Angel Chicken And Rice Casserole Recipe

There's nothing quite like the comforting aroma of Angel Chicken and Rice Casserole baking in the oven. This creamy, dreamy dish combines tender chicken, perfectly cooked rice, and a luscious sauce that comes together effortlessly for a weeknight winner.

I discovered this recipe during a busy season in life, and it has become a go-to for nights when I need a hearty, no-fuss meal the whole family will love. Simple, satisfying, and delicious, this casserole checks all the boxes for flavor and ease. Let's dive into what makes this recipe a must-try!

Why You’ll Love This Angel Chicken and Rice Casserole

Get ready to fall in love with your new favorite comfort food. This Angel Chicken and Rice Casserole is not just mouthwatering – it's perfect for busy families and anyone craving an easy, crowd-pleasing dinner.

First off, the simplicity of this dish is a game-changer. You can get everything prepped and into the oven in just 15 minutes, making it a life-saver on hectic weeknights. Plus, who doesn’t love a meal where the oven does most of the work?

The flavor is out of this world. Creamy and rich with a savory depth from the mushrooms and seasonings, this casserole tastes like it was made in a fancy kitchen. But surprise – it uses a handful of pantry staples and store-bought ingredients.

Even picky eaters won’t be able to resist. The juicy chicken and perfectly seasoned rice appeal to everyone, making it great for family dinners or casual get-togethers. This dish also reheats beautifully, so it’s perfect for meal prep and leftovers that are just as delicious the next day.

Ready to learn how to make it? Let's talk ingredients.

Ingredients Notes

The magic of this Angel Chicken and Rice Casserole lies in a few carefully selected ingredients. Each one plays a crucial role in building up that irresistible flavor and texture.

Chicken breasts or thighs work wonderfully here. I personally prefer boneless, skinless chicken thighs for their extra juiciness and flavor. If you only have chicken breasts on hand, they’ll work fine too, but be careful not to overcook them.

Uncooked white rice provides the perfect base, soaking up all the flavors of the sauce as it cooks. Long-grain rice is ideal for this recipe, but if you prefer brown rice, note that you may need to adjust the cooking time and liquid amounts.

Cream of mushroom soup creates a creamy sauce with minimal effort. If you're not a fan of the canned variety, feel free to make a homemade cream of mushroom soup. The canned version, however, is quick and consistent, making it a true time-saver.

Dry Italian seasoning mix adds a punch of flavor without extra work. It brings together herbs like oregano, basil, and thyme, elevating the whole dish. You can also use your favorite blend of dried Italian herbs if you prefer.

To make the sauce extra indulgent, you'll need cream cheese. It melts beautifully into the soup mixture, giving the casserole a silky texture. If you're watching calories, you can opt for reduced-fat cream cheese, though it may be slightly less creamy.

You'll also need a splash of dry white wine for added depth and acidity. If you prefer not to use wine, substitute it with extra chicken broth – it’ll still taste fantastic.

How To Make This Angel Chicken and Rice Casserole

Creating this mouthwatering Angel Chicken and Rice Casserole is easier than you think. Here’s how to put it all together step by step.

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking. This will also make cleanup a breeze later!

Step 2: Prepare your chicken by cutting it into smaller pieces if the breasts are particularly large. Season them with salt and pepper. If you're using chicken thighs, there's no need to cut them, but you may want to trim any excess fat.

Step 3: In a mixing bowl, combine the cream of mushroom soup, softened cream cheese, dry Italian seasoning mix, and dry white wine. Whisk everything together until smooth and creamy. The mixture may seem thick, but don’t worry – it will thin out beautifully as it cooks.

Step 4: Layer the rice and chicken in your prepared baking dish. Start by spreading the uncooked rice evenly over the bottom. Arrange the chicken pieces on top of the rice in a single layer.

Step 5: Pour the creamy sauce over the chicken and rice, spreading it evenly to cover everything. Then, cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil. This step is crucial to ensure the rice cooks properly and absorbs all the delicious flavors.

Step 6: Bake for 1 hour, or until the rice is tender and the chicken is cooked through. If you notice the liquid has evaporated too quickly, add a splash of chicken broth and continue baking. For a golden top, uncover the dish for the last 10-15 minutes of cooking.

Storage Options

This Angel Chicken and Rice Casserole is perfect for meal prepping or saving leftovers for a busy day. Here’s how to store it safely and deliciously.

Refrigerator: Allow the casserole to cool completely before transferring to an airtight container. It will keep well in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, simply microwave individual portions or warm in the oven at 350°F until heated through.

Freezer: If you want to freeze the casserole, wrap it tightly with plastic wrap followed by a layer of aluminum foil. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge and then bake at 350°F until fully warmed through.

Reheating Tips: When reheating, you may need to add a splash of chicken broth or water to maintain the creamy consistency. Cover with foil to prevent the top from drying out, and uncover for the last few minutes if you want a crispy surface.

Variations and Substitutions

The beauty of this Angel Chicken and Rice Casserole is how easily it can be adapted to suit your tastes and pantry staples.

For a healthier twist, use brown rice instead of white rice. Keep in mind that the cooking time will be longer, so check and adjust as needed. You can also swap out full-fat cream cheese for a reduced-fat version without sacrificing much flavor.

Add extra veggies for a nutritional boost. Sliced mushrooms, chopped spinach, or diced bell peppers are great additions. Just sauté them briefly before adding to the casserole to ensure they cook evenly.

Prefer a dairy-free option? Use a dairy-free cream cheese alternative and swap the cream of mushroom soup for a dairy-free version. The flavors will still be rich and satisfying.

Swap out the chicken for another protein if you prefer. Turkey breast or even sliced pork tenderloin can work beautifully. Just be mindful of cooking times, as different proteins may cook faster or slower.

Spice it up by adding crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the sauce mixture. This will give the casserole a bit of heat and an extra depth of flavor that spice lovers will enjoy.

Feel free to get creative and make this recipe your own. With its adaptable nature, you'll never run out of ways to enjoy this comforting classic. Happy cooking!

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