Heavenly Angel Chicken and Rice Casserole Recipe for Cozy Nights

Culinary magic happens when creamy angel chicken and rice casserole meets comfort food perfection.

Tender chicken nestles between soft grains of rice, creating a harmonious blend of flavors.

Weeknight dinners deserve something special that doesn’t require complicated techniques.

Cheese melts luxuriously throughout the dish, promising delightful bites with every forkful.

Home cooks appreciate meals that deliver maximum satisfaction with minimal effort.

Simple ingredients combine to produce a crowd-pleasing plate that feels like a warm hug.

Prepare to savor each delectable spoonful of this irresistible comfort classic.

Angel Chicken and Rice Bake with Creamy Touches

• Dairy-Free Delight: Replace sour cream and cream soups with coconut cream and dairy-free mushroom soup. Use plant-based chicken alternatives for a vegan-friendly version.
• Low-Carb Conversion: Swap rice with cauliflower rice or riced broccoli. Reduce cooking time to 45 minutes and ensure chicken is thoroughly cooked.
• Spicy Herb Remix: Add red pepper flakes, fresh thyme, and rosemary to the sauce. Include diced jalapeños for extra heat and complexity.
• Mediterranean Style: Incorporate olives, sun-dried tomatoes, and replace Italian dressing mix with oregano and lemon zest. Top with crumbled feta cheese before serving.

FAQs

• Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?

No, brown rice requires longer cooking time and more liquid. Stick to white rice for this recipe to ensure proper cooking and texture.

• Is it okay to substitute chicken breasts with chicken thighs?

Yes, chicken thighs work great! They’re often more flavorful and stay juicier during baking. Just ensure they reach an internal temperature of 165°F.

• Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

Absolutely! Assemble the casserole, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. Add an extra 10-15 minutes to the cooking time if baking directly from the refrigerator.

• What if I don't have Italian dressing mix?

You can substitute with 1-2 teaspoons of dried herbs like oregano, basil, and a pinch of dried onion powder to achieve a similar flavor profile.

Angel Chicken And Rice That’s Ultra Creamy

• Conquer Weeknight Dinners: This casserole transforms busy evenings into stress-free meal times with minimal preparation and maximum flavor.
• Create One-Dish Wonders: Everything cooks together in a single pan, reducing cleanup and saving precious time for families juggling multiple responsibilities.
• Customize with Ease: Swap chicken breasts for thighs, add different seasonings, or include extra vegetables to make the recipe uniquely yours without complicated techniques.
• Family-Friendly Comfort: Creamy, cheesy textures and mild seasonings ensure even picky eaters will enjoy this satisfying meal that feels like a warm hug on a plate.

Angel Chicken And Rice Casserole Essentials

• Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts: Lean protein that creates the base of the casserole, best when fresh and evenly sized for consistent cooking.

• Long-Grain White Rice: Provides a fluffy and light base for the casserole, absorbs flavors well during baking.

• Cream of Mushroom Soup, Cream of Chicken Soup: Creates rich, smooth sauce that adds depth and moisture to the casserole.
• Sour Cream: Adds tanginess and extra creaminess to the dish, enhancing overall texture.
• Chicken Broth: Provides additional liquid for rice cooking and adds savory flavor.

• Parmesan Cheese: Adds nutty, salty notes and helps create a golden crust.
• Italian Dressing Mix: Delivers complex herbal and zesty seasoning.
• Garlic Powder: Introduces mild, aromatic garlic flavor without raw garlic texture.
• Black Pepper: Provides subtle heat and enhances other seasonings.

• Butter: Adds richness and helps create a golden surface.
• Fresh Parsley: Optional garnish that brings fresh color and herbal brightness.

Angel Chicken And Rice Casserole Walkthrough

Step 1: Warm Up The Oven

Turn on the oven and set the temperature to 350°F.

Get your casserole dish ready by lightly coating the bottom and sides with cooking spray or butter.

Step 2: Create Rice Foundation

Spread uncooked rice in an even layer across the bottom of the casserole dish, creating a delicious base for the chicken.

Step 3: Whip Up Creamy Sauce

• Cream of mushroom soup
• Cream of chicken soup
• Chicken broth
• Sour cream
• Parmesan cheese
• Italian dressing mix
• Garlic powder
• Black pepper

Stir until all ingredients are well blended and smooth.

Step 4: Pour And Distribute Sauce

Carefully pour the creamy sauce over the rice, making sure it covers the entire surface evenly.

Step 5: Position Chicken Pieces

Gently place chicken breasts on top of the saucy rice layer.

Brush the chicken with melted butter to help create a golden, delicious exterior.

Step 6: Cover And Bake Initial Phase

Seal the casserole dish tightly with aluminum foil.

Slide the dish into the preheated oven and bake for one hour.

Step 7: Finish With Final Bake

Remove the foil and return the casserole to the oven.

Bake for an additional 10-15 minutes until the chicken is fully cooked and the rice reaches perfect tenderness.

Step 8: Garnish And Serve

Sprinkle fresh chopped parsley over the top for a pop of color and fresh flavor.

Serve the casserole warm, straight from the dish.

How to Make Angel Chicken and Rice Casserole Satisfying

• Select reduced-sodium cream soups to control salt content and make the dish healthier without compromising flavor.
• Allow chicken breasts to rest for 5 minutes after baking to lock in moisture and ensure juicy, tender meat.
• Use long-grain white rice for best results, as it absorbs liquid evenly and prevents mushy or undercooked grains.
• Experiment with dried thyme, rosemary, or Italian seasoning to enhance the casserole's overall taste profile.
• Swap regular soups for gluten-free alternatives and use gluten-free Italian dressing mix to make the recipe celiac-friendly.

Store Angel Chicken Casserole And Reheat Smoothly

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping them fresh for up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Carefully transfer chicken and rice casserole to freezer-safe containers, where it can maintain quality for 2-3 months.
• Preheat oven to 350°F, cover casserole with foil to prevent drying, and warm for 20-25 minutes until heated through.
• Place individual portions in microwave-safe dish, add small splash of chicken broth to prevent dryness, and heat in 1-minute intervals, stirring between each, until thoroughly warm.

Angel Chicken Casserole: What to Pair With It

• Pair with Crisp Chardonnay: Select a light, buttery Chardonnay that complements the creamy texture of the casserole, enhancing the dish's rich flavors without overpowering the delicate chicken.
• Serve with Roasted Asparagus: Add green roasted asparagus spears seasoned with light salt and olive oil to provide a fresh, crisp vegetable side that balances the casserole's creamy consistency.
• Create a Fresh Garden Salad: Toss mixed greens with cucumber, cherry tomatoes, and a light vinaigrette to cut through the richness of the casserole and add a refreshing element to the meal.
• Match with Crusty Sourdough Bread: Include warm, crusty sourdough bread slices to soak up the delicious sauce and provide a contrasting texture to the creamy rice and tender chicken.

Angel Chicken And Rice Casserole Recipe

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4.7 from 9 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Comfort meets elegance in this divine Angel Chicken and Rice Casserole, where creamy sauce embraces tender chicken and fluffy rice. Hearty flavors meld together, promising a satisfying meal that will warm hearts and delight senses in just one bite.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

Grains and Base:

• 1 cup uncooked long-grain white rice

Seasonings and Sauces:

• 1 can (10.5 ounces/298 grams) cream of mushroom soup
• 1 can (10.5 ounces/298 grams) cream of chicken soup
• 1 1/2 cups chicken broth
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 packet Italian dressing mix
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 tablespoons butter, melted
• Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

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Instructions

1. Prepare the oven by heating to 350°F, ensuring a consistent temperature for even cooking.
2. Create a non-stick surface in a 9×13-inch baking vessel by applying a light grease coating.
3. Distribute uncooked rice in a uniform layer across the bottom of the dish, forming the foundational base of the casserole.
4. Craft a creamy sauce by blending cream of mushroom soup, cream of chicken soup, chicken broth, sour cream, Parmesan cheese, Italian dressing mix, garlic powder, and black pepper in a mixing bowl until smooth and well-incorporated.
5. Gently cascade the sauce mixture over the rice, ensuring complete and even coverage.
6. Position chicken breasts atop the rice and sauce layer, then delicately brush with melted butter to enhance flavor and promote a golden exterior.
7. Shield the casserole completely with aluminum foil, creating a sealed environment for moisture retention and thorough cooking.
8. Allow the dish to bake for approximately one hour, developing rich flavors and tenderizing the ingredients.
9. Carefully remove the foil, exposing the casserole to direct heat for an additional 10-15 minutes to achieve a perfectly cooked chicken and perfectly tender rice.
10. Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the casserole for a vibrant garnish and serve while warm, inviting diners to enjoy the comforting meal.

Notes

• Choose long-grain white rice to ensure fluffy, perfectly cooked grains that absorb the creamy sauce beautifully.
• Swap chicken breasts with thighs for more tender, juicy meat that won’t dry out during baking.
• Use low-sodium broths and soups to control salt levels and prevent the dish from becoming too salty.
• Add frozen mixed vegetables like peas or carrots directly into the rice mixture for extra nutrition and color.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 400
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 15 g
• Saturated Fat: 8 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 40 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 30 g
• Cholesterol: 90 mg