If you are craving a comforting, creamy, and utterly delicious dish that brings together tender chicken, fluffy rice, and layers of cheesy goodness, you have to try this Angel Chicken Rice Casserole Recipe. It’s a timeless classic that transforms simple ingredients into a warm, satisfying meal perfect for family dinners or cozy nights in. Every bite delivers a creamy, herby, and savory experience that feels homemade and special all at once. Trust me, once you make this, it will quickly become one of your favorite go-to casseroles.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering your ingredients for this casserole is delightfully straightforward. Each item plays a key role, whether it’s adding moisture, richness, or that perfect herbaceous note that balances the dish. The combination of creamy cheeses, savory chicken, and tender rice makes for an irresistible harmony of flavors and textures.
- Cooked chicken (1 1/2 cups): Choose diced or shredded for perfect bite-sized pieces that blend well with the rice.
- Leftover cooked rice (1 1/2 cups): Best when it’s chilled, as it helps create a fluffy texture without turning mushy.
- Butter (1/4 cup): Adds richness and silky smoothness to the base mixture.
- Herb and garlic Boursin cheese (1 package): Brings a wonderful creamy texture along with herby, garlicky depth.
- Condensed cream of chicken soup (1/2 tin): This undiluted soup acts as a savory binder and keeps everything delectably moist.
- Garlic powder (1 tsp): Intensifies the garlic flavor for a subtle punch.
- Italian seasoning (1 tsp): A blend of herbs that gives the casserole a lovely Mediterranean touch.
- Chicken stock (1/2 cup): Adds an extra layer of savory moisture and flavor.
- Grated cheddar cheese (1 cup, divided): Half mixed in for melty goodness, half sprinkled on top to create a crispy, golden crust.
- Salt and black pepper: Season to taste to enhance all the natural flavors.
- Crushed cracker crumbs (a handful): Gives the casserole a delightful crunch on top.
How to Make Angel Chicken Rice Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Preparing the Baking Dish
First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C). Butter an 8-inch square or 7 by 11-inch casserole dish thoroughly to prevent sticking and add a subtle buttery flavor to the edges as the casserole bakes.
Step 2: Combining the Cheese and Butter
Place the herb and garlic Boursin cheese and butter into a large microwave-safe bowl. Heat for 12 to 30 seconds—just enough to soften them without melting completely. Whisk them together until the mixture is smooth and creamy, which will serve as the luscious base of the casserole.
Step 3: Mixing in the Main Ingredients
Now add the cooked chicken, rice, condensed cream of chicken soup, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, chicken stock, and half of the cheddar cheese to the cheese-butter mixture. Mix everything gently but thoroughly to ensure every grain of rice is coated and the flavors blend beautifully. Adjust seasoning with salt and black pepper to your liking.
Step 4: Transferring and Preparing the Topping
Pour the combined mixture into your prepared baking dish and spread it evenly. In a small bowl, mix the crushed cracker crumbs with the remaining cheddar cheese. Sprinkle this crunchy, cheesy topping evenly over the casserole for a perfect textured finish.
Step 5: Baking to Perfection
Cover the casserole tightly with aluminum foil to keep the moisture locked in and bake for 20 to 25 minutes. This step lets the casserole heat through and the flavors meld together beautifully.
Step 6: Final Baking and Resting
Remove the foil and return the casserole to the oven for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese melts fully, bubbles delightfully, and the topping turns golden brown. Let it stand for 5 to 10 minutes after baking—this helps the casserole set, making it easier to serve and all the more delicious when you dig in.
How to Serve Angel Chicken Rice Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh garnishes like chopped parsley, chives, or even a sprinkle of grated Parmesan can brighten the casserole’s rich flavors and add a fresh, colorful touch. A squeeze of lemon over the top just before serving can also add a lovely zing.
Side Dishes
This casserole is a hearty meal on its own, but pairing it with a crisp green salad, steamed vegetables, or buttery garlic bread elevates the meal and adds a variety of textures and nutrients to the table.
Creative Ways to Present
For entertaining, serve the casserole in individual ramekins to create charming personal portions. You could also spoon it over a bed of fresh greens or roasted veggies for a complete and eye-pleasing plate. Leftovers can even be crumbled atop baked potatoes or used as a filling for savory crepes!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, cover any leftover Angel Chicken Rice Casserole Recipe tightly with plastic wrap or transfer it to an airtight container. It will keep wonderfully in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, making it an easy meal to enjoy later in the week.
Freezing
This casserole freezes beautifully! Portion it into airtight containers or freezer-safe bags and store for up to 3 months. Be sure to label your containers with the date so you know when to use it by. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
To reheat, cover the casserole with foil and warm it in a 350°F (180°C) oven for about 20 minutes or until heated through. Alternatively, microwave individual servings for a quick lunch, but keep in mind that the topping won’t stay crispy with microwaving.
FAQs
Can I use fresh chicken instead of cooked chicken?
Absolutely! Just cook and dice the chicken before adding it to your casserole mix. Using leftover cooked chicken is convenient, but freshly cooked keeps the dish just as tasty.
Is it possible to use fresh rice instead of leftover rice?
Leftover rice is preferable because it’s drier and prevents the casserole from becoming mushy, but if using freshly cooked rice, spread it out to cool and dry slightly before using.
Can I substitute the Boursin cheese with something else?
If you can’t find Boursin, cream cheese mixed with fresh garlic and herbs is a wonderful homemade alternative that mimics the creamy, herby notes.
How spicy is this casserole?
It’s very mild, with garlic and herbs creating depth but no strong heat. You can easily add a pinch of chili flakes if you like a little kick.
What kind of cracker crumbs work best for the topping?
Plain buttery crackers like Ritz or saltines are ideal—they add a perfect crispy topping without overpowering the flavors beneath.
Final Thoughts
This Angel Chicken Rice Casserole Recipe is the kind of dish that feels like a warm hug from the oven. Its creamy richness combined with comforting textures makes it a standout family favorite you’ll want to make again and again. Give it a try and watch how effortlessly it wins hearts around your dinner table!
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Angel Chicken Rice Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Angel Chicken Rice is a comforting baked casserole combining tender cooked chicken, fluffy rice, creamy herb and garlic Boursin cheese, and a blend of savory seasonings. Topped with crunchy cracker crumbs and melted cheddar, this one-dish meal is perfect for a cozy family dinner or reheating leftover ingredients into an irresistible, cheesy delight.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups (about 1 1/2 breasts) cooked chicken, diced or shredded
- 1 1/2 cups (300g) leftover cooked rice
- 1/4 cup (30g) room temperature butter
- 1 package herb and garlic Boursin cheese, room temperature
- 1/2 of a (10.5 ounce / 285g) tin condensed cream of chicken soup, undiluted
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1/2 cup (120ml) chicken stock
- 1 cup (120g) grated cheddar cheese, divided
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- A handful of crushed cracker crumbs
Instructions
- Preheat the oven and prepare dish: Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C, gas mark 4). Butter an 8-inch square or 7 by 11-inch casserole dish thoroughly to prevent sticking. Set it aside.
- Combine cheese and butter: Place the Boursin cheese and room temperature butter in a large microwave-safe bowl. Microwave on high for 12 to 30 seconds until softened, then whisk together until the mixture is smooth and combined.
- Mix main ingredients: Add the cooked chicken, cooked rice, undiluted cream of chicken soup, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, chicken stock, and half of the grated cheddar cheese to the bowl. Stir everything together until the mixture is well combined. Season with salt and black pepper to your liking.
- Assemble casserole: Transfer the combined mixture into the prepared casserole dish, spreading it evenly.
- Add topping: In a small bowl, mix the crushed cracker crumbs with the remaining cheddar cheese. Sprinkle this crumb and cheese mixture evenly over the top of the casserole.
- Bake covered: Cover the casserole tightly with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld and the casserole to heat through evenly.
- Finish baking uncovered: Remove the foil and bake the casserole uncovered for another 10 minutes or until it is bubbly and the cheese topping has melted and begun to turn golden.
- Rest and serve: Take the casserole out of the oven and let it stand for 5 to 10 minutes before serving. This resting time helps the casserole set up for easier serving and better texture. Enjoy your comforting Angel Chicken Rice!
Notes
- If you have leftover cream of chicken soup, freeze the unused half for future recipes.
- Leftover cooked chicken and rice make this recipe a great use of meals from previous days.
- You can substitute cracker crumbs with breadcrumbs or crushed cornflakes for a different texture.
- For extra flavor, add chopped herbs like parsley or chives in the mixture.
- This dish can be prepared ahead, refrigerated, and baked when ready to serve.
- Covering with foil initially prevents the topping from burning while ensuring thorough heating.
