Angel Chicken Rice Casserole Recipe

If you’re craving pure comfort in casserole form, Angel Chicken Rice Casserole is about to become your new go-to. This creamy, cheesy bake combines juicy bites of chicken and fluffy rice with a rich, flavorful sauce that’s extra silky thanks to cream cheese—and the Italian dressing mix brings everything together with a savory tang. Finished with a gooey blanket of mozzarella and nutty Parmesan, this is the kind of meal that wins over picky eaters and feels like a warm hug on busy nights.

Angel Chicken Rice Casserole Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe comes together with just a handful of everyday staples, but the combination is absolutely irresistible. Each ingredient plays its part in making Angel Chicken Rice Casserole cheesy, creamy, and crave-worthy.

  • Olive Oil: Gives the chicken a beautiful, golden sear and keeps everything tender.
  • Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts: The main protein, cut small so every bite is perfectly seasoned and juicy.
  • Garlic Powder: Adds mellow, roasted garlic flavor in seconds—such an easy boost!
  • Onion Powder: Gives that savory casserole base we all love, without any chopping.
  • Salt: Just enough to balance all the creaminess.
  • Black Pepper: Rounds out the other seasonings with a gentle kick.
  • Cream of Chicken Soup: This classic shortcut makes the sauce ultra-creamy and thick.
  • Cream Cheese: Softened for a smooth, luxurious sauce that melts into every grain of rice.
  • Low-Sodium Chicken Broth: Thins out the sauce and adds more savory depth without excess salt.
  • Italian Dressing Mix: The secret seasoning! It adds herby, tangy magic with zero effort.
  • Cooked White Rice: Fluffy, hearty rice soaks up the sauce—leftover rice works great here.
  • Shredded Mozzarella Cheese: Melts into stretchy, gooey goodness on top.
  • Grated Parmesan Cheese: Brings a salty, nutty finish that makes each bite irresistible.
  • Chopped Fresh Parsley (Optional): For a fresh pop of color and brightness at the very end.

How to Make Angel Chicken Rice Casserole

Step 1: Sear the Chicken

Start by heating the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add those perfectly diced chicken pieces and sprinkle on the garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Sauté everything together for about 5 to 7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is cooked through and just beginning to brown. This step is key—the quick searing locks in flavor and ensures the meat is juicy.

Step 2: Mix Up the Creamy Sauce

In a big mixing bowl, whisk together the condensed cream of chicken soup, softened cream cheese, chicken broth, and the entire packet of Italian dressing mix. Use a whisk to get everything smooth and lump-free. This luscious sauce will bake right into the rice and chicken for that classic Angel Chicken Rice Casserole texture.

Step 3: Combine with Rice and Chicken

Stir your cooked chicken pieces and the fluffy white rice into the bowl of sauce. Mix until every grain is coated and every chunk of chicken is blanketed with flavor. Taking time to combine everything well now means you’ll enjoy maximum creaminess in every forkful.

Step 4: Assemble the Casserole

Lightly grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish. Pour in your chicken and rice mixture, spreading it evenly right to the edges. Sprinkle mozzarella cheese generously over the top, then finish with a layer of grated Parmesan. These cheeses will melt into a perfect golden crust during baking.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Cover the casserole tightly with foil and bake in your preheated 350°F oven for 20 minutes. Then, remove the foil and bake another 10 minutes, or until the cheeses are bubbling and perfectly melted. Let the Angel Chicken Rice Casserole stand for 5 minutes before serving—this rest time helps everything set up and makes scooping a breeze.

How to Serve Angel Chicken Rice Casserole

Angel Chicken Rice Casserole Recipe - Recipe Image

Garnishes

A little sprinkle of fresh parsley goes a long way to brighten things up and add a colorful finish. If you want even more flavor, try a dash of cracked black pepper or a drizzle of good olive oil when serving. The fresh herbs really pop against the creamy, cheesy background.

Side Dishes

Angel Chicken Rice Casserole is hearty enough to be the main event, but it loves good company. Serve it with a crisp green salad tossed in a zippy vinaigrette, some steamed broccoli, or roasted asparagus for color and crunch. Buttery garlic bread or soft dinner rolls are always a hit for soaking up any leftover creamy sauce!

Creative Ways to Present

This casserole looks gorgeous scooped onto individual plates with a flourish of parsley, but you can also serve it family-style straight from the dish. For parties or potlucks, try portioning it into little ramekins for a personal touch. Or, spoon the filling into hollowed bell peppers and bake an extra 10 minutes for a fun, portable twist on Angel Chicken Rice Casserole.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Angel Chicken Rice Casserole keeps beautifully in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days. The flavors blend together even more overnight, making lunch the next day something to look forward to!

Freezing

If you’re planning ahead, assemble the casserole but don’t bake it. Wrap tightly with foil and freeze for up to two months. When you’re ready for dinner, let it thaw overnight in the fridge, then bake as usual. You can also freeze cooked leftovers; just portion them out for easy grab-and-go lunches.

Reheating

For best results, reheat portions in the microwave covered with a damp paper towel to keep everything moist. If you have a bit more time, reheat in an oven-safe dish at 350°F for 15-20 minutes. Add a splash of chicken broth before baking if it seems a little dry.

FAQs

Can I use rotisserie chicken instead of raw chicken?

Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken is a fantastic shortcut for Angel Chicken Rice Casserole. Just shred or chop it and stir it in with the cooked rice and sauce—no need to brown it first.

Is it possible to use brown rice or another grain?

Yes, you can swap in cooked brown rice, wild rice, or even cooked quinoa for a more wholesome spin on Angel Chicken Rice Casserole. Just make sure your grain is fully cooked before adding, since the bake time doesn’t change.

What if I don’t have Italian dressing mix?

If you’re out of Italian dressing mix, you can make a quick substitute by mixing dried basil, oregano, parsley, garlic powder, and a little pinch of sugar. It won’t be exactly the same, but your casserole will still be delicious.

Can I add vegetables to the casserole?

Definitely! Steamed broccoli florets, sautéed mushrooms, frozen peas, or even spinach make great additions. Just stir them in with the rice and chicken for an all-in-one meal.

How can I make this casserole lighter?

To lighten up Angel Chicken Rice Casserole, use reduced-fat cream cheese and cheese, low-fat cream of chicken soup, or sub in Greek yogurt for some of the cream cheese. You can also load up on extra veggies to stretch the serving size.

Final Thoughts

I hope you’ll give Angel Chicken Rice Casserole a try the next time you need a comforting, crowd-pleasing dinner. It’s an easy, creamy classic that always gets rave reviews—and it’s even tastier the next day! Dive in and make it your own by adding favorite veggies or switching up the cheeses. Happy cooking, friends!

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Angel Chicken Rice Casserole Recipe

Angel Chicken Rice Casserole Recipe


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4.8 from 24 reviews

  • Author: admin
  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings 1x
  • Diet: Non-Vegetarian

Description

This Angel Chicken Rice Casserole is a creamy, comforting dish that combines tender chicken, flavorful Italian dressing, and cheesy goodness. Easy to make and perfect for a family dinner or potluck.


Ingredients

Scale

Chicken:

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon onion powder
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper

Sauce:

  • 1 can (10.5 ounces) condensed cream of chicken soup
  • 1 package (8 ounces) cream cheese, softened
  • ½ cup low-sodium chicken broth
  • 1 packet Italian dressing mix
  • 2 cups cooked white rice
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • Chopped fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F.
  2. Cook Chicken: Cook seasoned chicken pieces in olive oil until no longer pink.
  3. Prepare Sauce: Combine cream of chicken soup, cream cheese, broth, and Italian dressing mix. Add cooked chicken and rice.
  4. Assemble Casserole: Transfer mixture to a casserole dish, top with cheeses.
  5. Bake: Cover and bake for 20 minutes, then uncover and bake for an additional 10 minutes until bubbly.
  6. Rest and Serve: Let it rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with parsley if desired.

Notes

  • Use rotisserie chicken for quicker prep.
  • Substitute brown rice or quinoa for a healthier version.
  • Enhance with sautéed mushrooms or steamed broccoli.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 ½ cups
  • Calories: 495
  • Sugar: 3 g
  • Sodium: 820 mg
  • Fat: 26 g
  • Saturated Fat: 13 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.5 g
  • Carbohydrates: 35 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 30 g
  • Cholesterol: 95 mg

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