Angel Chicken Rice is the ultimate comfort food that combines tender chicken, creamy sauce, and cheesy goodness all in one pan. This easy-to-make dish is perfect for busy weeknights, potlucks, or whenever you’re craving a satisfying and hearty meal. With the rich flavors of cream cheese, butter, and Colby Jack cheese, this dish is sure to become a family favorite.

The beauty of Angel Chicken Rice lies in its simplicity. It’s a one-pan dish that requires minimal prep and delivers a rich, creamy casserole that’s perfect for pairing with a side salad or steamed vegetables. The cream of chicken soup and Italian dressing mix infuse the rice and chicken with flavor, while the chicken stock helps create a luscious sauce. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or meal prepping for the week, Angel Chicken Rice is a reliable and delicious dish that will always hit the spot.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Simple Ingredients

Made with common pantry and fridge staples, this dish requires only a handful of ingredients, making it easy to prepare anytime.

2. Quick to Make

With just a bit of stovetop and oven time, you can have a hearty and comforting meal ready in under an hour.

3. Creamy and Cheesy

The combination of cream cheese, butter, and Colby Jack cheese creates a creamy, cheesy sauce that envelops the chicken and rice in every bite.

4. Family-Friendly

Kids and adults alike will love the mild, comforting flavors of this dish, making it perfect for the whole family.

5. Versatile

Feel free to add extra vegetables, use different types of cheese, or swap out the chicken for another protein. This dish is easily customizable.

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

Variations

Add Vegetables: You can add vegetables like peas, spinach, or carrots for added color and nutrition.
Different Cheeses: Swap Colby Jack for cheddar, mozzarella, or a blend of your favorite cheeses.
Swap Proteins: Instead of chicken, try turkey, ground beef, or even shredded rotisserie chicken.
Make it Spicy: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to spice things up.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken and Rice

If you haven’t already, cook your chicken and rice. You can use leftover chicken or pre-cooked rice to save time.

Step 2: Make the Creamy Sauce

In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the cubed cream cheese, cream of chicken soup, minced garlic, and Italian dressing mix. Stir until the cream cheese and butter have melted and the mixture becomes smooth.

Step 3: Add Chicken Stock and Seasoning

Pour in the chicken stock and stir to combine. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Allow the sauce to simmer for a few minutes to thicken slightly.

Step 4: Combine Chicken, Rice, and Sauce

Add the cooked chicken and rice into the saucepan, stirring to coat the rice and chicken with the creamy sauce.

Step 5: Add the Cheese

Stir in 1 ½ cups of the shredded Colby Jack cheese and mix until the cheese is melted and everything is well combined.

Step 6: Bake the Dish

Transfer the mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Sprinkle the remaining ½ cup of shredded cheese on top. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Step 7: Garnish and Serve

Once out of the oven, sprinkle with fresh parsley for garnish. Serve hot and enjoy!

Tips for Making the Recipe

Use Leftover Chicken: If you have leftover chicken from a previous meal, this is the perfect recipe to use it up.
Adjust the Consistency: If the sauce is too thick, add a little extra chicken stock or water to thin it out. If it’s too thin, simmer it for a few more minutes to thicken.
Don’t Overbake: Be careful not to overbake the dish as it could dry out. The casserole should be bubbly with a golden cheese top when done.
Custom Seasonings: Feel free to add other seasonings like thyme, rosemary, or paprika for a personalized touch.

How to Serve

Angel Chicken Rice is a one-dish meal, but you can pair it with a fresh side salad, roasted vegetables, or a slice of garlic bread for extra flavor and texture. You can also serve it with a light vegetable soup as an appetizer.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Freezing

This dish freezes well. After baking, allow it to cool completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container. It can be frozen for up to 2-3 months. To reheat, thaw it overnight in the fridge and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 20-25 minutes until heated through.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers in the oven or microwave. To prevent it from drying out, add a bit of chicken stock or water before reheating in the oven.

FAQs

1. Can I use a different type of rice?

Yes! You can substitute long-grain white rice with brown rice or even instant rice. Just adjust the cooking time as needed.

2. Can I use rotisserie chicken instead of cooked chicken?

Yes, rotisserie chicken works great in this recipe. Simply shred it and add it to the casserole.

3. Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare it ahead of time, cover it, and refrigerate it until you’re ready to bake it. Just add a few extra minutes of baking time if cooking from cold.

4. Can I make this dish without baking it?

Yes, you can skip the baking step and serve the dish directly from the stovetop after combining everything. The cheese will still melt in the pan, though baking gives it a nice bubbly finish.

5. Can I use low-fat cream cheese or sour cream?

Yes, you can use lower-fat cream cheese or sour cream, but it may slightly alter the richness of the dish.

6. Can I add more cheese?

Absolutely! You can add as much cheese as you like to the sauce or as a topping.

7. Can I use a different type of cheese besides Colby Jack?

Yes, cheddar, mozzarella, or even a cheese blend will work well in this dish.

8. How do I keep the casserole from drying out when reheating?

Add a splash of chicken stock or cream when reheating to keep the casserole creamy and prevent it from drying out.

9. Can I add vegetables to this dish?

Yes! Feel free to add vegetables like peas, carrots, or spinach to the rice mixture for added nutrition and flavor.

10. How do I make this dish spicy?

Add red pepper flakes, jalapeños, or hot sauce to the sauce to give it a spicy kick.

Conclusion

Angel Chicken Rice is a creamy, cheesy, and comforting dish that’s simple to make and full of flavor. With tender chicken, creamy rice, and melted cheese, it’s a meal the whole family will love. Whether you’re cooking for a busy weeknight or prepping for a potluck, this one-dish meal is easy to prepare and incredibly satisfying. Give it a try and enjoy the deliciousness!