There's nothing quite like the comforting blend of flavors in a warm, creamy Angel Chicken and Rice Casserole. With tender chicken, fluffy rice, and a luxurious sauce that brings everything together, this dish has become a cozy favorite in our household. Perfect for busy weeknights or potluck gatherings, this easy-to-prepare casserole always leaves everyone asking for seconds.

I discovered this recipe on a cold winter evening when I needed a filling, one-pan meal to satisfy the family. After a few tweaks, it became an instant hit – the kind of meal that’s just as perfect on a lazy Sunday as it is on a bustling weekday.

Why You'll Love This Angel Chicken And Rice Casserole

Get ready to fall in love with your new go-to comfort food! This Angel Chicken and Rice Casserole is a crowd-pleaser that's easy to make, budget-friendly, and oh-so-satisfying.

First off, it's incredibly easy to prepare. With just a few minutes of prep and a single casserole dish, you can put together a meal that tastes like you spent hours cooking. It’s the kind of recipe that requires minimal cleanup, perfect for busy families and anyone looking to keep weeknight stress to a minimum.

This dish is also wonderfully filling and budget-friendly. By combining simple, pantry-staple ingredients like rice and canned soups, it yields a rich and flavorful meal that won’t break the bank. You can even swap out ingredients based on what you have in your kitchen.

Another reason to love this casserole is its creamy texture. With a blend of creamy sauces, tender chicken, and fluffy rice, each bite is packed with flavor. This dish is ideal for cooler weather when you want something warm and hearty.

Best of all, this casserole is endlessly adaptable. Whether you want to add vegetables, swap proteins, or adjust the seasoning, this recipe is highly customizable to suit your tastes and dietary needs.

Ingredients Notes

The key to this Angel Chicken and Rice Casserole lies in its combination of simple, flavorful ingredients. Here’s a breakdown of what you’ll need and a few tips to make the most of each component.

Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are perfect for this recipe, but you can also use chicken thighs if you prefer a richer flavor. Slice the chicken thinly or into bite-sized pieces to ensure it cooks evenly with the rice.
Long-Grain Rice: Long-grain rice like jasmine or basmati works best here, as it stays fluffy and absorbs the sauce well. Avoid using short-grain or quick-cooking rice, as these may become mushy in the casserole.
Cream of Mushroom and Cream of Chicken Soups: These two canned soups create the creamy, luxurious sauce base that holds the casserole together. You can use reduced-fat versions if you’d like to cut back on calories. For a dairy-free option, try using coconut milk with some mushroom broth.
Dry Italian Dressing Mix: This mix adds a perfect balance of herbs and spices that elevates the dish’s flavor. Look for packets without MSG, or make your own blend at home if you prefer to control the ingredients.
Chicken Broth: A good-quality chicken broth infuses the rice with flavor as it cooks. Use low-sodium broth to control the salt level, or substitute vegetable broth for a milder taste.

Special Equipment: You’ll need a 9x13-inch casserole dish and aluminum foil to cover the dish while baking.

How To Make This Angel Chicken And Rice Casserole

Creating this Angel Chicken and Rice Casserole is as simple as layering and baking – let me walk you through it!

Preheat and Prepare: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13-inch casserole dish to prevent sticking, then set it aside while you prepare the ingredients.
Layer the Ingredients: Spread the uncooked rice evenly across the bottom of the casserole dish. Next, arrange the chicken pieces over the rice layer. Sprinkle the dry Italian dressing mix over the chicken, which will season both the chicken and the rice as it bakes.
Prepare the Creamy Sauce: In a mixing bowl, combine the cream of mushroom soup, cream of chicken soup, and chicken broth. Stir until smooth and pour this mixture evenly over the chicken and rice. The sauce will gradually seep into the rice as it cooks, creating a creamy, cohesive dish.
Bake and Cover: Cover the casserole tightly with aluminum foil to lock in moisture and ensure the rice cooks evenly. Bake in the preheated oven for 45 minutes. Then, remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 10-15 minutes, until the top is golden and bubbly.
Serve and Enjoy: Let the casserole cool slightly before serving. The rice should be tender, and the sauce thickened to a creamy consistency. Expect a total bake time of about an hour, and enjoy the inviting aroma that fills your kitchen!

Storage Options

This Angel Chicken and Rice Casserole is perfect for make-ahead meals and leftovers. Here’s how to store it:

In the Refrigerator: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors develop even more as it sits, making leftovers just as delicious!
In the Freezer: To freeze, portion out individual servings and place them in freezer-safe containers. This casserole freezes well and can be stored for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Reheating: Reheat individual portions in the microwave on medium power until heated through, or cover and reheat in a 350°F oven for about 20 minutes. Add a splash of broth if needed to maintain the casserole’s creaminess.

Variations and Substitutions

One of the best parts about this Angel Chicken and Rice Casserole is how versatile it is. Here are a few ideas to make it your own:

Add Vegetables: Stir in a handful of frozen peas, diced carrots, or chopped broccoli before baking. The vegetables will cook along with the casserole, making this a complete meal in one dish.
Swap the Protein: Try using cubed turkey, pork, or even ham instead of chicken. This casserole works well with various proteins, making it great for using up leftovers.
Go Low-Carb: Substitute cauliflower rice for a lower-carb version. Simply pre-cook the cauliflower rice slightly before adding it to the casserole to avoid extra moisture.
Make It Spicy: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the creamy sauce for a little kick. This adds a nice contrast to the creamy texture.
Herb and Cheese Topping: For added flavor, sprinkle shredded Parmesan or a mix of Italian herbs on top before baking uncovered in the last few minutes. This will create a savory, cheesy crust on top.

Feel free to experiment with other ingredients and seasonings – this casserole is incredibly forgiving and adapts well to different flavors.