Heavenly Angel Chicken and Rice Casserole Recipe for Families

Weeknight dinners find their perfect match in this angel chicken and rice casserole that promises comfort in every delightful bite.

Creamy textures blend seamlessly with tender chicken pieces nestled among fluffy rice grains.

Minimal ingredients create maximum flavor through smart culinary magic.

Convenient preparation means you can assemble this dish quickly after a long day at work.

Hearty and satisfying, the casserole delivers rich, cheesy goodness that fills hungry bellies with warmth.

Soft layers of chicken, rice, and savory sauce meld together for a meal everyone will adore.

Dive into this simple yet spectacular dinner that might become your new go-to recipe.

Angel Chicken and Rice Casserole: Heavenly Comfort

• Dive into One-Dish Comfort: A simple casserole that combines chicken, rice, and creamy sauce in a single baking dish, making meal preparation and cleanup a breeze.
• Minimal Prep, Maximum Flavor: Requires basic ingredients and straightforward mixing, perfect for home cooks who want delicious results without complicated techniques.
• Family-Pleasing Crowd-Pleaser: Offers a creamy, satisfying meal that appeals to both kids and adults, making it an ideal weeknight dinner solution that everyone will enjoy.
• Versatile Adaptability: Easily customizable with optional garnishes like fresh parsley or potential vegetable additions, allowing flexibility based on personal taste preferences.

Ingredients for Angel Chicken and Rice Casserole

• Chicken Breasts: Tender and juicy protein that forms the centerpiece of this comforting casserole.

• Uncooked Rice: The foundation of the casserole that absorbs flavors and creates a hearty base.

• Cream of Mushroom Soup, Cream of Chicken Soup: Rich and creamy sauces that provide depth and moisture to the dish.
• Chicken Broth: Adds extra flavor and helps cook the rice to perfect tenderness.
• Sour Cream: Brings a tangy richness and helps create a smooth, velvety sauce.

• Italian Dressing Mix: Provides a zesty blend of herbs and spices for added complexity.
• Parmesan Cheese: Adds a salty, nutty flavor and helps create a golden top.
• Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings that balance and enhance the overall taste.

• Fresh Parsley: Adds a pop of color and fresh herb flavor to finish the dish.

• Aluminum Foil: Helps trap moisture and ensure even cooking of the casserole.

How to Bake Angel Chicken and Rice Casserole

Step 1: Prepare the Oven

Warm up your oven to a cozy 350F (175C), getting ready for a delicious adventure.

Step 2: Prep the Baking Dish

Grab a 9×13-inch baking dish and give it a light spray or brush with oil.

Spread the uncooked rice evenly across the bottom like a soft, even blanket.

Step 3: Create the Creamy Sauce

• Cream of mushroom soup
• Cream of chicken soup
• Chicken broth
• Sour cream
• Italian dressing mix
• Parmesan cheese

Whisk everything together until smooth and dreamy.

Step 4: Layer the First Sauce

Pour half of the creamy sauce over the rice, letting it cascade and cover every grain.

Step 5: Add the Chicken

Gently place chicken breasts on top of the saucy rice layer.

Step 6: Complete the Sauce Layer

Drizzle the remaining creamy sauce over the chicken, making sure it’s completely covered.

Step 7: Season to Perfection

Sprinkle salt and pepper across the dish to enhance all those incredible flavors.

Step 8: Bake and Cover

Wrap the baking dish with aluminum foil and slide it into the preheated oven.

Bake for 45-50 minutes.

Step 9: Final Golden Touch

Remove the foil for the last 5 minutes, letting the top turn a beautiful golden brown.

Step 10: Garnish and Serve

If you’d like, sprinkle some fresh parsley on top for a pop of color and extra freshness.

Serve hot and enjoy your comforting meal!

Tips for Perfect Angel Chicken and Rice Casserole

• Opt for reduced-sodium cream soups to control salt intake and create a healthier version of the casserole.
• Replace chicken breasts with boneless thighs or rotisserie chicken for varied texture and convenience.
• Rinse uncooked rice before spreading in the dish to remove excess starch and ensure fluffy, separate grains.
• Sprinkle dried herbs like thyme or rosemary into the soup mixture for an extra layer of aromatic richness.
• Substitute sour cream with Greek yogurt or coconut cream to accommodate lactose-sensitive diets.

Variations on Angel Chicken and Rice Casserole

• Vegetarian Rice Casserole: Replace chicken with firm tofu or tempeh, use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth, and swap cream of chicken soup with cream of mushroom or celery soup for a plant-based version.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free cream soups, replace Italian dressing mix with herbs like thyme and oregano, and ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free.
• Low-Sodium Variation: Select low-sodium soups, omit added salt, use homemade chicken broth, and season with herbs like basil and rosemary for flavor enhancement.
• Mediterranean-Inspired Swap: Add kalamata olives, swap Parmesan for feta cheese, include diced bell peppers, and sprinkle with fresh oregano for a Mediterranean flair.

Serving Ideas for Angel Chicken and Rice Casserole

• Comfort Food Companion: Pair this hearty casserole with a crisp green salad dressed in light vinaigrette for refreshing contrast.
• Veggie Boost: Roasted broccoli or steamed asparagus add nutritious color and complement the creamy chicken perfectly.
• Bread Buddy: Warm garlic bread or soft dinner rolls work wonderfully to soak up the delicious sauce and complete the meal.
• Wine Pairing: A chilled Chardonnay or light Pinot Grigio will beautifully enhance the rich, creamy flavors of this comforting dish.

Storage Guidelines for Angel Chicken and Rice Casserole

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep refrigerated for 3-4 days, ensuring the container is sealed tightly to maintain freshness and prevent bacterial growth.
• Transfer cooled casserole to freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Label with date and contents. Freeze for up to 2-3 months. Avoid freezing for longer to prevent texture degradation.
• Thaw overnight in refrigerator. Preheat oven to 350F. Cover dish with foil to prevent drying. Warm for 20-25 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165F. Remove foil for last 5 minutes to crisp top.

FAQs

• Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?

Yes, but increase cooking time and liquid. Brown rice needs more moisture and longer baking to become tender.

• How do I know if the chicken is fully cooked?

Use a meat thermometer. Chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) to be safe for consumption.

• Can I substitute the cream soups with homemade alternatives?

You can make homemade cream soups or use Greek yogurt and broth, but the texture and flavor might slightly differ from the original recipe.

• Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?

Absolutely! This casserole reheats well and can be stored in the refrigerator for 3-4 days, making it perfect for preparing ahead of time.

Angel Chicken And Rice Casserole Recipe

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4.5 from 40 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Creamy angel chicken and rice casserole combines tender chicken with a luxurious sauce over fluffy rice. Midwestern comfort shines through in this simple, hearty dish that delivers warmth and satisfaction when you need a quick, delicious meal.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

Starches:

• 1 cup uncooked white rice

Sauces and Seasonings:

• 1 can (10.5 ounces/298 grams) cream of mushroom soup
• 1 can (10.5 ounces/298 grams) cream of chicken soup
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1 packet dry Italian dressing mix
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Salt to taste
• Black pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)

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Instructions

1. Prepare the oven by heating to 350F (175C), ensuring an even temperature for optimal cooking.
2. Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish thoroughly, then distribute uncooked rice in a uniform layer across the bottom.
3. Create a creamy sauce by blending cream of mushroom soup, cream of chicken soup, chicken broth, sour cream, Italian dressing mix, and Parmesan cheese in a mixing bowl until smooth and well-combined.
4. Gently pour half of the prepared sauce over the rice, allowing it to spread evenly across the surface.
5. Arrange chicken breasts directly on top of the sauce-covered rice, ensuring they are positioned in a single layer.
6. Drizzle the remaining sauce over the chicken, completely coating the meat and creating a rich, flavorful topping.
7. Sprinkle salt and pepper across the dish to enhance the overall seasoning and taste profile.
8. Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil, creating a tight seal to trap moisture and promote even cooking.
9. Bake for 45-50 minutes, checking that the chicken is thoroughly cooked and the rice has reached a tender consistency.
10. During the final 5 minutes of baking, remove the foil to allow the top to develop a golden, appetizing color.
11. Optional: Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a vibrant, fresh presentation before serving.

Notes

• Customize the rice by using brown rice for added nutrition, which might require slightly more liquid and longer cooking time.
• Lighten the dish by substituting low-fat cream soups and Greek yogurt instead of sour cream for a healthier version.
• Create a gluten-free option by using gluten-free cream soups and checking the Italian dressing mix ingredients for potential gluten sources.
• Enhance flavor variety by experimenting with different herbs like thyme or rosemary instead of just parsley for garnishing.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 50 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 345 kcal
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 720 mg
• Fat: 12 g
• Saturated Fat: 5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
• Trans Fat: 0.2 g
• Carbohydrates: 26 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 32 g
• Cholesterol: 85 mg