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
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)
Instructions
- Prepare the oven by heating to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a spacious baking vessel to prevent sticking.
- 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.
- 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.
- Distribute uncooked rice evenly across the bottom of the prepared baking dish, creating a uniform base layer.
- Carefully position the seared chicken breasts atop the rice, arranging them in a single layer for even cooking.
- Generously pour the creamy sauce over the chicken and rice, ensuring complete coverage and that every grain of rice is nestled in the liquid.
- Shield the dish with aluminum foil, creating a tight seal to trap moisture and enhance flavor.
- 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.
- After removing from the oven, allow the casserole to rest for 5-10 minutes, enabling the flavors to meld and the dish to set.
- 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