If you’re on the lookout for a comforting, flavorful, and surprisingly simple dish that will delight your family and friends, the Angel Chicken Rice Recipe is an absolute must-try. This recipe pairs tender, buttery chicken breasts with a creamy, tangy sauce made from Italian dressing mix, golden mushroom soup, and cream cheese, all baked to perfection and served over fluffy rice. The magic lies in its luscious sauce that wraps every bite with rich flavor, making it a wonderful meal for both weeknights and special occasions. Trust me, once you dive into this Angel Chicken Rice Recipe, it’s going to become one of your go-to favorites.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of the Angel Chicken Rice Recipe is how the ingredients combine simple pantry staples with just a hint of sophistication. Each component plays a crucial role, from the savory chicken to the creamy sauce that gives this dish its unforgettable character and luscious texture.
- 6 boneless, skinless chicken breasts: The lean protein base that absorbs the creamy sauce beautifully when browned and baked.
- 1/4 cup butter: Adds richness and helps achieve a lovely golden sear on the chicken for extra flavor.
- 1 package dry Italian salad dressing mix: Brings a blend of herbs and tang to the sauce, infusing the dish with zest and complexity.
- 1 can condensed golden mushroom soup: The creamy foundation of the sauce, providing smoothness and a touch of umami.
- 1/2 cup white wine: Adds depth and a subtle acidity, balancing the richness perfectly.
- 4 ounces cream cheese with chives: Creamy texture and a mild onion flavor elevate the sauce’s taste and silkiness.
- Cooked rice, for serving: The perfect neutral canvas to soak up the delectable sauce.
How to Make Angel Chicken Rice Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare the Chicken
Start by preheating your oven to 325°F (165°C) to get it ready for a slow, gentle bake that ensures juicy chicken. Meanwhile, melt the butter in a large skillet over medium heat and brown the chicken breasts on both sides. This step seals in the juices and adds beautiful color and flavor that will make the sauce even more irresistible.
Step 2: Combine Sauce Ingredients
After transferring the browned chicken to a 9×13-inch baking dish, it’s time to make the sauce. Using the same skillet, whisk together the dry Italian salad dressing mix, condensed golden mushroom soup, white wine, and cream cheese with chives. Stir this mixture until it’s completely smooth and well blended, as the cream cheese will give it a velvety texture that clings perfectly to the chicken during baking.
Step 3: Bake to Perfection
Pour the luscious sauce evenly over the chicken breasts in the baking dish, making sure each piece is bathed in that flavorful creaminess. Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil, which helps retain moisture and tenderness, and bake it in the preheated oven for about 60 minutes. The result is chicken that’s cooked through, melt-in-your-mouth tender, and surrounded by a heavenly sauce.
Step 4: Serve Warm Over Rice
Once baked, serve each chicken breast over a generous bed of fluffy cooked rice. The rice will soak up the sauce’s rich flavors, creating a complete meal that’s as satisfying as it is delicious.
How to Serve Angel Chicken Rice Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or chives on top brightens the dish with a pop of color and a subtle herbal note that complements the creamy sauce perfectly. You could also add a handful of toasted almonds or crispy fried onions for some delightful crunch and extra texture contrast.
Side Dishes
Since Angel Chicken Rice Recipe is rich and comforting, pairing it with light, fresh sides creates a well-rounded meal. Consider serving it alongside a crisp green salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette or steamed seasonal vegetables like asparagus or green beans lightly tossed in garlic and olive oil.
Creative Ways to Present
For a more elegant presentation, use a ring mold to shape the rice into neat towers on each plate, then nestle the chicken beside or on top. Drizzle extra sauce around for a restaurant-style touch. You could also place the chicken slices over rice-stuffed bell peppers for a colorful, playful twist that doubles as an eye-catching centerpiece.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
The Angel Chicken Rice Recipe keeps beautifully in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Store the chicken and sauce together in an airtight container to retain moisture and flavor. When ready to eat, simply reheat gently to enjoy all those comforting tastes again.
Freezing
If you want to save some for later, freeze the chicken and sauce in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating to maintain the sauce’s creamy texture and the chicken’s tenderness.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers in a covered dish in the oven at 325°F (165°C) or gently on the stovetop over low heat. Adding a splash of water or broth during reheating helps keep the sauce from thickening too much and ensures the chicken stays moist and flavorful.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
Absolutely! Bone-in or boneless chicken thighs work well and can add extra juiciness and flavor. Just adjust the baking time slightly, as thighs may take a bit longer to cook through.
What can I substitute for the dry Italian salad dressing mix?
If you don’t have the mix on hand, use a combination of dried herbs like oregano, basil, parsley, garlic powder, and onion powder to mimic the flavor profile.
Is white wine necessary in the recipe?
While the white wine adds lovely depth and acidity, you can substitute it with chicken broth or apple cider vinegar diluted with water for a non-alcoholic option without sacrificing too much flavor.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, look for gluten-free chicken broth and gluten-free condensed soup alternatives, and ensure the Italian dressing mix is gluten-free. This way, the dish remains safe and delicious for gluten-sensitive eaters.
How do I keep the chicken moist during baking?
Covering the baking dish tightly with foil traps steam and moisture, which helps keep the chicken tender. Also, browning the chicken beforehand locks in juices and adds flavor.
Final Thoughts
This Angel Chicken Rice Recipe truly feels like a warm hug on a plate — creamy, flavorful, and joyful to prepare and share. It’s one of those dishes that brings people together effortlessly, whether it’s for a weeknight dinner or a special gathering. I can’t recommend it enough; give it a try, and watch this become a cherished classic in your recipe collection.
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Angel Chicken Rice Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
Angel Chicken Rice is a comforting and creamy baked chicken recipe featuring tender boneless breasts smothered in a rich sauce made from Italian dressing mix, golden mushroom soup, white wine, and cream cheese. Served over a bed of fluffy rice, this dish combines savory flavors with a smooth, cheesy texture for a satisfying family meal.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 6 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1/4 cup butter
Sauce
- 1 package dry Italian salad dressing mix
- 1 can (about 10.5 oz) condensed golden mushroom soup
- 1/2 cup white wine
- 4 ounces cream cheese with chives
Serving
- Cooked rice, for serving
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 325°F (165°C) to warm it up and get ready for baking the chicken.
- Brown the chicken: In a large skillet, melt the 1/4 cup of butter over medium heat. Add the chicken breasts and cook until both sides are nicely browned, which seals in flavor and juices.
- Arrange chicken in baking dish: Transfer the browned chicken breasts into a 9×13-inch baking dish, spreading them out evenly.
- 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 thoroughly blended.
- Pour sauce over chicken: Evenly pour the prepared sauce over the chicken breasts in the baking dish, ensuring they are well coated.
- Bake the chicken: Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for approximately 60 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and tender when pierced with a fork.
- Serve: Plate the baked chicken and spoon the creamy sauce over a bed of cooked rice for a complete and hearty meal.
Notes
- For best results, use a good quality dry Italian salad dressing mix to enhance flavor.
- White wine adds depth; substitute with chicken broth if preferred.
- Make sure chicken breasts are thoroughly cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated gently.
- For a lower fat option, use reduced-fat cream cheese and butter substitutes.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
