Angel Chicken Rice Casserole with Cheese
There’s nothing quite like a warm, cheesy casserole to satisfy your comfort food cravings. Enter the irresistible Angel Chicken Rice Casserole – a dish that combines tender chicken, fluffy rice, and a creamy sauce topped with a melty cheese crust. This recipe has become a family favorite for its unbeatable flavor and easy preparation.
Whether you’re serving it as a cozy weeknight meal or bringing it to a potluck, this casserole is sure to be a crowd-pleaser. The secret lies in the perfect balance of rich, savory ingredients and a simple, straightforward cooking process. Get ready to enjoy a delightful dish that will have your taste buds singing with joy!
❤️ Why You’ll Love This Recipe ❓
What sets this Angel Chicken Rice Casserole apart is its incredible flavor and texture. The combination of tender chicken, fluffy rice, and a creamy, cheese-infused sauce creates a mouthwatering experience with every bite. But it’s not just about the taste – this recipe is also incredibly versatile and easy to prepare.
One of the best things about this casserole is its make-ahead potential. You can assemble the entire dish in advance and simply pop it in the oven when you’re ready to serve. This makes it an excellent choice for busy weeknights or when you need to feed a crowd. Plus, the leftovers reheat beautifully, so you can enjoy the deliciousness for days to come.
Whether you’re looking for a comforting family meal or a dish to impress your guests, this Angel Chicken Rice Casserole is sure to exceed your expectations. Get ready to dive into a world of cheesy, creamy goodness!
🛒 What You Need to Prepare “Angel Chicken Rice Casserole with Cheese” ❓
• 2 cups cooked white rice
• 1 (10.5 oz) can cream of chicken soup
• 1 (8 oz) package cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup sour cream
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• Salt and pepper to taste
The beauty of this Angel Chicken Rice Casserole is that most ingredients are pantry or freezer staples. The combination of tender chicken, creamy sauce, and shredded cheese creates the comforting, family-friendly flavor profile that has made casserole recipes perennially popular.
📝 How to Make “Angel Chicken Rice Casserole with Cheese” Step-by-Step ❓
• Step 2: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked and shredded chicken, cooked rice, cream of chicken soup, softened cream cheese, sour cream, 1/2 cup of the shredded cheddar cheese, milk, garlic powder, and onion powder. Stir until well mixed.
• Step 3: Transfer the chicken and rice mixture to a 9×13-inch baking dish. Spread it out evenly.
• Step 4: Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of shredded cheddar cheese over the top of the casserole.
• Step 5: Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
• Step 6: Remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for 5-10 minutes before serving.
⏱️ Timing Overview
• Cooking time: 30-35 minutes
• Total time: 45-50 minutes
Compared to traditional chicken and rice casseroles, which can take up to an hour to prepare, this Angel Chicken Rice Casserole saves you 15-20 minutes of your cooking time while delivering similar flavors.
👩🏻⚕️ Nutritional Information
Per serving (based on 8 servings):
• Protein: 29g
• Carbohydrates: 23g
• Fat: 28g
• Fiber: 1g
• Sodium: 724mg
These comforting Angel Chicken Rice Casserole provide approximately 58% of your daily protein requirements and 29% of your daily carbohydrate needs, making them not just delicious but nutritionally valuable as well.
🔄 Healthier Alternatives for the Recipe
• Lower-carb version: Replace the white rice with cauliflower rice or a blend of cauliflower and riced broccoli.
• Dairy-free adaptation: Substitute dairy-free cream cheese and shredded cheese. Use a dairy-free milk alternative.
• Added protein: Stir in an extra cup of cooked and shredded chicken or add a can of rinsed and drained chickpeas.
• Boost vegetables: Sauté onions, bell peppers, and mushrooms to add to the casserole, or serve with a side of roasted broccoli or green beans.
These modifications can reduce calories by up to 15% or adapt the recipe for specific dietary needs without compromising the fundamental flavor profile of the Angel Chicken Rice Casserole.
🍽️ Serving Suggestions
• Pair the casserole with a crusty loaf of bread or dinner rolls to soak up the creamy sauce.
• Complement the dish with a light and refreshing fruit salad or a crisp, tangy coleslaw.
• For a hearty dinner, serve the casserole alongside a hearty soup, such as a creamy mushroom or chicken noodle soup.
• Create an impressive appetizer platter by cutting the casserole into squares and serving it with a selection of crackers or crostini.
❌ Common Mistakes to Avoid
• Skimping on the sauce: Be generous with the creamy sauce ingredients to ensure the dish is rich and flavorful.
• Forgetting to season: Don’t forget to season the casserole with salt and pepper to taste, as the seasoning helps to bring out the overall flavor.
• Overbaking: Keep an eye on the casserole to prevent the cheese from becoming too browned or the edges from drying out.
• Not letting it rest: Allow the casserole to rest for 5-10 minutes before serving, as this helps the flavors meld and the dish to set up properly.
🧊 Storing Tips for the Recipe
These Angel Chicken Rice Casserole retain their quality remarkably well:
• Freezing unbaked: Assemble the casserole up to the point of baking, cover tightly with foil or plastic wrap, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before baking as directed.
• Freezing baked: Allow the baked casserole to cool completely, then cover tightly with foil or plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating at 350°F (175°C) for 20-25 minutes, or until heated through.
• Reheating: For best results, reheat individual portions in the microwave or the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, taking care not to overcook the dish.
❓ FAQs
Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Absolutely! This Angel Chicken Rice Casserole is perfect for making in advance. You can assemble the entire dish, cover it tightly, and refrigerate it for up to 2 days before baking. When ready to serve, simply remove the casserole from the fridge, let it sit at room temperature for 30 minutes, and then bake as directed.
Can I substitute different types of cheese?
Yes, you can use a variety of cheeses in this recipe. Cheddar cheese is the classic choice, but you can also try using a blend of cheddar and Monterey Jack, or even a sharp Parmesan cheese. Just be sure to use a total of 1 cup of shredded cheese.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
This Angel Chicken Rice Casserole is naturally gluten-free, as it does not contain any wheat-based ingredients. However, always double-check the labels on the cream of chicken soup and any other packaged products to ensure they are certified gluten-free.
What if I don’t have cooked chicken on hand?
No problem! You can use raw, boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs in this recipe. Simply cook the chicken in the oven or on the stovetop before shredding and adding it to the casserole.
Can I add any extra vegetables to the casserole?
Absolutely! This recipe is very versatile, and you can easily add extra vegetables like sautéed onions, bell peppers, mushrooms, or even frozen peas or corn. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time if adding larger quantities of vegetables.
Conclusion
These Angel Chicken Rice Casserole represent the perfect balance of convenience, flavor, and presentation. Whether you’re serving them as a cozy weeknight meal or bringing them to a potluck, they’re sure to impress with their creamy, cheesy goodness. The versatility of this recipe allows for countless variations to suit your taste preferences and dietary needs.
With simple ingredients and straightforward preparation, these comforting casseroles demonstrate that sophisticated flavors don’t require complicated techniques – just quality ingredients and a little bit of care in the assembly. So, gather your family and friends, and get ready to dive into a delightful dish that will have everyone coming back for seconds.
