Angel Chicken Rice Casserole

A Flavorful and Hearty Casserole

Angel Chicken Rice Casserole is the ultimate comfort food that combines tender chicken, creamy rice, and cheese into one deliciously baked dish. This casserole is perfect for busy weeknights or family gatherings because it’s both simple to prepare and packed with flavor. With the rich combination of chicken, rice, and a creamy sauce, it will quickly become a favorite in your household.

It’s easy to make, comforting to eat, and can be adjusted to suit your family’s tastes. The best part? It only takes a few basic ingredients, and you can prepare it in just one dish for easy cleanup!

Ingredients

For the Casserole:

450g boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs), cut into bite-sized pieces
1 cup long-grain white rice
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 medium onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
400g can cream of chicken soup
200ml sour cream
150g grated cheddar cheese
100g mozzarella cheese, shredded
1 teaspoon dried thyme
½ teaspoon dried parsley
1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
250ml chicken broth
1 tablespoon butter (for greasing the casserole dish)

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat.
Add the cut chicken pieces to the skillet and season with salt and black pepper.
Cook the chicken for about 5-7 minutes or until it’s fully cooked through and no longer pink in the center.
Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.

Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables

In the same skillet, add 1 tablespoon of olive oil and sauté the diced onion for 3-4 minutes until soft and translucent.
Add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.

Step 3: Make the Sauce

Stir in the cream of chicken soup and sour cream, mixing well.
Add the chicken broth, dried thyme, dried parsley, and salt. Stir until the sauce is smooth and well combined.
Let it simmer for about 2-3 minutes, ensuring everything is heated through.

Step 4: Assemble the Casserole

Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F).
Grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish with butter to prevent sticking.
Spread the uncooked rice evenly across the bottom of the dish.
Pour the chicken and sauce mixture over the rice, spreading it out evenly.
Sprinkle the grated cheddar cheese and mozzarella cheese evenly on top.

Step 5: Bake the Casserole

Cover the casserole dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes.
After 30 minutes, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes until the top is golden and the rice is cooked through.
If the rice isn’t fully cooked, add a little more chicken broth and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes.

Step 6: Serve

Once the casserole is done, remove it from the oven and let it cool for 5 minutes.
Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley if desired.
Enjoy with a side salad or some crusty bread for a complete meal.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving – Makes 6 Servings)

Calories: 420 kcal
Protein: 30g
Carbohydrates: 35g
Fats: 22g
Fiber: 2g
Sugars: 3g

Note: Nutritional values may vary based on ingredient choices.

Tips & Tricks for the Best Angel Chicken Rice Casserole

✨ Use rotisserie chicken – For even quicker prep time, you can substitute cooked rotisserie chicken for the raw chicken breast. Just shred it and add it to the casserole.

✨ Add veggies – For extra flavor and nutrition, toss in some peas, carrots, or broccoli before baking.

✨ Make it creamy – If you want an even creamier casserole, add a bit more sour cream or even some cream cheese to the sauce.

✨ Use different cheeses – If you prefer a different cheese, Colby Jack or Monterey Jack are excellent options to mix things up.

✨ Make it ahead – This casserole can be assembled ahead of time and stored in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking. Just pop it in the oven when you’re ready to eat!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

✔ Simple to make – Just a few basic ingredients come together to create a comforting, delicious casserole.
✔ Hearty and filling – The combination of chicken, rice, and cheese makes this dish very satisfying.
✔ One-pan dish – Perfect for busy weeknights, and there’s easy cleanup afterward.
✔ Kid-friendly – With cheese and chicken, it’s sure to be a hit with little ones!
✔ Make-ahead friendly – You can prep it ahead of time and bake it when you’re ready to serve.