Heavenly Angel Chicken Rice Recipe That Melts in Your Mouth

Culinary magic happens when you combine tender chicken with a creamy angel rice dish that promises comfort and flavor.

Smooth cream cheese blends perfectly with savory herbs to create an irresistible sauce.

Weeknight dinners demand simple yet delectable solutions like this crowd-pleasing recipe.

Home cooks appreciate meals that come together quickly without sacrificing taste.

Fragrant herbs and rich ingredients make each bite feel like a warm embrace.

Minimal prep work means you can enjoy a delightful meal in under an hour.

Gather around the table and savor every delicious spoonful of this amazing chicken rice creation.

What Makes Angel Chicken Rice So Comforting

• Craft a Comforting Meal: This one-dish wonder combines tender chicken, creamy rice, and melted cheese into a crowd-pleasing dinner that feels like a warm hug on a plate.
• Master Quick Cooking: Perfect for busy home cooks, this recipe requires minimal prep and uses simple ingredients you likely already have in your kitchen, making dinner stress-free and delicious.
• Family-Friendly Feast: Kids and adults alike will love the rich, cheesy flavors and hearty combination of protein and rice, ensuring everyone at the table leaves satisfied and happy.
• Versatile Dinner Solution: Whether you're hosting a casual family night or need a simple weeknight meal, this chicken and rice casserole adapts to any dining scenario with its crowd-pleasing taste.

Ingredients for Angel Chicken Rice

• Chicken: A tender and flavorful protein that serves as the primary component of this comforting casserole.

• Rice: A fluffy and filling grain that provides a hearty foundation for the dish.
• Cream Cheese, Butter: A rich and creamy combination that adds smoothness and depth to the casserole.

• Cream of Chicken Soup, Chicken Stock: Savory liquid ingredients that intensify the chicken flavor and provide moisture to the dish.
• Garlic: A pungent ingredient that adds a robust and aromatic taste.
• Italian Dressing Mix: A zesty seasoning blend that brings a tangy and herbal profile to the casserole.
• Salt and Pepper: Essential seasonings that balance and enhance the overall flavor.

• Shredded Cheese: A melty and golden topping that adds a creamy, rich finish to the dish.
• Fresh Parsley: A bright, green herb that provides a fresh garnish and visual appeal.

How to Prepare Angel Chicken Rice

Step 1: Prepare Oven and Dish

Warm up your oven to 350 degrees F. Grab a 9×13 inch baking dish and coat it generously with cooking spray to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Soften Dairy Base

Pop butter and cream cheese into a microwave-safe bowl. Zap for 20-30 seconds until soft and smooth. Whisk the mixture until it becomes creamy and well blended.

Step 3: Create Flavor-Packed Mixture

• Cooked chicken
• Prepared rice
• Softened butter and cream cheese
• Cream of chicken soup
• Minced garlic
• Italian dressing mix
• Chicken stock
• Half of the shredded cheese
• Salt and pepper

Stir everything thoroughly until all ingredients are evenly distributed.

Step 4: Transfer to Baking Dish

Pour the chicken and rice mixture into the prepared casserole dish, spreading it out evenly.

Step 5: Add Cheesy Topping

Sprinkle the remaining shredded cheese across the top of the mixture.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Cover the dish with aluminum foil. Slide into the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the cheese is melted and the casserole is bubbling with deliciousness.

Step 7: Rest and Finish

Remove the dish from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes. Carefully peel back the foil.

Step 8: Garnish and Serve

Sprinkle some fresh parsley on top for a pop of color and extra flavor. Serve hot and enjoy your comforting meal!

Pro Tips for Angel Chicken Rice

• Soften Cream Cheese Perfectly: Microwave butter and cream cheese in short bursts to prevent overheating and maintain a smooth, creamy texture.
• Choose Quality Chicken: Use rotisserie or leftover grilled chicken for extra flavor and tender meat that blends well with the creamy rice mixture.
• Enhance Cheese Topping: Experiment with different cheese blends like mozzarella or sharp cheddar to add depth and richness to the casserole.
• Control Moisture Levels: Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes after baking to allow the rice to absorb excess liquid and achieve the perfect consistency.
• Boost Herb Freshness: Chop fresh parsley just before sprinkling to maximize its vibrant flavor and bright green color as a final garnish.

Variation Ideas for Angel Chicken Rice

• Vegetarian Veggie Delight: Replace chicken with firm tofu or mixed roasted vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, and mushrooms for a plant-based version.
• Gluten-Free Friendly: Use gluten-free cream of chicken soup, substitute Italian dressing mix with herbs, and ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free.
• Spicy Southwest Remix: Add diced green chilies, swap Italian dressing for taco seasoning, and include pepper jack cheese for a zesty southwestern flavor profile.
• Low-Carb Cauliflower Alternative: Substitute rice with cauliflower rice, reduce overall carbohydrate content while maintaining creamy texture and rich taste.

Pairing Suggestions for Angel Chicken Rice

• Pair with Crisp Chardonnay: Select a light, buttery Chardonnay that complements the creamy texture of the casserole, enhancing the dish's rich and savory flavors with its subtle oak undertones.
• Serve with Garlic Roasted Broccoli: Add a green vegetable side that provides a fresh, slightly crunchy contrast to the soft, cheesy chicken and rice, balancing the meal's richness with a light, nutritious accompaniment.
• Match with Mixed Green Salad: Create a light salad with a tangy vinaigrette dressing to cut through the casserole's creaminess, bringing a refreshing and zesty element to the plate.

Storage Tips for Angel Chicken Rice

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Seal tightly and keep in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• Transfer to a freezer-safe container or ziplock bag, removing excess air. Freeze for up to 2 months. Label with the date and contents.
• Place individual portions in a microwave-safe dish. Cover with a damp paper towel to prevent drying. Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through.
• Preheat oven to 350°F. Place leftovers in a baking dish, add a splash of chicken stock to maintain moisture. Cover with foil and warm for 15-20 minutes until heated through.

FAQs About Angel Chicken Rice

• Can I use rotisserie chicken for this recipe?

Yes, shredded rotisserie chicken works perfectly and saves time in meal preparation, making the recipe even easier to make.

• Is this recipe freezer-friendly?

Absolutely! You can assemble the casserole, cover tightly with plastic wrap and foil, and freeze for up to 3 months before baking. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before cooking.

• What type of rice works best for Angel Chicken Rice?

Long-grain white rice is recommended, but you can also use brown rice or wild rice blend. Just ensure the rice is pre-cooked before mixing with other ingredients.

• Can I make this dish less creamy?

To reduce creaminess, use less cream cheese and substitute some of the cream of chicken soup with chicken broth for a lighter version of the casserole.

Angel Chicken Rice Recipe

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4.7 from 32 reviews

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Creamy angel chicken rice brings comfort straight from Midwestern kitchens, blending tender chicken with a rich, dreamy sauce. Hearty ingredients and simple preparation make this dish perfect for family dinners you’ll want to savor again and again.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 3 cups chicken, diced or shredded
• 3 cups rice, cooked
• 2 cups Colby Jack cheese, shredded
• 1 cup chicken stock
• 10.5 ounces cream of chicken soup
• 8 ounces cream cheese, room temperature and cubed

Flavor Enhancers:

• 0.7 ounce (20 grams) Italian dressing mix
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• Salt and pepper to taste

Additional Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup (113 grams) butter, room temperature and cubed
• Fresh parsley for garnish

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Instructions

1. Warm the oven to 350°F and thoroughly coat a 9×13 inch baking dish with cooking spray.
2. Microwave cream cheese and butter for 20-30 seconds until softened, then whisk until completely smooth.
3. Combine cooked chicken, rice, softened butter-cream cheese mixture, cream of chicken soup, minced garlic, Italian dressing mix, chicken stock, half the shredded cheese, salt, and pepper in a large mixing bowl, stirring until ingredients are evenly distributed.
4. Pour the creamy chicken and rice mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly.
5. Sprinkle the remaining shredded cheese over the top of the casserole.
6. Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 20-25 minutes until the cheese melts and the casserole is hot and bubbling.
7. Remove from the oven and let the casserole rest for 5 minutes, then carefully remove the foil.
8. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and serve immediately while warm.

Notes

• Soften cream cheese and butter completely to ensure a smooth, lump-free mixture that blends seamlessly into the casserole.
• For a lighter version, swap full-fat cream cheese with low-fat or Greek yogurt and use reduced-sodium cream of chicken soup.
• Add extra crunch by sprinkling toasted breadcrumbs or crushed crackers on top before baking for a delightful textural contrast.
• Transform into a gluten-free dish by using gluten-free cream of chicken soup and checking the Italian dressing mix ingredients for gluten content.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Singaporean

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 556 kcal
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 710 mg
• Fat: 38 g
• Saturated Fat: 20 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 16 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 21 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 36 g
• Cholesterol: 120 mg