Angel Chicken Rice Casserole Recipe

If you’re searching for the ultimate comfort food that’s both creamy and utterly satisfying, look no further than Angel Chicken Rice Casserole. This dish is exactly what busy weeknights and cozy gatherings call for: a bubbling casserole loaded with tender chicken, fluffy rice, and gooey cheese. Every scoop offers layers of flavor, mingling a hint of Italian herbs with a velvety sauce, all blanketed by a molten, golden topping. It’s a recipe that feels like wrapping yourself up in a warm hug—and believe me, everyone at your table is going to want seconds!

Angel Chicken Rice Casserole Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

You don’t need a long shopping list for Angel Chicken Rice Casserole—just a handful of accessible, everyday staples that each add something special. These ingredients combine to make every bite creamy, savory, and full of delightful texture.

  • Boneless skinless chicken breasts: Chopped into bite-sized pieces, this is the protein anchor that soaks up every drop of sauce.
  • Cooked white rice: The classic base gives the casserole a hearty, satisfying backbone that’s perfect for soaking up flavor.
  • Cream of chicken soup: Delivers a rich, savory depth and makes the sauce extra creamy.
  • Cream cheese (softened): Blends smoothly for a decadently silky texture and a mild tang.
  • Chicken broth: Helps loosen the sauce and infuses the mixture with even more comforting chicken flavor.
  • Italian dressing seasoning mix: Adds punchy herbs and zesty flavor, turning simple chicken and rice into something craveable.
  • Butter: Used to sauté the chicken, this adds richness right from the start.
  • Grated Parmesan cheese: Melts into the casserole for a sharp, nutty undertone.
  • Garlic powder: Gives another boost of savory flavor that ties everything together.
  • Black pepper: Just a little adds warmth and aromatic depth without overpowering the dish.
  • Shredded mozzarella cheese: On top for that signature gooey, golden finish—because who can resist baked cheese?
  • Fresh parsley (optional): Adds a bright, herbal touch and a hint of color on top right before serving.

How to Make Angel Chicken Rice Casserole

Step 1: Sauté the Chicken

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it warms up, melt the butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken pieces and stir them occasionally as they cook for 6 to 8 minutes, until they’re beautifully opaque and just no longer pink. Getting a light golden edge on the chicken gives the casserole a boost of flavor right from the base.

Step 2: Mix Up the Sauce

In a medium bowl, whisk together the cream of chicken soup, softened cream cheese, chicken broth, Italian dressing seasoning, garlic powder, black pepper, and grated Parmesan. It might take a minute for the cream cheese to get lump-free and smooth, but it’s worth the stir—this sauce is the core of that iconic Angel Chicken Rice Casserole creaminess!

Step 3: Combine Chicken, Rice, and Sauce

Fold the cooked rice and sautéed chicken into the sauce, making sure every grain and piece is coated. At this stage, you can feel free to toss in a handful of steamed broccoli or peas for a pop of color and a veggie boost, if you’d like. The mixture should look rich and creamy, almost like a thick risotto.

Step 4: Assemble and Top with Cheese

Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish, then pour in your casserole mixture, smoothing it out to fill the corners. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella evenly on top. This ensures you’ll get that perfectly bubbly, golden cheese lid that is a total showstopper!

Step 5: Bake Until Bubbly

Pop the dish in the oven and bake, uncovered, for 25 to 30 minutes. You’re looking for a golden brown crust on top, and for the whole casserole to bubble gently around the edges. The aroma is your cue—once your kitchen smells like cozy, creamy heaven, you’re in business.

Step 6: Rest, Garnish, and Serve

Once out of the oven, let your Angel Chicken Rice Casserole rest for about 5 minutes before serving—this helps everything settle and makes scooping easier. Just before bringing it to the table, scatter over some fresh chopped parsley for the perfect finishing touch.

How to Serve Angel Chicken Rice Casserole

Angel Chicken Rice Casserole Recipe - Recipe Image

Garnishes

A sprinkle of fresh parsley is classic, lending a bright pop of color and a hint of fresh flavor to every portion. If you want to dress it up a little more, try a pinch of extra grated Parmesan or a few twists of freshly ground black pepper over each serving. This last little touch makes the Angel Chicken Rice Casserole look even more inviting.

Side Dishes

This casserole is wonderfully rich, so it pairs well with crisp, light sides. I love serving it with a simple green salad dressed in lemon vinaigrette or some roasted green beans for contrast. Warm, crusty bread is also a welcome side—the perfect vehicle for scooping up every last bit of creamy sauce.

Creative Ways to Present

Angel Chicken Rice Casserole is incredibly versatile. Try serving individual portions in ramekins or personal mini-casserole dishes for a dinner party. For potlucks, bake it in a disposable pan for easy transport, or spoon it into lettuce cups for a fun, lighter twist. You can even top each serving with toasted breadcrumbs for a bit of crunch!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Cooled casserole can be covered and refrigerated for up to 3 days. If you know you’ll have leftovers, it’s smart to divide the dish into smaller portions for easy grab-and-go lunches. The flavors meld even more overnight, making reheated servings just as decadent as day one.

Freezing

Angel Chicken Rice Casserole freezes beautifully! Once baked and cooled, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil. It’ll keep for up to 2 months in the freezer—perfect for meal prep or unexpected cravings. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

For best texture, reheat leftovers in the oven at 350°F (cover with foil to prevent drying out) until hot and bubbly, about 20 minutes. For single servings, the microwave does the trick—just heat in 1-minute bursts, stirring in between, until it’s steaming all the way through.

FAQs

Can I use rotisserie chicken instead of cooking raw chicken?

Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken is a fantastic shortcut for this casserole. Just shred or chop about 3 cups, skip the sautéing step, and your time in the kitchen gets even shorter.

What’s the best rice for Angel Chicken Rice Casserole?

Classic cooked white rice delivers that signature creamy texture, but feel free to swap in brown rice or wild rice for extra heartiness and a nutty undertone. Make sure whichever rice you use is fully cooked and not too wet.

Can I add vegetables to the casserole?

Definitely! Steamed broccoli, peas, sautéed mushrooms, or even chopped spinach blend seamlessly into the creamy mix, adding color and nutrition. Just be sure any added veggies are cooked and drained to avoid excess moisture.

Is it possible to make Angel Chicken Rice Casserole gluten-free?

Yes! Check that your cream of chicken soup and Italian dressing seasoning are certified gluten-free, and you’re all set—everything else in the recipe is naturally gluten-free.

How do I prevent the casserole from drying out?

If you’re concerned about dryness, cover the casserole with foil for the first 15 minutes of baking, then remove the foil to let the cheese brown. Using enough sauce is key; don’t skimp on the liquid ingredients!

Final Thoughts

It’s tough to beat the homey flavor and easy elegance of Angel Chicken Rice Casserole. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or just want a hands-off weeknight dinner, this dish always delivers—creamy, comforting, and crowd-pleasing every time. Give it a try and watch how quickly it becomes a staple in your kitchen, too!

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Angel Chicken Rice Casserole Recipe

Angel Chicken Rice Casserole Recipe


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.7 from 14 reviews

  • Author: admin
  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings 1x
  • Diet: Non-Vegetarian

Description

Angel Chicken Rice Casserole is a creamy and comforting dish that’s perfect for a family dinner. Tender chicken, cooked rice, and a flavorful sauce come together in this easy-to-make casserole.


Ingredients

Scale

Chicken:

  • 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces

Rice:

  • 2 cups cooked white rice

Sauce:

  • 1 (10.5 oz) can cream of chicken soup
  • 1 (8 oz) package cream cheese, softened
  • 1/2 cup chicken broth
  • 1 packet Italian dressing seasoning mix
  • 1 tablespoon butter
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Topping:

  • 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • Fresh parsley, chopped (optional for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Cook Chicken: In a skillet, cook chicken until no longer pink.
  3. Make Sauce: Whisk together cream of chicken soup, cream cheese, chicken broth, Italian dressing mix, garlic powder, black pepper, and Parmesan cheese until smooth.
  4. Combine Ingredients: Add cooked rice and chicken to the sauce, stir to combine.
  5. Bake: Pour mixture into a baking dish, top with mozzarella, and bake for 25–30 minutes until golden.
  6. Rest and Garnish: Let rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with parsley if desired.

Notes

  • You can use rotisserie chicken to save time.
  • Brown rice or wild rice can be used for a heartier version.
  • Add steamed broccoli or peas for extra vegetables.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 cup
  • Calories: 430
  • Sugar: 3 g
  • Sodium: 780 mg
  • Fat: 22 g
  • Saturated Fat: 10 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 32 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 28 g
  • Cholesterol: 95 mg

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