There’s something truly comforting about a warm, creamy casserole that fills your kitchen with the smell of home-cooked goodness. The Angel Chicken Rice Casserole Recipe is one of those dishes that effortlessly combines tender chicken, cheesy richness, and fluffy rice into the perfect bite every time. It’s a recipe that feels like a cozy hug on a plate, ideal for feeding the family or impressing guests without a fuss. Once you make this, it’s bound to become a treasured go-to in your meal rotation!
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe keeps things simple but absolutely essential, focusing on ingredients that meld beautifully for incredible flavor and satisfying texture. Each element plays a starring role, whether it’s the creamy soup base, the perfectly seasoned chicken, or the melty cheeses that create that irresistible golden crust.
- Olive oil: Used to gently brown the chicken and add a subtle fruity richness.
- Boneless skinless chicken breasts: The lean protein that soaks up all the delicious seasonings and sauce.
- Garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper: These simple spices bring out deep, savory notes in the chicken.
- Condensed cream of chicken soup: The creamy base that makes the casserole rich and luscious.
- Cream cheese: Adds velvety smoothness and tangy flavor to the sauce.
- Low-sodium chicken broth: Lightens the mixture just enough while enhancing the chicken’s essence.
- Italian dressing mix: Infuses herbs and zesty flavors that lift the whole dish.
- Cooked white rice: Acts as the hearty, tender foundation soaking up every bit of creamy goodness.
- Mozzarella cheese: Melts beautifully to create that coveted gooey, cheesy topping.
- Grated Parmesan cheese: Adds a salty, nutty finish that enhances the overall depth of flavor.
- Chopped fresh parsley (optional): A fresh pop of color and brightness to garnish before serving.
How to Make Angel Chicken Rice Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Prepare and Cook the Chicken
Start by heating olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat to build a nice sear on your chicken pieces. Season the chicken with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper to ensure every bite is flavorful. Cook the chicken until no longer pink, usually about 5 to 7 minutes. This step locks in juicy tenderness and forms the base of your casserole’s protein.
Step 2: Whisk Together the Creamy Sauce
In a roomy bowl, combine the condensed cream of chicken soup, softened cream cheese, low-sodium chicken broth, and Italian dressing mix. Whisk these ingredients until smooth and fully blended, creating a luscious sauce that will coat the chicken and rice perfectly, infusing the dish with rich flavor and lovely creaminess.
Step 3: Mix Chicken and Rice Into the Sauce
Fold in the cooked chicken and the cooked white rice to your sauce. This ensures every grain of rice and piece of chicken is enveloped in that amazing, savory cream sauce, making each mouthful delightful and completely satisfying.
Step 4: Assemble and Bake the Casserole
Pour the mixture into a greased 9×13-inch casserole dish, spreading it evenly. Top with shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese for a golden, bubbly crust. Cover the dish with foil to keep moisture in and bake at 350°F for 20 minutes. Then, remove the foil to allow the cheese to brown and bubble, baking for an additional 10 minutes. Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes after baking to set perfectly.
How to Serve Angel Chicken Rice Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
Finishing your casserole with a sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley adds an inviting burst of color and a hint of herbaceous freshness that balances the creamy richness of the dish. It’s a simple touch that makes the presentation pop and brightens flavors.
Side Dishes
This casserole is wonderfully filling on its own, but pairing it with crisp steamed vegetables, like green beans or broccoli, complements the creamy texture with some crunch and nutrition. A fresh green salad with a light vinaigrette also works beautifully to lighten the meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve individual portions in small ramekins for a cozy, personalized touch. You can also layer it in a trifle dish or scalloped serving bowl to showcase the cheesy layers, then garnish with parsley and extra Parmesan for an elegant look that’s perfect for guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Angel Chicken Rice Casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 4 days. The flavors actually deepen over time, making your next serving just as delicious, if not more so!
Freezing
This casserole freezes remarkably well. Once cooled, wrap the casserole tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil or transfer portions into freezer-safe containers. It will keep its quality for up to 3 months, making it a perfect make-ahead meal for busy weeks.
Reheating
To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight if frozen, then warm in the oven at 350°F until heated through and bubbly, usually 20 to 25 minutes. For a quicker option, microwave individual servings until hot, stirring halfway through for even heating.
FAQs
Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
Absolutely! Brown rice adds a nuttier flavor and extra fiber. Just make sure it’s fully cooked beforehand since it takes longer to cook than white rice.
Is there a way to make this casserole healthier?
Yes! Swap regular cream cheese for a reduced-fat version and use low-fat mozzarella to cut back on calories while still maintaining that creamy texture and cheesy flavor.
Can I add vegetables to the Angel Chicken Rice Casserole Recipe?
Definitely! Steamed broccoli, sautéed mushrooms, or even diced bell peppers can be folded in before baking to boost nutrition and add vibrant color.
What if I don’t have Italian dressing mix?
You can mix dried Italian herbs like oregano, basil, garlic powder, and onion powder as a DIY substitute. It won’t be exactly the same but will still bring great flavor to the casserole.
How do I know when the casserole is done baking?
The casserole is done when the cheese is melted, bubbly, and the edges are lightly golden. The internal temperature should reach 165°F to ensure the chicken is fully cooked and safe to eat.
Final Thoughts
This Angel Chicken Rice Casserole Recipe is truly a gem that everyone should have in their culinary repertoire. It’s simple, comforting, and flexible enough to customize to your liking. Once you try it, you’ll understand why it’s a beloved classic—perfect for cozy dinners or feeding a crowd with minimal stress. So grab your ingredients, preheat that oven, and get ready for a dish that feels like a warm, delicious hug.
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: Kid-Friendly
Description
Angel Chicken Rice Casserole is a comforting and creamy one-dish meal featuring tender chicken, flavorful Italian seasoning, and a cheesy topping. This easy-to-make casserole combines chicken, cream cheese, and rice baked to perfection, making it an ideal hearty dinner dish for the whole family.
Ingredients
Chicken and Seasoning
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Cheese Sauce and Mix-ins
- 1 can (10.5 ounces) condensed cream of chicken soup
- 1 package (8 ounces) cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 packet Italian dressing mix
- 2 cups cooked white rice
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Garnish
- Chopped fresh parsley (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it reaches the right temperature by the time the casserole is assembled.
- Cook Chicken: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, heat the olive oil. Add the bite-sized chicken pieces, and season with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Cook the chicken, stirring occasionally, for about 5 to 7 minutes until it is no longer pink and cooked through.
- Prepare Sauce: In a large bowl, whisk together the condensed cream of chicken soup, softened cream cheese, low-sodium chicken broth, and Italian dressing mix until the mixture becomes smooth and creamy.
- Combine Ingredients: Stir the cooked chicken and cooked white rice into the sauce mixture, mixing well to evenly incorporate all ingredients.
- Assemble Casserole: Grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish. Pour the chicken and rice mixture evenly into the dish. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese and grated Parmesan cheese evenly over the top of the casserole.
- Bake Covered: Cover the casserole dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes to allow flavors to meld and heat through.
- Bake Uncovered: Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese on top is melted, bubbly, and slightly golden.
- Rest and Garnish: Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes after removing from the oven to set. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley if desired before serving.
Notes
- Use rotisserie chicken for quicker preparation.
- Substitute brown rice or cooked quinoa for a healthier option.
- Add sautéed mushrooms or steamed broccoli for extra vegetables and nutrition.
