There’s something magical about the way a warm, creamy casserole can make a house feel like a home. This Fluffy Angel Chicken and Rice Casserole is no exception. It’s a dish that’s simple to prepare but packed with layers of comforting flavors, perfect for cozy dinners with family or friends.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe?
- It’s a one-pan wonder, making cleanup a breeze.
- The combination of tender chicken, fluffy rice, and creamy sauce is pure comfort food.
- It’s versatile! You can tweak it with your favorite seasonings or add-ins.
- Perfect for make-ahead meals or freezer-friendly dinners.
Ingredients
Here’s a sneak peek of what you’ll need. (Don’t worry; the full list is in the recipe card below!)
- Chicken breasts or thighs, boneless and skinless
- Long-grain white rice
- Cream of chicken soup
- Chicken broth
- Onion and garlic (because flavor is everything!)
Directions
- Prepare the baking dish: Preheat your oven to 350°F. Lightly grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish.
- Layer the ingredients: Spread the uncooked rice evenly in the dish. Lay the chicken pieces over the rice.
- Mix the sauce: In a bowl, whisk together the cream of chicken soup, chicken broth, and seasonings. Pour this mixture over the chicken and rice, ensuring everything is evenly covered.
- Add a little love: Sprinkle diced onion and minced garlic over the top for an extra boost of flavor.
- Bake: Cover the dish with foil and bake for about 1 hour. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes or until the rice is tender and the chicken is cooked through.
- Fluff and serve: Let the casserole rest for 5-10 minutes before fluffing the rice and serving.
Expert Tips and Tricks
- Rinse your rice: If using long-grain white rice, rinsing it under cold water helps remove excess starch and prevents clumping.
- Even cooking: Make sure the chicken pieces are uniform in size so they cook evenly.
- Extra creamy: Stir in a dollop of sour cream or cream cheese to the sauce for added richness.
- Season well: Don’t skip the salt and pepper; it makes all the difference in flavor.
Recipe Variations and Possible Substitutions
- Swap the chicken for turkey or even pork chops if you’re feeling adventurous.
- Use brown rice or quinoa instead of white rice, adjusting the cooking time and liquid as needed.
- Add veggies like peas, carrots, or broccoli for a complete one-dish meal.
- Try cream of mushroom or celery soup for a different flavor profile.
Serving and Pairing Suggestions
This casserole pairs beautifully with a crisp side salad to balance the creamy richness. A slice of garlic bread or a side of roasted green beans makes for a complete and satisfying meal. For a little zing, serve with a dollop of cranberry sauce or a squeeze of fresh lemon over the top.
Storage and Reheating Tips
- Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freezer: This casserole freezes wonderfully! Just portion it into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 3 months.
- Reheating: Warm in the oven at 350°F until heated through, or microwave individual portions for 2-3 minutes.
FAQs
Q: Can I use instant rice instead of long-grain rice? A: Yes, but you’ll need to adjust the cooking time. Instant rice cooks faster, so check for doneness around the 30-minute mark.
Q: How do I know the chicken is fully cooked? A: Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
Q: Can I make this casserole ahead of time? A: Absolutely! Assemble the casserole up to a day in advance and refrigerate until ready to bake.
Q: What’s the best way to add more flavor? A: Use homemade chicken broth and add your favorite herbs, like thyme or parsley, to the sauce.
Conclusion
Fluffy Angel Chicken and Rice Casserole is a dish that wraps you in a warm culinary hug. It’s comforting, delicious, and oh-so-easy to make. Whether it’s for a weekday dinner or a cozy weekend gathering, this recipe is sure to become a beloved favorite in your home. Enjoy every creamy, fluffy bite!
Don’t forget to check out the recipe card below for all the details. Happy cooking!
Print
Fluffy Angel Chicken and Rice Casserole – A Comfort Food Favorite
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Dinner, Comfort Food
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This creamy, comforting casserole combines tender chicken, fluffy rice, and a creamy sauce with a hint of garlic and cheese. It’s the ultimate comfort food, perfect for family dinners or potlucks. Serve with a crisp green salad or steamed vegetables for a satisfying meal.
Ingredients
For the Chicken and Rice:
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced
- 1 cup long-grain white rice, uncooked
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
For the Topping:
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup crushed Ritz crackers (or breadcrumbs)
- 2 tablespoons butter, melted
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Prepare the Base: In a large mixing bowl, combine the rice, chicken broth, cream of mushroom soup, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix until well blended.
- Assemble the Casserole: Spread the rice mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish. Layer the shredded chicken over the top.
- Add the Topping: Sprinkle the cheddar cheese over the chicken layer. In a small bowl, mix the crushed Ritz crackers with melted butter, then spread evenly over the cheese.
- Bake: Cover the dish with foil and bake for 35 minutes. Remove the foil and bake an additional 10–15 minutes until the topping is golden and the casserole is bubbling.
- Serve: Let cool for 5 minutes before serving. Enjoy!
Notes
- For added flavor, sauté some diced onion and celery and mix it into the rice mixture.
- Use rotisserie chicken to save time.
- Swap cheddar for mozzarella or pepper jack for a different flavor profile.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/6 of casserole
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 900mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 60mg