Cheesy Angel Chicken and Rice Casserole is the epitome of cozy, satisfying comfort food. With its creamy, flavorful sauce, tender chunks of chicken, and fluffy rice all blanketed in melted cheddar, this casserole is both simple to prepare and universally loved. It’s the perfect dish for busy weeknights, potlucks, or family gatherings.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This casserole is easy to prepare, uses everyday pantry ingredients, and bakes up into a rich, cheesy, and hearty meal. The combination of two creamy soups, sour cream, Italian seasoning, and cheddar cheese creates a deliciously savory sauce that perfectly coats the chicken and rice. It’s also versatile—easy to customize with vegetables, switch up the cheese, or prepare ahead of time.
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
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3 cups cooked chicken, diced or shredded
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3 cups cooked rice
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1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
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1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
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1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese (plus extra for topping)
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1 cup sour cream
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1 packet dry Italian dressing mix
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1 teaspoon garlic powder
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1 teaspoon onion powder
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1 cup chicken broth
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1 tablespoon butter (for greasing the baking dish)
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Salt and pepper, to taste
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Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Directions
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Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter and set aside.
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Prepare the creamy sauce:
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together cream of chicken soup, cream of mushroom soup, shredded cheddar cheese, sour cream, dry Italian dressing mix, garlic powder, onion powder, and chicken broth until smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste. -
Combine chicken and rice:
Add the cooked chicken and cooked rice to the sauce. Stir until everything is evenly coated. -
Assemble the casserole:
Spread the chicken and rice mixture into the prepared baking dish. Top with an extra layer of shredded cheddar cheese. -
Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until hot and bubbly and the cheese on top is fully melted and slightly golden.
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Serve:
Remove from the oven and allow to cool slightly. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley before serving.
Servings and Timing
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Prep Time: 15 minutes
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Cook Time: 30–35 minutes
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Total Time: 50 minutes
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Servings: 6 to 8
Variations
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Vegetable Additions: Mix in steamed broccoli, peas, carrots, or sautéed mushrooms for added flavor and nutrients.
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Different Cheeses: Try mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or a sharp white cheddar for a different flavor.
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Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of crushed red pepper or diced green chilies for a touch of heat.
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Herb Blend: Add chopped fresh thyme or basil to enhance the herb flavor.
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Lower Fat Option: Use low-fat soups, reduced-fat sour cream, and cheese to lighten the dish slightly.
Storage/Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, cover and warm in a 350°F (175°C) oven until heated through or microwave individual servings. Add a splash of broth or milk if the casserole seems dry. This casserole also freezes well. Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before baking or reheating.
FAQs
Can I use rotisserie chicken?
Yes, rotisserie chicken works perfectly and saves time.
What type of rice is best?
Any cooked rice will work—white, brown, jasmine, or even wild rice.
Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes, assemble it ahead and refrigerate. Add 5–10 minutes to the baking time if cooking from chilled.
Can I freeze this casserole?
Yes, it freezes well before or after baking. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
Is there a substitute for cream of mushroom soup?
You can use another can of cream of chicken or substitute with cream of celery soup.
Can I use leftover turkey instead of chicken?
Absolutely—this is a great way to use leftover cooked turkey.
Can I make this without sour cream?
You can substitute plain Greek yogurt or a cream cheese blend for a similar creamy texture.
How can I make this dish gluten-free?
Use gluten-free soups, dressing mix, and ensure all other ingredients are certified gluten-free.
Can I prepare this in a smaller pan?
Yes, divide the mixture into two smaller dishes if needed—adjust the baking time accordingly.
What side dishes go well with this?
Serve with a crisp green salad, steamed green beans, or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.
Conclusion
Cheesy Angel Chicken and Rice Casserole is a reliable, delicious go-to for cozy dinners and satisfying leftovers. With its creamy texture, cheesy topping, and simple preparation, this casserole offers all the comfort of a homemade meal with minimal effort. It’s a dish the whole family will request again and again.
Print
Cheesy Angel Chicken and Rice Casserole
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30–35 minutes
- Total Time: 0 hours
- Yield: 6–8 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Cheesy Angel Chicken and Rice Casserole is the ultimate comfort food—creamy, cheesy, and loaded with tender chicken and fluffy rice. With a rich Italian-seasoned sauce and a golden cheesy topping, it’s perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or cozy nights in.
Ingredients
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3 cups cooked chicken, diced or shredded
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3 cups cooked rice
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1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
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1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
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1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (plus extra for topping)
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1 cup sour cream
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1 packet dry Italian dressing mix
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1 teaspoon garlic powder
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1 teaspoon onion powder
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1 cup chicken broth
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1 tablespoon butter (for greasing dish)
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Salt and pepper, to taste
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Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
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Preheat Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter.
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Make Creamy Mixture: In a large bowl, combine cream soups, cheddar cheese, sour cream, Italian dressing mix, garlic powder, onion powder, and chicken broth. Mix until smooth. Season to taste.
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Add Chicken and Rice: Stir in the cooked chicken and rice until evenly coated.
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Assemble: Spread the mixture into the prepared baking dish. Top with extra shredded cheese.
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Bake: Bake uncovered for 30–35 minutes, until bubbly and golden on top.
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Garnish & Serve: Let cool slightly. Garnish with parsley and serve warm.
Notes
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Great use for leftover or rotisserie chicken.
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Use any rice variety you like—white, brown, or wild rice all work well.
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Add veggies like peas, carrots, or broccoli for a nutritious twist.
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Assemble ahead and refrigerate to bake later; add 5–10 extra minutes if chilled.
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