Angel Chicken Rice Casserole –Comforting Family Favorite

If you’re looking for a creamy, hearty, and comforting meal, this Angel Chicken Rice Casserole is the perfect dish! This easy one-pan meal features tender shredded chicken, creamy sauce, and fluffy rice, creating a deliciously rich and satisfying casserole that’s great for any night of the week.

This recipe is also a fantastic way to repurpose leftover rotisserie chicken, making it a budget-friendly and practical meal option. Whether you’re cooking for your family, meal prepping for the week, or hosting a cozy fall dinner, this creamy chicken and rice casserole is guaranteed to be a hit!

Let’s dive into this easy and delicious casserole recipe and learn how to make it step by step.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

✔️ Rich & Creamy Comfort Food: Made with cream cheese, Parmesan, and creamy soup for the ultimate flavor.

✔️ Perfect for Leftover Chicken: A great way to repurpose rotisserie chicken into a new meal.

✔️ One-Pan Meal: Everything bakes in one dish for easy cleanup.

✔️ Customizable: Add vegetables, swap cheeses, or use different seasonings to make it your own.

✔️ Great for Meal Prep: Stores well and reheats beautifully for busy weeknights.

Ingredients You’ll Need

To make this Angel Chicken Rice Casserole, you’ll need:

For the Casserole Base:

• Cooked White Rice: 2 cups (long-grain or jasmine recommended)
• Shredded Rotisserie Chicken: 3 cups (or use cooked, shredded chicken breasts)
• Cream of Chicken Soup: 1 can (10.5 ounces)
• Cream Cheese: 8 ounces, softened
• Sour Cream: ½ cup
• Chicken Broth: ½ cup (to thin out the sauce)
• Garlic Powder: 1 teaspoon
• Onion Powder: 1 teaspoon
• Paprika: ½ teaspoon
• Salt & Black Pepper: To taste

For the Cheese & Topping:

• Shredded Mozzarella Cheese: ½ cup
• Shredded Parmesan Cheese: ½ cup
• Crushed Ritz Crackers or Panko Bread Crumbs: 1 cup
• Butter: 3 tablespoons, melted

🔄 Ingredient Swaps & Variations:

• Use Brown Rice: Cook 1 ½ cups of brown rice instead of white rice.
• Make It Lighter: Use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream and reduced-fat cream cheese.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free cream soup and cracker crumbs.
• Add Vegetables: Stir in broccoli, mushrooms, or peas for extra nutrients.

Kitchen Equipment Needed

To make this Angel Chicken Casserole, you’ll need:

• 9×13-inch Baking Dish (for baking the casserole)
• Large Mixing Bowl (for combining ingredients)
• Wooden Spoon or Spatula (for stirring)
• Measuring Cups & Spoons (for accuracy)

How to Make Angel Chicken Rice Casserole

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray.

Step 2: Prepare the Creamy Mixture

In a large mixing bowl, combine cream of chicken soup, softened cream cheese, sour cream, chicken broth, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Stir until smooth and well combined.

Step 3: Add Chicken & Rice

Stir in the shredded chicken and cooked rice, making sure everything is evenly coated in the creamy mixture.

Step 4: Transfer to Baking Dish

Spread the chicken and rice mixture evenly into the greased baking dish.

Step 5: Add Cheese & Topping

• Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella and Parmesan cheese evenly over the casserole.
• In a small bowl, mix the crushed Ritz crackers or Panko with melted butter. Sprinkle this on top for a crispy golden crust.

Step 6: Bake Until Golden & Bubbly

Bake uncovered for 30-35 minutes, or until the casserole is hot, bubbly, and golden brown on top.

Step 7: Cool & Serve

Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped parsley if desired, and enjoy!

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Expert Tips for the Best Angel Chicken Casserole

✅ Use Freshly Cooked Rice: Freshly made rice absorbs the sauce better. If using leftover rice, warm it slightly before mixing.

✅ Soften the Cream Cheese: Let it sit at room temperature for 15 minutes for easier mixing.

✅ Crush Crackers Evenly: For the best crispy topping, crush the Ritz crackers into small but not too fine pieces.

✅ Rest Before Serving: Letting the casserole sit for 5 minutes helps the sauce thicken.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

❌ Using Dry Chicken: Moist, well-seasoned chicken makes the casserole juicier and more flavorful.

❌ Overbaking: Too much time in the oven can make the casserole dry.

❌ Skipping the Topping: The crunchy topping adds the perfect texture contrast—don’t leave it out!

Serving and Presentation Ideas

This Angel Chicken Rice Casserole pairs beautifully with:

• Steamed Vegetables – Broccoli, carrots, or green beans for a healthy side.
• Garlic Bread – Perfect for scooping up the creamy sauce.
• Side Salad – A crisp green salad with balsamic dressing.
• Mashed Potatoes – For an extra comforting side dish.

How to Store and Reheat Leftovers

Storage: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

Reheating:

• Oven: Warm at 350°F (175°C) for 15 minutes.
• Microwave: Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring occasionally.

Freezing:

• Freeze the unbaked casserole (without the cracker topping) for up to 3 months.
• Thaw overnight in the fridge, add the topping, and bake as directed.

Recipe Variations & Ingredient Swaps

🔥 Buffalo Chicken Casserole: Stir in ½ cup of buffalo sauce for a spicy kick.

🧀 Extra Cheesy Version: Add an extra ½ cup of shredded cheese on top before baking.

🥓 Bacon Ranch Casserole: Mix in ½ cup of crumbled bacon and 1 teaspoon of ranch seasoning.

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FAQs About Angel Chicken Rice Casserole

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes! Assemble the casserole up to 24 hours in advance, cover, and refrigerate. Bake as directed.

Can I use canned chicken?

Yes, but fresh or rotisserie chicken gives better flavor and texture.

Can I use a different type of cheese?

Absolutely! Try Colby Jack, Swiss, or Monterey Jack for different flavors.

What can I use instead of Ritz crackers?

Panko breadcrumbs, crushed croutons, or even cornflakes work well.

Conclusion

This Angel Chicken Rice Casserole is a creamy, cheesy, and comforting meal that’s easy to make and perfect for family dinners. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight meal, an easy meal prep option, or a dish to bring to potlucks, this casserole is guaranteed to be a favorite!

Try this recipe today and let me know how it turns out! If you loved it, share it with friends and subscribe for more delicious recipes.

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