Easy Creamy Angel Chicken and Rice Casserole

Some recipes just feel like a warm hug—and this creamy angel chicken and rice casserole is exactly that.

It’s everything I love in a comforting dinner: juicy baked chicken, fluffy rice, a rich and creamy sauce, and golden melted cheese on top.

The best part? Everything cooks together in one dish. No need to pre-cook the rice or the chicken. Just mix, layer, and bake!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

One-pan wonder – easy prep and clean-up

No pre-cooking – raw rice and chicken go straight into the dish

Rich, cheesy, and full of flavor

Great for family dinners and leftovers

Freezer-friendly and perfect for meal prep

What You’ll Need (Ingredient Highlights)

Boneless chicken breasts – the heart of the dish

Uncooked white rice – cooks perfectly in the creamy sauce

Chicken broth – adds moisture and savory depth

Cream of chicken soup – creates a rich, flavorful base

Sour cream – adds creaminess and tang

Shredded cheddar cheese – melted and golden on top

Onion & garlic – flavor boosters

Salt, pepper, parsley – simple seasoning to finish

Pro Tips Before You Start

Use long grain white rice, not instant rice

Cut chicken into even strips for consistent cooking

Stir everything together right in the baking dish to save dishes

Cover tightly with foil during baking to trap steam

Let rest 5–10 minutes after baking so it thickens slightly

How to Make Creamy Angel Chicken and Rice Casserole

Step 1: Preheat Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F. Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.

Step 2: Mix the Base

In the prepared baking dish, combine uncooked white rice, chicken broth, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, diced onion, minced garlic, salt, and pepper.

Stir until evenly combined.

Step 3: Add Chicken

Nestle the raw chicken breast strips into the creamy rice mixture.

Spoon some sauce over the top so the chicken is well-coated.

Step 4: Cover and Bake

Cover the dish tightly with foil and bake at 350°F for 55–60 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the chicken is cooked through.

Step 5: Add Cheese and Finish

Remove the foil. Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top.

Return to oven uncovered and bake for 5–10 more minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Let the casserole rest 5–10 minutes. Sprinkle with fresh parsley before serving. Enjoy warm!

What to Serve It With

Steamed broccoli or green beans

Mixed green salad with vinaigrette

Buttery dinner rolls or garlic toast

Roasted carrots or Brussels sprouts

A chilled glass of iced tea or white wine

Variations / Substitutions

Use brown rice, but increase baking time by 20–25 minutes

Swap chicken breasts with boneless thighs for richer flavor

Add frozen peas, corn, or mushrooms for extra veggies

Use cream of mushroom soup instead of chicken

Top with crispy fried onions or buttery breadcrumbs for crunch

Storage & Leftovers

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days

Reheat in the microwave or covered in the oven at 325°F

Add a splash of broth or water if the rice has thickened

Freeze baked casserole portions for up to 2 months

Thaw overnight and reheat gently to preserve texture

FAQs

Can I use pre-cooked chicken?
This recipe is designed for raw chicken. Pre-cooked chicken might dry out.

If using it, stir it in during the last 15 minutes of baking.

What kind of rice works best?
Long grain white rice is ideal.

Instant rice will overcook and get mushy, while brown rice needs a longer cook time.

Can I assemble this ahead of time?
Yes! Mix everything in the baking dish (except the cheese), cover tightly, and refrigerate up to 24 hours before baking.

Can I double the recipe?
Absolutely. Use a larger baking dish or divide between two pans.

You may need a slightly longer bake time.

Is this casserole freezer-friendly?
Yes. Bake it fully, let it cool, then freeze. Thaw and reheat in the oven until warm throughout.

Can I make it in a slow cooker?
This version is meant for the oven, but with some modifications, you could adapt it for the slow cooker (on low for 4–5 hours).

Final Thoughts

This Easy Creamy Angel Chicken and Rice Casserole is everything I want in a weekday dinner: no-fuss, full of flavor, and loved by everyone at the table.

It’s creamy, cheesy, and deeply satisfying—like a warm hug in a casserole dish.

If you’re craving comfort food without the hassle, this is the recipe to bookmark and make again and again.