Angel Chicken Rice Casserole Recipe

If you’re looking for a meal that’s packed with comfort, flavor, and ease, then look no further than the Angel Chicken Rice Casserole. This heavenly dish combines tender chicken breasts, rich and creamy sauce, and fluffy rice in a one-dish wonder that is perfect for a family meal, potluck, or casual gathering. What makes this casserole truly divine is the combination of angel chicken, a creamy blend of cream cheese, white wine, and Italian seasoning, paired with the subtle heartiness of rice. It’s an all-in-one meal that checks all the boxes: creamy, savory, filling, and deeply satisfying.

In this 3,000-word recipe, we’ll walk you through every step of creating this cozy, flavorful dish, from preparing the tender chicken to assembling the casserole and baking it to golden perfection. We’ll also provide tips on how to make it ahead, store it, and offer variations to suit your preferences.

What is Angel Chicken?

Angel Chicken is a dish that gets its name from the heavenly flavors and creamy texture that envelops tender chicken breasts. The chicken is cooked in a rich sauce made from cream cheese, white wine, and Italian seasonings, creating a decadent flavor profile. The rice adds substance and makes this dish a complete meal that’s perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Preparing the Chicken

1. Season the Chicken: Start by seasoning the chicken breasts with a generous amount of salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. For an extra boost of flavor, you can also add a pinch of paprika or Italian seasoning.
2. Sear the Chicken: In a large skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium-high heat. Add the chicken breasts and cook for 3-4 minutes on each side, until they are golden brown. The goal here isn’t to cook the chicken all the way through but to give it a nice sear and lock in the juices. Once browned, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.

Step 2: Preparing the Rice and Casserole Base

1. Prepare the Rice: In the same skillet, add the uncooked rice and toast it for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly. Toasting the rice adds depth to the flavor and helps it absorb the rich flavors of the casserole. Once toasted, remove the rice from the skillet and set it aside.
2. Mix the Creamy Sauce: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cream of chicken soup, cream of mushroom soup, softened cream cheese, sour cream, white wine (or chicken broth), and chicken broth. Stir until smooth and creamy. The mixture will be thick, but that’s okay—it will thin out slightly as it bakes.
3. Add the Italian Dressing Mix: To the creamy mixture, add the dry Italian dressing mix, garlic powder, and onion powder. This seasoning packet adds a ton of flavor to the dish, giving it that signature “Angel Chicken” taste.
4. Optional Add-ins: If you want to add more texture and flavor to the casserole, now is the time to mix in the sliced mushrooms, spinach leaves, sun-dried tomatoes, or olives. These ingredients can elevate the dish and add some brightness.

Step 3: Assemble the Casserole

1. Layer the Rice: In a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, spread the toasted rice in an even layer across the bottom. The rice will absorb all the flavors from the creamy sauce and the chicken as it bakes.
2. Place the Chicken: Nestle the seared chicken breasts on top of the rice. The chicken will cook fully as the casserole bakes, and the juices will soak into the rice, making it tender and flavorful.
3. Pour the Sauce: Pour the creamy sauce over the chicken and rice, making sure everything is evenly coated. Use a spatula to spread the sauce so that it covers all the chicken and rice.
4. Top with Parmesan (Optional): If you want a cheesy finish, sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese over the top of the casserole. This will add a salty, nutty flavor and help create a golden, crispy crust on the top.

Step 4: Bake the Casserole

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Cover and Bake: Cover the casserole dish with aluminum foil to trap in the moisture and ensure even cooking. Bake in the preheated oven for 40-45 minutes. The chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F, and the rice should be tender.
3. Uncover and Brown: After 40-45 minutes, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and bubbly.
4. Let It Rest: Once the casserole is done baking, remove it from the oven and let it rest for 5-10 minutes. This allows the flavors to settle and makes it easier to serve.

Tips for Success

1. Use High-Quality Chicken

For the best flavor, use high-quality chicken breasts or even chicken thighs if you prefer dark meat. Chicken thighs are juicier and can add extra flavor to the dish, though they may require slightly longer cooking times.

2. Don’t Overcook the Chicken

Since the chicken will continue to cook in the oven, there’s no need to cook it all the way through when searing. Just a quick browning on each side will lock in the juices and keep the chicken tender.

3. Thin Sauce with Broth

If your sauce mixture seems too thick before pouring it over the rice and chicken, you can thin it out with an additional splash of chicken broth or white wine. This ensures that the rice absorbs enough liquid as it cooks.

4. Use Precooked or Leftover Chicken

For a quicker version, use precooked or leftover rotisserie chicken. Simply shred the chicken and mix it into the sauce, then bake with the rice. This cuts down the overall cooking time.

5. Customize the Seasoning

Feel free to adjust the seasonings to suit your taste. If you prefer a spicier dish, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper to the sauce. For a more herby flavor, add fresh thyme or oregano.

Variations

1. Gluten-Free Angel Chicken Rice Casserole

To make this casserole gluten-free, ensure that your cream of chicken and cream of mushroom soups are gluten-free. You can find gluten-free varieties in most grocery stores, or you can make your own homemade versions.

2. Dairy-Free Option

To make a dairy-free version of this dish, substitute the cream cheese with a dairy-free cream cheese alternative, and use a dairy-free sour cream. You can also replace the cream soups with coconut milk or a dairy-free cream of chicken soup.

3. Low-Carb Option

If you’re following a low-carb or keto diet, you can replace the rice with cauliflower rice. Cauliflower rice absorbs the creamy sauce just as well and keeps the dish light while maintaining its flavor.

4. Vegetarian Angel Chicken Casserole

For a vegetarian version, simply omit the chicken and replace it with hearty vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, or eggplant. You can also add plant-based chicken substitutes if you want to keep that “meaty” texture.

Serving Suggestions

1. Fresh Salad: Serve your Angel Chicken Rice Casserole alongside a fresh green salad with a light vinaigrette. The acidity from the vinaigrette will balance out the richness of the casserole.
2. Garlic Bread: Complement the creamy casserole with some crispy garlic bread on the side. The crunchy texture and garlic flavor pair perfectly with the savory chicken and rice.
3. Steamed Vegetables: For a lighter option, serve steamed vegetables like broccoli, green beans, or asparagus alongside the casserole. They’ll add color, nutrients, and a crisp contrast to the creamy dish.

Storage and Reheating

Storage:

• Refrigerate: If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.
• Freeze: You can also freeze the casserole for up to 3 months. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil before freezing to prevent freezer burn.

Reheating:

• Microwave: For quick reheating, use the microwave. Place a portion of the casserole in a microwave-safe dish and cover it with a damp paper towel. Microwave on high for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through.
• Oven: To reheat in the oven, preheat to 350°F, cover the casserole with foil, and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until heated through.

Conclusion

This Angel Chicken Rice Casserole is an easy, comforting dish that combines creamy textures, tender chicken, and flavorful rice in a heavenly blend of savory flavors. Whether you’re looking for a weeknight dinner, a dish to bring to a gathering, or a family favorite that can be made ahead of time, this casserole checks all the boxes.

With minimal prep, it’s perfect for busy weeknights, and the leftovers taste just as delicious the next day. Make this casserole your own by adding your favorite vegetables, customizing the seasonings, or making it gluten-free or dairy-free. Once you try this recipe, it’s sure to become a regular on your meal rotation!

Yield: 6

Angel Chicken Rice Casserole Recipe

Print

If you’re looking for a meal that’s packed with comfort, flavor, and ease, then look no further than the Angel Chicken Rice Casserole. This heavenly dish combines tender chicken breasts, rich and creamy sauce, and fluffy rice in a one-dish wonder that is perfect for a family meal, potluck, or casual gathering. What makes this casserole truly divine is the combination of angel chicken, a creamy blend of cream cheese, white wine, and Italian seasoning, paired with the subtle heartiness of rice. It’s an all-in-one meal that checks all the boxes: creamy, savory, filling, and deeply satisfying.

Prep Time 15 minutes

Cook Time 1 hour

Ingredients

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 cup long-grain white rice (uncooked)
• 1 (10.5 oz) can cream of mushroom soup
• 1 (10.5 oz) can cream of chicken soup
• 1 cup chicken broth
• ½ cup dry white wine (or additional chicken broth)
• 1 (8 oz) package cream cheese, softened
• 1 packet dry Italian dressing mix
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon onion powder
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 tablespoons butter
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

1. Preheat Oven:
   Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9x13-inch casserole dish.
   
2. Prepare the Rice Base:
   Spread the uncooked rice evenly in the bottom of the prepared casserole dish.
   
3. Make the Creamy Sauce:
   In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
   Add the cream of mushroom soup, cream of chicken soup, chicken broth, white wine (or extra broth), softened cream cheese, and dry Italian dressing mix.
   Stir constantly until the cream cheese is fully melted and the mixture is smooth and creamy.
   Season with garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper. Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning if needed.
   
4. Assemble the Casserole:
   Place the chicken breasts on top of the rice in the casserole dish.
   Pour the creamy sauce evenly over the chicken and rice, making sure all of the rice is covered.
   Sprinkle the Parmesan cheese on top.
   
5. Bake the Casserole:
   Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 50-60 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through (internal temperature reaches 165°F) and the rice is tender.
   In the last 10 minutes of baking, remove the foil and allow the top to brown slightly.
   
6. Serve:
   Once done, remove from the oven and let the casserole rest for about 5 minutes.
   Garnish with chopped parsley for a fresh touch, and serve hot.

Notes

• Rice: Long-grain white rice works best for this recipe, but you can also try brown rice. If using brown rice, increase the cooking time by about 15 minutes.
• Wine Substitute: If you prefer not to use wine, substitute it with additional chicken broth.
• Add Veggies: For a balanced meal, add vegetables like peas, broccoli, or spinach into the casserole before baking.
• Cream Cheese Tip: To soften cream cheese quickly, microwave it in 10-second intervals until softened.