Quick & Fluffy Angel Chicken and Rice Casserole Recipe

Nestled in comfort, this fluffy angel chicken and rice casserole brings warmth to your kitchen faster than you can say “delicious.” Memories of grandma’s cooking drift through the aroma wafting from the baking dish.

Tender chicken pieces nestle against perfectly cooked rice, creating a harmonious blend of textures and flavors.

Creamy sauce binds each ingredient with rich, velvety smoothness that makes every bite irresistible.

Weeknight dinners demand something simple yet spectacular, and this casserole delivers precisely that magic.

Cheese melts into golden patches, promising a crispy top that crackles with each serving spoon.

I promise you’ll want seconds before finishing your first helping.

Angel Chicken Rice Casserole That Feels Like a Hug

Quick and Easy Comfort Feast: Perfect for Busy Families

• Minimal Prep Time: Whips up in under an hour with simple mixing and layering techniques, making it ideal for weeknight dinners.
• Budget-Friendly Meal: Uses affordable ingredients like chicken, rice, and pantry staples, delivering delicious results without breaking the bank.
• Kid-Approved Flavor Combination: Cheesy, creamy texture with crunchy Ritz cracker topping ensures even picky eaters will love every bite.
• One-Dish Wonder: Streamlines cooking by combining protein, carbs, and cheese in a single baking dish, minimizing kitchen cleanup and saving precious time.

Angel Chicken and Rice Casserole Ingredients

Main Ingredients:

• Chicken: Tender, shredded protein that adds hearty flavor to the casserole. Rotisserie or leftover chicken works best.
• Rice: Fluffy base that absorbs delicious flavors and provides comforting texture. Long-grain white rice recommended.

• Cream of Mushroom Soup: Rich, creamy foundation that adds depth and moisture. Look for low-sodium options.
• Cream of Chicken Soup: Additional creamy element that enhances overall sauce consistency. Choose condensed variety.
• Sour Cream: Adds tangy richness and helps create smooth, velvety texture. Full-fat version provides best results.

• Cheddar Cheese: Sharp, melty cheese that creates golden, delicious top layer. Shredded cheese melts most evenly.
• Ritz Crackers: Provides crispy, buttery crunch for casserole topping. Classic crackers work perfectly.
• Butter: Helps bind cracker topping and creates golden brown color. Unsalted butter preferred.

• Garlic Powder: Adds subtle, aromatic flavor without fresh garlic chunks.
• Onion Powder: Provides gentle onion essence throughout the dish.
• Salt and Pepper: Essential seasonings that balance and enhance overall taste.

• Chicken Broth: Moistens rice and adds extra flavor depth. Low-sodium version recommended.

Angel Chicken Casserole Baking Method

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Crank your oven to a cozy 350°F.

Grab a 9×13-inch baking dish and give it a quick spray or butter rub to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Create the Creamy Base

• Long-grain white rice
• Chicken broth
• Cream of mushroom soup
• Cream of chicken soup
• Sour cream
• Garlic powder
• Onion powder
• Salt
• Black pepper

Whisk everything together until it becomes a smooth, dreamy mixture.

Step 3: Layer Your Deliciousness

Spread the rice blend evenly across the prepared baking dish.

Generously scatter shredded chicken over the top, creating a beautiful landscape of comfort food.

Step 4: Add Cheesy Crunch Topping

Sprinkle sharp cheddar cheese across the chicken layer.

In a separate small bowl, crush Ritz crackers and mix with melted butter.

Distribute this buttery cracker mixture evenly over the cheese.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Cover the dish with aluminum foil and slide into the preheated oven.

Bake for 35 minutes.

Then remove the foil and continue baking for another 10-15 minutes until the top turns golden and the edges bubble with deliciousness.

Step 6: Rest and Serve

Allow the casserole to cool for 5 minutes.

This helps it set and makes serving easier.

Scoop out generous portions and watch everyone’s eyes light up with joy.

Comfort Casserole Prep for Angel Chicken and Rice

• Rinse rice thoroughly before cooking to remove excess starch, ensuring each grain remains fluffy and separate in the casserole.
• Use warm, freshly cooked chicken and shred it while still slightly warm for easier, more even distribution throughout the dish.
• Crush Ritz crackers just before adding to maintain maximum crispness and prevent soggy topping during baking.
• Swap cream soups with homemade versions or gluten-free alternatives to accommodate different dietary restrictions without losing flavor complexity.
• Let casserole rest 5 minutes after baking to allow ingredients to set, making serving cleaner and preventing burning your mouth.

Reheating Angel Chicken Rice Dish

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep refrigerated for up to 3-4 days to maintain freshness and prevent bacterial growth.
• Place a single serving in a microwave-safe dish. Cover with a damp paper towel to prevent drying. Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even warming.
• Transfer casserole to a baking dish. Add a splash of chicken broth to prevent dryness. Cover with foil and warm at 350°F for 15-20 minutes until heated completely through.
• Wrap the casserole tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating to preserve texture and flavor.

Casserole Pairings for Angel Chicken and Rice

• Elevate Cheese Complement: Pair this creamy casserole with sharp white cheddar or aged gouda to enhance the dish's rich, cheesy undertones.
• Refresh with Crisp Salad: Create a light mixed green salad with cucumber, cherry tomatoes, and a tangy vinaigrette to balance the casserole's hearty flavors.
• Wine Harmony: Select a medium-bodied Chardonnay or Pinot Grigio to complement the creamy texture and cut through the dish's richness.
• Cool Beverage Boost: Serve with a crisp, cold glass of unsweetened iced tea or sparkling water with a lemon slice to refresh the palate between bites.

Fluffy Angel Chicken and Rice Casserole Cozy Versions

• Gluten-Free Comfort: Replace Ritz crackers with gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed gluten-free crackers. Use gluten-free cream soups to ensure the entire dish is safe for those with gluten sensitivities.
• Vegetarian Protein Swap: Substitute chicken with firm tofu or chickpeas. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth and add extra herbs like thyme or rosemary for depth of flavor.
• Low-Carb Alternative: Replace rice with cauliflower rice or riced broccoli. Reduce the amount of cheese and use a lighter cream base to keep the dish lower in carbohydrates.
• Dairy-Free Option: Use dairy-free cheese alternatives like nutritional yeast or cashew cheese. Swap sour cream with coconut cream and use olive oil instead of butter for the topping.

FAQs

• How can I make this casserole more protein-rich?

Add diced cooked bacon, ham, or mix in some additional shredded rotisserie chicken to boost protein content without changing the recipe’s core flavor profile.

• Can I use a different type of cream soup?

Yes, you can substitute cream of mushroom or cream of chicken with cream of celery or cream of onion soup while maintaining a similar creamy consistency and taste.

• Is this recipe good for meal prep?

Absolutely! This casserole reheats wonderfully and stays moist. You can prepare it ahead of time, refrigerate, and bake when ready to serve, making it perfect for busy weeknights or preparing meals in advance.

• What if I don't have Ritz crackers for the topping?

Use breadcrumbs, panko, or crushed cornflakes as alternatives. The key is mixing the crumbs with melted butter to create a crispy, golden-brown topping that adds delicious texture to the casserole.

Fluffy Angel Chicken and Rice Casserole Recipe

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4.9 from 8 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Comfort meets elegance in this heavenly Angel Chicken and Rice Casserole, blending creamy textures with savory depths. Delicate chicken nestles among perfectly seasoned rice, promising a satisfying meal that wraps you in warmth and pure culinary delight.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Proteins and Main Ingredients:

• 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

Rice and Base Ingredients:

• 1 cup long-grain white rice, uncooked
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 1 can (10.5 ounces / 298 grams) cream of mushroom soup
• 1 can (10.5 ounces / 298 grams) cream of chicken soup
• 1 cup sour cream

Seasonings and Topping:

• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 cup crushed Ritz crackers (or breadcrumbs)
• 2 tablespoons butter, melted

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Instructions

1. Prepare a welcoming canvas for this comforting culinary creation by warming the oven to 350°F and generously coating a 9×13-inch baking vessel with a protective layer of grease.
2. Craft a luscious foundation by whisking together rice, chicken broth, creamy mushroom and chicken soups, sour cream, and aromatic seasonings in a spacious mixing bowl until the mixture achieves a harmonious blend.
3. Transform the baking dish into a layered landscape, spreading the rice mixture as a smooth, even foundation and draping tender shredded chicken across its surface.
4. Enhance the casserole’s allure by showering cheddar cheese over the chicken, creating a molten blanket of flavor. Crush Ritz crackers and marry them with melted butter, then scatter this golden topping evenly across the cheese.
5. Shield the dish with aluminum foil, allowing it to nestle in the oven for 35 minutes, coaxing the ingredients into a harmonious melody. Unveil the foil for a final 10-15 minutes, encouraging the topping to achieve a radiant, crisp golden finish.
6. Pause briefly to let the casserole settle and compose itself, then serve this warm, inviting symphony of flavors to eager diners.

Notes

• Swap out regular rice for cauliflower rice to create a low-carb version that’s equally delicious and satisfying.
• Use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream to boost protein content and reduce overall fat while maintaining creamy texture.
• Create a gluten-free option by substituting Ritz crackers with gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed gluten-free cornflakes for the same crunchy topping.
• Enhance flavor complexity by adding fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary to the rice mixture for an aromatic twist that elevates the entire dish.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 50 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 485
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 860 mg
• Fat: 22 g
• Saturated Fat: 12 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 46 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 26 g
• Cholesterol: 85 mg