There’s nothing quite like the warm, creamy goodness of a casserole to bring everyone to the table, and this Angel Chicken and Rice Casserole is no exception. Tender chicken, fluffy rice, and a luscious creamy sauce come together in a dish that feels like a warm hug on a plate.

This recipe has been a family favorite for years. It’s perfect for busy weeknights, comforting enough for Sunday dinners, and easy to customize with your favorite ingredients. One bite of this heavenly dish, and you’ll see why it’s a keeper!

Why You’ll Love This Angel Chicken and Rice Casserole

This casserole is everything you want in a dinner recipe: simple, satisfying, and absolutely delicious. Here’s why you’ll love it:

One-Pan Wonder: Everything cooks together in one dish, saving you time on both preparation and cleanup.
Rich and Creamy: The sauce, made with cream of mushroom soup and Italian dressing mix, creates the perfect creamy base for the casserole.
Perfectly Tender: The slow baking process ensures that the chicken stays juicy and the rice comes out perfectly cooked.
Make-Ahead Friendly: You can assemble the casserole ahead of time and bake it when you’re ready, making it perfect for busy schedules.

This casserole is destined to become a regular in your meal rotation – a true comfort food classic.

Ingredients Notes

This recipe shines with simple, pantry-friendly ingredients that come together beautifully. Here’s what you’ll need:

Chicken Breasts: Use boneless, skinless chicken breasts for a lean and tender protein. You can also use thighs for added richness.
Rice: Long-grain white rice works best here, as it cooks evenly with the other ingredients. Avoid instant or quick-cooking rice, as it can become mushy.
Cream of Mushroom Soup: The base of the creamy sauce. If you’re not a fan of mushrooms, cream of chicken soup is a great alternative.
Italian Dressing Mix: This seasoning mix adds a zesty, herby flavor that takes the casserole to the next level.
Butter and Cream Cheese: These ingredients add richness and help create a silky, decadent sauce.
Chicken Broth: Provides the liquid needed to cook the rice while adding depth of flavor.

Special Equipment

A 9x13-inch baking dish is perfect for this casserole. You’ll also need aluminum foil to cover the dish during baking.

How to Make Angel Chicken and Rice Casserole

Making this casserole is as simple as layering the ingredients and letting the oven work its magic. Here’s how:

Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.
Layer the Ingredients: Spread the uncooked rice evenly across the bottom of the dish. Arrange the chicken breasts on top of the rice.
Make the Sauce: In a medium saucepan over low heat, combine the cream of mushroom soup, softened cream cheese, melted butter, chicken broth, and Italian dressing mix. Whisk until smooth and well combined.
Pour and Cover: Pour the sauce evenly over the chicken and rice, ensuring everything is covered. Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil.
Bake: Bake the casserole for 1 hour and 15 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the chicken is fully cooked (165°F internal temperature).
Garnish and Serve: Remove the foil and let the casserole rest for 5-10 minutes. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving for a pop of color.

This recipe is as easy as it is delicious, making it perfect for any night of the week.

Storage Options

Leftovers? Don’t worry – this casserole tastes even better the next day!

Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Freeze: To freeze, portion the casserole into freezer-safe containers. It will keep for up to 3 months. Let it thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheat: Warm in the oven at 350°F, covered with foil, until heated through. For smaller portions, the microwave works great, too.

Variations and Substitutions

This Angel Chicken and Rice Casserole is incredibly versatile. Here are some ways to make it your own:

Add Veggies: Stir in frozen peas, carrots, or broccoli florets before baking for added nutrition and color.
Switch the Protein: Use turkey, ham, or even rotisserie chicken for a delicious twist.
Cheesy Upgrade: Sprinkle shredded cheddar or mozzarella cheese on top during the last 10 minutes of baking for a gooey, melty topping.
Herb Lovers: Add a sprinkle of dried thyme or rosemary to the sauce for extra aromatic flavor.
Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free cream of mushroom soup and dressing mix, and double-check the broth for a completely gluten-free dish.

The possibilities are endless, so don’t be afraid to get creative!

Conclusion

This Angel Chicken and Rice Casserole is everything you want in a comfort food dish: creamy, hearty, and irresistibly delicious. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or prepping meals for the week, it’s a recipe you’ll come back to time and time again.

So grab your casserole dish and get ready to create a dinner that’s sure to earn angelic reviews from your family and friends. One bite, and you’ll know you’ve found a new favorite!