Looking for the perfect comfort food to bring a smile to every face around your table? Cheesy Angel Chicken and Rice Casserole is here to turn any mealtime into a mini celebration! This dish is everything you crave: juicy chicken tucked in creamy, fluffy rice, ribbons of gooey cheddar, and a golden crown of Parmesan. It’s that magical marriage of weeknight convenience and cozy home-cooked flavor, all in one bubbling pan. Whether you need an easy family dinner or something luscious for a potluck, Cheesy Angel Chicken and Rice Casserole never fails to earn raves.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this Cheesy Angel Chicken and Rice Casserole brings a little something special to the table—from the creaminess of the soups to the hearty bite of rice and that crave-worthy cheesy finish. You likely have most of these kitchen staples on hand, making this recipe as approachable as it is delicious!
- Chicken Breasts: Use boneless, skinless chicken breasts cut in bite-sized pieces to ensure tenderness in every bite.
- Long-Grain White Rice: Uncooked rice soaks up all the creamy flavors; don’t use instant rice here for best texture.
- Cream of Chicken Soup: This classic pantry soup creates rich, velvety base notes and binds everything together.
- Sour Cream: Adds a subtle tang and keeps the casserole irresistibly moist and creamy.
- Cheddar Cheese: Shredded cheddar melts to oozy perfection, delivering sharp flavor and that scrumptious cheese pull.
- Parmesan Cheese: A blanket of grated Parmesan bronzes in the oven and gives the top an irresistible crispy finish.
- Chicken Broth: Adds moisture and depth, ensuring the rice cooks up fluffy, not dry.
- Garlic Powder: Just a sprinkle brings big savory aroma.
- Onion Powder: Enhances flavor without the work of chopping onions.
- Salt: Essential for rounding out all the flavors; taste as you go!
- Black Pepper: A dash of freshly ground pepper adds gentle heat and brightness.
- Olive Oil: Just a little to brown the chicken, ensuring a flavorful foundation.
- Fresh Parsley (optional): Chopped parsley is the finishing touch for a pop of color and a hint of freshness.
How to Make Cheesy Angel Chicken and Rice Casserole
Step 1: Brown the Chicken
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a large skillet set over medium heat, add the olive oil and toss in your chicken pieces. Let them cook for about 5 to 7 minutes until they’re lightly golden. Browning the chicken gives it richer flavor and locks in all those juicy, tender bites that make the casserole irresistible.
Step 2: Mix Up the Creamy Base
While the chicken is sizzling away, grab a big mixing bowl and combine the cream of chicken soup, sour cream, chicken broth, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Give it all a good stir until smooth and silky. This luscious blend will seep into the rice and chicken, creating that signature saucy goodness we all dream about in Cheesy Angel Chicken and Rice Casserole.
Step 3: Assemble Everything
Add your uncooked rice, the browned chicken, and half of your cheddar cheese to the sauce in the bowl. Stir just until everything’s mingling nicely and the rice is evenly coated. Spoon this mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, spreading it out so you get even rice and chicken in every scoop.
Step 4: Top with Cheese and Bake
Now comes the fun part: blanket the casserole with the remaining cheddar cheese and sprinkle the Parmesan all over the top. Cover tightly with foil to keep the steam in and bake for 45 minutes. Remove the foil and let it bake an extra 10 to 15 minutes until the rice is tender and you’ve got that golden, bubbly cheese crust we all adore.
Step 5: Rest and Garnish
Give your Cheesy Angel Chicken and Rice Casserole a little rest—about 5 minutes out of the oven—so it can set for easy serving. If you’re feeling fancy, a handful of fresh chopped parsley brings a touch of vibrant green and a whiff of garden-fresh flavor to your bubbling masterpiece.
How to Serve Cheesy Angel Chicken and Rice Casserole
Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley is classic, but feel free to get creative! A little extra Parmesan or thinly sliced green onions add a pop of color and an extra layer of flavor. For a hint of heat, try a dusting of smoked paprika or even a drizzle of hot sauce just before serving.
Side Dishes
Cheesy Angel Chicken and Rice Casserole is hearty enough to stand on its own, but it absolutely shines when paired with a simple side salad tossed in zippy vinaigrette, lightly steamed green beans, or crisp roasted vegetables. Warm, crusty bread is perfect for scooping up every last bit of creamy sauce from your plate.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun spin on presentation, scoop individual portions into mini ramekins for a dinner party-worthy look. Or serve casserole squares atop a bed of sautéed spinach for an elegant touch. If you’re going family-style, let everyone dig right in straight from the bubbling casserole dish—sometimes rustic is best!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftovers of Cheesy Angel Chicken and Rice Casserole keep beautifully! Simply let the dish cool to room temperature before transferring slices to an airtight container in the refrigerator. It stays fresh for up to 3 days, making it just as comforting for lunch the next day.
Freezing
If you want to freeze for a future busy night, assemble the unbaked casserole in a freezer-safe dish, cover tightly, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before baking. Already baked leftovers can also be frozen, just wrap individual portions well and reheat from frozen.
Reheating
To reheat, microwave individual portions in 60-second blasts, or cover and warm in a 350°F oven until heated through and the cheese gets melty again. If it looks a touch dry, sprinkle a tablespoon or two of chicken broth or water over it before reheating.
FAQs
Can I substitute brown rice for the white rice?
Absolutely—you can use brown rice for a nuttier flavor and a bit more fiber, but remember to increase the baking time and add extra broth to ensure it cooks through completely.
What vegetables can I add to the casserole?
Feel free to stir in cooked mushrooms, steamed broccoli, or thawed frozen peas for a color and nutrition boost. Roasted red peppers or spinach also work beautifully with this base!
Can I use rotisserie chicken instead?
Yes! Shredded rotisserie chicken is a huge time saver and adds lovely flavor. Simply skip the browning step and mix the chicken right in with the sauce and rice.
How do I keep the rice from turning mushy?
Use long-grain rice and avoid par-cooking it ahead. Be sure to measure the liquid precisely, and don’t overbake—checking for doneness at the 45-minute mark is key. Uncovering for the last 10 minutes helps set the texture.
Is this Cheesy Angel Chicken and Rice Casserole gluten-free?
If you use a gluten-free cream of chicken soup and double-check your other ingredients, it’s easy to make this casserole gluten-free for everyone to enjoy!
Final Thoughts
If you’re ready for a true comfort food hug in a pan, you simply can’t go wrong with Cheesy Angel Chicken and Rice Casserole. It’s creamy, cheesy, and oh-so-satisfying—perfect for cozy weeknights, potluck gatherings, or whenever you crave something special. Give it a try and savor every comforting bite!
Print
Cheesy Angel Chicken and Rice Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the creamy, cheesy goodness of this Cheesy Angel Chicken and Rice Casserole. A comforting dish that’s perfect for a family dinner, this baked casserole is a crowd-pleaser that combines tender chicken, fluffy rice, and a blend of savory cheeses.
Ingredients
Chicken and Rice:
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 cup uncooked long-grain white rice
Sauce:
- 1 can (10.5 ounces) cream of chicken soup
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese, divided
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Cook the Chicken: In a skillet, cook the chicken pieces in olive oil until lightly browned, about 5-7 minutes.
- Prepare the Sauce: In a mixing bowl, combine cream of chicken soup, sour cream, chicken broth, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Stir in rice and cooked chicken.
- Assemble: Pour the mixture into a greased baking dish, top with cheeses, cover with foil, and bake.
- Bake: Bake covered for 45 minutes, then uncover and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes until golden.
- Serve: Let it rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with parsley if desired.
Notes
- You can substitute brown rice, adjusting baking time and liquid content accordingly.
- For extra flavor, add cooked mushrooms or steamed broccoli to the casserole.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 460
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 720mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 11g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0.5g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
