Tender chicken, creamy cheese, and buttery rice come together in this comforting, crowd-pleasing casserole. Ready in just 35 minutes, it’s perfect for family dinners, meal prep, or even freezer-friendly make-ahead meals. Every bite delivers rich flavor, melty cheese, and a touch of Italian seasoning, making it a delicious, satisfying main dish.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Uses simple, everyday ingredients you likely already have
- Ready from start to finish in just 35 minutes
- Perfect for leftovers—flavors taste even better the next day
- Freezer-friendly for easy make-ahead meals
- Versatile—you can add veggies, swap cheeses, or spice it up
Ingredients
For the casserole:
- 3 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced
- 3 cups cooked white rice
- ½ cup butter, room temperature and cubed
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened and cubed
- 10.5 oz cream of chicken soup
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 0.7 oz Italian dressing mix
- 1 cup chicken stock
- 2 cups shredded Colby Jack cheese, divided
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, for garnish
How to Make Angel Chicken Rice
- Prep the oven: Preheat to 350°F. Spray a 9×13” casserole dish with cooking spray.
- Make the cream base: In a microwave-safe bowl, soften butter and cream cheese for 20–30 seconds. Whisk until smooth.
- Mix the casserole: In a large bowl, combine cooked chicken, rice, cream mixture, cream of chicken soup, garlic, Italian dressing mix, chicken stock, and half the cheese. Season with salt and pepper. Mix until fully combined.
- Assemble: Pour mixture into prepared casserole dish and spread evenly. Top with remaining cheese.
- Bake: Cover with foil and bake for 20–25 minutes until bubbly and cheese is melted.
- Serve: Remove foil, let rest 5 minutes, garnish with fresh parsley, and enjoy!
Tips & Variations
- Add veggies: Steamed broccoli, peas, or spinach make it a complete meal.
- Cheese swaps: Try mozzarella for stringy pull or pepper jack for a kick.
- Extra crunch: Sprinkle crushed crackers, cornflakes, or potato chips on top before baking.
- Make-ahead: Assemble and refrigerate up to 24 hours before baking.
- Freezer-friendly: Freeze in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight before reheating.
Serving Suggestions
Pair this creamy casserole with a crisp green salad, garlic bread, or roasted veggies. For a special dinner, serve individual portions in ramekins with a sprinkle of fresh herbs and black pepper.
Pro Tips
- Let cream cheese soften fully for a silky sauce.
- Cook rice slightly al dente—it will finish baking in the oven.
- Allow the casserole to rest for 5 minutes after baking for perfect consistency.