If you are craving a dish that wraps you in warmth and comfort, you have stumbled upon a true gem. Angel Chicken Rice: Creamy Chicken and Rice Casserole Recipe brings together tender chicken, luscious creamy sauces, and fluffy rice into one soul-satisfying bake that’s as simple to make as it is delicious. Every bite bursts with cozy flavors that feel like a loving hug from the inside out. This recipe is a perfect weeknight winner that effortlessly combines ease and richness, promising to become a fast favorite in your kitchen rotation.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are wonderfully straightforward, yet they each play a crucial role in building the luscious texture and inviting flavors of this casserole. From the tender chicken to the creamy cheeses and savory soups, every element adds its own perfect touch.
- Boneless skinless chicken breasts: Cut into bite-sized pieces for quick, even cooking and tender bites throughout.
- Olive oil: Adds a subtle richness and prevents sticking when sautéing the chicken.
- Long-grain white rice: The fluffy base that absorbs those creamy flavors beautifully.
- Cream of chicken soup: Adds savory depth and a comforting richness.
- Cream of mushroom soup: Brings earthy undertones that balance the creaminess perfectly.
- Cream cheese: Softened and cubed, this ingredient is key to the decadently creamy sauce.
- Chicken broth: Enhances the savory flavor and helps cook the rice within the casserole.
- Dry white wine (optional): Adds a subtle acidity and complexity; can be swapped for broth if preferred.
- Italian dressing mix: Infuses the dish with herbs and spices for a flavorful punch.
- Garlic powder: A simple way to boost savory warmth.
- Salt and pepper: Essential seasonings to taste, tying all the flavors together.
- Grated Parmesan cheese: Sprinkled on top before the final bake, it creates a golden, cheesy crust.
- Fresh parsley: Chopped and used as garnish, brightening the dish with a fresh pop of color and flavor.
How to Make Angel Chicken Rice: Creamy Chicken and Rice Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F and greasing a 9×13-inch baking dish—this ensures your casserole won’t stick and will come out looking perfect. This simple prep step sets the stage for an easy, worry-free baking experience.
Step 2: Sauté the Chicken
Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat and sauté the chicken pieces seasoned lightly with salt and pepper. Cook them just until they are lightly browned but not completely cooked through, about 3 to 4 minutes. This partial cooking locks in moisture and adds a gentle caramelized flavor that complements the creamy rice.
Step 3: Mix the Creamy Sauce
In a large bowl, whisk together the cream of chicken soup, cream of mushroom soup, softened cream cheese, chicken broth, white wine if using, Italian dressing mix, garlic powder, and a bit more salt and pepper. The combination of these ingredients creates a velvety sauce that bathes the rice and chicken in flavor.
Step 4: Combine Rice and Sauce
Stir the uncooked rice into the creamy mixture until it is fully coated. This step is key because the rice will absorb the luscious sauce as it bakes, resulting in tender grains infused with flavor throughout.
Step 5: Assemble and Bake
Pour the rice and sauce mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish. Then place the partially cooked chicken pieces on top, gently pressing them into the mixture to ensure every bite has plenty of tender chicken. Cover the dish tightly with foil and bake for 45 minutes.
Step 6: Finish Baking
After the initial baking, remove the foil and sprinkle the Parmesan cheese over the top. Return the dish to the oven uncovered, and bake for another 10 to 15 minutes. This final step melts the cheese into a golden, bubbling topping and ensures the rice is tender and perfectly cooked. Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to settle beautifully.
How to Serve Angel Chicken Rice: Creamy Chicken and Rice Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley adds a vibrant freshness that brightens the creamy casserole both visually and flavor-wise. If you want to double down on texture, consider adding crispy fried onions or crushed crackers on top for a delightful crunch.
Side Dishes
This rich casserole pairs marvelously with crisp, green salads or steamed vegetables like broccoli or green beans, which provide a refreshing contrast to the creamy Chicken and Rice bake. Roasted carrots or a simple coleslaw also complement the dish with their natural sweetness and tang.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve the Angel Chicken Rice in colorful ceramic dishes or individual ramekins for a charming presentation that feels special but effortless. For casual family dinners, ladle it straight from the baking dish to plates garnished with a little extra parsley or Parmesan for that cozy, homey vibe everyone loves.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This casserole stores wonderfully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. The flavors even deepen over time, making leftovers a delicious next-day treat.
Freezing
You can freeze leftovers by placing them in a freezer-safe container. To prevent texture issues, it’s best to freeze before adding the Parmesan topping. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently in the oven at 325°F, covered with foil to retain moisture, until warmed through. Alternatively, microwave individual portions with a damp paper towel covering for quick reheating without drying out the creamy casserole.
FAQs
Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
Absolutely! Brown rice will add nuttier flavor and extra fiber, but keep in mind it requires a longer cooking time, so you may need to adjust the baking time and liquid amounts accordingly.
Is the white wine necessary?
Not at all. The white wine adds a subtle acidity and depth, but you can easily substitute it with additional chicken broth for a similar effect without alcohol.
Can I prepare this dish without Italian dressing mix?
If you don’t have Italian dressing mix on hand, you can substitute with your favorite Italian seasoning blend or make a quick mix with dried herbs like oregano, basil, and thyme plus a pinch of garlic powder.
What if I want a crispier top?
Try sprinkling crushed butter crackers or French fried onions on top before the final baking stage. This adds delightful crunchy texture and an extra layer of flavor that’s hard to resist.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prepping?
Yes! Angel Chicken Rice: Creamy Chicken and Rice Casserole Recipe is perfect for meal prepping because you can assemble it ahead of time, refrigerate, and bake fresh when ready. It’s efficient and delicious.
Final Thoughts
Angel Chicken Rice: Creamy Chicken and Rice Casserole Recipe is a beautifully comforting dish that feels like a special occasion meal but comes together with ease. Its creamy, flavorful layers and tender chicken make it an absolute delight for family dinners or when you need an easy crowd-pleaser. Give it a try and you just might find your new go-to comfort food!
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Angel Chicken Rice: Creamy Chicken and Rice Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Angel Chicken Rice is a comforting and creamy chicken and rice casserole that combines tender sautéed chicken with a rich blend of soups, cream cheese, and seasonings. It’s baked to perfection with a golden Parmesan cheese topping, making it an easy and satisfying family dinner option.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 1 1/2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Rice Mixture
- 1 cup long-grain white rice (uncooked)
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
- 1 package (8 oz) cream cheese, softened and cubed
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup dry white wine (optional; can substitute with more broth)
- 1 packet Italian dressing mix (about 0.7 oz)
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Additional salt and pepper to taste
Topping and Garnish
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat and prepare baking dish: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to ensure the casserole doesn’t stick.
- Sauté chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the bite-sized chicken pieces, season with a pinch of salt and pepper, and sauté for 3 to 4 minutes until they are lightly browned but not fully cooked through.
- Mix the creamy base: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the cream of chicken soup, cream of mushroom soup, softened cream cheese, chicken broth, dry white wine (or additional broth if not using wine), Italian dressing mix, garlic powder, and additional salt and pepper to taste until smooth and well combined.
- Add rice: Stir the uncooked long-grain white rice into the creamy mixture, ensuring the rice is fully coated with the sauce.
- Assemble casserole: Pour the rice mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish. Then layer the sautéed chicken pieces on top, gently pressing them into the mixture.
- Bake covered: Cover the casserole dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 45 minutes to allow the rice to cook and flavors to meld.
- Add topping and finish baking: Remove the foil, sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese evenly over the top, and bake uncovered for an additional 10 to 15 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the top is golden brown.
- Rest and garnish: Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes after removing from the oven. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley before serving.
Notes
- This dish can be prepared ahead of time and refrigerated before baking; just add an extra 5 to 10 minutes to the cook time when baking from cold.
- For added texture and flavor, consider sprinkling crushed butter crackers or French fried onions on top before the final baking step.
- If you prefer not to use white wine, substitute with additional chicken broth without affecting the flavor significantly.
- Ensure the chicken is only lightly browned in the skillet, as it will continue cooking in the oven and you want to avoid overcooking.
