Hearty Angel Chicken Rice Casserole Recipe
Hearty Angel Chicken Rice Casserole made with tender shredded chicken, creamy cream cheese and soup base, flavorful Italian seasoning, and topped with a crunchy, golden Panko breadcrumbs and Colby Jack cheese crust. This comforting casserole is perfect for busy weeknights, combining creamy, cheesy goodness with a satisfying crisp top.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Rice Mixture
- 3 cups cooked shredded chicken (Instant Pot or slow cooker chicken works great)
- 3 cups uncooked Minute Rice, prepared according to package instructions
- 10.5 oz can cream of chicken soup
- 8 ounces cream cheese, room temperature
- 0.7 ounce packet Italian dressing seasoning mix (e.g. Good Seasons)
- 1/8 tsp garlic powder
- 1/16 tsp black pepper
- 1 cup chicken stock
- 1 ½ cups Colby Jack cheese, divided
Topping
- ½ cup Colby Jack cheese
- 1 cup Panko bread crumbs
- 4 Tbsp butter, sliced into small pieces
Optional Garnish
- Fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking the casserole.
- Cook the Rice: Prepare the Minute Rice according to the package instructions, either by stovetop or microwave. Set the cooked rice aside.
- Mix Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked shredded chicken, prepared rice, cream of chicken soup, softened cream cheese, Italian dressing seasoning mix, garlic powder, black pepper, and chicken stock. Stir thoroughly until the mixture is creamy and well combined.
- Add Cheese: Fold 1 ½ cups of the Colby Jack cheese into the chicken and rice mixture evenly.
- Prepare Baking Dish: Spray a 9×13 inch baking dish with cooking spray to prevent sticking. Pour the chicken and rice mixture evenly into the dish.
- Top the Casserole: Sprinkle the remaining ½ cup of Colby Jack cheese on top, then evenly distribute 1 cup of Panko bread crumbs over the cheese layer. Dot the top with the 4 tablespoons of sliced butter pieces to help create a golden, crispy topping.
- Bake: Bake the casserole uncovered in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, until the casserole is bubbly and the topping is golden brown and crispy.
- Garnish and Serve: Optionally, sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the baked casserole before serving for a fresh pop of color and flavor.
Notes
- Make-Ahead Tip: You can prepare the casserole earlier in the day, cover it with aluminum foil, and refrigerate. Add 5-10 minutes to baking time if baking directly from the fridge to ensure thorough heating.
- Cheese Substitutions: Substitute Colby Jack with cheddar, mozzarella, or your preferred cheese blend if needed.
- Cream Cheese: Ensure cream cheese is softened at room temperature for smooth mixing.
- Rice Substitution: Regular cooked rice can be used, but if cooking raw rice in the casserole, increase liquid and cooking time accordingly.
- Cooked Chicken: Use pre-cooked chicken for better texture and even cooking rather than cooking raw chicken in the casserole.
- Extra Flavor: Cooking the rice in chicken broth instead of water adds more depth of flavor.
- Variations: Add vegetables like broccoli, peas, or carrots for added nutrition. Add diced green chilies or cayenne for spice.
- Storage: Store leftovers in airtight container in refrigerator up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Reheat in microwave or air fryer on parchment paper to revive Panko crispness.
Keywords: Angel Chicken Rice Casserole, Chicken Casserole, Chicken and Rice Bake, Comfort Food, Easy Dinner, Casserole Recipe, Cheesy Chicken Bake
