Angel Chicken Rice

Angel Chicken Rice is a creamy, comforting dish that combines tender chicken, savory rice, and a rich, cheesy sauce. This dish is perfect for a cozy family dinner or a special gathering with friends. The combination of cream cheese, butter, and chicken stock creates a smooth, velvety base that coats the chicken and rice beautifully. Topped with melted Colby Jack cheese, this dish is indulgent and satisfying, yet simple enough to prepare on a busy weeknight. The flavor is enhanced by the Italian dressing mix, giving it a slight tang and depth that pairs perfectly with the creamy texture. Plus, with only a few ingredients, it’s easy to make and even easier to love. Whether served as a main course or paired with a side salad, Angel Chicken Rice will quickly become a favorite in your household.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Angel Chicken Rice is a dish that’s not only incredibly easy to make, but it’s also bursting with flavor. The creamy, cheesy sauce made with cream cheese, butter, and chicken stock makes the rice and chicken extra tender and flavorful. The Italian dressing mix adds a unique, zesty twist that sets it apart from other creamy chicken dishes. It’s the kind of meal that feels like a warm hug, comforting and satisfying, and perfect for any occasion. The dish is made in one pot, which makes cleanup a breeze, and you can easily adjust the ingredients to suit your taste. Whether you’re serving a crowd or making a smaller portion, this recipe is versatile and guaranteed to be a hit.

Ingredients

For the Recipe:

• Cooked chicken, diced or shredded
• Cooked rice
• Butter, cubed and room temperature
• Cream cheese, cubed and room temperature
• Cream of chicken soup
• Garlic, minced
• Italian dressing mix (Good Seasons or any other brand)
• Chicken stock
• Shredded Colby Jack cheese, divided
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley for garnish

Variations

• Different Cheese: While Colby Jack cheese provides a creamy melt, you can substitute it with other cheeses like cheddar, Monterey Jack, or mozzarella for a different flavor profile.
• Add Vegetables: If you want to add more veggies to the dish, consider adding peas, spinach, or mushrooms. You can stir them in with the chicken and rice for extra color and nutrition.
• Spicy Kick: For a spicier version, try adding some red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños to the mixture to heat things up a bit.
• Use a Different Soup: If you’re not a fan of cream of chicken soup, you can replace it with cream of mushroom soup or a different creamy soup variety for a different flavor base.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients

Ensure that your cooked chicken and rice are ready. You can use leftover chicken and rice or cook them fresh. Set the chicken aside and measure out the rice.

Step 2: Mix the Base

In a large mixing bowl, combine the cream cheese, butter, and cream of chicken soup. Stir until the mixture is smooth and well combined. Add the minced garlic, Italian dressing mix, chicken stock, and salt and pepper to taste. Mix everything together until the ingredients are evenly distributed.

Step 3: Add the Chicken and Rice

Add the cooked chicken and rice to the bowl, stirring until the chicken and rice are well coated with the creamy sauce mixture. Ensure the rice is fully incorporated and the chicken is evenly distributed throughout.

Step 4: Transfer to a Baking Dish

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Transfer the chicken and rice mixture to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, spreading it out evenly.

Step 5: Add the Cheese

Top the mixture with one cup of the shredded Colby Jack cheese. Spread it out evenly over the chicken and rice, making sure every bite will be covered in melty cheese.

Step 6: Bake the Dish

Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the dish is heated through.

Step 7: Garnish and Serve

Once out of the oven, garnish the dish with fresh parsley for a pop of color. Serve hot, and enjoy!

Tips for Making the Recipe

• Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure your cream cheese and butter are at room temperature before mixing them together for a smoother consistency.
• Leftover Chicken: This recipe is perfect for using up leftover chicken, so feel free to use rotisserie chicken or any other pre-cooked chicken you have on hand.
• Adjust the Consistency: If the sauce is too thick, you can add a little more chicken stock to achieve your desired consistency.
• Don’t Overcook the Rice: If you’re using freshly cooked rice, make sure it’s not overcooked before adding it to the dish, as it will continue to cook while baking.
• Add a Crunchy Topping: If you want a little texture contrast, top the dish with some crispy breadcrumbs or crushed crackers during the last 5 minutes of baking.

How to Serve

Angel Chicken Rice is a complete meal on its own, but it can be served with a light side to complement its richness. A simple side salad with fresh greens and a vinaigrette dressing will balance out the creaminess of the dish. You can also serve it with some roasted or steamed vegetables for added nutrition. For a more indulgent side, try garlic bread or crusty rolls to soak up the delicious sauce.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a bit of chicken stock if the dish appears too dry.

Freezing

You can freeze Angel Chicken Rice for up to 2 months. Let the dish cool completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container. When ready to serve, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator and reheat in the oven at 350°F for 20-25 minutes or until heated through.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers in the microwave or in the oven at a low temperature. Add a splash of chicken stock or cream if the dish has thickened too much.

FAQs

1. Can I use cooked rice from a rice cooker?

Yes, you can use rice cooked in a rice cooker. Just make sure the rice is fully cooked and not overly sticky before mixing it into the dish.

2. Can I use a different type of cheese?

Yes, you can substitute the Colby Jack cheese with any cheese that melts well, such as cheddar, mozzarella, or Monterey Jack.

3. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the entire dish in advance and refrigerate it overnight. When ready to bake, just pop it in the oven and bake as directed.

4. Can I use a different soup?

If you’re not a fan of cream of chicken soup, you can replace it with cream of mushroom or another creamy soup variety.

5. Can I make this dish spicier?

Yes, to add some heat, you can incorporate red pepper flakes, diced jalapeños, or even hot sauce to the mixture.

6. Can I use a slow cooker instead of baking it?

Yes, you can cook the dish in a slow cooker on low for 4-6 hours, adding the cheese in the last 30 minutes of cooking.

7. How can I add more vegetables to this dish?

You can stir in peas, spinach, or bell peppers when mixing the chicken and rice together for extra flavor and nutrition.

8. Can I freeze this dish?

Yes, you can freeze Angel Chicken Rice. Be sure to let it cool completely before freezing, and store it in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months.

9. Can I use fresh garlic instead of minced garlic from a jar?

Yes, fresh garlic is preferable for the best flavor, but jarred minced garlic can be used as a substitute if you’re short on time.

10. How do I know when the dish is done baking?

The dish is done when the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the chicken and rice are heated through. If you’re unsure, a quick check with a thermometer should show 165°F internally in the chicken.

Conclusion

Angel Chicken Rice is an easy, comforting meal that’s perfect for busy nights when you want something satisfying and delicious. With tender chicken, creamy rice, and the richness of melted cheese, this dish has everything you need for a cozy family dinner. It’s quick to make, simple to clean up, and is sure to become a household favorite. Whether you make it ahead of time or prepare it fresh, Angel Chicken Rice is a meal that will please everyone at the table. Enjoy the creamy goodness in every bite!

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