Name: Angel Chicken Rice: A Comforting, Creamy Chicken and Rice Casserole Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 55 min
Total time: 1 h 5 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces; 1 cup long grain white rice (uncooked); 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup; 1 cup sour cream; 1 packet (0.7 oz) Italian dressing seasoning mix; 1/2 cup chicken broth; 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese; 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 1 tablespoon butter (for greasing dish); Salt and pepper to taste; Chopped parsley for garnish (optional)

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There’s nothing quite like a warm, bubbling casserole that fills your kitchen with cozy aromas and your heart with comfort. Angel Chicken Rice: A Comforting, Creamy Chicken and Rice Casserole is my go-to dish when I want to treat my family to a meal that feels like a big hug. With tender chicken, a silky cream sauce, and golden, cheesy goodness on top, it’s the perfect answer to any craving for classic, homey flavors. Every bite is creamy, savory, and deeply satisfying—truly a dish that brings everyone back for seconds!

Angel Chicken Rice: A Comforting, Creamy Chicken and Rice Casserole Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The best part about Angel Chicken Rice: A Comforting, Creamy Chicken and Rice Casserole is how each simple ingredient plays a starring role. Every element, from the chicken to the cheeses, contributes to the irresistible taste, rich texture, and inviting color of this beloved bake.

Chicken breasts: Boneless, skinless pieces keep it lean and tender, soaking up all the delicious sauce.
Long grain white rice: Uncooked rice bakes to fluffy perfection, absorbing all those creamy flavors as it cooks.
Cream of chicken soup: This classic shortcut creates a velvety base with comforting chicken flavor.
Sour cream: Adds tang and unbeatable creaminess—try Greek yogurt for a lighter twist!
Italian dressing seasoning mix: Packs a punch of herby, zesty flavor with no fuss.
Chicken broth: Keeps everything moist and intensifies the savory notes.
Shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts into gooey, stretchy pools atop the casserole.
Grated Parmesan cheese: Gives a salty, nutty kick and turns golden as it bakes.
Butter: Greasing the baking dish prevents sticking and adds a touch of richness.
Salt and pepper: Essential for seasoning the chicken just right.
Chopped parsley: (Optional) A fresh, colorful garnish that brightens up the finished casserole.

How to Make Angel Chicken Rice: A Comforting, Creamy Chicken and Rice Casserole

Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Baking Dish

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. While it warms up, grab a 9×13-inch baking dish and give it a generous coating of butter. This ensures nothing sticks and adds a hint of richness to the edges of your casserole.

Step 2: Mix the Creamy Base

In a large mixing bowl, combine the cream of chicken soup, sour cream, Italian dressing seasoning, and chicken broth. Stir until you have a smooth, luscious mixture that will be the backbone of Angel Chicken Rice: A Comforting, Creamy Chicken and Rice Casserole. This sauce wraps every grain of rice and bite of chicken in flavor.

Step 3: Add Rice and Chicken

Pour the uncooked rice into your creamy sauce and stir until every grain is coated. Next, season your chicken pieces with salt and pepper before gently folding them into the bowl. This step ensures even distribution, so every scoop is packed with chicken and perfectly cooked rice.

Step 4: Assemble the Casserole

Spread the chicken and rice mixture evenly in your prepared baking dish. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese evenly over the top. These cheeses will melt into a bubbling, golden blanket that makes this casserole so irresistible.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Cover your dish tightly with foil and bake for 50 to 55 minutes. This lets the rice soak up all the creamy goodness and ensures your chicken turns out tender and juicy. For the last 5 to 10 minutes, remove the foil so the cheese gets beautifully browned and slightly crisp at the edges.

Step 6: Rest and Garnish

Let your Angel Chicken Rice: A Comforting, Creamy Chicken and Rice Casserole rest for about 5 minutes before serving. This gives the casserole time to set up, making it easier to scoop. Sprinkle with fresh chopped parsley if you like a burst of color and freshness.

How to Serve Angel Chicken Rice: A Comforting, Creamy Chicken and Rice Casserole

Garnishes

Garnishing is your chance to add a little flair! A scattering of chopped parsley adds brightness and a pop of green, while a dusting of extra Parmesan gives an extra punch of flavor. If you’re feeling adventurous, a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes brings a gentle heat that pairs beautifully with the creamy casserole.

Side Dishes

This hearty casserole is a main event all on its own, but it pairs wonderfully with lighter sides. A simple green salad with a tangy vinaigrette helps cut through the richness, or try roasted broccoli or green beans for a pop of color and crunch. Warm dinner rolls are always welcome to help mop up every last bit of sauce!

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, spoon individual servings into ramekins for a dinner party or family gathering—everyone loves their own mini casserole! Or, serve it buffet-style for a casual get-together, letting guests top their own with fresh herbs or extra cheese. Angel Chicken Rice: A Comforting, Creamy Chicken and Rice Casserole is as versatile as it is delicious.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftovers of Angel Chicken Rice: A Comforting, Creamy Chicken and Rice Casserole keep beautifully in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Store tightly covered or in an airtight container to maintain its creamy texture and prevent the rice from drying out.

Freezing

This casserole is a freezer superstar! Cool it completely, then wrap tightly in foil or transfer to a freezer-safe container. It will keep its flavor and creamy texture for up to 2 months. Just be sure to label and date it so you can enjoy a taste of comfort whenever you need it.

Reheating

To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge if frozen. Then, cover with foil and warm in a 350°F oven until heated through, about 20–25 minutes. You can also reheat individual portions in the microwave, adding a splash of chicken broth if it seems a little dry.

FAQs

Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?

Brown rice takes longer to cook and absorbs liquid differently, so it’s not a direct swap. If you really want to use brown rice, partially cook it before assembling the casserole, or add extra broth and extend the baking time.

Is it possible to make this dish ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can assemble Angel Chicken Rice: A Comforting, Creamy Chicken and Rice Casserole up to a day in advance. Cover and refrigerate, then bake as directed when ready to serve. You may need to add 5–10 minutes to the baking time if baking straight from the fridge.

What can I substitute for cream of chicken soup?

If you prefer not to use canned soup, you can make a quick homemade version by whisking together 1 cup chicken broth, 1/2 cup milk, and 2 tablespoons flour over medium heat until thickened. Season to taste and use in place of the canned soup.

How can I add more veggies?

Angel Chicken Rice: A Comforting, Creamy Chicken and Rice Casserole is very flexible! Stir in 1/2 cup sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or even peas before baking for extra color and nutrition. Just be sure not to overload the dish with watery vegetables, which can affect the consistency.

Can I use rotisserie chicken instead of raw chicken?

Definitely! If you have leftover cooked chicken or rotisserie chicken on hand, simply shred or chop it and fold it in with the rice and sauce. Reduce the baking time by about 10 minutes, since the chicken is already cooked.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a surefire way to bring comfort and smiles to your table, Angel Chicken Rice: A Comforting, Creamy Chicken and Rice Casserole is the answer. It’s easy, crowd-pleasing, and endlessly adaptable—so don’t be surprised when it becomes a regular request in your house. Give it a try and savor every creamy, cheesy bite!

Angel Chicken Rice: A Comforting, Creamy Chicken and Rice Casserole Recipe

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4.8 from 10 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

Angel Chicken Rice is a comforting and creamy chicken and rice casserole featuring tender chicken pieces baked with creamy soup, sour cream, and Italian seasoning, topped with melted mozzarella and Parmesan cheese for a deliciously hearty main course.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
1 cup long grain white rice (uncooked)
1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
1 cup sour cream
1 packet (0.7 oz) Italian dressing seasoning mix
1/2 cup chicken broth
1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 tablespoon butter (for greasing dish)
Salt and pepper to taste
Chopped parsley for garnish (optional)

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Instructions

Preheat Oven and Prepare Dish: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter to prevent sticking and help with even cooking.
Mix Creamy Base: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cream of chicken soup, sour cream, Italian dressing seasoning mix, and chicken broth. Stir thoroughly until the mixture is smooth and well blended.
Add Rice and Chicken: Stir the uncooked long grain white rice into the creamy mixture, coating it well. Season the bite-sized chicken pieces with salt and pepper, then fold them gently into the soup and rice mixture.
Assemble Casserole: Pour the combined mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan evenly over the top to add a cheesy crust.
Bake Covered: Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil to trap steam and moisture. Bake in the preheated oven for 50 to 55 minutes, until the rice is tender and the chicken is fully cooked through.
Bake Uncovered and Rest: Remove the foil during the last 5 to 10 minutes of baking to allow the cheese topping to brown lightly. After baking, let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld and make serving easier.
Garnish and Serve: Optionally, sprinkle chopped parsley over the top for a fresh pop of color and flavor. Serve warm as a comforting main dish for family meals.

Notes

Substitute Greek yogurt for sour cream to create a lighter version of this casserole.
For extra flavor and nutrition, stir in 1/2 cup sautéed mushrooms or fresh spinach leaves before baking.
This dish freezes well for up to 2 months; thaw completely and reheat before serving.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 55 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American