Hey y'all! If you need a crowd-pleasing, fuss-free dinner that warms the soul, this Angel Chicken Rice Casserole is your new weeknight favorite. It's irresistibly creamy, loaded with tender chicken and fluffy rice, and topped with gooey cheese—all coming together in one bubbling, golden casserole dish. The flavors are savory and comforting, making it perfect for busy weeknights, potlucks, or cozy gatherings. Let's get cooking!

Angel Chicken Rice Casserole | Easy Weeknight Dinner Recipe

Why You'll Love This

Quick and Easy: Just 15 minutes of prep and the oven does the rest!
Crowd-Pleaser: Creamy, cheesy, and comforting—everyone goes back for seconds.
Perfect for Leftovers: Tastes even better the next day and reheats beautifully.
One-Pan Meal: Less cleanup and all-in-one convenience.
Customizable: Mix in your favorite veggies or use up whatever you have on hand.

Ingredients

2 cups cooked white rice
3 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced
1 (10.5 oz) can cream of chicken soup
1 (10.5 oz) can cream of mushroom soup
1 cup sour cream
¾ cup chicken broth
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
1 teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon dried parsley
½ teaspoon kosher salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
1 tablespoon unsalted butter, melted (for topping, optional)
½ cup panko or regular breadcrumbs (for topping, optional)

Directions

Step 1: Prep and Preheat

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish and set aside.

Step 2: Mix Wet Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the cream of chicken soup, cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, chicken broth, garlic powder, onion powder, parsley, salt, and pepper until smooth and well combined.

Step 3: Combine Chicken and Rice

Fold the shredded or diced chicken, cooked rice, Parmesan, and 1 cup of mozzarella into the soup mixture until fully incorporated.

Step 4: Assemble the Casserole

Spread the chicken and rice mixture evenly in the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle the remaining ½ cup of mozzarella cheese over the top.

Step 5: Make Optional Topping (Optional but Recommended)

In a small bowl, mix melted butter with breadcrumbs until evenly moistened. Sprinkle breadcrumb mixture across the casserole for an irresistible crispy topping.

Step 6: Bake

Bake uncovered for 30-35 minutes, or until the casserole is hot and bubbly and the top is golden brown. If topping browns too quickly, loosely lay a sheet of foil over the casserole after 20 minutes.

Step 7: Serve

Cool for 5-10 minutes before serving. Garnish with extra parsley if desired and dig in!

Notes

Use rotisserie chicken for extra convenience and flavor.
Make sure rice is fully cooked (and not too wet) before mixing into the casserole.
Add some thawed frozen peas or steamed broccoli for a veggie boost.

Variations

Angel Chicken Rice Alfredo: Substitute Alfredo sauce for sour cream and soup for a richer flavor.
Tex-Mex Style: Add ½ cup salsa and swap mozzarella for cheddar cheese.
Lightened Up: Use low-fat sour cream and soups, and add extra vegetables.

Required Equipment

9x13-inch baking dish
Large mixing bowl
Mixing spoons
Measuring cups and spoons

Storage Instructions

Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freeze the casserole (whole or in portions) for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheat individual servings in the microwave for 1-2 minutes or cover the whole casserole and reheat at 325°F for 20-25 minutes until hot.

Suggested Pairings & Serving Recommendations

Serve with a crisp green salad and tangy vinaigrette.
Pair with roasted green beans or steamed broccoli for a balanced meal.
Enjoy with warm garlic bread or soft dinner rolls to soak up the creamy sauce.

Pro Tips

Let the casserole rest before serving so the flavors meld together and the sauce thickens.
For more flavor, sprinkle some Italian seasoning or paprika on top before baking.
Double the recipe and freeze half for an easy, future dinner.

FAQ

Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?

Absolutely! Just make sure the brown rice is fully cooked before adding, as it takes longer than white rice to cook through.

Is it possible to make this casserole ahead of time?

Yes, assemble the casserole up to a day in advance, cover and refrigerate. Add 5-10 minutes to the baking time if baking straight from the fridge.

Can I substitute the canned soups?

You can use any creamy soup you like (such as cream of celery), or make your own homemade condensed soup if you prefer.