Creamy Angel Chicken and Rice Casserole
Ingredients:
– 3 cups cooked chicken, diced or shredded
3 cups cooked rice
– ½ cup butter, cubed and at room temperature
– 8 ounces cream cheese, cubed and at room temperature
10.5 ounces cream of chicken soup
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 0.7 ounce Italian dressing mix (such as Good Seasons)
1 cup chicken stock
– 2 cups shredded Colby Jack cheese, divided
Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions:
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F and generously spray a 9×13” casserole dish with cooking spray.
In a microwave-safe bowl, soften the cream cheese and butter in the microwave for 20-30 seconds, then whisk until smooth.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked chicken, rice, softened butter and cream cheese mixture, cream of chicken soup, minced garlic, Italian dressing mix, chicken stock, half of the shredded cheese, and salt and pepper. Mix until evenly combined.
Transfer the chicken and rice mixture into the prepared casserole dish.
Top the casserole with the remaining shredded cheese.
Cover the dish with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, until the cheese is melted and the casserole is bubbling.
Remove from the oven and let the casserole cool for 5 minutes before removing the foil.
Garnish with fresh parsley and serve.
Notes:
– Chicken: Consider using pre-cooked chicken, like rotisserie chicken, for convenience and enhanced flavor. It can be shredded or diced according to your preference.
– Rice: Cook the rice separately to ensure it absorbs the flavors during baking without becoming mushy.
– Cream Cheese and Butter: These ingredients provide richness and depth to the casserole. Ensure they are at room temperature for smooth blending with other components.
– Seasonings: Italian dressing mix imparts robust flavor, but you can substitute it with a homemade blend of dried herbs for a lower sodium option.
– Baking Tips: Covering the casserole with foil initially helps retain moisture. Remove the foil towards the end to allow the cheese topping to crisp up.
– Variations: Feel free to incorporate vegetables such as mushrooms, peas, or bell peppers for added nutrition and flavor. Experiment with different cheese varieties like mozzarella or Swiss to create unique taste profiles.
