I use fresh chicken instead of cooked chicken?
Fresh chicken can be used, but you’ll need to cook and shred or dice it before combining it with the other ingredients. Using pre-cooked chicken makes the process faster and ensures the casserole cooks evenly without drying out the chicken.
What type of rice works best for this recipe?
Long-grain white rice or jasmine rice works well because they stay fluffy and don’t clump together. Avoid using sticky or sushi rice as the texture might make the casserole overly dense.
Can I substitute the cream of chicken soup?
Yes, you can substitute cream of chicken soup with a homemade white sauce or cream of mushroom soup if you prefer a slightly different flavor, but the traditional cream of chicken soup lends the best comforting taste here.
Is there a way to make this recipe healthier?
To lighten it up, you can reduce the amount of butter or use a lighter cheese. Adding some steamed vegetables into the mix can also boost the nutritional value while retaining the creamy, cheesy appeal.
Can I prepare this recipe in advance?
Absolutely! Mix all the ingredients and assemble the casserole a day before, then cover and refrigerate. When ready, bake it fresh for your meal to save time on busy days.
Final Thoughts
This Cheesy Angel Chicken and Rice Recipe is the kind of cozy, satisfying dish that will quickly become a staple in your recipe collection. It’s simple enough for busy weeknights yet special enough to serve guests, offering all the creamy, cheesy comfort we all crave. Give it a try—you might just find yourself making it again and again!
Print
Cheesy Angel Chicken and Rice Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Cheesy Angel Chicken and Rice is a comforting and creamy baked casserole featuring tender cooked chicken, fluffy rice, and a rich blend of cream cheese, butter, and creamy soup, all generously topped with melted Colby Jack cheese and finished with fresh parsley. This easy-to-make dish is perfect for a weeknight dinner and serves 8.
Ingredients
Chicken and Rice Mixture
- 3 cups cooked chicken (diced or shredded)
- 3 cups cooked rice
- ½ 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 (such as Good Seasons)
- 1 cup chicken stock
- Salt and pepper to taste
Topping
- 2 cups shredded Colby Jack cheese (divided use)
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Generously spray a 9×13-inch casserole dish with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Soften Cream Cheese and Butter: Place the cubed cream cheese and butter in a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave on high for 20-30 seconds until softened, then whisk together until smooth and creamy.
- Mix Ingredients: 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, half of the shredded Colby Jack cheese, and salt and pepper to taste. Stir well to ensure all ingredients are thoroughly combined.
- Assemble Casserole: Transfer the chicken and rice mixture evenly into the prepared casserole dish, spreading it out smoothly.
- Add Cheese Topping: Sprinkle the remaining shredded Colby Jack cheese evenly over the top of the casserole.
- Bake: Cover the casserole dish tightly with aluminum foil. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is fully melted and the mixture is bubbling around the edges.
- Cool and Uncover: Remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for about 5 minutes. Carefully remove the foil.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle fresh parsley on top for color and added freshness. Serve warm and enjoy your cheesy, comforting angel chicken and rice casserole.
Notes
- You can use leftover rotisserie chicken or any cooked chicken you prefer.
- For a lighter version, substitute half-and-half for the cream cheese and butter, though the texture will be less creamy.
- If you like a little spice, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or hot sauce to the mixture.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the microwave or oven.
- Ensure the cream cheese and butter are softened to blend smoothly for the best creamy texture.
