Angel Chicken Rice Casserole Recipe

Angel Chicken Rice Casserole is that soul-soothing, creamy, cheesy dinner you reach for when you want a fuss-free meal that feels like a gentle hug. Tender chicken, fluffy rice, and a luscious, savory sauce all bake together in perfect harmony, making every bite deeply satisfying. If you love comfort food and need something that appeals to every age and appetite, let this casserole become your weeknight hero—it’s one to share and savor with friends and family!

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of Angel Chicken Rice Casserole is in its simplicity—each ingredient plays a special role, whether adding creaminess, a blast of umami, or pure cheesy delight. Don’t skip a single part, as these elements come together to make the casserole sing with flavor and texture.

• Boneless skinless chicken breasts: Cut into bite-sized pieces for juicy, tender bites throughout the casserole.
• Uncooked long-grain white rice: The base for this dish, giving the casserole its fluffy, satisfying structure.
• Cream of mushroom soup: Adds a rich, earthy creaminess to the sauce, balancing the bright flavors.
• Cream of chicken soup: Intensifies the savory, comforting flavor and pairs perfectly with the chicken.
• Chicken broth: Keeps the rice moist while baking and deepens the casserole’s flavor.
• Sour cream: Brings a subtle tang and creaminess that elevates the sauce.
• Garlic powder: Infuses the casserole with gentle, aromatic warmth.
• Onion powder: Adds a mellow sweetness that enhances the entire dish.
• Salt: Essential for seasoning and bringing all the flavors to life.
• Black pepper: Offers just a hint of heat and complexity.
• Grated Parmesan cheese: For a sharp, nutty, golden finish on top.
• Shredded mozzarella cheese: Adds melty, gooey richness in the final baking stage.
• Butter: Melted and drizzled for a golden, flavorful, and irresistibly luscious top.
• Chopped parsley (optional): Offers fresh color and a burst of herby brightness for garnish.

How to Make Angel Chicken Rice Casserole

Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Dish

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Take a 9×13-inch casserole dish and grease it well—this step ensures that every cheesy, saucy bite releases easily, and no delicious browned edges stick to the pan.

Step 2: Build the Rice Base

Evenly spread your uncooked long-grain white rice across the bottom of the greased casserole dish. Spreading out the rice avoids clumping and makes sure every scoop, once baked, gets plenty of fluffy, well-cooked grains.

Step 3: Mix Up the Creamy Sauce

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the cream of mushroom soup, cream of chicken soup, chicken broth, sour cream, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper until perfectly smooth. This sauce is where all the deep, comforting flavors blend together—take a moment to make sure it’s lump-free and oh-so-silky.

Step 4: Layer and Assemble Angel Chicken Rice Casserole

Pour half of that luscious sauce over the rice, smoothing it out to cover evenly. Lay your diced chicken pieces in a nice, even layer on top of the rice, then pour the remaining sauce over all the chicken. Spreading everything evenly helps the rice cook through and the chicken pick up flavor from every surrounding inch.

Step 5: Cheese and Butter Magic

Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese right over the casserole—it’ll bake up into that iconic golden-brown crust. Drizzle the melted butter across the surface, adding extra richness and flavor. With this layer, your Angel Chicken Rice Casserole starts looking like creamy, cheesy paradise.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Cover the casserole dish snugly with aluminum foil and bake in your preheated oven for 35 minutes. After that, pull the foil off, shower the casserole with shredded mozzarella cheese, and return it to the oven (uncovered) for another 10 to 15 minutes. When the cheese is irresistibly bubbly and the rice is tender, you’re ready to take it out.

Step 7: Rest and Garnish

Once your Angel Chicken Rice Casserole is out of the oven, let it sit for 5 minutes to set up. Sprinkle on plenty of fresh chopped parsley, if you like, for extra color and a fresh finish before serving.

How to Serve Angel Chicken Rice Casserole

Garnishes

A sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley is the classic topper—it lifts the entire dish with a pop of green and a hint of freshness. For a touch more decadence, you could add a dusting of extra Parmesan or even some thinly sliced green onions scattered on top. Let your garnish reflect what your family loves most!

Side Dishes

Angel Chicken Rice Casserole plays nicely with almost anything. Try it alongside a simple green salad dressed with a zippy vinaigrette, roasted broccoli, or steamed green beans tossed with lemon. If you want to go all-in on comfort, warm buttery rolls are always a hit for sopping up any extra creamy sauce on the plate.

Creative Ways to Present

You can dress up this casserole for a casual dinner party or just put a fun twist on family dinner. Spoon individual servings into pretty ramekins and top each one with extra parsley and a pinch of cheese for an elegant touch. Or, serve straight from the baking dish at the table—family-style always feels inviting and homey.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Angel Chicken Rice Casserole keeps beautifully in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Just cover the baking dish tightly with foil or transfer portions into airtight containers. The creamy sauce keeps everything moist, so reheated servings are just as tasty as the first.

Freezing

If you want to stock your freezer, let the casserole cool completely, then wrap individual portions or the entire dish tightly in plastic wrap followed by aluminum foil. It’ll keep well in the freezer for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for a weeknight dinner revival.

Reheating

To reheat, you can simply pop individual servings in the microwave until heated through, or warm the entire dish in a 350°F oven covered with foil until bubbly. Add a splash of chicken broth if it seems a bit thick—the casserole will bounce right back.

FAQs

Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?

Yes, you can substitute brown rice, but remember that it takes longer to cook and may need extra chicken broth. For best results, partially cook the brown rice before assembling the casserole so everything finishes together perfectly.

What can I use instead of cream of mushroom soup?

If you’re not a fan of mushrooms, substitute with another can of cream of chicken soup or even cream of celery. You’ll still get plenty of creamy, savory flavor in your Angel Chicken Rice Casserole.

Is it possible to add vegetables?

Absolutely! Stir in some frozen peas, chopped spinach, or diced bell pepper to the sauce before assembling the casserole. It’s a great way to sneak in extra color and nutrition.

Can I make Angel Chicken Rice Casserole ahead of time?

Yes! You can assemble the entire casserole up through Step 5, cover tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, let it sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes while the oven preheats, then bake as directed.

What’s the best way to tell if the casserole is cooked through?

Look for bubbling edges, tender rice, and melted cheese on top. You can also use a fork to check the rice is soft throughout and the chicken is fully cooked—if it’s opaque and juicy, you’re good to go!

Final Thoughts

If you’re craving a warm, cheesy, utterly comforting meal, give Angel Chicken Rice Casserole a try—you’ll be amazed at how simple it is and how much everyone loves it. There’s something special about sharing a dish that brings together creamy sauce, tender chicken, and hearty rice. Gather your ingredients, invite friends or family, and let this casserole become a new go-to favorite in your home!

Print