Angel Chicken Rice Recipe

If you’re in the mood for a cozy, comforting dinner with loads of creamy-cheesy goodness, you’re going to fall in love with Angel Chicken Rice. This one-pan wonder is the comforting casserole you’ll be turning to whenever you need something reliable, flavorful, and family-friendly. Each bite is a buttery, melty embrace of tender chicken and perfectly cooked rice, wrapped up in luscious cheese and a herby tang from Italian dressing mix. And the best part? All that magic is achieved with minimal fuss and everyday ingredients!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Angel Chicken Rice thrives on simple kitchen staples coming together in delicious harmony. Each ingredient plays a key role in building flavor, creaminess, or that golden, bubbly top we all crave in a casserole.

• Cooked chicken: Use diced or shredded chicken for tender bites and a hearty texture; rotisserie chicken saves time.
• Cooked rice: Plain, fluffy rice absorbs all the creamy sauce—jasmine or long grain works best for structure.
• Butter: Room temperature butter adds richness and helps blend the cheesy, creamy sauce beautifully.
• Cream cheese: Softened and cubed for smooth melting, it’s the secret to that indulgent creamy texture.
• Cream of chicken soup: Brings everything together with its comforting, savory flavor foundation.
• Garlic: Three freshly minced cloves make the casserole sing with aromatic depth.
• Italian dressing mix: A packet of this dressing adds zesty herbs and a subtly tangy warmth.
• Chicken stock: Keeps the casserole perfectly moist and intensifies the savory flavor.
• Shredded Colby Jack cheese: Offers that irresistible melt and a gentle, mellow bite; don’t skimp on the cheese!
• Salt and pepper: Simple seasonings, but crucial for balancing all the flavors to perfection.
• Fresh parsley: A garnish of vibrant green to wake everything up with freshness just before serving.

How to Make Angel Chicken Rice

Step 1: Prep Your Baking Dish

Fire up your oven to 350 degrees F. Take a roomy 9×13 inch casserole dish and coat it generously with cooking spray—this prevents sticking and makes serving a breeze later.

Step 2: Soften the Cream Cheese and Butter

Combine cubed cream cheese and butter in a microwave-safe bowl. Heat them for 20-30 seconds until just soft (not melted), then whisk until the mix is velvety smooth. This step guarantees your Angel Chicken Rice has a creamy, lump-free texture throughout.

Step 3: Mix Everything Together

Now, in a large mixing bowl, add the cooked chicken, cooked rice, the butter and cream cheese mixture, cream of chicken soup, minced garlic, Italian dressing mix, chicken stock, half of the shredded Colby Jack cheese, and a sprinkle of salt and pepper. Stir everything together until evenly combined and you see that classic casserole creaminess forming.

Step 4: Assemble in the Casserole Dish

Spoon your chicken and rice mixture into the prepared baking dish. Use a spatula to spread it into an even layer—the more uniform, the prettier (and more evenly cooked) the casserole!

Step 5: Top with Cheese

Sprinkle the remaining Colby Jack cheese over the top. Don’t be shy—this final layer of cheese melts into a golden, bubbly crown that’s impossible to resist.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Cover the dish tightly with foil. Slide it into your preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is gooey and the casserole is bubbling in the corners. That aroma filling your kitchen? Pure comfort!

Step 7: Rest, Garnish, and Serve

Remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest, foil off, for about 5 minutes—this helps everything settle nicely for serving. Finish with a shower of chopped fresh parsley over the top for that essential pop of color and herbal freshness.

How to Serve Angel Chicken Rice

Garnishes

Fresh parsley sprinkled over your Angel Chicken Rice is classic, but you can also tuck in some thinly sliced green onions or a twist of cracked black pepper for extra personality—both add a bright, finishing touch that wakes up the dish.

Side Dishes

A crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette makes a wonderful companion, balancing the creaminess of Angel Chicken Rice. Roasted broccoli or sautéed green beans also work well, adding color and bite to round out your meal.

Creative Ways to Present

Try baking individual servings in ramekins for a dinner party, or top with a few crispy-fried shallots for crunch and a little drama. Leftovers also make excellent filling for stuffed bell peppers the next day, keeping things fun and fresh!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Angel Chicken Rice keeps its creamy texture beautifully! Transfer cooled casserole to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days. Individual portions reheat especially well for quick lunches.

Freezing

This casserole is a freezer hero. Assemble the dish, cover tightly with plastic wrap and foil, then freeze before baking. When you’re ready, let it thaw overnight in the fridge and bake as directed—add 10 extra minutes if it’s really cold going in.

Reheating

For best results, reheat Angel Chicken Rice in a covered dish in the oven at 325 degrees F until steaming hot throughout. Microwave works too, just heat in 1-minute increments, stirring between each round until it’s piping hot and creamy.

FAQs

Can I use rotisserie chicken instead of cooking my own?

Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken is not only a massive time-saver, it also adds extra flavor. Just shred it up and toss it right in.

What kind of rice works best for Angel Chicken Rice?

Any long-grain white rice or jasmine rice will hold up nicely without getting mushy. Avoid using quick-cook or instant rice, as it can go too soft in the oven.

Can I substitute another cheese for Colby Jack?

Definitely! Monterey Jack, mild cheddar, or even mozzarella work well, each lending their own twist to the melty topping. Just make sure it’s a good melting cheese.

Is there a way to make this dish lighter?

Yes! Use reduced-fat cream cheese, light butter, and a low-sodium cream of chicken soup. You’ll still get all the creamy goodness but with fewer calories.

Does Angel Chicken Rice work with other proteins?

Swap the chicken for leftover turkey, diced ham, or even cooked shrimp for a new spin—this recipe is truly versatile, letting you experiment with your favorites.

Final Thoughts

If you love a creamy, crowd-pleasing casserole that’s big on flavor but easy on effort, Angel Chicken Rice is destined to become your next weeknight or potluck staple. It’s pure comfort on a plate and so easy to make your own. Give it a try—you’ll see just how quickly it becomes a forever favorite in your kitchen!

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