Description
Discover how to make Angel Chicken Rice, a divinely delicious and easy casserole! This recipe features tender chicken, fluffy rice, and a creamy, cheesy sauce that will have everyone asking for seconds.
Ingredients
Scale
- 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 (Good Seasons recommended)
- 1 cup chicken stock
- 2 cups shredded Colby Jack cheese, divided use
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
1. Prepare the Oven and Baking Dish: Getting Ready to Bake
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease Baking Dish: Generously spray a 9×13 inch casserole dish with non-stick cooking spray. This will prevent the casserole from sticking and make cleanup easier.
2. Soften Cream Cheese and Butter: Ensuring a Smooth Mixture
- Combine: In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the cubed, room-temperature butter and cream cheese.
- Microwave: Microwave for 20-30 seconds, or until the butter and cream cheese are softened and can be easily whisked together.
- Caution: Do not overheat, or the cream cheese may separate.
- Whisk: Whisk the softened butter and cream cheese together until smooth and well combined.
3. Combine Ingredients: Building the Casserole Filling
- Add Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked chicken, cooked rice, the butter and cream cheese mixture, cream of chicken soup, minced garlic, Italian dressing mix, chicken stock, 1 cup of the shredded Colby Jack cheese, salt, and pepper.
- Mix Well: Stir all the ingredients together until they are evenly combined and the chicken and rice are well coated with the sauce.
4. Assemble the Casserole: Creating the Layers
- Transfer to Dish: Pour the chicken and rice mixture into the prepared 9×13 inch casserole dish.
- Spread Evenly: Spread the mixture out evenly in the dish using a rubber spatula.
5. Top with Cheese: The Finishing Touch
- Add Cheese: Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of shredded Colby Jack cheese evenly over the top of the casserole.
6. Bake to Perfection: Achieving a Golden, Bubbly Casserole
- Cover and Bake: Cover the casserole dish with aluminum foil.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes.
- Remove Foil: Remove the foil from the casserole dish.
- Continue Baking (Optional): If you’d like a slightly browned top, you can continue baking the casserole uncovered for a few more minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly and lightly golden.
7. Cool and Serve: Enjoying Your Creation
- Cool Slightly: Remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for about 5 minutes before serving. This allows the sauce to thicken slightly.
- Garnish: Garnish the Angel Chicken Rice with freshly chopped parsley, if desired.
- Serve Hot: Serve the casserole hot and enjoy!
