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
Scale
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.
