Creamy Angel Chicken Rice Casserole Recipe – Best Comfort Food

Posted on November 29, 2025

Creamy Angel Chicken Rice Casserole - featured image

If there’s one dish that has been my ultimate comfort food lately, it’s this Creamy Angel Chicken Rice Casserole. Picture this: tender chicken nestled in a creamy, dreamy sauce, layered with fluffy rice that soaks up all the flavor. It’s like a warm hug in casserole form, and I’m obsessed.

Funny story—this recipe started as a happy accident. I was trying to use up leftover rotisserie chicken and a rogue packet of angel hair pasta sauce mix. The result? A casserole so good that my family requested it three times in one week. True story. It’s perfect for busy weeknights, potlucks, or just whenever you need a little comfort in your life. Trust me, you’ll want this one on repeat.

Keep reading to find out why this recipe is a total game-changer (spoiler: it’s the sauce) and how to make it in just a few simple steps.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Let me tell you why this Creamy Angel Chicken Rice Casserole is about to become one of your favorite recipes:

Rich, creamy flavor: The sauce is the star here—it’s loaded with cream cheese, chicken broth, and a hint of garlic. It’s indulgent but not over-the-top.
One-pan magic: Everything bakes together in one dish, which means fewer dishes to wash. Hallelujah!
Easy to make ahead: Prep it the night before and pop it in the oven when you’re ready. Perfect for meal planning.
Family-approved: Even my picky eater devours this. It’s hearty, flavorful, and just the right amount of creamy.
Customizable: Add veggies, swap the rice for noodles, or play with seasonings—it’s super versatile.

Honestly, this casserole is like a little piece of heaven, and I can’t wait for you to try it. You might just find yourself licking the spoon (no judgment).

What Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s the best part—you probably already have most of these ingredients in your kitchen. I’ll break them down for you:

Chicken: You’ll need about 3 cups of cooked chicken. Rotisserie chicken works beautifully, but you can also use leftover grilled or baked chicken.
Rice: 2 cups of cooked white rice. Jasmine or basmati are my favorites for that fluffy texture.
Cream cheese: 8 ounces, softened. Full-fat gives the richest flavor, but light cream cheese works too.
Chicken broth: 1 ½ cups. Use low-sodium if you want to control the salt levels.
Angel hair pasta sauce mix: 1 packet. It’s the secret ingredient that ties everything together. If you can’t find it, use your favorite creamy pasta sauce mix.
Garlic powder: 1 teaspoon for a subtle garlicky kick.
Butter: 2 tablespoons for sautéeing the sauce. Because butter makes everything better.
Optional mix-ins: Frozen peas, shredded cheese, or sautéed mushrooms. Don’t be afraid to get creative!

Quick note: If you’re missing an ingredient, I’ve got substitution ideas below. This recipe is super forgiving, so don’t stress!

Equipment Needed

You don’t need a fancy setup for this recipe—just the basics:

9×13-inch casserole dish: Big enough to hold all the creamy goodness.
Saucepan: For whipping up that dreamy sauce.
Mixing bowls: One for the rice and chicken, and one for the sauce.
Whisk: Makes blending the sauce smooth and easy.
Spatula: For spreading everything evenly in the dish.

That’s it! Nothing fancy, just practical tools that get the job done.

How to Make It: Step-by-Step

Alright, let’s get into it! This Creamy Angel Chicken Rice Casserole comes together in a few simple steps:

Preheat the oven: Set it to 350°F (175°C). Grease your 9×13-inch casserole dish with butter or cooking spray.
Combine the chicken and rice: In a large bowl, mix the cooked chicken and rice together. Spread this mixture evenly in the casserole dish.
Make the sauce: In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the cream cheese, chicken broth, angel hair pasta sauce mix, and garlic powder. Stir until smooth and creamy—about 5 minutes.
Pour the sauce: Pour the creamy sauce over the chicken and rice mixture. Use a spatula to spread it evenly, making sure every bite gets coated.
Bake: Cover the dish with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for another 10-15 minutes, until the top is golden and bubbly.
Serve: Let it cool for 5 minutes before serving. Sprinkle with parsley for a pop of color, if you’re feeling fancy.

That’s it! You’ll have a creamy, comforting casserole that’s ready to be devoured.

My Best Tips & Techniques

After making this more times than I can count, here are my top tips:

Don’t skip the foil: Covering the casserole for the first half of baking keeps the rice and chicken from drying out.
Use room temperature cream cheese: It blends into the sauce better, so you don’t end up with lumps.
Season as you go: Taste the sauce before pouring it over the casserole. Adjust the salt and garlic to your liking.
Add some crunch: Sprinkle breadcrumbs or crushed crackers on top before baking for a crispy texture.
Let it rest: Resist the urge to dive in right away! Let the casserole sit for a few minutes to set up and cool slightly.

Real talk—these little tweaks make a big difference. You’ll thank yourself later!

Ways to Mix It Up

Feeling adventurous? Here are some fun variations to try:

Cheesy Upgrade: Mix 1 cup shredded cheddar or mozzarella into the sauce for extra gooey goodness.
Veggie Boost: Stir in 1 cup of frozen peas, diced carrots, or sautéed spinach for added nutrition.
Spicy Twist: Add ½ teaspoon of red pepper flakes or a splash of hot sauce to the sauce for a little kick.
Noodle Swap: Replace the rice with cooked egg noodles or pasta for a different texture.
Protein Power: Use shredded turkey or ham instead of chicken—great for holiday leftovers!

Make it your own! The possibilities are endless, and it’s hard to go wrong.

Serving Ideas & Storage

Serving Suggestions

This casserole is a meal in itself, but if you want to round it out:

Serve with a crisp green salad and a light vinaigrette.
Pair it with roasted veggies like broccoli or carrots.
Add a side of garlic bread for carb lovers.

Storage Instructions

This casserole is a meal-prepper’s dream:

Room temperature: Keep leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
Refrigerator: Store in the fridge for up to 5 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave for 1-2 minutes.
Freezer: Freeze in portions for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat in the oven at 350°F for 20 minutes.

Pro tip: This casserole tastes even better the next day when the flavors have had time to meld together!

Nutritional Info & Health Benefits

Here’s a quick look at the nutritional profile (per serving, based on 6 servings):

Calories	340
Protein	23g
Carbs	28g
Fat	12g

Health Highlights:

High protein from chicken and cream cheese.
Comforting carbs from rice—perfect fuel for a busy day.
Low sugar and packed with flavor.

It’s not a “diet” dish, but it’s hearty and satisfying. Totally worth it!

Final Thoughts

So there you have it—my Creamy Angel Chicken Rice Casserole. I’m not exaggerating when I say this recipe has become a staple in our house. It’s quick, easy, and always hits the spot. Plus, it’s super forgiving—you can tweak it to suit your taste or use whatever you have on hand.

If you make this, I’d love to hear how it turned out! Drop a comment below or tag me on Pinterest—I’m always excited to see your versions. Let’s keep the comfort food vibes going!

Happy cooking, and here’s to cozy, delicious meals that bring people together.

FAQs

Q: Can I use brown rice instead of white?

A: Yes! Brown rice works, but it takes longer to cook. Make sure it’s fully cooked before adding it to the casserole.

Q: Can I make this dairy-free?

A: Definitely. Use a dairy-free cream cheese alternative and swap the butter for olive oil. The flavor will be slightly different but still delicious.

Q: Can I add vegetables?

A: Absolutely! Frozen peas, diced carrots, or sautéed mushrooms are great additions.

Q: How do I know when it’s done?

A: The sauce should be bubbling and the top golden brown. You can also insert a knife into the center—it should come out clean.

Q: Can I make this ahead of time?

A: Yes! Assemble everything in the casserole dish, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Bake as directed when you’re ready.

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