If you’re searching for a comforting, soul-satisfying meal that combines creamy, cheesy goodness with tender chicken and fluffy rice, the Angel Chicken Rice Casserole Recipe is your new best friend. This casserole blends simple everyday ingredients into a dreamy, baked dish that’s perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings. Each bite delivers a warm hug of flavors—from the savory chicken breasts nestled atop a creamy, flavorful rice base to the golden, melted cheese crust that crowns it all. You’ll find yourself reaching for seconds, and maybe even thirds!

Angel Chicken Rice Casserole Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering straightforward ingredients is the first step to crafting this luscious casserole. Each item plays a vital role, whether it’s the tender chicken breasts offering protein and texture or the creamy soup and sour cream that create the rich, velvety sauce soaking into the rice. Together, these essentials come alive in your oven to make this dish truly irresistible.

Boneless, skinless chicken breasts: These provide lean protein and cook perfectly tender in the casserole’s creamy environment.
Long-grain white rice: This rice cooks evenly and stays fluffy, soaking up all the delicious flavors without getting mushy.
Chicken broth: Adds depth and moisture, enriching the rice and melding all flavors beautifully.
Cream of chicken soup: Creates a luscious, creamy base that binds ingredients together and adds comforting richness.
Sour cream: Brings tangy creaminess that balances the richness and adds tender texture to the dish.
Butter, melted: A bit of butter enhances the flavor and helps smooth the sauce.
Garlic powder: Delivers a subtle punch of savory depth that sneaks into every bite.
Onion powder: Adds sweetness and a rounded aromatic note without overpowering.
Shredded cheddar cheese: Melts into a gooey, golden topping that adds sharpness and color.
Grated Parmesan cheese: Offers a nutty, salty finish that elevates the cheesy topping to something special.
Salt and pepper to taste: Essential seasonings that bring your flavors into perfect harmony.
Fresh parsley, chopped: For a sprinkle of fresh herbaceous brightness that livens the casserole when served.

How to Make Angel Chicken Rice Casserole Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Rice Base

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it’s warming up, grease a 9×13-inch baking dish lightly to ensure nothing sticks and the casserole cooks evenly. Spread the uncooked long-grain white rice evenly across the bottom of the dish—this layer will soak up all the luscious sauce you’re about to pour on, so getting it evenly spread is key.

Step 2: Mix the Creamy Sauce

In a bowl, whisk together chicken broth, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, and melted butter until smooth. Then stir in garlic powder and onion powder to infuse your base with depth and aroma. This creamy mixture is what transforms the plain rice into a rich, flavorful canvas for your chicken.

Step 3: Assemble the Layers

Pour the prepared soup mixture evenly over the rice, gently shaking the dish if needed to help the liquid distribute. Season with salt and pepper to your liking—this is when you start layering on the flavor! Next, place the chicken breasts on top of the wet rice mixture, seasoning the chicken itself with salt, pepper, and any other spices you fancy for a personal twist.

Step 4: Bake Covered to Cook Through

Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil to trap steam, allowing the rice to absorb the liquid and the chicken to cook uniformly. Bake for 45 minutes, which gives the rice time to soften perfectly and the chicken to begin cooking through in the moist environment.

Step 5: Add Cheese and Finish Baking

After the 45 minutes, carefully remove the foil and sprinkle shredded cheddar and grated Parmesan cheese generously over the top. Return the dish to the oven uncovered, baking for an additional 15 to 20 minutes. This step melts the cheese into a golden, bubbling crust that complements the tender chicken beneath and finishes the rice’s texture beautifully.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Once out of the oven, scatter fresh chopped parsley over the casserole to add a pop of color and fresh flavor. The Angel Chicken Rice Casserole Recipe is now ready to wow your taste buds and those lucky enough to share the table with you.

How to Serve Angel Chicken Rice Casserole Recipe

Garnishes

Simple fresh parsley isn’t the only way to brighten this dish; feel free to add a squeeze of lemon juice for a subtle zing or a sprinkle of crispy fried onions for a delightful crunch contrast. These little touches enhance the presentation and elevate each bite.

Side Dishes

This comforting casserole pairs wonderfully with crisp green salads, roasted vegetables, or steamed broccoli. The contrasting textures and lighter sides balance the richness of the casserole, rounding out your meal perfectly without overwhelming the senses.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving individual portions in small ramekins for a charming, elegant touch at dinner parties, or scoop it into hollowed bell peppers for a colorful, single-serve meal that adds a fun surprise element to your table. The Angel Chicken Rice Casserole Recipe is versatile enough for casual family dinners and special occasions alike.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftovers keep well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors tend to meld even more overnight, making the next-day meal just as delightful as fresh from the oven.

Freezing

You can freeze the Angel Chicken Rice Casserole Recipe either before or after baking. Store it in a freezer-safe dish wrapped tightly with foil or plastic wrap for up to 2 months. When frozen pre-baked, thaw overnight in the fridge before baking as directed.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers gently in the oven at 350°F until warmed through to maintain the casserole’s texture and flavor. Alternatively, microwave individual portions for a quicker meal, just be mindful to cover loosely to prevent drying out.

FAQs

Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?

Brown rice has a firmer texture and longer cooking time, so it’s not ideal for this recipe unless you pre-cook it. Using brown rice as a direct substitute might result in a grainy or undercooked casserole.

Is this recipe suitable for freezing after baking?

Yes! Once baked and cooled, this casserole freezes beautifully. Just ensure you wrap it well and thaw it completely before reheating to maintain taste and texture.

Can I substitute the sour cream?

Absolutely. You can use Greek yogurt or cream cheese as alternatives—they’ll keep the creamy texture with slight variations in flavor, adding your own twist to the classic dish.

How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?

The chicken is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F and the juices run clear. The baking times in the Angel Chicken Rice Casserole Recipe are designed to ensure tenderness if you follow them closely.

Can I add vegetables to the casserole?

Yes! Adding peas, diced bell peppers, or mushrooms can add flavor and nutrition. Just keep in mind the cooking times and moisture content if you make significant additions, adjusting liquid as needed.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly special about a dish that feels like a warm embrace, and the Angel Chicken Rice Casserole Recipe delivers exactly that. It’s simple to prepare, packed with flavor, and designed to please a crowd or family of six with plenty of leftovers to spare. I encourage you to give this recipe a try and enjoy every creamy, cheesy, comforting bite with the people you love most.

Angel Chicken Rice Casserole Recipe

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4 from 71 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x

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Description

Angel Chicken Rice Casserole is a comforting and creamy baked dish featuring tender chicken breasts layered over a flavorful mix of rice, chicken broth, sour cream, and creamy soup. Topped with melted cheddar and Parmesan cheeses, this hearty casserole is a perfect family dinner that combines ease with rich flavors.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken and Rice

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 cup long-grain white rice

Soup Mixture

2 cups chicken broth
1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
1 cup sour cream
1 tablespoon butter, melted
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder

Cheese and Seasonings

1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

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Instructions

Preheat and Prepare Dish: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking, then evenly spread the uncooked long-grain white rice across the bottom.
Mix Soup Liquid: In a bowl, combine the chicken broth, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, melted butter, garlic powder, and onion powder. Stir until the mixture is smooth and well-blended.
Assemble the Base: Pour the soup mixture evenly over the rice in the baking dish. Season with salt and pepper to your taste.
Arrange Chicken: Place the chicken breasts on top of the rice and soup mixture. Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and any additional spices if desired.
Bake Covered: Cover the casserole dish with aluminum foil and bake for 45 minutes to allow the rice to absorb the liquid and the chicken to begin cooking.
Add Cheese and Finish Baking: Remove the foil, sprinkle shredded cheddar and grated Parmesan cheeses evenly over the casserole, then return to the oven uncovered. Bake for an additional 15-20 minutes until the chicken is fully cooked (internal temperature reaches 165°F) and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Garnish and Serve: Remove the casserole from the oven and garnish with freshly chopped parsley before serving hot.

Notes

You can substitute sour cream with Greek yogurt for a lighter option.
Ensure chicken breasts are of even thickness for uniform cooking.
Check the internal temperature of chicken with a meat thermometer to avoid undercooking.
Using fresh garlic and onion instead of powders will change the flavor profile but may be preferred for freshness.
Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated thoroughly.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour
Category: Main Course
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American