Cheesy Angel Chicken and Rice Recipe
If you’re craving something irresistibly cozy and loaded with flavor, the Cheesy Angel Chicken and Rice Recipe is a true game changer for weeknight dinners. This dish is rich and creamy, with tender strands of angel hair pasta mingling with juicy shredded chicken, all blanketed in a duo of melts and creamy soups, then finished under a golden cheddar crust. It’s the kind of casserole that satisfies everyone at the table, delivering both bold cheesy goodness and that touch of homemade nostalgia we all secretly love. If comfort food makes your heart happy, this recipe is about to become a staple in your kitchen!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering your ingredients for this Cheesy Angel Chicken and Rice Recipe is both easy and rewarding—each element brings something special, from creamy depth to that all-important cheesy stretch. Here’s what goes into making this irresistible casserole come to life:
- Shredded Chicken: Use two cups of cooked, shredded chicken—rotisserie chicken is a brilliant shortcut and adds great flavor.
- Angel Hair Pasta: Eight ounces, broken in half, creates the perfect, delicate texture in every bite.
- Cream of Chicken Soup: This classic soup brings velvety richness and savory body to the sauce.
- Cream of Mushroom Soup: Adds a deliciously earthy undertone that pairs beautifully with the chicken and cheese.
- Chicken Broth: Just half a cup keeps everything moist and ensures the casserole isn’t dry.
- Sour Cream: A cup of tangy, creamy richness lifts the entire casserole to new heights.
- Shredded Cheddar Cheese: Two cups divided—most melts into the bake, with a glorious cheesy crown on top.
- Garlic Powder: Half a teaspoon to give subtle depth and aromatic warmth.
- Onion Powder: Half a teaspoon brings sweet, savory undertones without any chopping required.
- Black Pepper: Half a teaspoon for just the right amount of subtle heat.
- Salt: Half a teaspoon enhances all the flavors without going overboard.
- Dried Parsley: Half a teaspoon adds a pop of gentle, herby freshness inside the casserole.
- Butter: One tablespoon for greasing your baking dish—an extra touch of richness and insurance against sticking.
- Fresh Parsley: Chopped, for that essential vibrant, fresh finish on top.
How to Make Cheesy Angel Chicken and Rice Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Dish and Preheat the Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Meanwhile, generously butter a 9×13-inch baking dish—this not only helps prevent sticking, but adds a lovely hint of richness to the edges and bottom of the Cheesy Angel Chicken and Rice Recipe.
Step 2: Cook the Angel Hair Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Toss in your broken angel hair pasta and cook until just al dente. It should be tender but still hold a slight bite, so it won’t go mushy when baked. Drain carefully and set aside.
Step 3: Mix the Sauce and Combine Everything
In a large mixing bowl, mix together the shredded chicken, both cream soups, chicken broth, sour cream, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, salt, dried parsley, and 1 and ½ cups of the shredded cheddar cheese. Add the cooked pasta and gently toss everything until the noodles are evenly coated with that dreamy, savory mixture. Don’t overwork it—you want those delicate angel hair strands to stay intact.
Step 4: Assemble and Top with Cheese
Transfer the creamy chicken and pasta mixture into your prepared baking dish. Spread it out evenly so every scoop will be equally cheesy and satisfying. Sprinkle the remaining half cup of cheddar cheese on top for that signature gooey, bubbling crust.
Step 5: Bake Until Bubbly and Golden
Place the dish uncovered in the oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until everything is hot and the cheese on top is gorgeously melted and bubbling. Once baked, let the Cheesy Angel Chicken and Rice Recipe rest for five minutes—this helps everything set up and makes serving a breeze.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Right before serving, shower the casserole with chopped fresh parsley. This bright, herby finish contrasts all the rich flavors and makes the dish look absolutely irresistible.
How to Serve Cheesy Angel Chicken and Rice Recipe
Garnishes
A generous sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley adds both color and a pop of fresh flavor. If you love a little extra texture, try a dusting of crispy fried onions or even some crushed buttery crackers on top just before serving. The goal is to create an enticing finish that makes everyone reach for seconds.
Side Dishes
What makes the Cheesy Angel Chicken and Rice Recipe even better? Pair it with a crisp green salad tossed in a tangy vinaigrette, some roasted broccoli, or buttery garlic bread for a complete, satisfying meal. The bright veggies or a zesty slaw help balance out all that comforting creaminess perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
For special occasions, spoon the casserole into individual ramekins for personal servings—it looks charming and makes dinnertime feel a bit more elevated. Or, serve with a colorful medley of roasted vegetables on the side for a rustic, family-style feast that everyone can dig into together.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have any leftovers (lucky you!), store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. The flavors meld and get even cozier by day two, making for an ultra-comforting reheated lunch or dinner.
Freezing
You can absolutely freeze this Cheesy Angel Chicken and Rice Recipe! Simply let the casserole cool completely, then wrap tightly or store in a freezer-safe container for up to two months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating, so the texture stays as luscious as possible.
Reheating
Reheat individual portions in the microwave, covering loosely to trap moisture—about two minutes does the trick. For the whole casserole, cover with foil and warm in a 350°F oven until heated through, then uncover for the last five minutes to re-melt the cheese topping.
FAQs
Can I use a different type Main Course
Absolutely! While angel hair pasta gives a delicate texture, spaghetti or even penne work well too. Just adjust the cook time so your pasta is still al dente before baking.
How do I make Cheesy Angel Chicken and Rice Recipe gluten-free?
Swap in gluten-free pasta and choose gluten-free condensed soups and chicken broth, which are widely available. Double-check your chicken for any hidden gluten as well.
What kind of cheese can I use instead of cheddar?
If cheddar isn’t your favorite or you want to mix things up, try mozzarella for extra melt, Colby Jack for a milder flavor, or pepper jack for a spicy kick. Any good melting cheese will be delicious!
Can I add vegetables to this casserole?
Definitely! Stir in steamed broccoli florets, sautéed mushrooms, or even frozen peas when you combine the pasta and sauce. It’s a delicious way to boost nutrition and color.
How can I make this dish ahead of time?
Assemble the entire Cheesy Angel Chicken and Rice Recipe a day in advance, cover, and refrigerate. When ready to bake, let it come to room temperature for about 20 minutes, then bake as directed. Perfect for busy weeknights or meal prepping!
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about a bubbling, golden casserole pulled straight from the oven, and this Cheesy Angel Chicken and Rice Recipe never disappoints. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just want to treat yourself to something ultra-satisfying, give this recipe a try—it’s comforting, delicious, and always a hit. I can’t wait for you to taste how easy weeknight magic really can be!
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Cheesy Angel Chicken and Rice Recipe
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the creamy, cheesy goodness of this Cheesy Angel Chicken and Rice recipe. A comforting and satisfying dish that’s perfect for a family dinner or potluck.
Ingredients
For the Dish:
- 2 cups cooked shredded chicken
- 8 ounces angel hair pasta, broken in half
- 1 can (10.5 ounces) cream of chicken soup
- 1 can (10.5 ounces) cream of mushroom soup
- ½ cup chicken broth
- 1 cup sour cream
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon dried parsley
- 1 tablespoon butter (for greasing)
- Chopped fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat oven and prepare dish: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter.
- Cook pasta: Cook angel hair pasta until al dente, then drain and set aside.
- Mix ingredients: In a bowl, combine chicken, soups, broth, sour cream, spices, and 1 ½ cups cheese. Add pasta and mix gently.
- Bake: Transfer mixture to baking dish, top with remaining cheese, and bake for 25–30 minutes until bubbly.
- Rest and garnish: Let it rest for 5 minutes, then garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Notes
- Rotisserie chicken works well for this recipe.
- Enhance with steamed broccoli or sautéed mushrooms.
- Substitute with cream of celery soup or different cheese blends.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 780 mg
- Fat: 27 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 38 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 95 mg
