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
Scale
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.
