Description

This Angel Chicken Rice Casserole is a creamy, cheesy, and comforting dish combining tender cooked chicken, fluffy rice, and a rich blend of cream cheese, butter, and savory Italian dressing seasoning. Baked to perfection with melty Colby Jack cheese on top, this casserole makes an easy and satisfying meal perfect for family dinners or potlucks.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken and Rice

3 cups cooked chicken, diced or shredded
3 cups cooked rice

Cheese and Dairy

½ cup unsalted butter, cubed and at room temperature
8 ounces cream cheese, cubed and at room temperature
10.5 ounces cream of chicken soup
2 cups shredded Colby Jack cheese, divided

Seasonings and Liquids

3 cloves garlic, minced
0.7-ounce packet Italian dressing mix (e.g., Good Seasons)
1 cup chicken stock
Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Garnish

Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish

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Instructions

Preheat and prepare dish. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish to prevent sticking.
Soften butter and cream cheese. In a microwave-safe bowl, heat the butter and cream cheese together for 20-30 seconds until softened. Whisk them until smooth and creamy to make blending easier.
Mix casserole ingredients. In a large bowl, combine the cooked chicken, cooked rice, softened butter and cream cheese mixture, cream of chicken soup, minced garlic, Italian dressing mix, chicken stock, and half of the shredded Colby Jack cheese. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to your taste. Stir thoroughly until all ingredients are well blended.
Assemble the casserole. Spread the mixed casserole ingredients evenly in the prepared casserole dish, ensuring a uniform layer.
Top with cheese. Sprinkle the remaining shredded Colby Jack cheese evenly over the top of the casserole mixture.
Bake. Cover the casserole dish with aluminum foil to retain moisture and bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is fully melted and the casserole is hot and bubbly.
Rest and garnish. Remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes to set. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley before serving for a fresh burst of color and flavor.

Notes

For best results, use freshly cooked chicken and rice, but leftover ingredients can be used to save time.
You can substitute cream of chicken soup with cream of mushroom or cream of celery for a different flavor.
If you prefer a spicier dish, add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce.
Make sure the butter and cream cheese are at room temperature to blend smoothly with other ingredients.
This casserole can be prepared ahead and refrigerated before baking; add a few extra minutes to the bake time if baking from cold.
For a lower-fat version, use low-fat cream cheese and reduced-fat cheese varieties.