Angel Chicken Casserole Recipe
If you’re craving a cozy, comforting meal that feels like a warm hug on a plate, you absolutely must try this Angel Chicken Casserole. This dish masterfully blends tender, seasoned chicken breasts with a luscious, creamy mixture of soups, cream cheese, and cheddar, all baked with fluffy rice to create a delightful texture contrast. The Angel Chicken Casserole is perfect for family dinners or feeding a crowd, satisfying both the soul and the appetite with every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering simple yet flavorful ingredients is the secret to making this Angel Chicken Casserole unforgettable. Each component plays a crucial role, from the creamy base that keeps the casserole moist to the spices that give it a gentle kick, not to mention the fresh green onions that add a bright burst of color and taste.
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts: The hearty protein base, ensuring plenty of tender chicken in every serving.
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup: Adds earthiness and depth to the creamy sauce.
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup: Boosts the rich chicken flavor and thickens the casserole.
- 1 cup sour cream: Brings tanginess and creaminess for a luscious texture.
- 1 cup chicken broth: Keeps the casserole moist and helps cook the rice perfectly.
- 1 package (8 oz) cream cheese, softened: Creates a velvety smooth consistency when blended into the sauce.
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese: Sprinkles in cheesy goodness for that irresistible golden crust.
- 1 cup uncooked white rice: Absorbs all the flavorful juices, making the dish wonderfully filling.
- 1/2 cup chopped green onions: Adds freshness and a subtle zing that brightens the casserole.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder: Infuses the chicken with cozy, aromatic warmth.
- 1 teaspoon onion powder: Complements the garlic and deepens the savory profile.
- 1 teaspoon paprika: Adds gentle smoky color and flavor without overpowering.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential seasonings to balance and highlight every ingredient.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: For searing the chicken to golden perfection, locking in juices.
- Fresh parsley (optional): A fresh, vibrant garnish to finish the dish with a pop of green.
How to Make Angel Chicken Casserole
Step 1: Preheat and Season
Start by setting your oven to 350°F (175°C), ensuring it’s ready for baking later. Meanwhile, season the chicken breasts generously with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika. Rubbing these spices into the meat is key to infusing every bite with flavor that shines through the creamy layers.
Step 2: Sear the Chicken
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Place the seasoned chicken breasts in the pan and sear them for 5 to 7 minutes on each side, aiming for a beautiful golden-brown crust. This step locks in the juices and adds a lovely textural contrast once baked. Once seared, remove the chicken and set aside to rest while you prepare the sauce.
Step 3: Create the Creamy Sauce
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cream of mushroom soup, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, and chicken broth. Stir this mixture until smooth and well incorporated. Next, add the softened cream cheese in chunks and blend it in with a whisk or electric mixer until you achieve a smooth, rich sauce that will envelop the chicken and rice beautifully.
Step 4: Mix in Rice, Cheese, and Onions
Fold in the uncooked white rice, shredded cheddar cheese, and chopped green onions gently into the creamy mixture. This combination ensures the rice cooks perfectly in the sauce while the cheese melts to create pockets of savory delight. The green onions offer a fresh counterpoint to the richness.
Step 5: Assemble the Casserole
Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish to prevent sticking. Lay the seared chicken breasts in the bottom of the dish, spaced evenly. Pour the creamy rice and cheese mixture over the top, spreading it gently with a spatula to cover every piece of chicken evenly. This layering is what makes the Angel Chicken Casserole truly special.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 45 minutes. This initial covered baking steams the rice and melds the flavors. Then, carefully remove the foil and return the casserole to bake uncovered for another 15 to 20 minutes. This step creates a bubbly, golden top that’s as inviting as it is delicious. Once done, let the casserole rest for about 10 minutes before serving to allow everything to settle perfectly.
How to Serve Angel Chicken Casserole
Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley brightens up the Angel Chicken Casserole, adding a fresh color pop and hint of herbal aroma. For an extra touch of indulgence, consider a light dusting of extra cheddar cheese just before serving or a few thin slices of green onion for crunch.
Side Dishes
This casserole is rich and filling, so pairing it with light sides balances the meal wonderfully. A crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette or some steamed seasonal vegetables like broccoli or green beans keeps everything fresh and wholesome. These sides provide contrast in texture and keep the meal feeling lively.
Creative Ways to Present
To impress guests, serve individual portions in small ramekins or skillet dishes. Layer each personal serving with a mini sprig of parsley or a thin slice of roasted red pepper for color. If you’re feeling festive, add a wedge of lemon on the side to brighten flavors just before eating. This adds a thoughtful elegance to the comforting Angel Chicken Casserole.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
The Angel Chicken Casserole stores beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Its flavors often deepen and improve after resting, making leftovers a delight rather than a chore. Just give it a good stir before reheating to redistribute any settled sauce.
Freezing
You can freeze the casserole before baking or after cooking. If freezing before baking, cover tightly with foil and plastic wrap. When ready to enjoy, bake it from frozen, adding a little extra baking time to ensure it’s heated through. If freezing after baking, cool completely, portion into airtight containers, and freeze for up to 3 months.
Reheating
Reheat your leftovers gently in the oven at 325°F (163°C), covered with foil to prevent drying out, or microwave individual servings until warmed through. Adding a splash of chicken broth or water before reheating helps keep the rice moist and creamy. Avoid overheating to preserve the smooth texture of the creamy sauce.
FAQs
Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
Yes, but keep in mind that brown rice requires longer cooking time and more liquid. You might need to adjust the baking time or pre-cook the brown rice slightly before assembling the casserole for the best results.
Is it possible to make this dish without cream cheese?
Cream cheese adds a signature creaminess to the Angel Chicken Casserole, but if you’re avoiding it, try using an extra half cup of sour cream or full-fat Greek yogurt as a substitute, though the texture will be slightly different.
Can I substitute the canned soups with homemade versions?
Absolutely! Homemade creamy mushroom and chicken soups work wonderfully and make the casserole even fresher and more flavorful. Just be sure they are thick enough to hold the casserole together well.
How do I know when the rice is fully cooked?
The rice cooks in the oven as the casserole bakes. The covered baking stage steams the rice thoroughly. If you’re concerned, check the rice after the initial 45-minute bake by testing a spoonful; it should be tender and soft before removing the foil for the final browning.
Can I add other vegetables to the casserole?
Definitely! Feel free to stir in chopped mushrooms, bell peppers, or frozen peas into the creamy mixture. Just consider how extra vegetables might change cooking time slightly, especially if they add moisture.
Final Thoughts
Angel Chicken Casserole is one of those magical recipes that feels both luxurious and homely at once. It’s easy to prepare, wonderfully hearty, and packs so much creamy, cheesy comfort into every forkful. Whether you’re feeding your family or entertaining friends, I encourage you to make this delightful dish and watch it become a beloved favorite at your table.
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Angel Chicken Casserole Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Low Salt
Description
Angel Chicken Casserole is a creamy, comforting baked dish featuring tender seared chicken breasts smothered in a rich blend of cream soups, cream cheese, sour cream, cheddar, and aromatic spices, combined with uncooked rice that bakes to perfection inside the casserole. This hearty one-dish meal is easy to prepare and perfect for family dinners.
Ingredients
Chicken and Seasonings
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Creamy Mixture
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 package (8 oz) cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup uncooked white rice
- 1/2 cup chopped green onions
Garnish
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it reaches the perfect baking temperature for the casserole.
- Season the Chicken: Rub the chicken breasts evenly with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika to infuse them with flavorful spices.
- Sear the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat and sear each chicken breast for 5-7 minutes per side until they develop a golden brown crust. Remove from heat and set aside.
- Prepare Creamy Sauce: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cream of mushroom soup, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, and chicken broth. Stir thoroughly until smooth.
- Add Cream Cheese: Cut the softened cream cheese into smaller chunks and blend it into the mixture using a whisk or electric mixer until the sauce is fully creamy and uniform.
- Mix in Rice and Cheese: Fold uncooked white rice, shredded cheddar cheese, and chopped green onions into the sauce mixture until they are evenly distributed.
- Assemble Casserole: Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish and arrange the seared chicken breasts evenly on the bottom.
- Add Creamy Mixture: Pour the prepared rice and cheese mixture over the chicken, spreading with a spatula to ensure even coverage.
- Cover and Bake: Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 45 minutes to allow the chicken to cook through and the rice to soften.
- Finish Baking Uncovered: Remove the foil carefully and bake uncovered for an additional 15-20 minutes until the casserole is bubbly and the top is golden brown.
- Rest Before Serving: Remove the casserole from the oven and let it sit for 10 minutes to settle and make serving easier.
- Garnish and Serve: Garnish with fresh parsley if desired, and serve alongside a simple side salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.
Notes
- You can substitute the cream soups with homemade versions for a fresher taste.
- For a lower-fat option, use reduced-fat sour cream and cheese.
- Make sure the cream cheese is softened for easier mixing into the sauce.
- If you prefer a spicier flavor, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili flakes.
- Uncooked rice cooks in the casserole, so do not pre-cook it.
- Leftovers store well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking, Searing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 520 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 650 mg
- Fat: 28 g
- Saturated Fat: 15 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
- Trans Fat: 0.3 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 38 g
- Cholesterol: 110 mg
Keywords: chicken casserole, creamy chicken bake, comfort food, easy dinner, baked chicken recipe, chicken and rice casserole
