Angel Chicken Rice is more than just a comfort food; it’s a delightful blend of creamy, cheesy goodness that brings together tender chicken and fluffy rice in a symphony of flavors. This dish, rooted in the cozy corners of home kitchens, has evolved into a popular casserole that promises satisfaction in every bite. Whether it’s a family dinner or a potluck, Angel Chicken Rice never fails to impress.
Origins and Popularity: The dish’s origins can be traced back to American home cooking, where casseroles reign as the quintessential comfort food. Over the years, Angel Chicken Rice has gained popularity for its simplicity and the heartwarming feeling it imparts.
Appeal: Its universal appeal lies in the basic yet flavorful ingredients that most people have on hand. This makes it not only convenient but also a reliable choice for a wholesome meal.
Indulge in the comforting flavors of our Angel Chicken Rice Casserole, featuring main ingredients like diced chicken, creamy rice, Colby Jack cheese, and a special blend of Italian herbs for a delightful twist on grandma’s classic recipe.
There’s something about the Angel Chicken Rice Casserole that takes me back to rainy afternoons at my grandma’s house, where the aroma of her cooking filled the air and promised a belly-warming meal. As a child, I’d watch in awe as she masterfully combined simple ingredients with a sprinkle of love and a lot of culinary magic. Years later, armed with her tattered recipe card, I’ve added my own twist with an extra dose of cheese and Italian herbs, keeping her memory alive in every cheesy, creamy bite. It’s more than just food; it’s a piece of my history, served up in a casserole dish, bringing comfort on any day of the week.
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