If you have ever wished for a comforting, all-in-one meal that feels like a warm hug from the inside out, the Angel Chicken Rice Casserole Recipe is exactly what you need. This dish brings together tender chicken breasts, creamy soup, luscious sour cream, and cheesy goodness baked atop fluffy rice, creating an irresistible harmony of flavors and textures. It’s a timeless casserole that’s not only easy to make but also delivers a satisfying, hearty meal perfect for family dinners or special gatherings. Once you try this recipe, it’s bound to become one of your go-to favorites!

Angel Chicken Rice Casserole Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of the Angel Chicken Rice Casserole Recipe lies in its simplicity, with each ingredient playing its part to build layers of flavor, texture, and richness. These accessible ingredients come together effortlessly and deliver a reliable, comforting dish every time.

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts: Provides tender, juicy protein that bakes perfectly atop the rice.
1 cup long-grain white rice: The fluffy, absorbent base that soaks up all the delicious flavors.
2 cups chicken broth: Infuses the rice with savory depth and keeps it moist.
1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup: Adds creamy richness and brings the casserole together.
1 cup sour cream: Contributes smooth tanginess and velvety texture.
1 tablespoon butter, melted: Enhances richness and adds a subtle buttery note.
1 teaspoon garlic powder: Adds a mellow, delicious garlicky warmth.
1 teaspoon onion powder: Provides savory depth and rounds out the seasoning.
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese: Brings melty, sharp cheesiness as a topping.
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Adds a nutty, salty kick to the melted cheese layer.
Salt and pepper to taste: Enhances all the flavors perfectly.
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish): Adds a fresh, colorful finish that brightens the dish.

How to Make Angel Chicken Rice Casserole Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Dish and Rice

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) because a hot oven is key to perfectly cooking the chicken and rice together. Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking, then spread the uncooked long-grain white rice evenly across the bottom. This creates the perfect base, allowing the rice to cook in all the delicious flavors that will come next.

Step 2: Mix the Creamy Soup Base

In a medium bowl, combine chicken broth, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, and the melted butter. Season this mixture with garlic powder and onion powder, stirring everything together until smooth and well blended. This flavorful liquid will soak into the rice and infuse it with a luxurious creaminess that sets this Angel Chicken Rice Casserole Recipe apart.

Step 3: Layer the Rice and Soup Mixture

Pour the creamy soup mixture evenly over the rice layer, allowing it to seep down and coat the rice thoroughly. Sprinkle salt and pepper on top for seasoning. This layering ensures every grain of rice absorbs those rich, savory flavors as it cooks.

Step 4: Add the Chicken Breasts

Place your boneless, skinless chicken breasts directly on top of the soup-soaked rice. Season the chicken breasts generously with salt and pepper, and feel free to add any additional spices if you like. This method lets the chicken steam and bake right in the flavorful base, keeping it moist while letting its juices mingle with the rice below.

Step 5: Bake Covered

Cover the entire casserole with aluminum foil. This helps trap steam and ensures the rice cooks fully and the chicken remains tender. Bake in your preheated oven for 45 minutes, allowing the ingredients to meld beautifully.

Step 6: Add Cheese and Bake Uncovered

Remove the foil after 45 minutes, then sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese and grated Parmesan evenly over the top. Return the dish to the oven uncovered and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes. This step melts the cheeses to a bubbly, golden perfection while making sure the chicken is fully cooked through.

Step 7: Garnish and Serve

Once out of the oven, sprinkle the casserole with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and subtle herbal freshness. Now the Angel Chicken Rice Casserole Recipe is ready to be enjoyed!

How to Serve Angel Chicken Rice Casserole Recipe

Garnishes

Fresh parsley is a classic garnish that adds a burst of color and light herbal aroma. You could also try a sprinkle of finely chopped green onions or a pinch of smoked paprika for a little extra flair. These simple touches elevate the presentation and invite your guests to dig in.

Side Dishes

This casserole is hearty on its own, but a crisp side salad with a tangy vinaigrette brings balance by cutting through the richness. Roasted or steamed green vegetables like asparagus or broccoli add a welcome bit of crunch and freshness. Garlic bread or warm dinner rolls also pair beautifully, soaking up any leftover creamy sauce.

Creative Ways to Present

For a buffet or potluck, serve the casserole straight from the baking dish with decorative parsley on top. Alternatively, create individual casserole portions in small ramekins for a charming presentation at dinner parties. A sprinkle of extra cheese or a drizzle of hot sauce can personalize each plate to taste.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Angel Chicken Rice Casserole Recipe keeps wonderfully in the fridge for up to 3 days. Cover it tightly with plastic wrap or transfer to an airtight container to maintain freshness. The flavors meld even more when refrigerated, making for an even tastier second meal.

Freezing

You can freeze the casserole either before or after baking. If freezing raw, layer everything in a freezer-safe dish and freeze for up to 2 months. If baked, cool completely and then freeze in portions for quick future dinners. Just remember to thaw thoroughly before reheating for best texture.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, usually 20-25 minutes. For a quicker option, microwave individual portions covered loosely with a microwave-safe lid, stirring halfway for even heating. To bring back crispness to the cheese topping, a brief broil at the end works like a charm.

FAQs

Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?

Yes, you can substitute brown rice, but keep in mind it will require a longer cooking time and possibly more liquid. Adjust accordingly to ensure the rice cooks fully without drying out the chicken.

Is this recipe good for meal prepping?

Absolutely! Angel Chicken Rice Casserole Recipe is fantastic for meal prepping since it reheats beautifully and maintains great flavor and texture. Just portion it out into individual containers for easy grab-and-go meals.

Can I use frozen chicken breasts?

You can, but it’s best to thaw them fully before baking to ensure even cooking. Cooking frozen chicken with rice may lead to uneven temperature and texture.

What can I do if I want a spicier version?

Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce to the soup mixture or season the chicken with chili powder or paprika. These simple tweaks can give the casserole a delightful kick without overpowering the creamy balance.

Is there a vegetarian alternative for this casserole?

For a vegetarian twist, replace chicken with hearty vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, or eggplant, and use vegetable broth and cream of mushroom soup. This maintains the creamy consistency while keeping it meat-free.

Final Thoughts

This Angel Chicken Rice Casserole Recipe is a true comfort food champion, combining ease, flavor, and generosity on one plate. Its creamy, cheesy, and savory layers will quickly win over anyone lucky enough to share your dinner table. So gather your ingredients, preheat that oven, and enjoy making this simple yet unforgettable casserole that’s perfect for any occasion!

Angel Chicken Rice Casserole Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.3 from 70 reviews

Author: Emma
Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x

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Description

Angel Chicken Rice Casserole is a comforting baked dish featuring tender chicken breasts layered over a creamy mixture of rice, chicken broth, and soup, topped with melted cheddar and Parmesan cheese. This hearty casserole combines savory flavors and textures in one easy-to-make meal perfect for family dinners.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken and Rice

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 cup long-grain white rice

Soup Mixture

2 cups chicken broth
1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
1 cup sour cream
1 tablespoon butter, melted
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder

Toppings and Seasonings

1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

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Instructions

Preheat Oven and Prepare Dish: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish thoroughly and spread the uncooked rice evenly across the bottom to ensure even cooking.
Mix Soup Mixture: In a separate bowl, combine the chicken broth, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, melted butter, garlic powder, and onion powder. Stir the ingredients until the mixture is smooth and homogeneous.
Assemble Base Layer: Pour the prepared soup mixture evenly over the rice in the baking dish. Season with salt and pepper to taste to enhance the overall flavor.
Add Chicken: Place the chicken breasts on top of the rice and soup mixture. Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and any other preferred spices for additional flavor.
Bake Covered: Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 45 minutes to cook the rice and start cooking the chicken inside.
Add Cheese and Continue Baking: After 45 minutes, remove the foil, sprinkle shredded cheddar and grated Parmesan cheeses evenly over the casserole. Continue baking uncovered for an additional 15-20 minutes until the chicken is fully cooked (reach an internal temperature of 165°F) and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Garnish and Serve: Remove from oven and garnish with fresh chopped parsley to add color and fresh flavor before serving warm.