The Heavenly Angel Chicken and Rice Casserole Recipe You’ll Love

Comfort arrives with this delightful angel chicken and rice casserole that promises warmth in every delectable bite.

Families adore simple meals combining creamy textures and hearty ingredients.

Childhood memories often spark from such classic dishes that feel like culinary hugs.

Tender chicken nestles perfectly among fluffy rice, creating a harmonious blend of flavors.

Minimal preparation transforms ordinary ingredients into something extraordinarily satisfying.

Cheese melts generously, adding a golden richness that makes this casserole irresistible.

One spoonful will convince you this recipe deserves a permanent spot in your meal rotation.

Angel Chicken and Rice Casserole: What Makes It Special

• Simplify Your Weeknight Cooking: Combine chicken, rice, and creamy sauce in one dish, eliminating multiple pots and complicated cooking steps.
• Create a Crowd-Pleasing Comfort Meal: Rich, creamy texture and savory flavors make this casserole a guaranteed hit for family dinners and gatherings.
• Minimal Prep, Maximum Flavor: Brown chicken quickly, mix sauce ingredients, layer in dish, and let the oven do the rest with minimal hands-on cooking time.
• Adaptable for Different Tastes: Easily customize by adding vegetables, changing seasonings, or using alternative protein options to suit your preferences.

Essential Ingredients in Angel Chicken and Rice Casserole

• Chicken Breasts: Tender meat that forms the core protein of the casserole and provides a hearty base for the dish.

• Cream of Mushroom Soup, Cream of Chicken Soup: Creamy bases that add rich flavor and help bind the casserole together.
• Cream Cheese: Adds extra creaminess and smooth texture to the sauce.
• Chicken Broth: Provides additional moisture and enhances the overall savory flavor.
• Italian Dressing Mix: Introduces herbs and seasonings that complement the chicken.
• White Wine: Optional ingredient that adds depth and complexity to the sauce.

• White Rice: Uncooked grain that absorbs the creamy sauce and becomes tender during baking.
• Olive Oil: Used to brown the chicken and add a subtle flavor.
• Salt, Pepper: Basic seasonings that enhance the natural taste of the chicken.

• Fresh Parsley: Adds a bright, fresh finish to the completed casserole.

How to Prepare Angel Chicken and Rice Casserole

Step 1: Prepare Baking Station

Warm up your oven to 350F. Lightly grease a spacious baking dish with cooking spray or butter to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Brown The Chicken

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium flame. Sprinkle chicken breasts with salt and pepper.

Cook each side until golden brown, approximately 3-4 minutes per side. Transfer chicken to a temporary plate.

Step 3: Create Magical Sauce

• Cream of mushroom soup
• Cream of chicken soup
• Chicken broth
• Italian dressing mix
• White wine
• Softened cream cheese

Whisk ingredients until smooth and creamy.

Step 4: Layer The Dish

Spread uncooked rice evenly across the bottom of the greased baking dish.

Carefully place browned chicken breasts on top of the rice layer.

Step 5: Pour And Cover

Drizzle the creamy sauce over chicken and rice, making sure every grain of rice gets coated with the luscious liquid.

Cover the entire dish with aluminum foil.

Step 6: Bake To Perfection

Slide the covered dish into the preheated oven.

Bake for 45-50 minutes until rice becomes tender and chicken is thoroughly cooked.

Step 7: Rest And Serve

Remove casserole from oven.

Let it rest for 5-10 minutes to allow flavors to settle. Sprinkle fresh chopped parsley on top for a beautiful finishing touch.

Serve hot and enjoy!

Tips to Maximize Angel Chicken and Rice Casserole Flavor

• Use long-grain white rice for the best texture and even cooking throughout the casserole.
• Replace cream-based soups with low-sodium versions to reduce overall salt content and make the dish healthier.
• Opt for chicken thighs instead of breasts for more tender and flavorful meat that stays juicy during baking.
• Enhance flavor by adding sautéed mushrooms or diced onions to the creamy sauce before pouring over rice and chicken.
• For gluten-free adaptation, use gluten-free cream soups and ensure the Italian dressing mix is certified gluten-free.

Flavor Additions That Work with Angel Chicken and Rice Casserole

• Low-Sodium Option: Replace cream soups with homemade versions using low-sodium chicken broth, using Greek yogurt instead of cream cheese for reduced salt content.
• Gluten-Free Adaptation: Substitute Italian dressing mix with gluten-free seasoning blend, use cornstarch instead of wheat-based thickeners, and select gluten-free cream soups.
• Vegetarian Alternative: Swap chicken with firm tofu or plant-based chicken substitute, use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth, and maintain creamy sauce consistency with cashew cream.
• Keto-Friendly Version: Replace rice with cauliflower rice, use full-fat cream cheese, choose zero-carb seasonings, and ensure all ingredients are low-carbohydrate compliant.

Side Dishes to Complement Angel Chicken and Rice Casserole

• Comfort Food Family Feast: Serve this creamy casserole as a hearty main dish that brings everyone together around the dinner table.
• Elegant Weeknight Dinner: Plate individual servings with a side of roasted vegetables or crisp green salad for a restaurant-quality meal at home.
• Potluck Party Star: Transport this casserole in a covered dish for gatherings, keeping it warm and delicious for friends and family to enjoy.
• Meal Prep Champion: Portion leftovers into containers for easy lunch options throughout the week, ensuring a delicious and convenient midday meal.

Proper Storage for Angel Chicken and Rice Casserole

• Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking to maintain food safety.
• Store chicken and rice casserole in the refrigerator for 3-4 days maximum.
• Avoid freezing this specific recipe due to cream-based sauce which may separate upon thawing.
• Reheat individual portions in microwave with a damp paper towel covering to prevent drying out, stirring halfway through and checking internal temperature reaches 165°F.
• When microwaving, add 1-2 tablespoons of chicken broth to restore moisture and prevent rice from becoming too dry.
• Use a microwave-safe dish and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval to distribute heat evenly.

FAQs

• Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?

Yes, but you’ll need to adjust the liquid and cooking time. Brown rice requires more liquid and a longer baking time, typically around 60-70 minutes.

• Is it okay to substitute the cream of mushroom soup?

Definitely! You can use cream of celery or cream of chicken soup as alternatives. The flavor profile will change slightly but still be delicious.

• What type of chicken works best for this recipe?

Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are ideal. They cook evenly and absorb the creamy sauce beautifully. You can also use chicken thighs if you prefer a more tender meat.

Perfect Angel Chicken And Rice Casserole Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.7 from 16 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Midwestern comfort shines in this angel chicken and rice casserole, blending creamy textures with hearty ingredients. Home cooks will savor this classic dish that brings warmth and satisfaction to family dinner tables.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

Sauces and Soups:

• 1 can cream of mushroom soup
• 1 can cream of chicken soup
• 8 ounces (226 grams) cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup (240 milliliters) chicken broth
• 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) dry white wine (optional)

Base and Seasonings:

• 2 cups uncooked white rice
• 1 package dry Italian dressing mix
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt, to taste
• Pepper, to taste
• Fresh chopped parsley (for garnish)

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Prepare the oven by heating to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a spacious baking vessel to prevent sticking.
2. Select chicken breasts and season thoroughly with salt and pepper. In a skillet warmed to medium heat, sear the chicken until golden brown, approximately 3-4 minutes per side. Transfer the browned chicken to a separate plate.
3. Create a luxurious sauce by whisking together cream of mushroom soup, cream of chicken soup, chicken broth, Italian dressing mix, white wine, and softened cream cheese until the mixture achieves a silky, uniform consistency.
4. Distribute uncooked rice evenly across the bottom of the prepared baking dish, creating a uniform base layer.
5. Carefully position the seared chicken breasts atop the rice, arranging them in a single layer for even cooking.
6. Generously pour the creamy sauce over the chicken and rice, ensuring complete coverage and that every grain of rice is nestled in the liquid.
7. Shield the dish with aluminum foil, creating a tight seal to trap moisture and enhance flavor.
8. Slide the casserole into the preheated oven and bake for 45-50 minutes, or until the rice becomes tender and the chicken reaches a safe internal temperature.
9. After removing from the oven, allow the casserole to rest for 5-10 minutes, enabling the flavors to meld and the dish to set.
10. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a burst of color and added freshness before serving.

Notes

• Swap white rice for quinoa or brown rice to boost nutritional value and add a nutty flavor profile.
• Use low-sodium soups and reduced-fat cream cheese for a lighter, heart-healthy version of the casserole.
• Ensure chicken reaches internal temperature of 165°F to guarantee safe cooking and prevent foodborne illness.
• Experiment with different herbs like thyme or rosemary to customize the dish’s aromatic complexity.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 50 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 540 kcal
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 850 mg
• Fat: 25 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 13 g
• Trans Fat: 0.3 g
• Carbohydrates: 45 g
• Fiber: 1.5 g
• Protein: 40 g
• Cholesterol: 110 mg