Heavenly Angel Chicken and Rice Casserole Recipe for Cozy Nights

Comfort arrives with this dreamy angel chicken and rice casserole that promises pure culinary magic.

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

Weeknight dinners suddenly feel like special occasions when this delightful dish emerges from your oven.

Cheesy layers melt into a harmonious symphony of flavors that dance across your palate.

Simple ingredients combine to create something extraordinarily satisfying and soul-warming.

Succulent chicken promises a hearty meal that will make everyone at the table smile.

Let’s uncover how these humble components transform into an irresistible dinner masterpiece you cannot wait to devour.

Pro Tips For Creamy Angel Chicken Casserole

• Rinse rice before spreading in the dish to remove excess starch and ensure fluffy, separated grains.
• Don't overmix the creamy sauce to maintain a consistent texture and prevent separation.
• Place chicken on top of rice to allow flavorful juices to penetrate the rice during baking.
• Use boneless, skinless chicken breasts of similar thickness for even cooking and consistent results.
• Sprinkle extra fresh parsley or grated Parmesan cheese on top before serving for added brightness and richness.

Delicious Twists On Angel Chicken And Rice

• Gluten-Free Option: Replace cream of chicken soup with homemade gluten-free cream sauce using cornstarch, milk, and chicken stock.
• Vegetarian Version: Swap chicken with firm tofu or plant-based chicken alternative, using vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
• Low-Carb Adaptation: Substitute rice with cauliflower rice to reduce carbohydrate content while maintaining similar texture and flavor profile.
• Dairy-Free Alternative: Use coconut cream instead of sour cream, and replace Parmesan with nutritional yeast for a creamy, dairy-free experience.

Serving Suggestions For Angel Chicken Casserole

• Fresh Garden Salad Companion: Crisp mixed greens with cucumber slices and cherry tomatoes add bright, refreshing contrast to the rich, creamy casserole.
• Bread Pairing Perfection: Warm garlic bread or buttery dinner rolls help soak up the delicious sauce and complete the meal with comforting texture.
• Green Veggie Boost: Steamed broccoli or roasted asparagus provide a healthy, vibrant side that balances the hearty chicken and rice dish.
• Wine Elegance: A crisp chardonnay or light pinot grigio complements the creamy flavors and elevates the dining experience for adult guests.

Storing Angel Chicken And Rice Casserole Properly

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep in the refrigerator for 3-4 days, ensuring the container is sealed tightly to maintain freshness.
• Transfer cooled casserole to freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Freeze for up to 2-3 months, labeling with the date to track storage time.
• Place individual portions on a microwave-safe plate. Cover with a damp paper towel to prevent drying. Heat at 50% power for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even warming.

FAQs

• Can I use other types of rice for this casserole?

Absolutely! Long-grain white rice works best, but you can also use brown rice. Just adjust cooking time since brown rice takes longer to cook.

• Is it possible to make this dish with chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Yes, chicken thighs are a great alternative. They’re often more flavorful and stay juicier during baking. Just ensure they reach the safe internal temperature of 165°F.

• How can I prevent the rice from becoming too dry or undercooked?

Make sure to use enough liquid and cover the dish tightly with foil during baking. The steam helps cook the rice evenly and keeps it moist.

Angel Chicken And Rice Casserole Made Easy

• Simplify Weeknight Dinners: Throw everything into one dish and let the oven do the hard work, making dinner prep a breeze with minimal cleanup and maximum flavor.
• Crowd-Pleasing Comfort: Packed with creamy, cheesy goodness and tender chicken, this casserole delivers a satisfying meal that appeals to both kids and adults at the family table.
• Customize with Ease: Swap ingredients or add extra vegetables to make this recipe your own, turning a basic chicken and rice dish into a personalized culinary creation that suits your taste buds.
• No-Fuss Cooking Technique: Requires just a few simple steps and common pantry ingredients, making it perfect for home cooks of all skill levels who want a delicious meal without complex cooking methods.

Essential Ingredients For Angel Chicken Casserole

• Chicken Breasts: Tender meat that serves as the main protein source for this comforting casserole.

• Cream of Chicken Soup, Sour Cream: Provide a rich, creamy texture and add depth of flavor to the dish.
• Parmesan Cheese: Adds a salty, nutty taste and helps create a golden crust.

• Uncooked Rice: Forms the hearty base of the casserole and absorbs the creamy sauce.
• Chicken Broth: Helps cook the rice and enhances the overall flavor of the dish.
• Garlic Powder, Onion Powder: Contribute aromatic and savory notes to the casserole.
• Parsley: Brings a fresh, mild herb flavor and adds a pop of color.
• Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance the taste of the chicken and other ingredients.

Step-By-Step Guide To Angel Chicken And Rice

Step 1: Warm Up The Oven

Preheat your oven to 350F (175C) and generously grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter.

Step 2: Create Rice Foundation

Spread uncooked rice evenly across the bottom of the baking dish, creating a smooth base for your casserole.

Step 3: Whip Up Creamy Sauce

• Cream of chicken soup
• Chicken broth
• Sour cream
• Parmesan cheese
• Garlic powder
• Onion powder
• Dried parsley

Stir until the mixture becomes silky and well combined.

Step 4: Season Chicken

Sprinkle salt and pepper over chicken breasts, ensuring each piece is seasoned thoroughly.

Step 5: Layer Chicken Over Rice

Carefully place seasoned chicken breasts on top of the rice in the baking dish.

Step 6: Pour Creamy Goodness

Drizzle the prepared creamy sauce evenly over the chicken and rice, making sure everything gets a nice coating.

Step 7: Cover And Bake

Tightly cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and slide into the preheated oven.

Bake for 1 hour or until chicken is fully cooked and rice reaches perfect tenderness.

Step 8: Final Touch And Serve

Remove foil, gently stir the rice to distribute flavors, and serve piping hot directly from the dish.

Angel Chicken And Rice Casserole Recipe

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4.7 from 10 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Comfort meets elegance in this angel chicken and rice casserole, a creamy midwest classic that blends tender chicken with velvety sauce. Hearty layers of rice and juicy chicken create a satisfying meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

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Proteins:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

Grains and Base:

• 1 cup uncooked long-grain rice

Seasonings and Flavor Enhancers:

• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon dried parsley
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Dairy and Creamy Components:

• 1 can (10.5 ounces / 298 grams) cream of chicken soup
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1 cup sour cream
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

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Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and thoroughly coat a 9×13-inch baking dish with non-stick spray.
2. Create an even layer of uncooked rice across the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
3. Whisk together cream of chicken soup, chicken broth, sour cream, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, and parsley in a mixing bowl until fully incorporated and smooth.
4. Generously season chicken breasts with salt and pepper, then arrange them directly on top of the rice layer.
5. Carefully pour the creamy mixture over the chicken and rice, ensuring complete and uniform coverage.
6. Tightly seal the dish with aluminum foil and bake for approximately 60 minutes, or until chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F and rice becomes tender and fluffy.
7. Remove foil, gently fluff and redistribute the rice with a fork, allowing any remaining moisture to be absorbed.
8. Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld and settle.

Notes

• Choose long-grain white rice for the best texture and even cooking throughout the casserole.
• Opt for low-sodium chicken broth to control salt levels and prevent the dish from becoming too salty.
• For a lighter version, swap full-fat sour cream with Greek yogurt and use skinless chicken breasts to reduce calories.
• Transform this dish into a gluten-free meal by selecting gluten-free cream of chicken soup and checking all ingredient labels carefully.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 370 kcal
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 680 mg
• Fat: 15 g
• Saturated Fat: 7 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
• Trans Fat: 0.1 g
• Carbohydrates: 25 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 35 g
• Cholesterol: 90 mg