Gather your loved ones and get ready for a dinner that truly captures the spirit of comfort food: the Cheesy Angel Chicken and Rice Recipe. This one-pan wonder features tender chicken breasts, creamy rice, and oozy cheddar cheese all baked together to golden, bubbly perfection. With a cozy, homey flavor in every bite and a satisfyingly creamy texture, it’s the kind of dish that wins raves at the table and disappears fast. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family after a busy day or making extra for leftovers, this easy meal delivers pure, cheesy bliss.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Ingredients You’ll Need
You won’t believe how simple yet essential these ingredients are for the Cheesy Angel Chicken and Rice Recipe. Each element brings its own unique touch, building layers of flavor and texture without overcomplicating your shopping list or your time in the kitchen.
- Chicken breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts provide a lean, hearty protein that soaks up all the creamy, cheesy goodness.
- Olive oil: A quick sear in olive oil adds depth and seals in juices, keeping the chicken perfectly moist.
- Garlic powder: This punchy pantry staple infuses the dish with a warm, inviting backdrop of flavor.
- Onion powder: Adds savory sweetness and rich aroma without chopping a single onion.
- Salt and black pepper: The classic duo that balances and brings out every other flavor in the pan.
- Cooked white rice: Rice is the creamy base of this casserole, making each bite satisfyingly tender.
- Cream of chicken soup: Gives the whole mixture that iconic creamy texture and cohesive flavor.
- Sour cream: Adds a tangy, velvety richness that makes the casserole irresistibly creamy.
- Chicken broth: Keeps everything moist and adds just the right amount of savory depth.
- Shredded cheddar cheese: This is the heart of the Cheesy Angel Chicken and Rice Recipe, delivering stringy, melty, golden perfection.
- Paprika: A touch of smokiness and a gentle pop of color brighten up the whole dish.
- Dried parsley (optional): Adds a touch of herby freshness to finish everything off beautifully.
How to Make Cheesy Angel Chicken and Rice Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prep
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F. This ensures it’s hot and ready the moment your casserole goes in, which means bubbly cheese and cooked chicken every time. Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking and for easier cleanup later.
Step 2: Season and Sear the Chicken
Sprinkle the chicken breasts with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper on both sides. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat, then add the chicken. Sear each breast for 3–4 minutes per side until they develop a delicious golden crust. Don’t worry about cooking them through at this stage—they’ll finish baking in the oven.
Step 3: Mix Up the Cheesy Rice
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked rice, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, chicken broth, 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese, and paprika. Stir until everything is evenly mixed and creamy. Trust me, this is where the magic starts to happen!
Step 4: Assemble Your Casserole
Spread the cheesy rice mixture into your prepared baking dish, smoothing it out into an even layer. Arrange the seared chicken breasts on top, nestling them in so they soak up that goodness as they bake.
Step 5: Bake and Finish with Cheese
Cover the casserole with foil and bake for 25 minutes. This keeps everything moist and ensures the chicken cooks through gently. Then, remove the foil, sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of cheddar cheese over the top, and pop it back in the oven uncovered for another 10–15 minutes. The result? Bubbly, golden cheese stretching over perfect chicken and creamy rice.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Once out of the oven, sprinkle dried parsley over the top for an optional fresh finish. Cut into portions, serve warm, and watch the compliments fly.
How to Serve Cheesy Angel Chicken and Rice Recipe
Garnishes
A generous pinch of dried parsley adds a pop of color and just a hint of herbiness to your Cheesy Angel Chicken and Rice Recipe. For even more appeal, try a little extra sprinkle of paprika, some freshly cracked black pepper, or a handful of sliced green onions for a crisp, zippy finish.
Side Dishes
While this casserole is a hearty meal on its own, you can make it even more memorable with a simple green salad tossed in vinaigrette or some steamed broccoli for a vibrant, fresh counterpoint. Fluffy dinner rolls are also a perfect sidekick for mopping up every bit of cheesy sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
For casual family dinners, serve straight from the baking dish for that rustic, cozy vibe. Hosting company? Plate a chicken breast on a bed of the cheesy rice, top with fresh herbs, and add a few colorful roasted vegetables on the side. For meal prep, portion into single-serving containers for easy, grab-and-go lunches that reheat beautifully.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftovers of your Cheesy Angel Chicken and Rice Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors get even more delicious as they mingle, and it reheats well for easy lunches or dinners.
Freezing
To freeze, let the casserole cool completely, then portion it into freezer-safe containers. This recipe freezes well for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for best results—perfect for busy weeks when you need a homemade meal in a flash.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers in the microwave in 1–2 minute increments until warmed through, or cover and bake at 350°F for 20–25 minutes. If the rice looks a little dry, add a splash of chicken broth before reheating to revive its creamy texture.
FAQs
Can I use rotisserie chicken instead of raw chicken breasts?
Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken is a great shortcut. Just shred or slice it, skip the searing step, and reduce the baking time by about 10 minutes since it’s already cooked.
Can I use brown rice or a rice blend?
You sure can. Brown rice or even a wild rice blend gives the Cheesy Angel Chicken and Rice Recipe extra texture and a slightly nutty flavor. Just make sure to cook the rice fully before mixing it in.
Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, with one simple swap: use gluten-free cream of chicken soup. Be sure to check all your labels just to be certain, but otherwise, the rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free.
Can I add vegetables to this casserole?
Definitely! For extra veggies and color, toss in steamed broccoli florets, peas, or even sautéed mushrooms when mixing up the rice. It’s a great way to sneak in some greens while keeping everything cheesy and comforting.
How can I make this dish ahead for a party?
Assemble the entire Cheesy Angel Chicken and Rice Recipe a day in advance, cover, and store it in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to serve, simply bake as directed, adding 5–10 extra minutes if baking straight from the fridge.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a meal that hits every note of cozy, cheesy, and easy, you have to give the Cheesy Angel Chicken and Rice Recipe a try. There’s a reason this dish wins hearts and clears plates wherever it goes—so gather your ingredients, spread a little love, and watch comfort food magic unfold in your own kitchen!
Print
Cheesy Angel Chicken and Rice Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Cheesy Angel Chicken and Rice recipe is a delightful and comforting dish that combines tender chicken breasts with creamy rice and gooey cheddar cheese. Baked to perfection, this easy family dinner is sure to become a favorite.
Ingredients
Chicken:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Rice Mixture:
- 2 cups cooked white rice
- 1 (10.5 oz) can cream of chicken soup
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (divided)
- 1/4 teaspoon paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon dried parsley (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F.
- Season Chicken: Season chicken breasts with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
- Sear Chicken: In a skillet, sear chicken on both sides until golden.
- Prepare Rice Mixture: Mix cooked rice, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, chicken broth, 1 cup of cheddar cheese, and paprika.
- Assemble and Bake: Spread rice mixture in a baking dish, place seared chicken on top, bake covered, then top with remaining cheese and bake uncovered.
- Serve: Garnish with parsley and serve warm.
Notes
- You can use brown or wild rice for a different texture.
- Add steamed broccoli or peas for extra veggies.
- Rotisserie chicken can be substituted for raw chicken for a quicker version.
