It’s a chilly Wednesday evening, and I’m rummaging through the fridge, wondering what on earth I could whip up for dinner that would make my family smile. I stumbled upon this Cheesy Angel Chicken and Rice Casserole recipe a few years back, a golden find passed down from a dear friend. Since then, it’s become a staple at our dinner table—so cherished that we’ve coined it the “midweek savior.” Why? Because life can get busy; juggling work, kids, and chores isn’t exactly a cakewalk, folks!
Now, let’s dive into why this dish holds a special allure. It’s as if comfort was melted down, seasoned perfectly, and served in a casserole dish. Even during the first bite, there’s this magical blend of tender chicken, fluffy rice, and a dreamy cream cheese sauce that’s just to die for. Honestly, it’s like a hug in a bowl, perfect for those days when you need a pick-me-up or are expecting a few extra guests at the dinner table. Trust me; it’s hard not to grab seconds.
Now, not only does this dish win points for taste and satisfaction, but it’s also quite the time-saver—ready in almost no time. Let’s face it, who doesn’t love a recipe that’s quick and doesn’t require delicate measuring skills when life is in full swing? It’s a breeze to put together; you don’t have to be a seasoned chef or a kitchen wizard to get it just right. I often find my teenage daughter, who’s just dipping her toes in cooking, lending a hand. And for those of you conscious about kitchen economics—it’s not demanding at all, using up leftover chicken and rice effortlessly.
But the real cherry on top? It’s seeing my family gathered around, sharing laughter and stories, as we dig into this comforting dish. It’s fascinating how food has the power to create memories, connecting us, irrespective of a long day. And just between us, if you want to win hearts at any potluck, just bring this along; you’ll see eager faces and requests for the recipe.
So, why not give this Cheesy Angel Chicken and Rice Casserole a try tonight? Let’s bring a bit of that midweek magic to your kitchen. I promise you’ll thank yourself once you see those satisfied smiles around the dinner table.
How to Make Cheesy Angel Chicken and Rice Casserole
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Ingredients:
- 3 cups shredded or diced cooked chicken
- 3 cups cooked white rice
- ½ cup cubed butter (softened)
- 8 ounces cubed cream cheese (softened)
- 10.5 ounces cream of chicken soup
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 0.7 ounce Italian dressing mix (like Good Seasons)
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 2 cups shredded Colby Jack cheese (divided)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Directions:
- Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Spray a 9×13-inch casserole dish with cooking spray so everything slides right out later.
- Next, take a microwave-safe bowl and pop the cream cheese along with the butter in it. Give it a quick zap (about 20-30 seconds) until they’re soft, then mix them together into a creamy blend.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the diced chicken, cooked rice, the cream cheese-butter blend, cream of chicken soup, minced garlic, Italian dressing mix, chicken broth, half of the Colby Jack cheese, and some salt and pepper. Stir until it’s all mixed nicely.
- Pour this delightful chicken and rice mixture into your greased casserole dish, spreading it out evenly.
- Sprinkle the remaining Colby Jack cheese on top to form a luscious cheesy layer.
- Cover the dish with foil and bake in your preheated oven for 20-25 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the cheese is melted and the casserole is bubbling with goodness.
- Once done, let it rest for about 5 minutes before taking off the foil.
- Sprinkle some fresh parsley on top before serving. Get ready to dive into cheesy satisfaction!
Creative Substitutions to Suit Your Taste
If you’re out of certain ingredients or want to mix things up, try swapping out the Colby Jack cheese for mozzarella or cheddar for a different flavor twist. No cream of chicken soup? Substitute with cream of mushroom or celery soup. Rotisserie chicken works brilliantly if cooked chicken isn’t on hand.
Best Ways to Store Cheesy Angel Chicken and Rice Casserole Leftover
To keep those delicious leftovers fresh, transfer the casserole to an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator for up to three days. When you’re ready to enjoy, reheat it in the microwave for a quick meal or in the oven for about 15 minutes at 350°F. If freezing, ensure it’s tightly wrapped, and it can last up to three months.
Perfect Pairings for Cheesy Angel Chicken and Rice Casserole
This casserole goes wonderfully with a crisp side salad or steamed vegetables to balance its richness. A glass of chilled white wine can also complement the dish’s creamy notes. If serving for a crowd, consider a side of buttered bread or rolls to soak up that luscious sauce.
Secrets to Perfecting This Dish
To ensure an evenly cooked casserole, ensure all your ingredients are uniformly chopped and softened. This will help components blend better and cook uniformly. Blending the butter and cream cheese thoroughly ensures you achieve that desired creamy consistency. Don’t skip the resting time; it allows flavors to meld and set beautifully.
Seasonal Twists for Cheesy Angel Chicken and Rice Casserole
In the warmer months, incorporate fresh, seasonal veggies like spinach or zucchini for added texture and nutrition. Come fall, consider mushrooms, or even pumpkin puree, to give it a heartier twist. The flexibility of this recipe makes it ideal for adapting to the season’s best offerings.
FAQs:
What other types of cheese can I use?
You can experiment with different cheeses based on your preference. Monterey Jack, cheddar, or even a spicy pepper jack can add unique flavors to the casserole. Feel free to use what you have on hand or cater to your taste buds for this delightful cheesy delight.
Can I prepare this casserole ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can assemble the casserole a day in advance. Simply cover and refrigerate it before baking. When ready to serve, bake as instructed, adding a few extra minutes if needed to ensure it’s heated through. This makes your meal planning even more convenient.
What if I don’t have an Italian dressing mix?
No worries! You can make a quick substitute: mix dried basil, oregano, parsley, onion powder, and a bit of sugar to mimic the blend of spices found in Italian dressing mixes. This quick hack will still give you that fragrant aroma and flavor in your dish.
Can this recipe be made gluten-free?
Yes, with a couple of tweaks. Use gluten-free cream of chicken soup and ensure your Italian dressing mix is also gluten-free. Swap regular rice with a gluten-free variety like quinoa for added texture and nutritional value. These changes make this dish suitable for gluten-sensitive diners.
How can I add more vegetables to the casserole?
You can boost the vegetable content with minimal changes. Add broccoli, bell peppers, or peas, either by mixing them in before baking or serving them as a topping. It not only adds nutritional value but also brings in vibrant colors and fresh flavors to your casserole.
What meat alternatives can be used?
If you’re looking to make it meatless, consider using hearty mushrooms, tofu, or tempeh as meat substitutes. They absorb flavor well and offer a satisfying texture similar to chicken. This transformation maintains the dish’s allure while catering to vegetarian preferences.
Cheesy Angel Chicken And Rice Casserole
Equipment
- oven
- 9x13 casserole dish
- microwave-safe bowl
Ingredients
- 3 cups shredded or diced cooked chicken
- 3 cups cooked white rice
- 1/2 cup cubed butter softened
- 8 ounces cubed cream cheese softened
- 10.5 ounces cream of chicken soup
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 0.7 ounces Italian dressing mix like Good Seasons
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 2 cups shredded Colby Jack cheese divided
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Begin by preheating your oven to 350 degrees F and preparing a 9x13-inch casserole dish with cooking spray.
- In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the cream cheese and butter, and heat for 20-30 seconds until they soften. Stir until smooth.
- In a large mixing bowl, add the cooked chicken, rice, the blended cream cheese and butter, cream of chicken soup, minced garlic, Italian dressing mix, chicken broth, half of the shredded cheese, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Mix everything thoroughly to combine.
- Transfer the chicken and rice mixture into the casserole dish.
- Top the mixture with the remaining shredded cheese.
- Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake in the oven for 20 to 25 minutes until the cheese is melted and the casserole is bubbling.
- Once done, remove the casserole from the oven and let it sit for 5 minutes before uncovering it.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and serve while hot. Enjoy the cheesy delight!
