Introduction

Angel Chicken Casserole is a creamy, comforting dish perfect for family dinners. With tender seared chicken baked in a cheesy, savory rice mixture, it’s both easy to make and full of flavor. This recipe brings together simple ingredients for a satisfying meal everyone will love.

A close-up of a white bowl filled with creamy baked rice and chicken casserole, showing three layers: at the bottom, tender chunks of white chicken meat mixed with soft, creamy rice that is slightly shiny; above that, a thick layer of melted cheese that is golden with browned, crispy spots on top; small green herb leaves are scattered on the top layer for garnish. A spoon is lifting a scoop from the bowl, highlighting the textured rice and browned cheese crust. The background is a white marbled texture. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
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
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon paprika
Salt and pepper to taste
1 tablespoon olive oil
Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Step 2: Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika, rubbing the spices into each piece evenly.
Step 3: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Sear the chicken breasts for 5-7 minutes on each side until they develop a golden brown crust. Remove from skillet and set aside.
Step 4: In a large mixing bowl, combine cream of mushroom soup, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, and chicken broth. Stir until the mixture is smooth.
Step 5: Add the softened cream cheese, cut into smaller chunks, to the bowl. Use a whisk or electric mixer to blend until creamy and well combined.
Step 6: Fold in the uncooked white rice, shredded cheddar cheese, and chopped green onions until they are evenly distributed throughout the mixture.
Step 7: Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish. Arrange the seared chicken breasts evenly on the bottom of the dish.
Step 8: Pour the creamy rice mixture over the chicken, spreading it evenly with a spatula if needed to cover all pieces.
Step 9: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 45 minutes.
Step 10: Remove the foil carefully and bake uncovered for an additional 15-20 minutes until the casserole is bubbly and golden brown on top.
Step 11: Take the casserole out of the oven and let it rest for 10 minutes before serving.
Step 12: Garnish with fresh parsley if desired and serve alongside a fresh salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.

Tips & Variations

For extra flavor, sprinkle some smoked paprika instead of regular paprika.
Substitute the cheddar cheese with mozzarella or Monterey Jack for a different cheesy twist.
If you prefer, use brown rice, but increase the baking time to ensure it cooks through.
Add a handful of chopped mushrooms or bell peppers to the rice mixture for added texture and veggies.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through or microwave individual portions until hot. This casserole does not freeze well due to the rice texture.

How to Serve

A close-up of a baked creamy casserole dish showing two main layers: the bottom layer with white rice mixed with chunks of light beige cooked chicken, and the top layer melted golden brown cheese with crispy browned spots, sprinkled with small green herb leaves. The casserole is in a white dish on a white marbled surface. The focus is tight on the golden cheese topping and the soft texture of the rice and chicken underneath. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen chicken breasts for this recipe?

It’s best to use thawed chicken breasts to ensure even cooking and proper seasoning. If using frozen chicken, thaw completely before seasoning and searing.

Is it necessary to sear the chicken before baking?

Searing adds flavor and color to the chicken, but if short on time, you can skip this step. The chicken will still cook through in the casserole, though the texture and taste may be less rich.