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Angel Chicken Rice Casserole

Angel Chicken Rice Casserole

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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.

Angel Chicken Rice Casserole

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 Casserole

Why You’ll Love this Angel Chicken Rice Casserole

What sets the Angel Chicken Rice Casserole apart isn’t just its creamy texture and rich flavor but its blend of nostalgia and innovation. This recipe elevates traditional chicken and rice with luxurious cream cheese and butter, enriched by the tang and zest of Italian dressing mix.

The dual layers of melted Colby Jack cheese ensure every bite is as indulgent as it is comforting. It’s a perfect dish for those seeking to satisfy hearty appetites with ease, offering both simplicity in preparation and sophistication in taste.

Angel Chicken Rice Casserole

Ingredients Notes:

Each ingredient in the Angel Chicken Rice Casserole plays a pivotal role in creating a dish that’s both flavorful and comforting. Here’s how to get the best out of them:

  • Chicken: Opt for cooked, shredded chicken to save time and infuse the casserole with a tender, juicy texture. Whether leftover rotisserie or freshly cooked, chicken makes the base exceptionally hearty.
  • Rice: Use rice cooked just until tender, not mushy, as it continues to absorb flavor and moisture from the creamy components during baking.
  • Butter and Cream Cheese: Room temperature butter and cream cheese blend more smoothly, ensuring a rich, creamy base without lumps.
  • Cream of Chicken Soup: Acts as a thickening agent, adding depth and creaminess without overpowering the delicate flavors of the other ingredients.
  • Italian Dressing Mix: Provides a burst of herbs and spices that perfectly complements the mild flavors of chicken and rice.
  • Chicken Stock: Enhances the overall moisture and savory profile of the dish.
  • Colby Jack Cheese: Adds a gooey, melty quality with a mild flavor that doesn’t overpower the dish but instead brings all the elements together harmoniously.

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Angel Chicken Rice Casserole

How To Make Angel Chicken Rice Casserole

Creating the Angel Chicken Rice Casserole is a delightful process that fills your kitchen with the aromas of cheesy, herby goodness. Here’s how to bring this comforting dish to life:

  • Step 1: Start by preheating your oven and preparing your casserole dish. This ensures a smooth cooking process and prevents sticking.
  • Step 2: Softening the butter and cream cheese together makes them easier to whisk and blend into a smooth, creamy mixture, providing a rich base for your casserole.
  • Step 3: Combine the main components—chicken and rice—with the creamy base, adding in the aromatics and seasoning for a well-rounded flavor. This mixture should be thoroughly combined to ensure each bite is as flavorful as the last.
  • Step 4: Transferring the mixture to your casserole dish sets the stage for baking, which melds the flavors and textures into a cohesive dish.
  • Step 5: The final cheese layer not only adds a delectable crust but also locks in moisture, ensuring the casserole cooks evenly.
  • Step 6: Baking with foil helps cook everything thoroughly without burning the cheese, while the final minutes without foil add a delightful golden top.
  • Step 7: Resting the dish allows the flavors to settle and the casserole to solidify slightly, making it easier to serve while still luxuriously creamy.
Angel Chicken Rice Casserole

Storage Options:

The Angel Chicken Rice Casserole stores wonderfully, making it a fantastic make-ahead or leftover dish. Once cooled, it can be refrigerated for up to three days. Ensure it’s covered tightly with foil or transferred to an airtight container to maintain its moisture and flavor. For longer storage, freeze it in portions for up to a month. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat in the oven or microwave, adding a splash of chicken stock if needed to revive its creamy texture.

Variations and Substitutions:

While the Angel Chicken Rice Casserole is delightful as written, it’s also incredibly versatile. Here are some suggestions to tailor it to your taste or pantry:

  • Swap the Chicken: Turkey or pork can be used in place of chicken for a different flavor profile.
  • Rice Varieties: Brown rice or wild rice can offer a nuttier, heartier texture and taste.
  • Dairy Alternatives: For those sensitive to dairy, try using plant-based butter and cream cheese. A non-dairy shredded cheese that melts well can also be substituted.
  • Soup Swaps: Cream of mushroom or celery soup can be used instead of chicken for a twist in flavor.
  • Cheese Choices: If Colby Jack isn’t your favorite, try mozzarella for a milder taste or a pepper jack for a bit of heat.
  • Add Veggies: Stir in some spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers for added color, texture, and nutrition.
Angel Chicken Rice Casserole
Angel Chicken Rice Casserole

Angel Chicken Rice Casserole

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.
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Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Servings: 8

Ingredients
  

  • 3 cups of chicken cooked and either diced or shredded
  • 3 cups of cooked rice
  • 1/2 cup of butter cubed and at room temperature
  • 8 ounces of cream cheese cubed and at room temperature
  • 10.5 ounces of cream of chicken soup
  • 3 cloves of garlic minced
  • 0.7 ounce packet of Italian dressing mix such as Good Seasons
  • 1 cup of chicken stock
  • 2 cups of shredded Colby Jack cheese divided
  • Salt and pepper adjusted to taste
  • Fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions

  • Preparation of Oven and Dish: Begin by preheating the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius). Concurrently, prepare a 9×13 inch casserole dish by generously coating it with non-stick cooking spray.
  • Softening of Butter and Cream Cheese: Place the butter and cream cheese in a microwave-safe bowl. Heat in the microwave for approximately 20-30 seconds or until soft. Remove and whisk the mixture until it achieves a smooth consistency.
  • Assembly of Casserole Base: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked chicken, cooked rice, the previously smoothed 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 pepper to taste. Stir the ingredients together until they are fully integrated.
  • Transfer to Casserole Dish: Carefully transfer the chicken and rice mixture into the prepared casserole dish, spreading it evenly.
  • Adding the Cheese Topping: Sprinkle the remaining shredded Colby Jack cheese over the top of the casserole.
  • Baking the Casserole: Cover the casserole dish with aluminum foil. Place it in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese has melted thoroughly and the casserole is bubbling around the edges.
  • Final Touches and Serving: Once baking is complete, remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for approximately 5 minutes. Remove the foil, garnish with fresh parsley, and serve while warm.
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