If you’re searching for a meal that’s as comforting as a warm hug and impressive enough for a family gathering, the Angel Chicken and Rice Casserole Recipe is here to answer your cravings. This creamy, bubbling casserole features tender chicken nestled atop a bed of angel hair pasta and fluffy rice, all enveloped in a silky sauce studded with savory Italian flavors. Baked to golden perfection and finished with a sprinkling of Parmesan, each bite is pure, cozy bliss. Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or the star of a potluck, this is a dish that will quickly earn legendary status at your table.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering your ingredients for the Angel Chicken and Rice Casserole Recipe is a breeze. Each staple brings its own irresistible charm: from the creamy cheeses to the delicate pasta and hearty chicken, every addition enhances the texture, color, or flavor in a way that truly makes this casserole shine.
- Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts or Thighs (1½ lbs): Choose your favorite cut for juicy, tender chicken every time.
- Olive Oil (1 tablespoon): Adds a subtle, fruity richness and helps brown the chicken beautifully.
- Angel Hair Pasta (8 oz, broken in half): The delicate strands soak up all the creamy goodness and keep each forkful light.
- Cooked White or Brown Rice (1½ cups): Adds lovely texture and turns this into a hearty meal.
- Cream of Chicken Soup (10.5 oz can): Lends depth and silky consistency to the sauce.
- Cream of Mushroom Soup (10.5 oz can): Brings umami and extra creaminess to the mix.
- Cream Cheese (8 oz, softened): Melts into luxurious smoothness for the perfect sauce base.
- Italian Dressing Mix (1 oz packet): Infuses the casserole with zesty, herby flavors.
- Low-Sodium Chicken Broth (½ cup): Keeps everything moist and lets the flavors meld together.
- Grated Parmesan Cheese (½ cup): A savory, golden topper that adds a cheesy finish.
- Salt and Pepper (to taste): Essential for seasoning each layer just right.
- Chopped Parsley (for garnish): Offers a pop of freshness and color to the finished dish.
How to Make Angel Chicken and Rice Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Sear the Chicken
Preheat your oven to 350°F to get things started. In a large skillet set over medium heat, drizzle in the olive oil. Add the chicken pieces, letting them sizzle for 4–5 minutes on each side until they’re deliciously golden. You’re just after some great color and flavor here, not fully cooking them through. Remove the chicken and set aside.
Step 2: Mix Up the Creamy Sauce
Grab a big mixing bowl and stir together the cream of chicken soup, cream of mushroom soup, softened cream cheese, Italian dressing mix, and chicken broth. Make sure everything is smooth and well combined, as this luscious mixture is what makes the Angel Chicken and Rice Casserole Recipe so unforgettable.
Step 3: Add Pasta and Rice
Gently fold in the cooked rice and the uncooked, broken angel hair pasta. Give everything a quick toss to evenly distribute the rice and pasta through that gorgeous sauce—you want every spoonful to have a bit of everything.
Step 4: Assemble the Casserole
Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish, then pour your creamy pasta and rice mixture right in. Nestle the golden chicken pieces on top, allowing them to settle just slightly into the sauce. Finish off with a generous sprinkle of Parmesan cheese for that irresistible baked finish.
Step 5: Bake Until Bubbly
Cover the dish tightly with foil and bake for 30 minutes to let the magic happen. After that, remove the foil and bake for another 10–15 minutes, until the top is bubbling and the pasta is perfectly tender. Let the casserole rest for five minutes before serving—trust me, this patience pays off!
How to Serve Angel Chicken and Rice Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
Just before serving, shower your Angel Chicken and Rice Casserole Recipe with a handful of chopped fresh parsley. The green flecks look gorgeous against the creamy casserole, and the herbaceous note brightens every forkful. For a little extra indulgence, add a bit more grated Parmesan on top right before it hits the table.
Side Dishes
This casserole is hearty enough to be the main focus, but pairing it with a simple green salad dressed in a punchy vinaigrette is perfection. You could also serve with roasted or steamed vegetables (think green beans or broccoli) to add freshness and balance to the creamy main event.
Creative Ways to Present
Dishing up individually in pretty gratin dishes or small cast-iron skillets adds a charming, bistro-style flair. For potlucks and gatherings, keep it fuss-free in the baking dish, and let everyone serve themselves family-style. Either way, don’t forget a big serving spoon—people will want seconds!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, store them tightly covered in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days. The creamy base keeps everything moist and delicious, making this Angel Chicken and Rice Casserole Recipe just as good tucked into a lunchbox or warmed up for another dinner.
Freezing
This casserole freezes like a dream! Let it cool completely, then wrap it well in both plastic wrap and foil. Store flat in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating to preserve that silky texture.
Reheating
To reheat, place the casserole (or your desired portion) in an oven-safe dish, cover with foil, and warm at 350°F for 15–20 minutes until heated through. You can also zap single servings in the microwave for quick lunches—just add a splash of chicken broth or water to keep things extra creamy.
FAQs
Can I use rotisserie or leftover chicken?
Absolutely! Using rotisserie or pre-cooked chicken makes this Angel Chicken and Rice Casserole Recipe even faster to assemble without sacrificing any flavor.
What’s the best way to get ahead on busy nights?
You can assemble the casserole a day in advance, refrigerate it covered, and then bake when you’re ready to eat. This makes weeknight dinners a breeze and lets the flavors meld beautifully.
Can I substitute a different pasta?
Yes! If you don’t have angel hair, thin spaghetti or even fettucine broken into smaller pieces will work well. Just be mindful that thinner shapes absorb sauce more readily and may cook faster.
Is there a way to make this casserole lighter?
You can certainly lighten things up by using reduced-fat cream cheese and low-sodium soups, or swap in a mix of Greek yogurt for part of the cream cheese for tang and fewer calories.
How do I know when the casserole is done?
The top should be bubbling, the pasta tender, and the chicken cooked through. A quick test: insert a fork into the center—if the pasta is soft, it’s ready to come out of the oven!
Final Thoughts
There’s something undeniably magical about gathering around the table for a homemade Angel Chicken and Rice Casserole Recipe. It’s comfort food at its most delicious, simple enough for any day, and special enough to bring smiles at any occasion. Give this recipe a spot on your meal plan—trust me, you’ll want to make it again and again!
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Angel Chicken and Rice Casserole Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
A comforting and creamy Angel Chicken and Rice Casserole that is perfect for an easy family dinner. Tender chicken, pasta, and rice are baked in a rich sauce for a delicious one-dish meal.
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 1½ lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
For the Casserole:
- 8 oz angel hair pasta, broken in half
- 1½ cups cooked white or brown rice
- 1 (10.5 oz) can cream of chicken soup
- 1 (10.5 oz) can cream of mushroom soup
- 1 (8 oz) package cream cheese, softened
- 1 packet Italian dressing mix (about 1 oz)
- ½ cup low-sodium chicken broth
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Chopped parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F.
- Cook Chicken: In a skillet, cook chicken in olive oil until golden but not fully cooked. Set aside.
- Mix Casserole Ingredients: In a bowl, combine soups, cream cheese, Italian dressing mix, and broth. Fold in rice and pasta.
- Assemble and Bake: Pour mixture into a baking dish, place chicken on top, sprinkle with Parmesan, cover with foil, and bake. Uncover and bake until bubbly.
- Rest and Serve: Let rest before serving, garnish with parsley.
Notes
- Use rotisserie or leftover cooked chicken for quicker prep.
- Swap angel hair with thin spaghetti if desired.
- Great for make-ahead meals or potlucks.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 510
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 790mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 34g
- Cholesterol: 115mg
