Angel Chicken And Rice Casserole Recipe

There's nothing quite like the aroma of Angel Chicken and Rice Casserole filling your kitchen on a chilly evening. Tender, flavorful chicken baked to perfection with fluffy, buttery rice and a creamy sauce that practically melts in your mouth—it's the ultimate comfort food.

this Recipe

I discovered this dish on a busy weeknight when I needed something quick yet satisfying. Since then, it's become a staple in our dinner rotation. With its simple ingredients and easy preparation, it's a recipe you’ll want to keep in your back pocket for those hectic days. Let’s dive into why you’ll fall head over heels for this comforting casserole.

Why You'll Love This Angel Chicken And Rice Casserole

Get ready to fall in love with your new go-to weeknight dinner. This Angel Chicken and Rice Casserole has everything you crave in a family-friendly meal: flavor, simplicity, and plenty of comforting goodness.

First off, it’s incredibly easy to make. With just 10 minutes of prep, the oven does most of the work for you. That means more time to unwind or catch up on other tasks while dinner practically cooks itself.

This dish is perfect for feeding a crowd without breaking the bank. With pantry staples like rice and canned soup, it's not only cost-effective but also super convenient. Even picky eaters won't be able to resist the creamy, savory flavors.

The best part? It's a complete meal in one pan. No need to worry about side dishes; the rice and chicken come together in perfect harmony, soaking up the flavors of the sauce and creating a foolproof, hearty dinner everyone will love.

Ingredients Notes

The magic of this Angel Chicken and Rice Casserole lies in its simple yet flavorful ingredients. Each one plays a crucial role in creating that comforting, creamy texture we all crave.

Start with boneless, skinless chicken breasts. They’re lean, easy to work with, and become wonderfully tender as they bake in the sauce. You can substitute with chicken thighs if you prefer a richer flavor; just keep in mind they may require a bit more time in the oven.

Next, the rice. Long-grain white rice is ideal here, as it cooks perfectly in the casserole, absorbing all the delicious flavors. Avoid instant or quick-cooking rice, as they may turn mushy or cook unevenly.

The creamy sauce comes together with a blend of cream of mushroom soup, cream of chicken soup, and a touch of chicken broth. The soup mixture ensures a velvety texture while adding layers of savory goodness. If you prefer a more homemade touch, feel free to use your favorite creamy soup recipe instead of the canned versions.

For a touch of elegance, we add a generous helping of dry Italian salad dressing mix. This adds a tangy, herby flavor that makes the casserole extra special. It’s a game-changer, transforming simple ingredients into something that tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen.

Don’t forget about butter. Melting butter over the top before baking adds a luscious, rich finish to the dish. It helps the rice cook evenly and enhances the overall flavor.

How To Make This Angel Chicken And Rice Casserole

Creating this mouthwatering casserole is a breeze. Follow these simple steps, and you’ll have a warm, satisfying meal on the table in no time.

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking. Even though this casserole is low on prep, taking a minute to prepare the dish makes cleanup a lot easier.

Next, spread the uncooked long-grain white rice evenly across the bottom of the baking dish. This will form the perfect base, soaking up the sauce as it bakes to fluffy perfection.

Lay the boneless, skinless chicken breasts over the rice in a single layer. You want each piece to have direct contact with the rice and sauce for even cooking. Season the chicken with a bit of salt and pepper for added flavor.

In a medium bowl, combine the cream of mushroom soup, cream of chicken soup, dry Italian salad dressing mix, and chicken broth. Whisk until smooth, then pour the sauce mixture over the chicken and rice. Make sure everything is evenly covered so the rice absorbs all those delicious flavors.

Finally, melt the butter and drizzle it over the top. This helps the rice cook to a buttery, rich finish. Cover the dish tightly with foil and bake for 1 hour. After the hour is up, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes to let the top brown slightly.

Storage Options

Leftovers are a gift when it comes to this casserole, and storing them is a breeze. Allow the dish to cool completely before transferring to an airtight container. It will keep in the refrigerator for up to 4 days, making it perfect for meal prep.

For freezing, wrap the casserole tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil, or use a freezer-safe container. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through.

Reheating is easy: You can microwave individual portions or reheat the whole dish in the oven. Add a splash of chicken broth or water if the rice seems dry to restore its creamy consistency.

Variations and Substitutions

The beauty of this casserole is its versatility. You can easily customize it to suit your family’s tastes or what you have on hand in the pantry.

If you’re looking for a flavor twist, try using cream of celery soup instead of mushroom or chicken. It adds a subtle, aromatic depth that pairs beautifully with the Italian seasonings.

Want to sneak in some veggies? Stir in a cup of frozen peas, diced carrots, or chopped spinach before baking. They’ll cook along with the rice, adding color and nutrients to the dish.

For a heartier version, consider swapping the chicken for boneless pork chops. They bake up just as tender and add a slightly different, rich flavor to the casserole.

If you’re avoiding dairy, you can use a dairy-free butter alternative and opt for coconut milk or almond milk in place of the cream soups. Just keep in mind that the flavor will be slightly altered.

Feel free to get creative! This casserole is forgiving, so experimenting with different ingredients can yield some surprisingly delicious results.

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