Angel Chicken Rice Casserole

If you’re on the hunt for a comforting and delicious dish that might just become a staple in your household, let me introduce you to Angel Chicken Rice Casserole. This creamy, cheesy, and hearty meal brings together tender chicken, flavorful rice, and a heavenly blend of cheeses—all baked to perfection. It’s perfect for busy weeknights, family gatherings, or whenever you’re craving something that feels both indulgent and homey. Trust me; once you experience the warmth and satisfaction of this casserole, you’ll be reaching for it time and again!

What Makes This Recipe Special

What sets Angel Chicken Rice Casserole apart is its effortless combination of comforting flavors and minimal prep time. With just a handful of ingredients and simple steps, this dish guarantees a delightful meal without a fuss. It’s an ideal choice not only for busy weeknights but also for potlucks and family celebrations. The creamy sauce and savory chicken create a delightful harmony that even picky eaters can’t resist.

"This casserole has become a family favorite! It’s so creamy and filling—my kids ask for it every week!"

Your Easy Cooking Guide

Creating this scrumptious dish is easier than you might think. In essence, you’ll be sautéing some aromatics, mixing them with rice, broth, and chicken, and then layering everything in a baking dish. After a little time in the oven, you’ll top it with cheese for that perfect bubbly finish. Here’s a quick overview:

1. Sauté onions and garlic in olive oil or butter.
2. Mix in the rice, broth, and seasonings.
3. Layer chicken on top and pour on a creamy sauce.
4. Bake and add cheese.

With this roadmap in hand, let’s dive into the ingredients you’ll need to bring this dish to life.

Everything You Need for This Recipe

To whip up your own Angel Chicken Rice Casserole, gather the following ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil or unsalted butter
• 1 small onion (finely diced)
• 2 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1 ½ cups long-grain white rice (uncooked)
• 3 cups low-sodium chicken broth
• 1 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs (cut into bite-sized pieces)
• 1 can (10.5 oz / 295 g) cream of chicken soup
• 4 oz (115 g) cream cheese, softened and cubed
• ½ cup sour cream
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley (chopped, optional, for garnish)

Feel free to experiment with ingredient alternatives, such as using brown rice or low-fat dairy, depending on your dietary needs.

Step-by-Step Directions

Now that you have your ingredients ready, let’s get started with the preparation:

1. Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to ensure nothing sticks.

2. Sauté Aromatics: In a large skillet over medium heat, warm the olive oil or butter. Add the diced onion and cook for about 3–4 minutes until it’s soft. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.

3. Prepare Rice Base: Add the uncooked rice to the skillet and stir for 1–2 minutes to coat it with the oil. Pour in the chicken broth, then season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Bring this mixture to a gentle simmer and turn off the heat.

4. Add Chicken: Spread the rice mixture evenly into your prepared baking dish. Next, arrange the bite-sized chicken pieces over the rice.

5. Make Creamy Sauce: In a medium bowl, whisk together the cream of chicken soup, softened cream cheese, sour cream, and grated Parmesan until smooth. Spread this creamy mixture evenly over the chicken.

6. Bake: Cover your dish tightly with foil and bake for 35–40 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the chicken is fully cooked.

7. Add Cheese & Finish: Remove the foil, sprinkle shredded mozzarella on top, and bake uncovered for another 5–7 minutes until melted and bubbly.

8. Serve: Let the casserole rest for a few minutes after baking, then garnish with chopped parsley and serve warm!

Tips for Serving

The best way to enjoy your Angel Chicken Rice Casserole is by serving it with a light side salad or some garlic bread for the ultimate comfort meal. This dish also pairs well with steamed vegetables or a fresh vegetable medley. If you’re feeling adventurous, a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes can add a nice kick!

Best Way to Store Angel Chicken Rice Casserole

To keep your leftover casserole fresh longer, allow it to cool to room temperature before transferring it to an airtight container. The casserole can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. If you want to extend its life, freeze individual portions wrapped in plastic wrap and then placed in a zip-top bag. They can be stored for up to 3 months. Always defrost overnight in the fridge before reheating to ensure even cooking.

Pro Chef Tips

• Substitutions: If you’re short on time, you can use rotisserie chicken instead of raw chicken to cut your prep time in half.
• Cheese Amounts: Feel free to load up on more cheese if you love a gooey texture.
• Herbs: Fresh herbs like thyme or basil can elevate the flavors even more.

Recipe Variations

Looking to shake things up? Here are a few creative twists:

• Vegetarian Option: Substitute the chicken with sautéed mushrooms and add additional veggies like spinach or bell peppers.
• Spicy Kick: Incorporate diced jalapeños or cayenne pepper into the creamy sauce for a zesty flavor.
• Different Cheeses: Mix in some cheddar or pepper jack for a unique twist on the cheese blend.

Your questions answered

How long does it take to prepare this dish?

Typically, preparation takes about 15-20 minutes, followed by 50 minutes of cooking time.

Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?

Yes! You can substitute brown rice, but note that you’ll need to adjust the cooking time and liquid—brown rice typically requires more and takes longer to cook.

How can I make this dish dairy-free?

You can replace the cream cheese with a dairy-free alternative, use coconut cream instead of sour cream, and switch dairy cheeses for vegan cheese options.

With all these tips and insights, you’re now ready to create your very own Angel Chicken Rice Casserole! Enjoy the cozy, satisfying flavors this dish brings to your table, and watch as it becomes a beloved recipe in your household. Happy cooking!

Angel Chicken Rice Casserole

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• Total Time: 60 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x
• Diet: None

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Description

A creamy, cheesy, and hearty casserole that combines tender chicken, flavorful rice, and a heavenly blend of cheeses—all baked to perfection.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 2 tablespoons olive oil or unsalted butter
• 1 small onion (finely diced)
• 2 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1 ½ cups long-grain white rice (uncooked)
• 3 cups low-sodium chicken broth
• 1 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs (cut into bite-sized pieces)
• 1 can (10.5 oz / 295 g) cream of chicken soup
• 4 oz (115 g) cream cheese, softened and cubed
• ½ cup sour cream
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley (chopped, optional, for garnish)

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. In a large skillet over medium heat, warm the olive oil or butter. Add the diced onion and cook for about 3–4 minutes until soft. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
3. Add the uncooked rice to the skillet and stir for 1–2 minutes to coat it with the oil. Pour in the chicken broth, then season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Bring to a gentle simmer and turn off the heat.
4. Spread the rice mixture evenly into your prepared baking dish and arrange the chicken pieces over the rice.
5. In a medium bowl, whisk together the cream of chicken soup, softened cream cheese, sour cream, and grated Parmesan until smooth. Spread this mixture evenly over the chicken.
6. Cover with foil and bake for 35–40 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the chicken is fully cooked.
7. Remove the foil, sprinkle shredded mozzarella on top, and bake uncovered for another 5–7 minutes until melted and bubbly.
8. Let sit for a few minutes, garnish with parsley, and serve warm.

Notes

For a lighter option, substitute chicken with sautéed mushrooms and add extra vegetables. For a spicy kick, incorporate diced jalapeños into the creamy sauce.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 450
• Sugar: 5g
• Sodium: 600mg
• Fat: 20g
• Saturated Fat: 10g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 48g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 25g
• Cholesterol: 70mg

Keywords: casserole, chicken, creamy, cheesy, comfort food