If there’s one recipe I reach for when I want maximum comfort with minimal fuss, it’s this Angel Chicken Rice Casserole. Imagine bites of tender chicken tucked into a creamy bed of rice, swirled with a bold Italian flair, and crowned with layers of melted mozzarella and Parmesan. It’s the kind of dish that brings the family running to the table, no matter how busy the weeknight. Whether shared at potlucks or enjoyed as leftovers for lunch, Angel Chicken Rice Casserole is irresistibly creamy and delightfully cheesy, creating happy memories with each and every scoop.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the ingredients for Angel Chicken Rice Casserole couldn’t be easier, and each component adds its own important touch. From the juicy bites of chicken to the luxurious creaminess of the sauce, every element works together for a truly satisfying casserole.
- Chicken breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken creates a lean, juicy base and soaks up all that creamy flavor.
- Cooked white rice: Fluffy cooked rice is perfect for catching every drop of creamy sauce; leftover rice works great, too.
- Cream of chicken soup: The secret to quick, rich flavor and a silky sauce texture without any hassle.
- Sour cream: Adds an irresistible tang and creaminess that balances everything out.
- Chicken broth: A splash of broth keeps the casserole ultra-moist and flavorful.
- Cream cheese: Softened cream cheese enriches the sauce and helps it bake up decadently smooth.
- Dry Italian dressing mix: Just one packet transforms the sauce with savory herbs and a zippy background note.
- Garlic powder: A bit of garlicky depth to keep the flavors lively and mouthwatering.
- Black pepper: For subtle heat and a hint of sharpness to cut through the richness.
- Mozzarella cheese: Shredded mozzarella makes the topping ooey-gooey and delightfully cheesy.
- Parmesan cheese: Grated Parmesan adds a bold, savory finish that’s heavenly when golden and crisp.
- Olive oil: Just a tablespoon is all you need to brown the chicken without overpowering the other flavors.
- Chopped fresh parsley: Adds a fresh pop of color and brightness right before serving.
How to Make Angel Chicken Rice Casserole
Step 1: Prep the Oven and Pan
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C), which ensures everything bakes up bubbly without drying out. Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to keep all those creamy edges from sticking and to make cleanup a breeze.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced or cubed chicken and cook until it’s beautifully golden and just cooked through, usually around 5 to 7 minutes. This quick sauté adds color and seals in all the juices, which means every bite will be tender and flavorful. Remove the chicken from the heat and set aside for the next step.
Step 3: Mix Up the Creamy Sauce
In a big mixing bowl, combine cream of chicken soup, sour cream, chicken broth, softened cream cheese, the Italian dressing mix, garlic powder, and black pepper. Stir until the mixture is silky-smooth and fully blended—this is your secret weapon for luscious texture and bold seasoning throughout the casserole.
Step 4: Bring It All Together
Add the cooked rice and the perfectly browned chicken into your bowl of creamy sauce. Give everything a thorough mix so every grain of rice and piece of chicken gets coated in that dreamy, savory mixture. Spread it out evenly in your prepared baking dish, making sure it’s all nestled in snugly.
Step 5: Add the Cheesy Topping
Sprinkle the mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses evenly over the top. This duo melts into a bubbling, golden crown that will sing to any cheese lover’s heart as the casserole bakes.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Cover the dish with foil and bake for 20 minutes—this keeps all that moisture locked in so your chicken and rice stay tender. Then, remove the foil and bake for another 10 minutes, just long enough for the cheese to melt and get beautifully bubbly.
Step 7: Garnish and Serve
Once it’s piping hot and the cheese on top is golden, sprinkle the freshly chopped parsley over everything. This little flourish wakes up all those rich flavors and adds a gorgeous touch right before serving.
How to Serve Angel Chicken Rice Casserole
Garnishes
A generous sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley right before serving not only brightens the look but also balances the richness. If you love a little extra flavor, try a dusting of cracked black pepper, a bit of lemon zest, or some thinly sliced green onions for a pop of freshness.
Side Dishes
Keep the rest of the meal light and vibrant to contrast with the creamy, comforting Angel Chicken Rice Casserole. A crisp green salad tossed with a tangy vinaigrette, some roasted broccoli or asparagus, or even a medley of steamed mixed vegetables makes for a complete, satisfying dinner.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist at a potluck or family gathering, scoop the casserole into individual ramekins for personalized servings. It also looks wonderful served family-style in a colorful ceramic baking dish, topped with extra herbs, or paired with rustic bread to soak up every last drop of that creamy sauce.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
One of the best things about Angel Chicken Rice Casserole is how delicious the leftovers are! Transfer cooled casserole into airtight containers and refrigerate for up to four days. The flavors continue to meld and deepen, making next-day lunches truly irresistible.
Freezing
If you want to stash some away for busy weeks, let the casserole cool completely, then portion it into freezer-safe containers. It freezes really well for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating, and you’ll have an almost-effortless dinner waiting for you.
Reheating
To keep that creamy texture, reheat portions in the oven at 350°F covered with foil until warmed through (about 15-20 minutes), or zap individual servings in the microwave using short bursts, stirring in between. If things look a little dry, just splash a tiny bit of extra chicken broth before rewarming to freshen it up.
FAQs
Can I use brown rice or other rice varieties?
Absolutely! Brown rice or even wild rice are great substitutes for white rice in Angel Chicken Rice Casserole. Just make sure they’re fully cooked (and cool) before mixing in, since they need more time and liquid to cook than white rice does.
Is it possible to use pre-cooked or rotisserie chicken?
Yes, rotisserie chicken is a game changer for busy nights! Simply shred or chop your cooked chicken and skip the skillet step. This shortcut makes the casserole even quicker while layering in extra flavor.
Can I add vegetables to this casserole?
Definitely! Stir in some steamed broccoli, spinach, or peas when you combine the chicken and rice with the sauce. Extra veggies not only boost the nutrition but also add nice color and texture.
What can I use instead of Italian dressing mix?
If you don’t have an Italian dressing mix handy, toss in a blend of Italian herbs (like basil, oregano, parsley, and thyme) with a pinch of garlic powder, onion powder, and a bit of salt for that classic flavor.
How far in advance can I assemble Angel Chicken Rice Casserole before baking?
You can assemble the entire casserole up to 24 hours ahead! Just cover tightly and refrigerate; when ready to bake, let the dish sit at room temperature for 20-30 minutes so it heats evenly, then bake as directed.
Final Thoughts
Your family and friends will be asking for seconds (and the recipe!) once you serve up this Angel Chicken Rice Casserole. It’s simple enough for hectic nights but promises all the joy and coziness of a homemade favorite. Give it a try soon, and enjoy every velvety, cheesy, heartwarming bite!
Print
Angel Chicken Rice Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Angel Chicken Rice Casserole is a creamy and comforting dish that’s perfect for an easy weeknight meal. Tender chicken, cooked rice, and a flavorful creamy sauce baked until bubbly and topped with melted cheese – a family favorite!
Ingredients
Chicken:
- 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts (sliced or cubed)
Rice Mixture:
- 2 cups cooked white rice
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 4 oz cream cheese (softened)
- 1 packet dry Italian dressing mix
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
Cheese Topping:
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Others:
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Chopped fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Cook Chicken: In a skillet, cook chicken in olive oil until cooked through. Set aside.
- Prepare Mixture: In a bowl, combine cream of chicken soup, sour cream, chicken broth, cream cheese, Italian dressing mix, garlic powder, and pepper. Add cooked rice and chicken. Mix well.
- Assemble Casserole: Spread the mixture in the baking dish. Top with mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses.
- Bake: Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Uncover and bake for another 10 minutes until cheese is melted.
- Serve: Garnish with parsley before serving.
Notes
- You can use rotisserie chicken for convenience.
- Add cooked broccoli or spinach for extra vegetables.
- This casserole reheats well and is great for meal prep.
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