Cheesy Angel Chicken and Rice Casserole

If you’re looking for a comforting, cheesy, and satisfying meal, look no further than this Cheesy Angel Chicken and Rice Casserole! This dish combines tender chicken, creamy rice, and a cheesy, flavorful sauce, all baked to perfection. It’s a one-dish wonder that’s perfect for busy weeknights, family dinners, or when you need a crowd-pleasing casserole. With minimal ingredients and maximum flavor, this casserole is sure to become a staple in your meal rotation.

Why You’ll Love Cheesy Angel Chicken and Rice Casserole

This casserole isn’t just your typical dinner—here’s why it’s so special:

Comforting and Hearty

This dish has all the comforting qualities of a homemade casserole—creamy, cheesy, and hearty—perfect for satisfying even the biggest appetites.

Simple and Quick

With just a handful of ingredients and straightforward steps, this casserole is easy to prepare and doesn’t require hours in the kitchen.

Versatile

You can add extra ingredients or adjust the seasonings to make it your own. Add vegetables like peas or carrots, or try different types of cheese for a new twist.

Great for Meal Prep

This casserole can easily be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge for a couple of days. It also reheats wonderfully, making it perfect for lunch leftovers.

Kid-Friendly

With its cheesy flavor and tender chicken, even picky eaters will love this dish. It’s a great way to get kids to enjoy a hearty meal.

Ingredients

Here’s what you need to make this Cheesy Angel Chicken and Rice Casserole:

Chicken Breast

Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are ideal for this casserole as they cook up tender and soak up all the flavors from the sauce. You can also use cooked chicken leftovers.

Cream of Chicken Soup

This is the base of the creamy sauce that gives the casserole its rich flavor. It adds a savory, comforting texture to the dish.

Chicken Broth

Chicken broth helps to create the creamy sauce and adds flavor to the rice. You can use low-sodium broth to control the salt content.

Angel Hair Pasta

Angel hair pasta is the perfect choice for this casserole because it’s delicate and cooks quickly, making it ideal for a comforting casserole dish.

Cheddar Cheese

Shredded cheddar cheese is the star of this dish, giving it that cheesy, melt-in-your-mouth goodness. Feel free to use sharp cheddar for extra flavor.

Sour Cream

Sour cream adds a nice creamy texture and a slight tang, balancing out the richness of the cheese and soup.

Garlic Powder

For an extra layer of flavor, garlic powder adds a subtle, savory note to the casserole that complements the other ingredients.

Salt and Pepper

Season the casserole with salt and pepper to taste for a well-rounded flavor.

(Note: Full ingredient measurements are in the recipe card above!)

Instructions

Ready to make this cheesy, comforting casserole? Here’s how to prepare it:

1. Cook the Chicken

In a large skillet, cook the chicken breasts over medium heat until golden brown and cooked through (about 7-10 minutes per side). Once cooked, shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces and set it aside.

2. Cook the Angel Hair Pasta

Boil a pot of water, then cook the angel hair pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.

3. Prepare the Casserole Mixture

In a large bowl, combine the cream of chicken soup, chicken broth, sour cream, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix until smooth and well combined. Stir in the shredded chicken, cooked pasta, and half of the shredded cheddar cheese.

4. Assemble the Casserole

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, pour the chicken and pasta mixture, spreading it out evenly. Top with the remaining shredded cheddar cheese.

5. Bake the Casserole

Bake the casserole in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the casserole is heated through.

6. Serve and Enjoy

Once baked, remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool slightly before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley, if desired.

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 6
Calories per serving: 430
Fat: 25g
Carbohydrates: 30g
Protein: 24g
Sugar: 3g
Sodium: 850mg

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes

How to Serve Cheesy Angel Chicken and Rice Casserole

Green Salad

Pair this rich casserole with a light, crisp green salad for a balanced meal.

Steamed Veggies

Serve with some steamed broccoli or green beans to add a touch of freshness and color to the dish.

Garlic Bread

Garlic bread on the side is always a great addition to a cheesy casserole like this one.

Additional Tips

• Use Leftover Chicken: If you have leftover cooked chicken, feel free to shred it and use it in place of freshly cooked chicken for a quicker prep.
• Make It Lighter: To reduce the calories, try using reduced-fat sour cream, low-fat cream of chicken soup, and a lighter cheese.
• Add Vegetables: If you want to sneak in some veggies, add peas, carrots, or spinach to the casserole mixture.
• Freezer-Friendly: This casserole freezes well! Just assemble the casserole, cover tightly, and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to bake, let it thaw in the fridge overnight and bake as usual.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use a different type of pasta?
A1: Yes! You can substitute angel hair with spaghetti, penne, or any pasta shape you prefer. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly.

Q2: Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
A2: Absolutely! You can prepare the casserole the day before, cover it tightly, and store it in the fridge. Bake it just before serving.

Q3: Can I use cooked rotisserie chicken?
A3: Yes! Rotisserie chicken is a great shortcut and works perfectly for this casserole. Just shred it and mix it into the casserole.

Q4: How do I store leftovers?
A4: Store any leftover casserole in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or in the oven until heated through.

Q5: Can I add vegetables to the casserole?
A5: Yes! Add vegetables like peas, carrots, or spinach to make the dish even more hearty and nutritious.

Q6: Can I use a different cheese?
A6: Yes! You can use mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or any cheese you like. For more flavor, try sharp cheddar or a cheese blend.

Q7: Can I freeze this casserole?
A7: Yes, this casserole freezes well. Just assemble it, cover it tightly, and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to bake, let it thaw in the fridge overnight.

Q8: Can I make this recipe with ground chicken or turkey?
A8: Yes, ground chicken or turkey can be substituted for the chicken breasts. Just cook it and shred it before mixing with the pasta and sauce.

Q9: Can I make it spicier?
A9: Yes! Add a pinch of cayenne pepper, red pepper flakes, or some diced jalapeños for an extra kick.

Q10: How do I make the casserole creamy?
A10: The sour cream and cream of chicken soup provide the creamy texture. If you prefer extra creaminess, add some cream cheese or more sour cream.

Conclusion

This Cheesy Angel Chicken and Rice Casserole is the ultimate comfort food—rich, creamy, and cheesy, with tender chicken and a satisfying texture. It’s a quick and easy meal that the whole family will love. Whether you make it for a busy weeknight or a special dinner, this casserole is sure to be a favorite! Enjoy every cheesy bite!

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