1. Home
  2. Recipes
  3. Creamy Chicken Rice

Easy Chicken Rice Bake

Featured in The Stars of the Table.

This comforting chicken and rice casserole elevates simple ingredients through the perfect combination of creamy sauce, tender chicken, and perfectly cooked rice. The thoughtfully seasoned cream cheese sauce permeates the rice while protecting the chicken's moisture. A generous layer of cheese creates an appealing golden crust during baking, while fresh herbs provide welcome brightness. Convenient make ahead options enhance the recipe's practicality without compromising its satisfying results. The finished dish demonstrates the remarkable potential of everyday ingredients.
A smiling woman in a chef's jacket stands in a commercial kitchen, looking at the camera with various food containers and utensils in the background.
Updated on Tue, 14 Jan 2025 22:55:18 GMT
Print Recipe Pin Recipe Send Recipe Jump To Recipe
A creamy chicken and rice casserole topped with melted cheese and garnished with parsley. Pin it
A creamy chicken and rice casserole topped with melted cheese and garnished with parsley. | tasteofcook.com

You know those recipes that just make everyone feel good? This Angel Chicken Rice is exactly that. I discovered it during a particularly busy season of life and it's been my saving grace ever since. The way the tender chicken mingles with creamy sauce and fluffy rice creates pure comfort in a dish. Every time I make it someone asks for the recipe and I love sharing how simple it really is.

Why This Recipe Works

This dish came from my need for easy but delicious family meals. What I love most is how it takes basic ingredients from my pantry and transforms them into something that makes my family rush to the dinner table. The best part? It's practically foolproof and always delivers on flavor.

Your Grocery List

  • Chicken: I usually grab a rotisserie chicken and shred it. Such a time saver and the flavor is amazing.
  • Rice: Regular white rice is perfect here. It soaks up all that creamy sauce like a dream.
  • Cream Cheese and Butter: These two make everything rich and velvety. Trust me don't skip them.
  • Italian Dressing Mix: My secret weapon for instant flavor. One packet is all you need.

Let's Cook

First Steps
Get your oven going to 350°F and grab your favorite 9×13 baking dish. Give it a quick spray so nothing sticks.
Mixing Magic
Toss your chicken and rice in a bowl with chunks of cream cheese and butter. The warmth helps everything blend together beautifully.
Sauce Time
Now stir in your cream of chicken soup garlic Italian seasoning and just enough chicken stock to make it creamy but not soupy.
Into the Oven
Pour it all in your dish cover with cheese and pop it in the oven for about 25 minutes covered. Then uncover for that perfect golden top.
Almost Ready
Let it rest a few minutes before serving. The hardest part is waiting while that amazing smell fills your kitchen.

Crockpot Version

Sometimes I make this in my slow cooker when I'm super busy. Put your chicken in first sprinkle with that Italian seasoning. Go easy on the liquid though or it gets too soupy. I add the cream cheese and butter near the end and serve it over fresh rice. Works like a charm every time.

The Extra Cheesy Version

Want to make it even more incredible? I love using a mix of cheeses. Sharp cheddar gives it bite mozzarella makes it stretchy and a handful of parmesan adds that nutty flavor. Layer everything up and bake it uncovered at 375°F until you get that gorgeous golden top.

A creamy chicken and rice casserole topped with melted cheese and fresh parsley. Pin it
A creamy chicken and rice casserole topped with melted cheese and fresh parsley. | tasteofcook.com

Making It Lighter

My friend Sarah taught me some great swaps. Use light cream cheese brown rice adds nice texture and nutrients. I sneak in spinach and colorful peppers when I'm feeling virtuous. You can even mix up your own Italian seasoning to watch the salt.

What to Serve With It

We love this with some garlicky green beans on the side. A crisp salad works great too cutting through all that creamy goodness. My kids love when I serve garlic bread to soak up every last bit of sauce.

Perfect Drink Matches

A glass of buttery chardonnay goes perfectly if you're feeling fancy. For family dinner we usually stick to sparkling water with lemon or my homemade iced tea. Both help balance out the richness of the dish.

Quick Answers

Can I make it ahead? You sure can. Put it all together pop it in the fridge and bake the next day.

Storing leftovers? Cover it well and it'll keep in the fridge for three days.

Need it faster? Use rotisserie chicken minute rice and cook it all in one pot on the stove.

A close-up of a bowl of creamy chicken and rice, topped with toasted bread squares and garnished with parsley. Pin it
A close-up of a bowl of creamy chicken and rice, topped with toasted bread squares and garnished with parsley. | tasteofcook.com

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I use leftover chicken for this recipe?
Yes, leftover chicken works great in this recipe. You can use any cooked chicken, whether it's rotisserie, grilled, or baked. Just make sure it's well shredded or diced.
→ Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
You can assemble the casserole up to 24 hours ahead and store it covered in the fridge. When ready to cook, let it sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before baking.
→ What can I substitute for cream of chicken soup?
You can make a homemade white sauce with butter, flour, and chicken broth. Another option is to use cream of mushroom or cream of celery soup for a different flavor.
→ Can I freeze this casserole?
This casserole freezes well for up to 3 months. Wrap it tightly in foil and plastic wrap. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating in the oven until hot throughout.
→ What sides go well with this dish?
Try serving it with steamed vegetables, a fresh green salad, or garlic bread. Roasted broccoli or glazed carrots make excellent vegetable side dishes for this casserole.

Creamy Chicken Rice

A hearty casserole combining tender chicken and rice in a rich cream cheese sauce, topped with melted cheese. Perfect for family dinners.

Prep Time
15 Minutes
Cook Time
25 Minutes
Total Time
40 Minutes


Difficulty: Easy

Cuisine: American

Yield: 8 Servings (1 9x13 inch casserole)

Dietary: Gluten-Free

Ingredients

01 3 cups cooked and shredded chicken.
02 3 cups cooked white rice.
03 1/2 cup softened butter, cut in cubes.
04 8 ounces softened cream cheese, cut in cubes.
05 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup.
06 3 cloves minced fresh garlic.
07 1 packet (0.7 oz) Italian dressing seasoning.
08 1 cup chicken broth.
09 2 cups shredded Colby Jack cheese.
10 Salt and black pepper to taste.
11 Fresh chopped parsley for garnish.

Instructions

Step 01

Heat your oven to 350°F. Coat a 9x13 inch baking dish with cooking spray.

Step 02

Put cream cheese and butter in a bowl and warm in the microwave for 20-30 seconds until soft. Mix until smooth.

Step 03

In a big bowl, combine chicken, rice, the cream cheese mixture, soup, garlic, seasoning packet, broth, and half the cheese. Add salt and pepper.

Step 04

Put the mixture in your baking dish and top with the rest of the cheese.

Step 05

Cover with foil and bake about 25 minutes until bubbly and cheese melts. Let rest 5 minutes after baking.

Step 06

Top with fresh parsley before serving.

Notes

  1. Rotisserie chicken works great for quick prep.
  2. Cook rice ahead of time.
  3. Make sure cream cheese and butter are room temperature.
  4. Can add vegetables like peas or mushrooms.

Tools You'll Need

  • 9x13 inch baking dish.
  • Large mixing bowl.
  • Microwave.
  • Oven.

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Dairy.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 548
  • Total Fat: 35 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 28 g
  • Protein: 32 g