This creamy and comforting Angel Chicken Rice Casserole is the perfect dish for cozy dinners. With tender chicken breasts, fluffy rice, and a delicious blend of cheeses, it’s the kind of meal that feels like a warm hug. The combination of sour cream, cream of chicken soup, and flavorful seasonings brings everything together in an easy-to-make casserole that will surely become a family favorite.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
I love this recipe because it’s not only simple to prepare, but it also combines all my favorite ingredients—tender chicken, rice, and cheese—into one delicious, satisfying dish. The creamy texture from the soup and sour cream pairs perfectly with the seasoned chicken, and the melted cheddar and Parmesan on top create a golden, cheesy crust. Plus, it’s a one-dish wonder that minimizes cleanup, making it the perfect comfort food for busy days.
Ingredients
4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 cup long-grain white rice
1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
2 cups chicken broth
1 cup sour cream
1 tablespoon butter, melted
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
Salt and pepper to taste
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and spread the uncooked rice evenly across the bottom.
In a separate bowl, combine the chicken broth, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, melted butter, garlic powder, and onion powder. Stir until the mixture is smooth.
Pour the soup mixture over the rice in the baking dish, then season with salt and pepper to taste.
Place the chicken breasts on top of the rice mixture, seasoning them with additional salt, pepper, and any other seasonings I prefer.
Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 45 minutes.
After 45 minutes, remove the foil, sprinkle the shredded cheddar and grated Parmesan cheese over the casserole, and return it to the oven. Bake uncovered for another 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Garnish with fresh chopped parsley before serving.
Servings and timing
Servings: 6 servings
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 1 hour
Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
Variations
Add vegetables: I can mix in some frozen peas, carrots, or broccoli to give the casserole a veggie boost.
Different cheeses: Swap the cheddar and Parmesan for mozzarella or gouda to change up the flavor.
Spicy kick: For a spicy twist, add a dash of cayenne pepper or chili flakes to the soup mixture.
Chicken thighs: If I prefer, I can use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts for a more flavorful and tender option.
Storage/Reheating
To store, I’ll cover the casserole tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and refrigerate it for up to 3 days. When I’m ready to enjoy leftovers, I’ll reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes or until heated through. Alternatively, I can microwave individual servings for 1-2 minutes or until hot.
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FAQs
Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
Yes, but brown rice will require a longer cooking time. I may need to add a bit more liquid to ensure it cooks through.
Can I prepare this casserole ahead of time?
Absolutely! I can assemble the casserole and refrigerate it before baking. When ready to bake, just add 10-15 extra minutes to the cooking time since the casserole will be cold from the fridge.
Can I freeze this casserole?
Yes, I can freeze the casserole before baking it. Just cover it well and freeze for up to 3 months. To bake from frozen, I’ll need to add extra time (about 1.5 hours) in the oven, or thaw it overnight in the fridge before baking as usual.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
This recipe is not naturally gluten-free due to the cream of chicken soup and the type of rice. To make it gluten-free, I can use a gluten-free cream of chicken soup and ensure the rice is also gluten-free.
Can I make this dish with other types of protein?
I can definitely substitute the chicken with another protein, like turkey or even a plant-based alternative. The cooking times may vary slightly depending on the protein choice.
Conclusion
Angel Chicken Rice Casserole is the ultimate comfort food, offering the perfect combination of creamy rice, tender chicken, and cheesy goodness. It’s easy to make, incredibly satisfying, and adaptable to my taste preferences. Whether I’m cooking for a busy weeknight or looking to impress guests, this casserole is sure to hit the spot every time.
📖 Recipe:
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Angel Chicken Rice Casserole
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This creamy and comforting Angel Chicken Rice Casserole combines tender chicken, fluffy rice, and a delicious blend of cheeses in a one-dish meal that’s perfect for cozy dinners. The creamy texture from sour cream and cream of chicken soup makes it irresistible, while melted cheddar and Parmesan create a golden crust. Easy to prepare, this casserole is a family favorite that’s ideal for busy nights.
Ingredients
4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 cup long-grain white rice
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
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and spread the uncooked rice evenly across the bottom.
- In a separate bowl, combine the chicken broth, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, melted butter, garlic powder, and onion powder. Stir until smooth.
- Pour the soup mixture over the rice in the baking dish and season with salt and pepper.
- Place the chicken breasts on top of the rice mixture, seasoning with salt, pepper, and any preferred additional spices.
- Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 45 minutes.
- After 45 minutes, uncover, sprinkle shredded cheddar and grated Parmesan over the casserole, and bake uncovered for 15-20 minutes until the chicken is fully cooked and the cheese is melted.
- Garnish with fresh chopped parsley before serving.
Notes
Add vegetables like peas, carrots, or broccoli for extra nutrition.
Swap out cheddar and Parmesan for mozzarella or gouda to vary the flavor.
For a spicy kick, add cayenne pepper or chili flakes.
Chicken thighs can replace breasts for a more tender, flavorful option.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Category: Casserole, Comfort Food
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6 servings
- Calories: 430 kcal
