Angel Chicken And Rice Casserole Recipe

There’s nothing quite as comforting as a warm, creamy casserole fresh out of the oven, and Angel Chicken and Rice Casserole is no exception. This delightful dish brings together tender chicken, fluffy rice, and a creamy sauce infused with heavenly flavors. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a crowd-pleaser for family gatherings, this casserole ticks all the boxes.

this Recipe

I first came across this recipe on a particularly busy weeknight, searching for a way to combine pantry staples into something extraordinary. Little did I know, it would become a staple in our home.

Why You’ll Love This Angel Chicken and Rice Casserole

Get ready to meet your new go-to casserole recipe. Angel Chicken and Rice Casserole is more than just a dinner; it’s a warm, inviting hug on a plate.

First off, this dish is wonderfully easy to prepare, making it perfect for those hectic evenings when you’re short on time. With minimal prep and a short bake time, you’ll have a hearty meal ready in no time.

Not only is it quick, but it’s also budget-friendly. Using simple, everyday ingredients like rice, chicken, and cream of mushroom soup means you can serve up a luxurious meal without breaking the bank.

The flavor combination is unbeatable. The creamy sauce, subtly seasoned with Italian dressing mix and Parmesan cheese, pairs beautifully with the tender chicken and perfectly cooked rice.

Lastly, it’s incredibly versatile. You can easily customize this casserole to suit your family’s preferences, swapping out ingredients or adding vegetables to make it your own.

Ingredients Notes

The magic of this casserole lies in its simple yet flavorful ingredients. Here’s a closer look at what you’ll need and why each element is essential.

• Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts work best for this recipe. They’re lean, tender, and soak up all the flavors of the creamy sauce. You can also use thighs if you prefer a richer taste.
• Long-Grain Rice: The base of this dish, long-grain white rice, becomes wonderfully fluffy and absorbs the sauce as it bakes. Avoid instant rice, as it won’t hold up as well in the oven.
• Cream of Mushroom Soup: This canned classic provides the creamy base for the sauce. You can substitute it with cream of chicken or celery soup if preferred.
• Italian Dressing Mix: This seasoning blend is the secret to the dish’s bold flavor. It adds a tangy, herby kick that ties everything together beautifully.
• Parmesan Cheese: A sprinkle of Parmesan elevates the dish with its nutty, savory flavor. Freshly grated is best, but pre-grated works in a pinch.
• Butter and Chicken Broth: These add richness and depth to the sauce, ensuring it’s anything but boring.

Special Equipment: You’ll need a 9x13-inch casserole dish for even cooking and a pot to parboil the rice before baking.

How to Make Angel Chicken and Rice Casserole

Creating this heavenly casserole is as simple as it is satisfying. Let’s walk through the steps to make it:

1. Prepare the Rice: Begin by cooking the rice. Bring a pot of water to a boil and parboil your long-grain rice for about 10 minutes. Drain and set aside.
2. Preheat and Prep: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13-inch casserole dish to ensure easy cleanup later.
3. Layer the Ingredients: Spread the parboiled rice evenly across the bottom of the prepared dish. Lay the chicken breasts on top, arranging them in a single layer.
4. Make the Sauce: In a medium bowl, whisk together the cream of mushroom soup, chicken broth, melted butter, Italian dressing mix, and Parmesan cheese. Pour this creamy mixture evenly over the chicken and rice.
5. Bake: Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake for 45 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes to let the top become golden and bubbly.
6. Rest and Serve: Let the casserole sit for 5-10 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.

From start to finish, this recipe takes about an hour, with just 15 minutes of hands-on prep time.

Storage Options

This casserole stores beautifully, making it a great option for meal prep or leftovers.

• Refrigerator: Transfer cooled leftovers to an airtight container and store in the fridge for up to 3 days.
• Freezer: If you want to freeze the casserole, prepare it through step 4, but don’t bake it. Cover tightly with plastic wrap and foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to bake, thaw overnight in the fridge and proceed with baking instructions.
• Reheating: To reheat, cover the casserole with foil to retain moisture and warm in a 350°F oven for 20-25 minutes. Individual portions can be microwaved for 2-3 minutes.

Variations and Substitutions

The beauty of this recipe lies in its adaptability. Here are a few ideas to make it your own:

• Add Vegetables: Stir in steamed broccoli, peas, or diced carrots for added nutrition and texture.
• Swap the Protein: Use leftover turkey, rotisserie chicken, or even shrimp to switch things up.
• Make it Spicy: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a splash of hot sauce to the sauce for a spicy kick.
• Go Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free cream soup and dressing mix to accommodate dietary restrictions.
• Cheesy Upgrade: Sprinkle shredded mozzarella or cheddar on top during the last 10 minutes of baking for an extra cheesy layer.

Experimenting with this dish is part of the fun. No matter how you tweak it, the result is bound to be delicious!

Give this Angel Chicken and Rice Casserole a try, and it just might become your family’s new favorite. It’s a dish that’s as comforting as it is versatile, perfect for making memories around the dinner table.

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