Hearty Angel Chicken Rice Casserole (Print Version)

Creamy chicken and rice casserole baked with tender angel hair pasta for a comforting, easy weeknight meal. A family-favorite dinner.

# Recipe Info:

Prep Time: 20 Minutes minutes
Cook Time: 35 Minutes minutes
Total Time: 55 minutes
Servings: 6 Servings
Difficulty: Beginner
Cuisine: American

# Ingredients:

→ The Hearty Foundation

01 - 1 1/2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
02 - 1 1/2 cups uncooked long-grain white rice
03 - 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth

→ The Creamy Embrace

04 - 1 (10.5 oz) can condensed cream of chicken soup
05 - 8 oz cream cheese, softened
06 - 1 (0.6 oz) packet dry Italian dressing mix

→ Aromatic & Cheesy Finish

07 - 1/2 yellow onion, finely diced
08 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
09 - 1 1/2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
10 - 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
11 - Salt and black pepper to taste

# Instructions:

01 - Preheat your oven to 375°F. Season 1 1/2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts with salt and black pepper. Cook the chicken in a skillet over medium-high heat until fully cooked through, about 6-8 minutes per side. Shred or dice the cooked chicken and set aside.
02 - In a medium saucepan, combine 1 1/2 cups uncooked long-grain white rice with 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until all liquid is absorbed and rice is tender. Fluff with a fork.
03 - In a large mixing bowl, whisk together 1 (10.5 oz) can condensed cream of chicken soup, 8 oz softened cream cheese, and 1 (0.6 oz) packet dry Italian dressing mix until smooth. Stir in 1/2 finely diced yellow onion and 2 minced cloves garlic. This forms the heart of your Hearty Angel Chicken Rice Casserole Recipe.
04 - Add the cooked and shredded chicken and the cooked rice to the creamy sauce mixture in the large bowl. Stir thoroughly to ensure all ingredients are evenly coated. Taste and adjust with additional salt and black pepper as needed for your Hearty Angel Chicken Rice Casserole Recipe.
05 - Transfer the entire chicken and rice mixture into a 9x13 inch baking dish, spreading it out evenly. Generously sprinkle 1 1/2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese over the top of the casserole, covering the entire surface.
06 - Bake the Hearty Angel Chicken Rice Casserole Recipe in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbly around the edges and the cheese topping is melted and lightly golden brown. Keep an eye on the cheese to prevent over-browning.
07 - Remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. This allows the casserole to set slightly. Garnish generously with 2 tbsp fresh chopped parsley for a burst of color and freshness.

# Notes:

01 - For a quicker prep, use a pre-cooked rotisserie chicken, shredded, instead of cooking fresh chicken breasts.
02 - Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or oven until warmed through.
03 - Serve this comforting casserole with a simple side salad or steamed green beans to complete the meal.
04 - Feel free to add a cup of frozen peas or corn to the mixture in Step 4 for added vegetables and color.

# Tools You'll Need:

01 - 9x13 inch baking dish
02 - Large mixing bowl
03 - Measuring cups and spoons
04 - Cutting board
05 - Chef's knife

# Nutrition Facts (Per Serving):

Calories: 562 kcal
Total Fat: 30 g
Total Carbohydrate: 24 g
Protein: 48 g

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