Angel Chicken Rice
Cheesy Angel Chicken and Rice 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 (I used Good Seasons)
1 cup chicken stock
2 cups shredded Colby Jack cheese, divided use
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh parsley for garnish
Directions:
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F, and generously spray a 9×13” casserole dish with cooking spray.
In a microwave-safe bowl, soften the cream cheese and butter in the microwave for 20-30 seconds. Whisk until smooth.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked chicken, rice, butter and cream cheese mixture, cream of chicken soup, garlic, Italian dressing mix, chicken stock, half of the shredded cheese, and salt and pepper. Mix well until evenly combined.
Transfer the chicken and rice mixture into the prepared casserole dish.
Top with the remaining shredded cheese.
Cover the dish with foil, and bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, until the cheese is melted and the casserole is bubbling.
Remove from oven, and allow the casserole to cool for 5 minutes. Remove foil.
Garnish with fresh parsley, and enjoy.
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 25 minutes | Total Time: 35 minutes
Kcal: 548 kcal | Servings: 8 servings
Certainly! Here are most popular questions and their answers related to Cheesy Angel Chicken and Rice Casserole:
- Can I use leftover chicken for this recipe? Yes, absolutely! Leftover cooked chicken works perfectly in this recipe. You can dice or shred it before adding it to the casserole.
- What type of rice is best to use? Any type of cooked rice works well for this casserole. White rice, brown rice, or even wild rice can be used depending on your preference.
- Can I use low-fat cream cheese and butter? Yes, you can use low-fat or reduced-fat cream cheese and butter if you prefer. However, keep in mind that it may slightly alter the texture and flavor of the dish.
- Is there a substitute for cream of chicken soup? If you prefer, you can substitute cream of mushroom soup or cream of celery soup for the cream of chicken soup.
- Can I make this casserole ahead of time? Yes, you can prepare the casserole up to the point of baking, then cover it tightly and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.
- How do I reheat leftovers? Leftovers can be reheated in the microwave or oven until heated through. Cover with foil to prevent drying out.
- What should I serve with this casserole? This casserole is delicious on its own but pairs well with a side salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.
- Can I freeze this casserole? Yes, you can freeze this casserole for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking.
- Can I add vegetables to this casserole? Yes, you can add diced vegetables such as carrots, peas, or bell peppers for added nutrition and flavor.
- Is there a substitute for Italian dressing mix? If you don’t have Italian dressing mix, you can use a combination of dried herbs such as basil, oregano, parsley, and garlic powder.
- What type of cheese can I use? Colby Jack cheese is used in this recipe, but you can also use cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a blend of your favorite cheeses.
- Can I make this casserole spicy? Yes, you can add diced jalapeños or red pepper flakes to add a spicy kick to the casserole.
- Can I use vegetable stock instead of chicken stock? Yes, vegetable stock can be used as a substitute for chicken stock if you prefer a vegetarian version of this dish.
- How long does this casserole last in the refrigerator? Leftover casserole can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
- Can I use rotisserie chicken for this recipe? Yes, rotisserie chicken works well in this recipe and adds extra flavor to the dish. Simply shred the chicken and use it as directed.
Here are some secrets to achieve the perfect Cheesy Angel Chicken and Rice Casserole:
- Use Quality Ingredients: Choose high-quality ingredients, including fresh chicken, good-quality rice, and flavorful cheeses, to ensure the best taste and texture.
- Season Generously: Don’t skimp on seasoning. Be sure to season the chicken, rice, and sauce mixture with salt, pepper, and any additional herbs and spices for maximum flavor.
- Balance Creaminess: Achieve the perfect creamy texture by using a combination of cream cheese, butter, and cream of chicken soup. This creates a rich and velvety sauce that coats the chicken and rice.
- Precook the Chicken: For tender and juicy chicken, precook it before adding it to the casserole. You can bake, grill, or poach the chicken breasts until fully cooked before dicing or shredding them.
- Opt for Cooked Rice: Use pre-cooked rice instead of raw rice to ensure even cooking and prevent the casserole from becoming too dry or soggy.
- Incorporate Garlic and Onion: Garlic and onion add depth of flavor to the dish. Sauté them until fragrant before mixing them into the sauce mixture for enhanced taste.
- Add Depth with Italian Dressing Mix: Italian dressing mix adds a punch of flavor with its blend of herbs and spices. It provides a savory undertone that complements the creamy sauce.
- Layer the Ingredients: Layering the ingredients in the casserole dish ensures even distribution of flavors. Start with a base of rice, followed by the chicken mixture, and finish with a layer of shredded cheese on top.
- Cover While Baking: Cover the casserole dish with foil while baking to prevent the cheese from burning and to ensure that the chicken and rice cook evenly.
- Finish with Fresh Herbs: Garnish the finished casserole with fresh parsley for a pop of color and freshness. It adds a touch of brightness to the dish and enhances its presentation.
- Let it Rest: Allow the casserole to rest for a few minutes after baking to allow the flavors to meld together. This also helps the dish to set slightly, making it easier to serve.
- Customize to Taste: Feel free to customize the casserole to your taste preferences. Add extra cheese, vegetables, or spices to tailor it to your liking.
- Use Quality Cheese: Use a good-quality cheese that melts well, such as Colby Jack or cheddar, for a gooey and delicious topping.
- Adjust Consistency: If the sauce is too thick, you can thin it out with a little more chicken stock or milk. If it’s too thin, you can thicken it with a cornstarch slurry.
- Experiment with Add-Ins: Get creative with add-ins like diced tomatoes, bell peppers, or even cooked bacon for extra flavor and texture variations.