If you are on the lookout for a comforting, creamy, and downright delicious meal to bring the family together, the Angel Chicken Rice Casserole Recipe is a total winner. This casserole combines tender bites of seasoned chicken, fluffy rice, and a rich, cheesy sauce that just melts in your mouth. It’s an effortless dish that balances flavors and textures beautifully, making it perfect for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings. Once you try this Angel Chicken Rice Casserole Recipe, it might just become your go-to recipe for easy, heartwarming meals that everyone raves about.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Angel Chicken Rice Casserole Recipe lies in its simple yet essential ingredients, each adding a unique layer of flavor and texture. From the creamy tang of cream cheese to the zesty punch of Italian dressing mix, every component works in harmony to make this casserole irresistible.
- Olive oil: Used to sauté the chicken, adding richness and preventing sticking.
- Boneless skinless chicken breasts: Bite-sized pieces provide tender protein throughout the dish.
- Garlic powder: Adds a warm, savory flavor perfect for chicken.
- Onion powder: Enhances depth of flavor without overpowering.
- Salt: Balances and elevates all the flavors.
- Black pepper: Adds a subtle hint of heat and complexity.
- Condensed cream of chicken soup: Creates a creamy base that’s luscious and comforting.
- Cream cheese (softened): Makes the casserole extra creamy and rich.
- Low-sodium chicken broth: Keeps the mixture moist and adds savory notes.
- Italian dressing mix: Brings a zesty, herbal kick that livens up the entire dish.
- Cooked white rice: Acts as the perfect base, soaking up the creamy sauce wonderfully.
- Shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts beautifully, giving the casserole a gooey, cheesy top.
- Grated Parmesan cheese: Adds a sharp, nutty flavor that complements the mozzarella.
- Chopped fresh parsley (optional): Freshness and color to garnish the finished casserole.
How to Make Angel Chicken Rice Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Chicken
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat, then add the bite-sized chicken pieces. Season them generously with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Sauté the chicken until it’s cooked through and no longer pink inside, which usually takes about 5 to 7 minutes. This step ensures the chicken is tender and packed with flavor before mixing it into the casserole.
Step 2: Prepare the Creamy Sauce
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 until it’s incredibly smooth and creamy. This mixture is the heart of your casserole, providing a luscious coating that marries all the ingredients perfectly.
Step 3: Combine Chicken and Rice
Once your chicken is ready, stir it into the creamy sauce along with the cooked white rice. Carefully mix everything until the chicken and rice are evenly coated, ensuring each bite will have that savory, creamy goodness we all crave in a casserole.
Step 4: Assemble and Bake
Pour the combined mixture into a greased 9×13-inch casserole dish. Spread it out evenly, then sprinkle the shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese over the top. Cover the casserole with foil and bake for 20 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together. After that, remove the foil and bake uncovered for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese on top is melted, golden, and bubbling.
Step 5: Rest and Garnish
Once baked, let your Angel Chicken Rice Casserole rest for about 5 minutes. This resting time helps everything set for perfect slicing and serving. If you like, sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley to add a bright pop of color and fresh herb flavor to your gorgeous casserole.
How to Serve Angel Chicken Rice Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh parsley is a classic garnish that adds a burst of green and a subtle freshness that contrasts wonderfully with the rich, creamy casserole. Feel free to experiment with a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for a hint of spice or a light drizzle of extra virgin olive oil to enhance the texture and flavor before serving.
Side Dishes
This casserole pairs beautifully with simple, crisp sides like a green salad with a light vinaigrette or steamed vegetables such as broccoli or green beans. These add a fresh and crunchy contrast to the creamy, hearty casserole, creating a balanced and satisfying meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve this Angel Chicken Rice Casserole Recipe in individual ramekins for single servings, making it feel extra special and personalized. You can also sprinkle some toasted breadcrumbs on top before baking for added texture. Using colorful ceramic dishes adds a warm, inviting presentation that’s perfect for family dinners or potlucks.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Angel Chicken Rice Casserole keeps well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This makes it easy to enjoy a quick, satisfying meal on busy days without any compromise on flavor or quality.
Freezing
You can freeze the casserole either before baking or after it has cooled. Wrap it tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil or store in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it, thaw overnight in the fridge for best results.
Reheating
To reheat, place a portion of the casserole in an oven-safe dish and bake at 350°F until warmed through, about 15 to 20 minutes. Alternatively, use a microwave on medium heat, covered loosely, checking and stirring midway to heat evenly and keep the casserole creamy and moist.
FAQs
Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
Absolutely! Brown rice works well as a healthier alternative, though it may change the texture slightly. Just make sure the brown rice is fully cooked before mixing it into the casserole.
Is there a vegetarian version of this casserole?
Yes, you can substitute the chicken with hearty vegetables like sautéed mushrooms, zucchini, or cooked chickpeas. You might also want to use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth and vegetarian cream soup to keep the creamy texture.
Can I use rotisserie chicken for this Angel Chicken Rice Casserole Recipe?
Definitely! Rotisserie chicken is a fantastic shortcut that saves time and adds extra flavor. Just shred the chicken and toss it right in the mixture with the rice and sauce.
How can I add more veggies to this casserole?
Adding steamed broccoli, sautéed mushrooms, or bell peppers before mixing with the sauce is a great way to boost nutrition and flavor without sacrificing the creamy, comforting nature of the dish.
Can this casserole be made dairy-free?
To make this casserole dairy-free, substitute cream cheese with a dairy-free alternative, use a non-dairy cream soup, and replace mozzarella and Parmesan with vegan cheeses. This might slightly alter the flavor and texture but still yields a satisfying meal.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about the Angel Chicken Rice Casserole Recipe that makes it a keeper in any household kitchen. Its creamy, cheesy, and tender chicken flavor combination is both familiar and wonderfully comforting. If you want to treat yourself and your loved ones to a dish that feels like a warm hug on a plate, this casserole is a must-try. So gather your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and enjoy the delicious magic of this Angel Chicken Rice Casserole Recipe!
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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 comforting and creamy baked dish featuring tender bite-sized chicken pieces, cooked white rice, and a rich blend of cream cheese, cream of chicken soup, and Italian seasoning. Topped with melted mozzarella and Parmesan cheese, this casserole is perfect for a hearty family meal with simple ingredients and straightforward preparation.
Ingredients
Chicken Mixture
- 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
Sauce and Rice
- 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
Toppings and Garnish
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Chopped fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking the casserole.
- Cook Chicken: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces and season them with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Cook the chicken until no longer pink inside, about 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally to ensure even cooking.
- Prepare Sauce Mixture: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the condensed cream of chicken soup, softened cream cheese, low-sodium chicken broth, and Italian dressing mix until smooth and well combined.
- Combine Ingredients: Stir the cooked chicken and cooked white rice into the sauce mixture, mixing thoroughly to ensure all components are evenly coated.
- Assemble Casserole: Pour the combined mixture into a greased 9×13-inch casserole dish. Spread it out evenly, then sprinkle the shredded mozzarella 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 meld the flavors.
- Bake Uncovered: Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 10 minutes or until the cheese topping is melted, bubbly, and lightly golden.
- Rest and Garnish: Allow the casserole to rest for 5 minutes after baking to set and cool slightly. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley if desired before serving.
Notes
- Use rotisserie chicken to save time on cooking the chicken.
- Substitute brown rice or cooked quinoa to boost the fiber and nutritional content.
- Add sautéed mushrooms or steamed broccoli for an extra serving of vegetables and added flavor.
