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Creamy Angel Chicken & Rice Casserole

Creamy Angel Chicken & Rice Casserole

Creamy Angel Chicken & Rice Casserole is a comforting and hearty one-dish meal featuring tender chicken, fluffy long-grain white rice, and a rich, creamy mushroom sauce, baked to perfection and topped with melted cheddar cheese. Perfect for family dinners, this easy-to-make casserole delivers satisfying flavors and textures with minimal preparation, customizable to suit various tastes and dietary preferences.

Ingredients

Scale

Protein

  • 2 cups boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces or shredded

Grains

  • 1 cup long-grain white rice, rinsed

Sauce & Dairy

  • 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
  • 1/2 cup sour cream
  • 1 cup chicken broth
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese

Vegetables & Aromatics

  • 1 small onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced

Seasonings

  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste
  • Optional herbs: thyme, rosemary, smoked paprika (to taste)

Instructions

  1. Prepare Ingredients: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Rinse the rice under cold water to remove excess starch. Chop the onion and mince the garlic. Cut chicken into bite-sized pieces or shred cooked chicken.
  2. Mix the Sauce: In a large bowl, combine cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, chicken broth, melted butter, salt, pepper, and any optional herbs or spices. Stir until smooth, then add the chopped onions and minced garlic to infuse flavor into the sauce.
  3. Combine Chicken and Rice: Add the chicken pieces and uncooked rinsed rice into the sauce mixture, stirring well to ensure the rice and chicken are evenly distributed throughout.
  4. Bake the Casserole: Transfer the mixture into a greased casserole dish, spreading it evenly. Cover tightly with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for approximately 45 minutes, allowing the rice to cook fully and the chicken to become tender.
  5. Add Cheese and Finish Baking: Remove the foil, sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the casserole top, and return to the oven uncovered. Bake for an additional 10-15 minutes until the cheese melts and turns golden brown, forming a delicious crust.

Notes

  • Always rinse the rice before use to prevent clumping and ensure a fluffy texture.
  • Keep the casserole covered during most of the baking time to trap moisture for perfectly cooked rice.
  • If you desire extra creaminess, add a splash more chicken broth or sour cream to the sauce.
  • Allow the casserole to rest for 5-10 minutes after baking to let flavors meld and the dish set.
  • For a fresh flavor boost, garnish with chopped fresh parsley or chives before serving.

Nutrition

Keywords: creamy chicken casserole, chicken and rice casserole, comfort food, easy casserole, weeknight dinner, creamy mushroom sauce