If you are looking for a comforting, creamy, and downright delicious casserole that feels like a warm hug on a plate, then look no further than this Angel Chicken Rice Casserole Recipe. It brings together tender chicken, fluffy rice, and a luscious blend of cheeses and Italian-seasoned creaminess that melts perfectly in every bite. Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this dish never fails to satisfy hungry appetites and please the whole family with its rich flavors and easy preparation.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of the Angel Chicken Rice Casserole Recipe lies in its straightforward, pantry-friendly ingredients that come together to create a dish bursting with flavor, creaminess, and a hint of Italian zest. Each ingredient plays a vital role—from the juicy chicken to the melty cheese topping, making it a winning combination.
- Olive oil: Used for cooking the chicken to golden perfection without overpowering the flavors.
- Boneless skinless chicken breasts: Bite-sized pieces ensure every forkful is packed with tender protein.
- Garlic powder: Gives a subtle, savory depth that enhances the chicken’s flavor.
- Onion powder: Adds a gentle sweetness and aromatic base to the seasoning mix.
- Salt: Brings everything together by balancing flavors.
- Black pepper: Offers a mild kick and peppery warmth.
- Condensed cream of chicken soup: The creamy heart of the casserole, binding the ingredients smoothly.
- Cream cheese: Softened to add richness and a velvety texture to the filling.
- Low-sodium chicken broth: Keeps the mixture moist with a savory undertone.
- Italian dressing mix: A magical blend of herbs that infuses a subtle Italian flavor throughout the dish.
- Cooked white rice: Provides a fluffy, comforting base that absorbs all the creamy goodness.
- Shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts beautifully for that irresistible gooey topping.
- Grated Parmesan cheese: Adds a sharp, nutty contrast to the mild mozzarella.
- Chopped fresh parsley (optional): A fresh, green garnish that brightens the presentation and palate.
How to Make Angel Chicken Rice Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Cook and Season the Chicken
Start by heating olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Toss in your bite-sized chicken pieces and sprinkle them evenly with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Cook the chicken, stirring occasionally, until it’s completely cooked through and no longer pink inside, about 5 to 7 minutes. This step ensures that the chicken is flavorful and juicy before mixing it with the creamy casserole base.
Step 2: Prepare the Creamy Sauce Mixture
While the chicken cooks, grab a large bowl and whisk together the condensed cream of chicken soup, softened cream cheese, low-sodium chicken broth, and Italian dressing mix. Whisk until the mixture is completely smooth and velvety. This blend is the secret to the Angel Chicken Rice Casserole Recipe’s luscious, rich texture and zesty undertones.
Step 3: Combine Chicken, Rice, and Sauce
Add the hot cooked chicken and the cooked white rice to the creamy sauce bowl, gently folding everything together until the chicken and rice are evenly coated. This combination forms the delicious, flavorful filling that will be baked to perfection.
Step 4: Assemble and Bake the Casserole
Lightly grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish and pour in the mixture, spreading it evenly. Sprinkle shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese across the top to form a beautifully cheesy crust. Cover the dish tightly with foil and slide it into the oven preheated to 350°F. Bake for 20 minutes to warm everything through and meld the flavors.
Step 5: Finish Baking and Rest
After 20 minutes, carefully remove the foil and continue baking uncovered for an additional 10 minutes or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and just starting to brown. Once out of the oven, give the casserole about 5 minutes to rest; this helps the filling set slightly and makes serving easier and neater.
How to Serve Angel Chicken Rice Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
Adding a few spoonfuls of chopped fresh parsley over the top right before serving not only adds a pop of color but also a fresh herbal note that rounds out the creamy richness of the casserole beautifully.
Side Dishes
This casserole pairs wonderfully with crisp green salads or steamed seasonal vegetables like broccoli, green beans, or carrots to introduce a fresh, crunchy contrast and balance the creamy texture of the dish.
Creative Ways to Present
For a more elegant presentation, serve individual portions in small ramekins topped with a sprinkle of extra Parmesan and a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil. You can even add a few sliced sun-dried tomatoes or olives on top to give an Italian twist to the classic Angel Chicken Rice Casserole Recipe.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Angel Chicken Rice Casserole Recipe keeps well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently to preserve moisture and cheesy goodness.
Freezing
You can freeze the casserole either before or after baking. Just cover tightly with foil or plastic wrap and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating for best results.
Reheating
Reheat individual servings in the microwave until hot throughout or warm the entire casserole in a 350°F oven covered with foil for about 20 minutes. To restore the bubbly top, remove the foil during the last 5 minutes of baking.
FAQs
Can I use rotisserie chicken for this recipe?
Absolutely! Using rotisserie chicken is a great shortcut that adds extra flavor and saves cooking time. Just shred the chicken before mixing it in.
Is it possible to substitute the rice for a healthier option?
Yes, you can swap white rice for brown rice or even cooked quinoa. Both will add more fiber and nutrients while keeping the texture delicious.
Can I add vegetables to the casserole?
Definitely. Sautéed mushrooms, steamed broccoli, or peas are wonderful additions that complement the creamy texture and add some extra color and nutrition.
What if I don’t have Italian dressing mix?
If you don’t have a packet of Italian dressing mix, you can make your own by combining dried oregano, basil, parsley, garlic powder, onion powder, and a touch of sugar or substitute with Italian seasoning and a dash of garlic salt.
Can this recipe be made gluten-free?
Yes! Just make sure to use gluten-free cream of chicken soup and Italian dressing mix, and check that all other ingredients are gluten-free certified.
Final Thoughts
This Angel Chicken Rice Casserole Recipe is a cozy, crowd-pleasing meal that’s as simple to make as it is delightful to eat. Whether you’re feeding the family after a busy day or bringing something comforting to a potluck, this dish is destined to become one of your all-time favorites. So, roll up your sleeves, grab those ingredients, and get ready to enjoy a creamy, cheesy, and irresistibly tasty casserole!
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Angel Chicken Rice Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Kid-Friendly
Description
Angel Chicken Rice Casserole is a creamy, comforting baked dish that combines tender chicken breast pieces with cooked white rice, rich cream cheese, and a blend of Italian seasonings. This easy-to-make casserole is topped with mozzarella and Parmesan cheese, baked until bubbly and golden, making it a satisfying family-friendly main course perfect for weeknight dinners.
Ingredients
Chicken and Seasonings
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Casserole Mixture
- 1 can (10.5 ounces) condensed cream of chicken soup
- 1 package (8 ounces) cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 packet Italian dressing mix
- 2 cups cooked white rice
Topping
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Chopped fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking the casserole.
- Cook the chicken: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the bite-sized chicken pieces, seasoning them with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Cook for about 5 to 7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is cooked through and no longer pink inside.
- Prepare the sauce: In a large bowl, whisk together the condensed cream of chicken soup, softened cream cheese, low-sodium chicken broth, and the Italian dressing mix until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
- Combine ingredients: Stir the cooked chicken and the cooked white rice into the creamy sauce mixture, ensuring everything is evenly mixed.
- Assemble the casserole: Lightly grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish. Pour the chicken and rice mixture into the dish, spreading it out evenly. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese and grated Parmesan cheese evenly over the top.
- Bake covered: Cover the casserole dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes to heat through and allow the flavors to meld.
- Bake uncovered: Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is fully melted, bubbly, and slightly golden on top.
- Rest and garnish: Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes out of the oven before serving. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley if desired to add a fresh, colorful touch.
Notes
- Use rotisserie chicken for a faster preparation option, skipping the stovetop cooking step.
- Substitute brown rice or cooked quinoa for a healthier, higher fiber alternative to white rice.
- Add sautéed mushrooms or steamed broccoli to incorporate more vegetables and nutrition.
