Name: Angel Chicken Rice Casserole Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 1 h
Total time: 1 h 15 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1½ cups uncooked long-grain white rice; 2½ cups chicken broth; 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces; 1 cup frozen peas and carrots mix; 1 small onion, diced; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese; 1 can (10.5 ounces) cream of chicken soup; ½ cup sour cream; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 teaspoon dried thyme; 1 teaspoon paprika; ½ teaspoon salt; ¼ teaspoon black pepper

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If you’re searching for the ultimate comfort food that’s as easy as it is heartwarming, look no further than Angel Chicken Rice Casserole. Creamy, savory, and irresistible, this all-in-one casserole is packed with tender chicken, fluffy rice, veggies, and a cheesy, golden top. It’s the kind of meal that gathers everyone around the table and disappears by the spoonful. Whether you’re feeding your family on a busy weeknight or hosting friends for an easy dinner, this delicious casserole is destined to become a beloved staple in your home.

Angel Chicken Rice Casserole Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Every ingredient in this recipe plays a starring role—bringing their own flavor, texture, or splash of color to the dish. Even better, most are kitchen staples you probably already have on hand, making this meal a breeze to pull together any night of the week.

Uncooked long-grain white rice: Creates a fluffy base that soaks up all the creamy flavors as it bakes.
Chicken broth: Adds savory depth and ensures the rice cooks up perfectly tender.
Boneless, skinless chicken breasts: Provides lean, juicy protein that cooks right in the casserole and soaks up all the savory goodness.
Frozen peas and carrots mix: Brings color and sweetness to the dish, plus saves prep time since there’s no chopping involved.
Small onion, diced: Offers a subtle sweetness and aromatic base when sautéed.
Garlic, minced: Adds a punch of earthy, aromatic flavor that makes every bite memorable.
Shredded cheddar cheese: Delivers the classic melty, golden topping that makes this dish so inviting.
Cream of chicken soup: Lends creaminess and a savory backbone that ties all the flavors together.
Sour cream: Boosts the richness and adds a little tang—it also keeps the casserole lusciously moist.
Olive oil: Used for sautéing, it brings a subtle fruitiness and helps soften the onions and garlic.
Dried thyme: A gentle herb that adds warmth and an earthy fragrance without overpowering the other flavors.
Paprika: Gives a lovely mild kick and enhances the casserole’s beautiful color.
Salt: Essential for seasoning every component evenly and drawing out those delicious flavors.
Black pepper: A pinch wakes up the whole dish and rounds out the savory notes.

How to Make Angel Chicken Rice Casserole

Step 1: Prep the Oven and Skillet

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). While it warms up, grab a large skillet and heat up the olive oil over medium. This is your flavor foundation, so give it just a minute or two to get shimmery and hot.

Step 2: Sauté Aromatics and Chicken

Add in your diced onion and minced garlic to the skillet. Sauté for 3 to 4 minutes—watch as they soften and begin to smell irresistible! Next, toss in the chicken pieces and cook for another 5 to 6 minutes, stirring just until the outside of the chicken turns lightly golden (don’t worry about cooking it through—it finishes in the oven and stays super juicy this way).

Step 3: Mix Up the Creamy Base

In a large mixing bowl, combine the uncooked rice, chicken broth, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, dried thyme, paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together so the rice is evenly coated for maximum flavor in every spoonful. Add in the sautéed chicken, onions, garlic, and the peas and carrots, making sure everything’s well distributed.

Step 4: Assemble and Bake

Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking, then pour in the creamy, colorful mixture. Spread it out evenly, cover tightly with aluminum foil, and bake for 45 minutes. This is when the rice becomes fluffy, the chicken finishes cooking, and all those flavors start mingling.

Step 5: Add the Cheesy Topping

After 45 minutes, carefully remove the foil. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese all over the bubbling casserole, then slide it back into the oven, uncovered, for another 10–15 minutes. The cheese melts into a rich, gooey layer and bubbles up into golden perfection—truly the best part of every bite.

Step 6: Rest and Serve

Once everything is melted and piping hot, take the casserole out of the oven and let it rest for five minutes. This short wait helps it set up so you get those picture-perfect servings of Angel Chicken Rice Casserole, with every scoop holding together beautifully.

How to Serve Angel Chicken Rice Casserole

Garnishes

Top your Angel Chicken Rice Casserole with a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley, sliced green onions, or even an extra pinch of paprika for color. A simple garnish brings a pop of freshness and makes the whole dish feel even more inviting when you’re ready to dig in.

Side Dishes

Pair your casserole with simple sides to round out the meal. Think a crisp green salad, steamed green beans, or roasted broccoli—these add a bit of crunch and freshness next to all that creamy, cheesy goodness. Some folks love adding a side of crusty bread to soak up every last spoonful.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve your Angel Chicken Rice Casserole in individual ramekins for a dinner party-worthy presentation, or scoop it family-style right from the baking dish for cozy weeknight vibes. Leftovers also make amazing boxed lunches the next day—just pack with a wedge of lemon or a drizzle of hot sauce for a kick.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Angel Chicken Rice Casserole keeps beautifully. Once cooled, transfer any extra to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. The flavors deepen as it sits, making tomorrow’s lunch even more irresistible.

Freezing

This casserole is a true meal-prep hero! Simply assemble the dish (before baking), cover tightly with foil, and freeze for up to two months. When you’re ready, thaw it overnight in the fridge and bake according to the recipe instructions for a ready-made crowd-pleaser.

Reheating

To reheat, cover your portion with foil and warm in a 350°F oven until heated through (about 20–30 minutes). For quicker lunches, you can also microwave individual servings—just add a splash of broth to keep things creamy and stir halfway through.

FAQs

Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?

Absolutely, but keep in mind that brown rice takes longer to cook. You may need to add extra liquid and increase the baking time by 15–20 minutes to ensure the rice becomes tender.

What other vegetables can I add?

Feel free to swap or add veggies based on what you have—mushrooms, chopped bell peppers, broccoli florets, or spinach all work beautifully and blend right into the creamy base.

Can I use rotisserie or leftover chicken?

Yes! If you’re using cooked chicken, simply add it in with the rice mixture without the need to sauté first—just cut back the skillet time to quickly soften the onions and garlic only.

How can I make Angel Chicken Rice Casserole lighter?

Swap sour cream for plain Greek yogurt, use reduced-fat cheddar, and opt for low-sodium chicken broth and soup to make a lightened-up but still ultra-flavorful version.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

The casserole is naturally gluten-free as long as your cream of chicken soup is certified gluten-free—always double-check the soup label to be sure if you’re cooking for someone with gluten sensitivity.

Final Thoughts

There’s just something undeniably comforting about a pan of Angel Chicken Rice Casserole bubbling away in the oven, filling the kitchen with cozy aromas. If you need an easy, joyous meal to bring everyone together, this is the one! Give it a try—you might just add it to your regular rotation, and your whole crew will thank you for it.

Angel Chicken Rice Casserole Recipe

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4.8 from 24 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

This Angel Chicken Rice Casserole is a comforting and creamy baked dish that combines tender chicken, flavorful rice, and a cheesy topping. Perfect for a family dinner or potluck, this easy-to-make casserole is sure to be a hit!

Ingredients

Scale

For the Casserole:

1½ cups uncooked long-grain white rice
2½ cups chicken broth
1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
1 cup frozen peas and carrots mix
1 small onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1 can (10.5 ounces) cream of chicken soup
½ cup sour cream
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1 teaspoon paprika
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper

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Instructions

Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
Sauté onions and garlic: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Sauté diced onion and garlic for 3-4 minutes until softened.
Cook chicken: Add chicken pieces to the skillet and cook for 5-6 minutes until lightly browned.
Mix ingredients: In a large bowl, combine uncooked rice, chicken broth, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, thyme, paprika, salt, and pepper. Add sautéed chicken, onion, garlic, and frozen peas and carrots. Stir well.
Bake: Transfer mixture to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Cover with foil and bake for 45 minutes. Remove foil, sprinkle cheddar cheese on top, and bake uncovered for 10-15 minutes until cheese is melted.
Serve: Let casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving.