If you’re craving a dish that feels like a warm hug from the inside out, the Angel Chicken Rice Casserole Recipe is exactly what you need. This cozy casserole combines tender chicken, fluffy rice, and a creamy, cheesy sauce that’s bursting with comforting flavors. It’s easy to prepare, perfect for family dinners, and has that irresistible baked golden top that pulls everyone to the table. Whether it’s a weeknight meal or a casual get-together, this casserole brings a perfectly balanced, satisfying dish that everyone will love.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Preparing this Angel Chicken Rice Casserole Recipe is wonderfully straightforward because it relies on simple yet essential ingredients. Each one plays a crucial role in delivering creamy texture, hearty taste, and mouthwatering color that brighten up every bite.
- 3 cups cooked chicken: shredded or cubed for tender, protein-packed heartiness.
- 2 cups cooked white rice: provides a soft, fluffy base that soaks up the delicious sauce perfectly.
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup: adds velvety richness and savory depth in every spoonful.
- 1/2 cup sour cream: brings a subtle tanginess and creamy smoothness.
- 1/2 cup chicken broth: enhances moisture and flavor without overpowering the dish.
- 1 packet Italian dressing mix: infuses herbs and spices to lift the casserole’s seasoning effortlessly.
- 4 oz cream cheese: melts into a luscious base that ties the ingredients deliciously together.
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese: melts into gooey, golden perfection on top.
- 1 tablespoon chopped parsley (optional): adds a fresh, vibrant finish to each serving.
How to Make Angel Chicken Rice Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Pan
First things first: preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Getting this ready early saves you time when your delicious mixture is all set to be baked.
Step 2: Cook and Prep the Chicken
If you don’t have precooked chicken handy, now’s the time to cook your chicken breasts or thighs. Once cooked, shred or cube the chicken to ensure every bite has the perfect tender texture that soaks up the casserole’s creamy sauce beautifully.
Step 3: Cook the Rice
While your chicken cooks or rests, prepare 2 cups of white rice according to the package directions. Fluffy, perfectly cooked rice is crucial as it forms the cozy bed for our creamy mix.
Step 4: Create the Sauce
In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine the cream of chicken soup, cream cheese, sour cream, chicken broth, and Italian dressing mix. Stir slowly and continuously until smooth and creamy. This sauce is the magic glue that brings the entire Angel Chicken Rice Casserole Recipe together with rich, comforting flavor.
Step 5: Mix It All Up
In a large bowl, gently toss together the shredded chicken, cooked rice, and your luscious sauce until everything is evenly coated. This blend is where the flavors meld, creating a hearty and delicious casserole filling.
Step 6: Transfer to Baking Dish
Spread your mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish. A smooth layer will ensure even baking and that every serving has that perfect creamy toasty bite.
Step 7: Add the Cheese Topping
Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese generously over the top. This layer will melt and create that irresistible golden crust everyone looks forward to.
Step 8: Bake Until Bubbly
Place the casserole in your preheated oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when you see bubbling along the edges and a golden cheese crust forming on top. This step is where the dish transforms from a creamy mixture to a beautifully baked comfort meal.
Step 9: Let It Rest and Garnish
Before diving in, allow the casserole to rest for about 5 minutes. This pause lets the flavors settle and makes serving easier. Sprinkle with chopped parsley if you like a fresh pop of color and flavor to finish your Angel Chicken Rice Casserole Recipe.
How to Serve Angel Chicken Rice Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
Adding garnishes is a wonderful way to elevate your casserole’s presentation and flavor. Chopped fresh parsley adds brightness and a hint of herbal freshness. For a little extra flair, consider a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of grated Parmesan cheese to amp up the cheesy goodness.
Side Dishes
Since the Angel Chicken Rice Casserole Recipe is so rich and hearty, pairing it with light, crisp sides creates balance on the plate. Try a simple green salad with a lemon vinaigrette or steamed green beans tossed with a bit of garlic and olive oil. These fresh sides brighten the meal without competing with the casserole’s bold flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
To add a special touch, serve this casserole family-style in the baking dish so everyone can help themselves, encouraging cozy, casual vibes. Alternatively, scoop individual portions into pretty ramekins and sprinkle each with parsley for charming personal servings that look as good as they taste.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftovers of this Angel Chicken Rice Casserole Recipe can be refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Keeping the leftovers chilled properly preserves that creamy texture and depth of flavor, making for a tasty next-day meal.
Freezing
This casserole freezes beautifully. After baking, let it cool completely, then cover tightly with foil or plastic wrap and freeze for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating, and it’ll taste just like fresh.
Reheating
To reheat, warm individual portions in the microwave for 2 to 3 minutes or place the whole casserole (covered with foil) in a preheated 350°F oven until heated through, about 20 to 25 minutes. This helps to maintain that gooey, cheesy texture and the savory flavors you love about the Angel Chicken Rice Casserole Recipe.
FAQs
Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
Absolutely! Brown rice adds a nuttier flavor and chewier texture, which pairs nicely with the creamy sauce. Just be sure to cook it fully before mixing since it takes longer to cook than white rice.
Is it possible to make this vegetarian?
Yes! You can swap the chicken with hearty vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, or even chickpeas and use a vegetable-based cream soup to keep the lovely creaminess without meat.
Can I prepare this Angel Chicken Rice Casserole Recipe ahead of time?
Definitely! You can mix all the ingredients, assemble the casserole, and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. Just add a few extra minutes to baking time if it’s coming straight from the fridge.
What can I use instead of Italian dressing mix?
If you don’t have Italian dressing mix, try a blend of dried oregano, basil, parsley, garlic powder, and onion powder to replicate those classic flavors without missing a beat.
Is this recipe suitable for freezing raw or cooked?
While you can freeze the cooked casserole, freezing it before baking is also possible. Just assemble everything in a freezer-safe dish and cover well. When ready, thaw overnight and add extra baking time to ensure it’s heated through.
Final Thoughts
There’s nothing quite like the warmth and comfort packed into each bite of this Angel Chicken Rice Casserole Recipe. It’s a dish that feels like home, simple enough for weeknights but special enough to share with guests. I truly hope you give this recipe a try and experience the joy it brings to your table—because once you do, it might just become one of your family favorites too.
Print
Angel Chicken Rice Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Angel Chicken Rice Casserole is a creamy, comforting, and easy-to-make baked dish combining tender chicken, fluffy rice, and a rich sauce made with cream cheese, sour cream, and Italian dressing mix. Topped with melted mozzarella cheese and optionally garnished with parsley, this casserole is perfect for a family dinner or meal prep.
Ingredients
Chicken and Rice
- 3 cups cooked chicken (shredded or cubed)
- 2 cups cooked white rice
Sauce
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
- 4 oz cream cheese
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1 packet Italian dressing mix
Topping
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 tablespoon chopped parsley (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
- Prepare Chicken: If you don’t have pre-cooked chicken, cook chicken breasts or thighs thoroughly by your preferred method and shred or cube the meat once it has cooled.
- Cook Rice: Prepare the white rice following package directions and set aside once cooked.
- Make Sauce: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine the cream of chicken soup, cream cheese, sour cream, chicken broth, and Italian dressing mix. Stir continuously until the mixture becomes smooth and well blended.
- Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, mix together the cooked chicken, cooked rice, and the prepared sauce until all ingredients are evenly coated and combined.
- Assemble Casserole: Spread the chicken and rice mixture evenly into the greased baking dish.
- Add Cheese Topping: Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the top of the casserole.
- Bake: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes, until the dish is bubbly and the cheese on top turns golden brown.
- Rest and Garnish: Remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes. Before serving, sprinkle with chopped parsley if desired for a fresh touch.
Notes
- You can substitute cooked brown rice for a healthier twist.
- Use rotisserie chicken for a quicker version of this casserole.
- For extra flavor, add sautéed onions or garlic to the sauce mixture.
- Leftovers store well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheat nicely in the oven or microwave.
- To make it lower fat, use reduced-fat cream cheese and sour cream.
