Description
Comforting angel chicken rice casserole brings together creamy textures and hearty ingredients for a satisfying meal. Midwestern home cooking shines through with this simple, delicious dish that promises warmth and satisfaction for you.
Ingredients
Scale
- 3 cups chicken (cooked and either diced or shredded)
- 3 cups rice (cooked)
- 2 cups colby jack cheese (divided)
- 1 cup chicken stock
- 1/2 cup butter (cubed and at room temperature)
- 8 oz cream cheese (cubed and at room temperature)
- 10.5 oz cream of chicken soup
- 0.7 oz packet of italian dressing mix (such as good seasons)
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- Salt (to taste)
- Pepper (to taste)
- Fresh parsley (for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F and spray a 9×13 inch casserole dish with non-stick cooking spray to ensure easy serving and prevent sticking.
- Soften butter and cream cheese in the microwave for 20-30 seconds, whisking until the mixture becomes smooth and well-combined.
- In a large mixing bowl, blend cooked chicken, rice, softened butter-cream cheese mixture, cream of chicken soup, minced garlic, Italian dressing mix, chicken stock, and half the Colby Jack cheese. Season with salt and pepper to create a harmonious flavor profile.
- Spread the chicken and rice mixture evenly across the prepared casserole dish, ensuring a uniform layer for consistent cooking.
- Generously sprinkle the remaining Colby Jack cheese over the top of the casserole, creating a golden, melty surface.
- Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 20-25 minutes until the cheese melts completely and the edges become bubbly and slightly crisp.
- Remove from the oven and allow the casserole to rest for 5 minutes, which helps the ingredients settle and makes serving easier. Garnish with fresh parsley for a vibrant touch and serve while hot.
Notes
- Use room temperature butter and cream cheese for smoother blending and easier mixing without lumps.
- Opt for rotisserie chicken or leftover grilled chicken to save time and add extra flavor depth.
- For a gluten-free version, replace cream of chicken soup with homemade white sauce and use gluten-free Italian seasoning mix.
- Experiment with different cheese varieties like mozzarella or cheddar to customize the casserole’s taste profile and texture.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 510 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 580 mg
- Fat: 35 g
- Saturated Fat: 18 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 20 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 32 g
- Cholesterol: 105 mg