A Heavenly Cheesy Chicken and Rice Bake
Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with this Creamy Angel Chicken and Rice Casserole! Packed with tender chicken, fluffy rice, a rich and cheesy sauce, and a hint of garlic and Italian seasoning, this dish is the perfect weeknight meal. Every bite is creamy, savory, and completely satisfying!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
✔ Super Creamy & Cheesy – A velvety mix of cream cheese, butter, and Colby Jack creates the perfect texture.
✔ Easy to Make – Uses simple, pantry-friendly ingredients and comes together in just a few steps!
✔ Great for Leftovers – Reheats beautifully and is even better the next day!
✔ Feeds a Crowd – This 9×13 casserole is perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or meal prepping.
✔ Kid-Friendly – A mild, cheesy flavor makes it a hit with both kids and adults!
What You’ll Need for This Recipe
Ingredients:
3 cups cooked chicken (diced or shredded)
3 cups cooked rice (white or brown)
½ cup butter (room temperature, cubed)
8 ounces cream cheese (room temperature, cubed)
1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
3 cloves garlic (minced)
0.7 ounce Italian dressing mix (preferably Good Seasons)
1 cup chicken stock
2 cups shredded Colby Jack cheese (divided)
Salt and pepper (to taste)
Fresh parsley (for garnish)
How to Make Creamy Angel Chicken and Rice Casserole
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish with nonstick cooking spray.
Step 2: Prepare the Creamy Base
In a microwave-safe bowl, soften the cream cheese and butter in the microwave for 20-30 seconds.
Whisk the mixture until smooth and creamy.
Step 3: Mix Everything Together
In a large mixing bowl, combine:
Cooked chicken
Cooked rice
Cream cheese and butter mixture
Cream of chicken soup
Minced garlic
Italian dressing mix
Chicken stock
1 cup of shredded Colby Jack cheese
Salt and pepper to taste
Stir until all ingredients are evenly coated and combined.
Step 4: Assemble the Casserole
Transfer the mixture into the prepared casserole dish, spreading it out evenly.
Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of shredded cheese over the top.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Cover the dish with foil and bake for 25 minutes.
Remove the foil and bake uncovered for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Step 6: Garnish & Serve
Remove from the oven and let the casserole sit for 5 minutes before serving.
Garnish with fresh parsley and serve warm!
Tips + Tricks for Recipe Success
✔ Use Rotisserie Chicken – Save time by using pre-cooked rotisserie chicken for a quick and easy meal.
✔ Try Different Cheeses – Swap Colby Jack for cheddar, mozzarella, or Monterey Jack for a new flavor twist.
✔ Make it Spicy – Add red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños for a little heat.
✔ Use Brown Rice – Swap white rice for brown rice or quinoa for a heartier, fiber-rich version.
✔ Make it a One-Pan Meal – Stir in steamed broccoli, peas, or mushrooms for added vegetables.
✔ Gluten-Free Option – Use a gluten-free cream of chicken soup and double-check your Italian seasoning mix.
Serving Suggestions
✅ Pair with a simple side salad for a fresh contrast.
✅ Serve with steamed vegetables like green beans, asparagus, or roasted Brussels sprouts.
✅ Enjoy with a side of garlic bread or buttery dinner rolls for an extra indulgent meal.
✅ Drizzle with a little hot sauce or ranch dressing for an extra flavor boost!
Total Time & Nutrition
⏱ Prep Time: 10 minutes
⏱ Cook Time: 35 minutes
⏱ Total Time: 45 minutes
✔ Calories per serving: ~400-450
✔ Protein: ~25g
✔ Carbs: ~35g
✔ Fat: ~22g
(Values will vary based on ingredients and portion sizes.)
Final Thoughts
This Creamy Angel Chicken and Rice Casserole is warm, cheesy, and ultra-comforting—the kind of meal that makes you feel right at home! Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner, a potluck favorite, or a meal-prep friendly option, this dish never disappoints.
Try it tonight and let me know how it turns out! 💛