Creamy Angel Chicken Rice Casserole: A Family Favorite (Print Version)
Hearty Angel Chicken Rice Casserole delivers pure comfort. This easy, cheesy dish is perfect for busy weeknights and guaranteed to please everyone.
# Recipe Info:
Prep Time: 15 Minutes minutes
Cook Time: 30 Minutes minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Servings: 6 Servings
Difficulty: Beginner
Cuisine: American
Dietary: Contains Dairy, Contains Gluten (can be adapted)
# Ingredients:
→ Base Ingredients
01 -
4 cups cooked chicken, shredded or chopped
02 -
3 cups cooked wild rice blend
03 -
1 (10.5 oz) can cream of chicken soup
04 -
1 (10.5 oz) can cream of mushroom soup
05 -
1 cup sour cream (full-fat for best results)
06 -
1/2 cup chicken broth
→ Flavor Boosters
07 -
1 tsp garlic powder
08 -
1 tsp onion powder
09 -
1/2 tsp dried thyme
10 -
1/2 tsp black pepper
→ Cheesy Goodness
11 -
2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese, divided
12 -
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
→ Finishing Touches
13 -
Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
# Instructions:
01 -
First things first, get your chicken ready. If you're using a rotisserie chicken, shred it up. If you're cooking breasts, boil or bake them until they're done, then chop or shred. Meanwhile, cook your wild rice blend according to package directions. I like it just slightly al dente, honestly, because it'll finish cooking in the oven and you don't want mushy rice. This is where I often realize I'm out of broth for the rice, so double-check your pantry! It's the foundation of your amazing Angel Chicken Rice Casserole, so make it count.
02 -
In a large bowl, combine your cream of chicken soup, cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, and chicken broth. Whisk it all together until it's smooth and lovely. This is where the magic really starts to happen, you can practically smell the comfort already! Add your garlic powder, onion powder, dried thyme, and a good pinch of black pepper. Stir it well. Don't be shy with the seasonings; bland sauce makes for a bland casserole. I once skimped on the garlic, and it just felt... empty. Learn from my mistakes!
03 -
Now for the fun part! Add your cooked chicken and cooked wild rice to the creamy soup mixture. Toss it gently until everything is evenly coated. You want every piece of chicken and every grain of rice to be swimming in that delicious sauce. It'll look a little messy, but that's part of the charm, right? This is where the whole Angel Chicken Rice Casserole really comes together, getting all cozy in the bowl.
04 -
Pour the chicken and rice mixture into a greased 9x13 inch baking dish. Spread it out evenly. Then, sprinkle about half of your shredded cheddar cheese over the top. Oh, that cheese! It's going to get so wonderfully bubbly and golden. I usually use a little more than half, because, well, cheese. This step always makes my kitchen smell like pure potential, anticipating that cheesy goodness.
05 -
Pop that dish into a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 20-25 minutes. You're looking for it to be heated through and bubbling around the edges. The cheese on top should be melted and starting to get a little golden. Keep an eye on it! I've burned the cheese topping more times than I care to admit because I wandered off to scroll through Instagram. Oops.
06 -
Once it's hot and bubbly, pull it out of the oven. Sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese and the grated Parmesan cheese over the top. Let it sit for another 5 minutes or so, just to let that cheese melt perfectly and for the casserole to set up a bit. If you're using fresh parsley, chop it up and sprinkle it on for a bit of color. It'll be piping hot, so be careful. The aroma is just incredible, honestly, it's the smell of pure comfort!
# Notes:
01 -
Always undercook your rice just slightly; it finishes cooking in the oven, and nobody wants mushy rice.
02 -
Store cooled leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Avoid microwaving for best texture.
03 -
Try Greek yogurt for a tangier sauce, but expect a slightly different texture than with sour cream.
04 -
Serve with a crisp green salad to cut through the richness beautifully.
# Tools You'll Need:
01 -
9x13 inch baking dish
02 -
large mixing bowl
03 -
whisk
# Nutrition Facts (Per Serving):
Calories: 450
Total Fat: 28g
Total Carbohydrate: 25g
Protein: 28g