Are you looking for a comforting and delicious dish to add to your recipe repertoire? Look no further! This Angel Rice Chicken Casserole is the perfect blend of creamy, cheesy goodness with a touch of Italian flavor. Ideal for family dinners, potlucks, or meal prep, this recipe is sure to become a household favorite. Let's dive into the ingredients and step-by-step directions to create this heavenly casserole.
Ingredients
- 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
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Directions
- Preheat and Prep: Begin by preheating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Generously spray a 9x13” casserole dish with cooking spray to ensure nothing sticks.
- Soften and Whisk: In a microwave-safe bowl, soften the cream cheese and butter by microwaving them for 20-30 seconds. Whisk the softened mixture until it becomes smooth and well combined.
- Mix Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked chicken, cooked rice, butter and cream cheese mixture, cream of chicken soup, minced garlic, Italian dressing mix, chicken stock, and half of the shredded Colby Jack cheese. Add salt and pepper to taste. Mix all the ingredients thoroughly until they are evenly combined.
- Transfer to Casserole Dish: Pour the chicken and rice mixture into the prepared casserole dish, spreading it out evenly.
- Top with Cheese: Sprinkle the remaining shredded Colby Jack cheese over the top of the casserole.
- Bake: Cover the casserole dish with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes. You'll know it's ready when the cheese is melted and the casserole is bubbling.
- Cool and Garnish: Once baked, remove the casserole from the oven and allow it to cool for about 5 minutes. Remove the foil and garnish with fresh parsley for a pop of color and flavor.
- Serve: Your Angel Rice Chicken Casserole is now ready to be served. Enjoy the creamy, cheesy, and savory flavors with your family and friends!
Tips for Success
- Cooked Chicken: Use rotisserie chicken for convenience, or cook and shred your own chicken breasts or thighs for a more personal touch.
- Rice: Any type of cooked rice will work, but long-grain white rice or basmati rice are excellent choices for their texture and flavor.
- Cheese Variation: Feel free to experiment with different cheeses like cheddar, mozzarella, or a Mexican blend to change up the flavor profile.
- Add Veggies: For an extra nutritional boost, consider adding some cooked vegetables like broccoli, peas, or bell peppers to the mix.
Conclusion
This Angel Rice Chicken Casserole is a true comfort food that combines simple ingredients to create a meal that is both satisfying and easy to prepare. Perfect for busy weeknights or as a dish to impress guests, this casserole is versatile and sure to please everyone at the table. Try it out and enjoy the delightful blend of flavors and textures!