Angel Chicken Rice Casserole is a creamy, comforting dish made with tender chicken, fluffy rice, and a rich, cheesy sauce. This easy-to-make casserole is a family favorite, offering a hearty and delicious meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights or feeding a crowd.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple and quick to prepare, making it ideal for busy nights
- Comforting and creamy with a delicious blend of chicken, rice, and cheese
- Uses basic pantry ingredients for a budget-friendly meal
- Can be easily made ahead of time or frozen for later
- Perfect for meal prep, leftovers, or feeding a family
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs)
- Long-grain white rice (uncooked)
- Cream of chicken soup (canned or homemade)
- Sour cream
- Shredded cheddar cheese
- Chicken broth
- Garlic powder
- Onion powder
- Salt and pepper
- Paprika (optional, for garnish)
- Fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
Directions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Prepare the chicken: Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Heat a skillet over medium heat and cook the chicken for 5-7 minutes per side until cooked through. Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before chopping it into bite-sized pieces.
- Prepare the casserole mixture: In a large bowl, combine the cream of chicken soup, sour cream, chicken broth, rice, and half of the shredded cheddar cheese. Stir in the cooked chicken and mix until well combined.
- Assemble the casserole: Transfer the chicken and rice mixture to the prepared baking dish and spread it out evenly. Top with the remaining shredded cheddar cheese.
- Bake: Cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Garnish and serve: Sprinkle with paprika and fresh parsley before serving.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 6-8
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
Variations
- Add Veggies: Stir in frozen peas, carrots, or broccoli for added nutrition.
- Spicy Twist: Add a bit of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes for a touch of heat.
- Different Proteins: Swap chicken for cooked turkey or even shredded rotisserie chicken for a shortcut.
- Cheese Options: Use a blend of cheeses like mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or Parmesan for a different flavor.
- Low-Carb Option: Replace rice with cauliflower rice for a keto-friendly alternative.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Reheat in the microwave or oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes or until heated through.
- Freezing: Freeze the casserole (before baking) for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then bake as directed.
FAQs
Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes, assemble the casserole and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking.
Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
Yes, but you will need to adjust the cooking time and use additional liquid since brown rice takes longer to cook.
Can I use frozen chicken?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken. Just be sure to cook it thoroughly before chopping it into pieces.
What’s the best way to reheat leftovers?
Reheat in the oven or microwave. You can add a splash of chicken broth to keep the casserole moist while reheating.
Can I make this casserole in a slow cooker?
Yes, you can cook it on low for 4-6 hours or high for 2-3 hours. Stir in the cheese toward the end.
What if I don’t have cream of chicken soup?
You can substitute with a homemade cream of chicken mixture or use cream of mushroom soup as an alternative.
Can I make this dish gluten-free?
Yes, use a gluten-free cream of chicken soup and ensure your rice is certified gluten-free.
How do I prevent the rice from being too dry?
Make sure to use enough liquid (chicken broth) and cover the casserole with foil while baking to keep moisture in.
Can I add more cheese to the casserole?
Absolutely! Feel free to sprinkle extra cheese on top for a cheesy, golden finish.
How can I make this dish spicier?
Add diced jalapeños or a bit of hot sauce to the casserole mixture for extra heat.
Conclusion
Angel Chicken Rice Casserole is the epitome of comfort food, bringing together tender chicken, creamy rice, and melted cheese in one easy dish. Whether you’re feeding a family, meal prepping, or looking for a cozy weeknight dinner, this casserole is sure to satisfy. With simple ingredients and endless variations, it’s a meal you can enjoy time and time again!
Print
Angel Chicken Rice Casserole
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 6-8 servings
- Category: Casseroles, Comfort Food, Chicken Recipes
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Angel Chicken Rice Casserole is a comforting and creamy dish combining tender chicken, fluffy rice, and a cheesy sauce. Perfect for busy weeknights or family gatherings, this easy casserole is made with simple pantry ingredients, offering a delicious and hearty meal. With the ability to make it ahead of time or freeze for later, it’s ideal for meal prep or leftovers.
Ingredients
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs)
- 1 ½ cups long-grain white rice (uncooked)
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup (or homemade)
- ½ cup sour cream
- 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tsp paprika (optional, for garnish)
- Fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Prepare the chicken: Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Heat a skillet over medium heat and cook the chicken for 5-7 minutes per side until fully cooked. Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before chopping it into bite-sized pieces.
- Prepare the casserole mixture: In a large bowl, mix together the cream of chicken soup, sour cream, chicken broth, uncooked rice, and half of the shredded cheddar cheese. Stir in the chopped chicken.
- Assemble the casserole: Transfer the chicken and rice mixture to the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly. Top with the remaining shredded cheddar cheese.
- Bake: Cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Garnish and serve: Sprinkle paprika and fresh parsley on top for added flavor and color before serving.
Notes
- You can add vegetables like peas, carrots, or broccoli for extra nutrition.
- For a spicy twist, add cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes.
- Substitute chicken for turkey or rotisserie chicken for a quicker prep time.
- Make it keto-friendly by replacing rice with cauliflower rice.
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