Heavenly Cheesy Angel Chicken And Rice Casserole Recipe

Whipping up a hearty cheesy angel chicken and rice casserole brings comfort right to your dinner table.

Creamy textures and savory flavors merge into one delightful dish that feels like a warm hug.

Home cooks adore this simple yet satisfying meal that comes together quickly.

Tender chicken pieces nestle between fluffy rice grains, all blanketed in a rich, melted cheese sauce.

Weeknight dinners become something special with minimal effort and maximum deliciousness.

Households will love how simple ingredients create such a memorable meal.

Let’s dive into this crowd-pleasing recipe that promises to become a new family favorite.

Why Cheesy Angel Chicken and Rice Casserole Is So Popular

• Craft Comfort Meal: A delightful one-dish wonder that combines tender chicken, creamy sauce, and perfectly cooked rice in a single baking pan.
• Minimal Kitchen Effort: Requires simple ingredients and straightforward steps, making it perfect for busy home cooks who want a satisfying meal without complex preparation.
• Crowd-Pleasing Potential: Guaranteed to win over both kids and adults with its cheesy, creamy texture and classic flavor profile that appeals to multiple taste preferences.
• Versatile Dinner Solution: Adaptable for weeknight family dinners, potlucks, or casual gatherings, providing a hearty and nutritious meal that doesn't compromise on taste or comfort.

Ingredients for Cheesy Angel Chicken and Rice Casserole

• Chicken Breasts: Lean and tender meat that forms the main protein of the casserole.

• White Rice: Provides a soft and fluffy foundation for the casserole.
• Chicken Broth: Adds moisture and enhances the overall flavor of the rice.

• Cheddar Cheese, Parmesan Cheese: Create a rich, melty, and flavorful cheese sauce.
• Cream of Chicken Soup: Offers a creamy base for the sauce and adds depth to the dish.
• Sour Cream: Contributes tanginess and extra creaminess to the sauce.
• Milk: Helps to thin and smooth out the cheese sauce.

• Onion, Garlic: Provide a savory and aromatic base for the sauce.
• Garlic Powder, Onion Powder, Salt, Pepper: Season the chicken and enhance the overall flavor profile.
• Italian Seasoning: Adds a blend of herbs to complement the cheesy sauce.

• Butter: Used to sauté the onions and create a rich base for the sauce.
• Parsley: Optional fresh herb for adding a pop of color and freshness.
• Aluminum Foil: Helps to trap moisture and ensure even cooking.

How to Bake Cheesy Angel Chicken and Rice Casserole

Step 1: Fire Up the Oven

Crank the oven to a toasty 375F (190C). Grab your 9×13-inch baking dish and give it a quick spray with cooking oil to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Spread the Rice Base

Create a smooth, even layer of uncooked rice across the bottom of the casserole dish. Gently pour chicken broth over the rice, ensuring it covers the grains completely.

Step 3: Dress the Chicken

• Garlic powder
• Onion powder
• Salt
• Black pepper

Carefully nestle the seasoned chicken on top of the rice layer.

Step 4: Craft the Creamy Cheese Sauce

In a skillet, melt butter over medium heat.

Sauté diced onions until they turn soft and translucent. Toss in minced garlic and cook for a quick minute.

• Cream of chicken soup
• Sour cream
• Milk
• Italian seasoning

• Cheddar cheese
• Parmesan cheese

Mix until the cheeses melt into a luxurious sauce.

Step 5: Layer the Deliciousness

Drizzle the velvety cheese sauce evenly over the chicken and rice. Seal the dish completely with aluminum foil.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Slide the covered dish into the preheated oven. Bake for 40-45 minutes until the rice turns tender and chicken reaches 165F (75C).

Uncover, sprinkle extra cheddar on top, and bake for another 5-10 minutes until the cheese bubbles and turns golden brown.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes.

If you’d like, garnish with freshly chopped parsley. Serve piping hot alongside a crisp salad or steamed veggies for a complete meal that’ll make everyone at the table smile.

Tips to Perfect Your Cheesy Chicken and Rice Casserole

• Replace regular rice with cauliflower rice for a low-carb alternative that keeps the dish light and nutritious.
• Swap chicken breasts with rotisserie chicken to reduce cooking time and add extra flavor complexity.
• Opt for reduced-fat cream of chicken soup and low-fat cheese to create a healthier version without sacrificing taste.
• Ensure chicken reaches exactly 165F internal temperature using a meat thermometer to guarantee food safety and perfect doneness.
• Add crispy breadcrumbs or crushed crackers on top during the final baking stage for an extra crunchy texture that elevates the casserole's overall appeal.

Variations to Change Up Angel Chicken and Rice Casserole

• Low-Carb Cauliflower Base: Replace rice with riced cauliflower for a lower-carb alternative that maintains the creamy casserole texture and flavor profile.
• Dairy-Free Adaptation: Swap dairy cheese with nutritional yeast and use coconut milk instead of regular milk to create a lactose-free version that's equally rich and satisfying.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free cream of chicken soup and ensure all seasonings are certified gluten-free for those with wheat sensitivities.
• Mediterranean Herb Variation: Substitute Italian seasoning with oregano, thyme, and rosemary and add crumbled feta cheese for a Mediterranean-inspired flavor twist.

Ideal Foods to Serve with Cheesy Chicken Casserole

• Pair with Crisp Chardonnay: Select a medium-bodied, slightly oaked Chardonnay that complements the creamy, cheesy texture of the casserole without overpowering its delicate flavors.
• Serve with Fresh Garden Salad: Create a light, tangy green salad with mixed lettuce, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and a zesty vinaigrette to balance the rich, comforting casserole.
• Match with Roasted Asparagus: Prepare simple roasted asparagus spears with olive oil, garlic, and lemon zest to add a fresh, green vegetable side that cuts through the dish's creaminess.

How to Store Cheesy Angel Chicken and Rice Casserole

Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Cover tightly with plastic wrap or lid to maintain freshness and prevent moisture loss.

Transfer cooled casserole to freezer-safe containers or zip-lock bags. Remove excess air to prevent freezer burn. Label with date and contents. Freeze for up to 2 months. Avoid freezing for longer periods to maintain quality.

Preheat oven to 350°F. Place refrigerated casserole in an oven-safe dish. Cover with foil to prevent drying. Warm for 20-25 minutes until heated through. Add extra cheese on top if desired for extra flavor.

Place portion in microwave-safe dish.

FAQs

• Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?

Yes, you can substitute brown rice, but you’ll need to increase the liquid and cooking time. Add an extra 1/2 cup of chicken broth and extend the baking time by 15-20 minutes.

• Is it possible to make this dish gluten-free?

Use gluten-free cream of chicken soup and ensure all other ingredients are gluten-free. Check labels carefully to avoid hidden gluten sources.

• Can I prepare this casserole ahead of time?

Absolutely! Assemble the casserole up to 24 hours in advance, cover, and refrigerate. When ready to cook, add 10-15 minutes to the baking time.

Cheesy Angel Chicken And Rice Casserole Recipe

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4.8 from 10 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Creamy cheesy angel chicken and rice casserole brings comfort straight from grandma’s kitchen to your dinner table. Layers of tender chicken, melted cheese, and fluffy rice create a hearty meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs)

Grains and Base:

• 1 1/2 cups (354 ml) uncooked long-grain white rice
• 3 cups (710 ml) chicken broth

Cheese and Sauce Components:

• 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 (10.5 ounces / 298 grams) can condensed cream of chicken soup
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 1/2 cup milk
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter

Seasonings and Aromatics:

• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• Salt and black pepper, to taste

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Instructions

1. Prepare the baking vessel by lightly greasing a 9×13-inch casserole dish and heating the oven to 375F (190C).
2. Create a base layer by spreading uncooked rice evenly across the bottom of the dish, then gently pour chicken broth over the rice.
3. Arrange seasoned chicken breasts directly on top of the rice, ensuring even distribution of garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
4. Develop the creamy sauce by sautéing onions in melted butter until translucent, approximately 3-5 minutes. Introduce minced garlic and cook briefly.
5. Incorporate cream of chicken soup, sour cream, milk, and Italian seasoning into the skillet, stirring until the mixture becomes smooth and well-integrated.
6. Fold in cheddar and Parmesan cheeses, continuing to stir until completely melted and the sauce reaches a creamy consistency.
7. Carefully pour the cheese sauce over the chicken and rice, ensuring complete and even coverage.
8. Seal the casserole tightly with aluminum foil and bake for 40-45 minutes, or until rice becomes tender and chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165F (75C).
9. Remove foil, sprinkle additional cheddar cheese on top, and return to the oven for 5-10 minutes until cheese turns golden and bubbly.
10. Allow the casserole to rest for 5 minutes after removing from the oven, then garnish with fresh chopped parsley if desired.
11. Serve immediately alongside a crisp salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.

Notes

• Opt for long-grain white rice to ensure even cooking and perfect texture in the casserole.
• Choose boneless, skinless chicken breasts for quick and consistent cooking throughout the dish.
• Swap cream of chicken soup with homemade white sauce for a healthier, less processed alternative.
• Experiment with different cheese combinations like pepper jack or monterey jack for added flavor complexity.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 50 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 430 kcal
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 20 g
• Saturated Fat: 11 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 1.5 g
• Protein: 35 g
• Cholesterol: 90 mg