Looking for a comforting, creamy dish that’s perfect for any weeknight meal? This Angel Chicken Rice combines tender chicken, fluffy rice, and a rich, cheesy sauce to create a delicious and easy-to-make casserole. The buttery, creamy base, accented with Italian dressing mix, infuses each bite with savory goodness. With just a few simple ingredients and a little time, you can whip up this hearty dish that the whole family will love.

The beauty of this recipe lies in its versatility. You can customize it to your preferences, whether that means using different cheeses, adding vegetables, or even using rotisserie chicken for a shortcut. The combination of chicken, rice, and creamy sauce is irresistible, and this dish is sure to become a regular on your dinner table. Plus, it’s a one-pan meal, so cleanup is quick and easy.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Quick and Easy

This recipe is a breeze to put together. It uses simple ingredients that you likely already have in your pantry and fridge.

2. Creamy and Flavorful

The combination of cream cheese, butter, and cream of chicken soup creates a creamy, rich sauce that coats the chicken and rice perfectly.

3. Perfect for Leftovers

This dish makes great leftovers, and you can easily store any extra portions for later.

4. Customizable

Feel free to add vegetables like spinach, peas, or bell peppers to make it even more nutritious and flavorful.

5. Crowd-Pleaser

The creamy and cheesy nature of this dish makes it a hit with both kids and adults alike. It’s an easy crowd-pleaser for dinner or potlucks.

Ingredients

3 cups cooked chicken (diced or shredded)
3 cups cooked rice
½ cup butter (room temperature, cubed)
8 ounces cream cheese (room temperature, 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
2 cups shredded Colby Jack cheese (divided)
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh parsley (for garnish)

Variations

Swap the Cheese: Use any cheese you prefer, such as cheddar, mozzarella, or a blend, to suit your taste.
Add Vegetables: Add in some frozen peas, spinach, or diced bell peppers to make the dish more colorful and nutritious.
Use Rotisserie Chicken: For an even quicker meal, use pre-cooked rotisserie chicken to save time on prepping the chicken.
Spicy Kick: Add some red pepper flakes or a few dashes of hot sauce if you prefer a little heat in your dish.
Make it Lighter: Use light cream cheese and low-fat chicken soup to reduce the calorie count while still keeping it creamy and flavorful.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients

Start by cooking the rice if you haven’t already. You can also use leftover rice. Pre-cook the chicken if you haven’t done so—shred or dice it as preferred.

Step 2: Combine the Sauce

In a large mixing bowl, combine the butter, cream cheese, cream of chicken soup, garlic, Italian dressing mix, and chicken stock. Stir well to combine until the mixture is smooth and creamy.

Step 3: Add the Chicken and Rice

Add the cooked chicken and rice into the creamy sauce mixture. Stir to ensure everything is evenly coated.

Step 4: Bake the Casserole

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Transfer the mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Sprinkle 1 cup of shredded Colby Jack cheese over the top of the casserole.

Step 5: Bake and Melt

Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the casserole is hot and bubbly. In the last 5 minutes of baking, sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of cheese on top and return the dish to the oven until the cheese has melted and is golden brown.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Once the casserole is done, remove it from the oven and let it cool slightly before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley and enjoy!

Tips for Making the Recipe

Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure that the butter and cream cheese are at room temperature before mixing them into the sauce to prevent lumps.
Don’t Overcook the Chicken: If you’re using raw chicken, make sure to cook it until it’s just done to keep it tender.
Adjust the Creaminess: If you prefer a thinner sauce, you can add more chicken stock or a bit of milk to the mixture.
Mix Well: Be sure to stir the rice and chicken into the sauce thoroughly so that each bite is flavorful and creamy.
Add More Cheese: If you’re a cheese lover, feel free to add more cheese to the casserole or sprinkle extra cheese on top before baking.

How to Serve

This dish is a complete meal on its own, but you can also serve it with a side of steamed vegetables, a simple green salad, or some crusty bread for dipping. It’s perfect for a cozy family dinner or even as a dish to bring to a potluck or gathering.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or in the oven, adding a splash of chicken broth to restore some of the creaminess if necessary.

Freezing

This casserole can be frozen for up to 2-3 months. To freeze, let it cool completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge and bake at 350°F (175°C) until heated through.

Reheating

To reheat, you can microwave individual portions or warm the casserole in the oven. If reheating from frozen, it may take 40-50 minutes at 350°F (175°C), depending on the size of the portion.

FAQs

1. Can I use cooked rotisserie chicken for this recipe?

Yes! Using rotisserie chicken is a great way to save time and add extra flavor to the dish.

2. Can I use a different type of rice?

While long-grain white rice works best in this recipe, you can try using brown rice or jasmine rice for a different flavor and texture.

3. Can I add vegetables to this dish?

Absolutely! Vegetables like peas, spinach, or bell peppers make a great addition and will add color and nutrients to the casserole.

4. Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the casserole in advance and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking.

5. What can I use instead of cream of chicken soup?

You can substitute with homemade cream of chicken soup or a can of cream of mushroom soup if you prefer.

6. Can I use a different cheese?

Yes, feel free to swap the Colby Jack cheese for cheddar, mozzarella, or any other cheese you prefer.

7. Can I make this dish in a slow cooker?

Yes, you can prepare it in a slow cooker by adding all the ingredients to the crockpot and cooking on low for 3-4 hours until the chicken is cooked and the casserole is hot and bubbly.

8. How can I make this dish spicier?

Add red pepper flakes, hot sauce, or a pinch of cayenne pepper to give the dish a little heat.

9. Can I use a different dressing mix?

Yes, you can try other types of Italian seasoning or ranch dressing mix for a different flavor.

10. Can I freeze the leftovers?

Yes, you can freeze leftovers for up to 2-3 months. Just be sure to wrap the casserole well to prevent freezer burn.

Conclusion

Angel Chicken Rice is the perfect combination of creamy, cheesy, and comforting goodness, all made with simple ingredients that come together to create a delicious casserole. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner or need a dish to bring to a potluck, this recipe is sure to impress. It’s easy to make, can be customized to suit your taste, and most importantly, it’s incredibly satisfying. Enjoy this comforting dish that will quickly become a family favorite!