Name: Angel Chicken Rice Casserole
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 50 min
Total time: 1 h 5 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 cups (400g) uncooked white rice; 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs / 680g); 1 can (10.5 oz / 300g) cream of mushroom soup; 1 can (10.5 oz / 300g) cream of chicken soup; 1 cup (240ml) chicken broth; 1/2 cup (120ml) dry white wine (or more broth as a substitute); 1 block (8 oz / 225g) cream cheese, softened; 1 packet (1 oz / 28g) Italian dressing mix; 1/2 tsp garlic powder; Salt and pepper, to taste; 1 cup (100g) shredded mozzarella or Parmesan cheese (optional, for topping); Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love how this casserole brings together simple ingredients to create a rich and comforting meal. The combination of creamy sauces, tender chicken, and perfectly cooked rice makes it a go-to dish for both weeknight dinners and special occasions. Plus, it’s versatile and can be customized with your favorite vegetables or cheeses.

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

2 cups (400g) uncooked white rice
4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs or 680g)
1 can (10.5 oz/300g) cream of mushroom soup
1 can (10.5 oz/300g) cream of chicken soup
1 cup (240ml) chicken broth
1/2 cup (120ml) dry white wine (optional, or substitute with more chicken broth)
1 block (8 oz/225g) cream cheese, softened
1 packet (1 oz/28g) Italian dressing mix
1/2 tsp garlic powder
Salt and pepper to taste
1 cup (100g) shredded mozzarella or Parmesan cheese (optional, for topping)
Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)

Directions

Prepare the Rice:
I preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C), grease a 9×13-inch (23×33 cm) casserole dish, and spread the uncooked rice evenly across the bottom.
Season the Chicken:
I lightly season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and garlic powder, then place them on top of the rice in the casserole dish.
Make the Sauce:
In a medium saucepan, I combine the cream of mushroom soup, cream of chicken soup, chicken broth, white wine (if using), cream cheese, and Italian dressing mix. I heat over medium-low, stirring until the cream cheese is fully melted and the mixture is smooth.
Assemble the Casserole:
I pour the sauce evenly over the chicken and rice, then cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil to lock in moisture.
Bake:
I bake in the preheated oven for 45-50 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through (165°F/74°C internal temperature) and the rice is tender.
Optional Cheese Topping:
I remove the foil, sprinkle the casserole with shredded mozzarella or Parmesan cheese, and return to the oven for 5-7 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Serve:
I let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving, garnishing with fresh parsley if desired.

Servings and Timing

This recipe yields approximately 6 servings. Preparation time is about 15 minutes, and cooking time is 45-50 minutes, totaling around 1 hour and 5 minutes.

Variations

Rice Variations: I sometimes use brown rice or wild rice blends for a heartier flavor, adjusting the cooking time and liquid accordingly.
Vegetable Add-Ins: I like to add sliced mushrooms, broccoli florets, or peas for added nutrition and texture.
Cheese Options: I occasionally swap mozzarella with cheddar or Colby Jack cheese for a different flavor profile.

Storage/Reheating

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, I warm the casserole in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through or microwave individual portions until hot. If freezing, I ensure the casserole is cooled completely, then wrap it tightly and freeze for up to 3 months. I thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

FAQs

Can I use pre-cooked chicken?

Yes, I can use cooked and shredded chicken. I adjust the baking time accordingly, as the chicken doesn’t need to cook through.

Is it possible to make this casserole ahead of time?

Absolutely. I assemble the casserole a day in advance, refrigerate it, and add an extra 10 minutes to the baking time when cooking from chilled.

Can I substitute the cream of mushroom soup?

Yes, I can use another can of cream of chicken soup or cream of celery soup if I prefer.

What can I use instead of Italian dressing mix?

I create a homemade mix using a combination of dried herbs like oregano, basil, parsley, garlic powder, onion powder, and a pinch of sugar and salt.

How do I ensure the rice cooks properly?

I make sure to cover the casserole tightly with foil to trap steam, which helps cook the rice evenly. Also, I ensure there’s enough liquid in the dish to allow the rice to absorb and become tender.

Conclusion

This Angel Chicken Rice Casserole is a satisfying, crowd-pleasing dish that’s easy to make and full of rich flavors. Perfect for busy weeknights or special family gatherings, it’s a comforting meal that brings everyone to the table. With its creamy sauce, tender chicken, and flavorful rice, it’s sure to become a favorite in my recipe collection.

Angel Chicken Rice Casserole