Angel Chicken Rice Recipe
If you’re looking for a comforting, creamy, and utterly delicious dish to share with family or friends, this Angel Chicken Rice Recipe is going to steal your heart. It combines tender chicken breasts browned in butter and then baked in a luscious sauce made from Italian salad dressing mix, golden mushroom soup, white wine, and cream cheese with chives. The sauce is heavenly, velvety, and bursting with flavor, perfectly complementing a bed of warm, fluffy rice. Trust me, once you try this, it will quickly become a go-to dinner that feels like a warm hug on a plate.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are wonderfully simple yet essential to achieving the perfect balance of flavor and texture in this Angel Chicken Rice Recipe. Each element plays a specific role — from the savory chicken to the creamy sauce components, every single one adds depth and richness.
- 6 boneless, skinless chicken breasts: These make the perfect tender and juicy protein base for the recipe.
- 1/4 cup butter: For browning the chicken and adding richness to the dish.
- 1 package dry Italian salad dressing mix: An easy way to pack in herbs and spices with bold flavor.
- 1 can condensed golden mushroom soup: The creamy foundation that gives the sauce a velvety texture and umami depth.
- 1/2 cup white wine: Adds a subtle acidity and brightness to balance the richness.
- 4 ounces cream cheese with chives: Brings a smooth tang and a hint of fresh chive flavor to the sauce.
- Cooked rice: The perfect neutral canvas to soak up all the creamy sauce and tender chicken juices.
How to Make Angel Chicken Rice Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Chicken
Start by warming your oven to 325°F (165°C). This low and slow cooking temperature ensures the chicken stays tender while soaking up all the creamy goodness that’s coming.
Step 2: Brown the Chicken
Melt butter in a large skillet and brown each chicken breast on both sides until golden. This step not only locks in moisture but also creates a lovely flavor base that the sauce will cling to beautifully.
Step 3: Arrange Chicken in Baking Dish
Transfer the browned chicken breasts into a 9×13-inch baking dish, spacing them evenly to allow the sauce to surround each piece perfectly during baking.
Step 4: Prepare the Creamy Sauce
Using the same skillet, combine the dry Italian salad dressing mix, golden mushroom soup, white wine, and cream cheese with chives. Stir everything together until the mixture is smooth and well-blended, making sure all the cream cheese melts completely for that signature silky finish.
Step 5: Pour Sauce Over Chicken
Generously pour the sauce over the chicken breasts in the baking dish, coating each piece thoroughly. This is where the magic happens — the sauce seeps into the meat during baking, delivering layer upon layer of flavor.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and pop it into the oven for about 60 minutes. Check for doneness by ensuring the chicken is cooked through and tender. The gentle baking allows flavors to meld beautifully and keeps the chicken incredibly moist.
Step 7: Serve Over Cooked Rice
Once baked, serve the chicken and that luscious sauce over a bed of fluffy cooked rice. The rice is essential for soaking up every last bit of the creamy, flavorful sauce.
How to Serve Angel Chicken Rice Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh herbs like chopped parsley or chives are perfect garnishes to add a pop of color and a touch of freshness. A sprinkle of freshly cracked black pepper can also provide a subtle kick that enhances each bite.
Side Dishes
This Angel Chicken Rice Recipe pairs beautifully with simple sides such as steamed green beans, sautéed asparagus, or a crisp garden salad. The light, fresh vegetables balance the richness of the chicken and sauce beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
For a special touch, try serving the chicken atop molded rice shapes or stuffed inside bell pepper halves for a festive presentation. You can also drizzle extra sauce around the plate for a restaurant-inspired look that will impress your guests every time.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Angel Chicken Rice Recipe keeps wonderfully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The sauce thickens as it chills, so give it a good stir before reheating.
Freezing
You can freeze the chicken and sauce together in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. To avoid a soggy rice texture, freeze the sauce and chicken separately from any cooked rice if you plan to freeze the entire meal.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of water or broth if the sauce seems too thick. Warm the rice separately or stir it in last to keep the texture just right.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs are a great substitute and tend to be even juicier and more forgiving during baking. Just adjust the cooking time slightly to ensure they are cooked through.
Is it necessary to use white wine?
White wine adds a lovely acidity and depth, but if you prefer not to use alcohol, you can substitute it with chicken broth or apple juice for a slightly different but still delicious flavor.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes, you can substitute the butter with a dairy-free alternative and use dairy-free cream cheese to make this recipe suitable for those avoiding dairy. Keep in mind, the texture and flavor will vary slightly.
What type of rice works best?
Long-grain white rice or jasmine rice works beautifully thanks to their fluffy texture that soaks up the sauce perfectly. Brown rice is also an option if you prefer a nuttier taste and more fiber.
Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time?
You can brown the chicken and prepare the sauce up to a day in advance and store them separately in the fridge. When ready, combine everything in the baking dish and bake as directed for a quick meal.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about this Angel Chicken Rice Recipe that makes it feel like a treasured family classic. It’s comforting, hearty, and surprisingly easy to make — perfect for any weeknight or gathering. I can’t wait for you to try it and experience the creamy, flavorful sauce and tender chicken that makes this dish so memorable. Happy cooking!
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Angel Chicken Rice Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
Angel Chicken Rice is a comforting and flavorful baked chicken dish featuring tender boneless chicken breasts smothered in a creamy Italian dressing and golden mushroom soup sauce, served over a bed of fluffy cooked rice. This easy-to-make recipe combines rich, savory ingredients to create a satisfying meal perfect for family dinners.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 6 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1/4 cup butter
Sauce
- 1 package dry Italian salad dressing mix (about 1 ounce)
- 1 can (10.5 ounces) condensed golden mushroom soup
- 1/2 cup white wine
- 4 ounces cream cheese with chives
Serving
- Cooked rice, for serving (approximately 3 cups cooked)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C) to ensure it reaches the right temperature by the time your chicken is ready for baking.
- Brown the Chicken: In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the chicken breasts and brown them on both sides, approximately 3-4 minutes per side, to seal in juices and add flavor.
- Transfer Chicken to Baking Dish: Place the browned chicken breasts in a 9×13-inch baking dish, arranging them evenly to prepare for baking.
- Prepare the Sauce: Using the same skillet, combine the dry Italian salad dressing mix, condensed golden mushroom soup, white wine, and cream cheese with chives. Stir continuously until the mixture is smooth, creamy, and well blended.
- Pour Sauce over Chicken: Evenly pour the prepared sauce over the chicken breasts in the baking dish, ensuring all pieces are coated well.
- Bake the Chicken: Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil to retain moisture. Bake in the preheated oven for about 60 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked through (internal temperature reaches 165°F/74°C) and tender.
- Serve: Remove from the oven and serve the angel chicken hot, spooning the sauce over a bed of cooked rice for a complete and satisfying meal.
Notes
- White wine can be substituted with chicken broth if preferred or to make the dish non-alcoholic.
- Ensure chicken is cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for safety.
- Use cream cheese with chives for added flavor; plain cream cheese works as a substitute.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated gently to avoid drying out the chicken.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
