If you’re on the hunt for your next comfort food favorite, Angel Chicken Rice has all the dreamy, creamy, and savory elements you crave, neatly layered over fluffy rice or delicate angel hair pasta. In one dish, you get juicy chicken breasts, a velvety sauce with a hint of herby tang from Italian dressing mix, and a table-ready meal that brings everyone running. Whether you’re feeding a busy family, wanting to impress guests with minimal effort, or just love easy, homestyle dinners, this recipe is sure to become a staple.
Ingredients You’ll Need
With a line-up this straightforward, you’ll love how each ingredient has its own role to play in building flavor and texture in Angel Chicken Rice. The combination of creamy, tangy, and savory elements blends together for a dish that feels special with so little work.
- Chicken breasts: Juicy and tender when gently simmered, these are the protein backbone of the recipe.
- Dry Italian dressing mix: Delivers that signature herby tang that brings the sauce to life—don’t skip it!
- Cream cheese (softened): Adds a luscious creaminess and helps create that irresistible, silky sauce.
- Cream of chicken soup: Lends body, savoriness, and an ultra-creamy mouthfeel to the finished dish.
- Chicken broth: Deepens flavor while keeping the sauce just the right consistency.
- Dry white wine (optional): Offers a subtle zing and complexity—substitute with more broth if preferred.
- Butter: For browning the chicken and enriching the flavor right from the start.
- Garlic powder: Gives an aromatic boost to the chicken and sauce—a must for that homey feel.
- Salt and pepper: Essential for balancing and heightening all the other flavors.
- Angel hair pasta or white rice (cooked): The vessel to catch every drop of sauce—choose your favorite base!
- Chopped fresh parsley: Adds a pop of color and fresh flavor for finishing with flair.
How to Make Angel Chicken Rice
Step 1: Sear the Chicken
Start by melting butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Lay your chicken breasts in, then sprinkle them with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. You want to give each side 2 to 3 minutes—that light golden sear seals in juices and sets the base for flavor, but don’t cook fully through just yet.
Step 2: Mix the Creamy Sauce
While your chicken is getting its color, grab a mixing bowl. Whisk together the softened cream cheese, cream of chicken soup, chicken broth, white wine (if you’re feeling fancy), and the dry Italian dressing mix. Aim for a smooth, creamy consistency—this will be pure magic once it hits the pan.
Step 3: Simmer Everything Together
Pour your creamy sauce straight over the seared chicken in the skillet. Reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it all simmer gently for 20 to 25 minutes. The chicken will soak up the flavors and turn exceptionally tender, while the sauce thickens. Give everything an occasional stir to prevent any sticking.
Step 4: Serve Over Pasta or Rice
Once your chicken is cooked through and the sauce is bubbling and rich, it’s showtime. Either white rice or delicate angel hair pasta works beautifully—spoon the chicken and every bit of that sauce over your chosen base. Shower the top with a handful of chopped fresh parsley for the finishing touch.
How to Serve Angel Chicken Rice
Garnishes
Sprinkle a generous handful of chopped fresh parsley on top—this bright, fresh herb does wonders for both taste and presentation. You can also add a few grinds of cracked black pepper or a light dusting of grated Parmesan for an extra layer of flavor.
Side Dishes
Since Angel Chicken Rice is creamy and satisfying, light sides work best. Think a simple green salad with lemon vinaigrette, roasted asparagus, or buttery green beans. For a cozier touch, a side of crusty bread is ideal for sopping up every drop of sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to get playful, pile everything into shallow bowls and top with a swirl of extra sauce and a parsley sprig. For a hearty family-style presentation, use a platter and arrange slices of chicken over a bed of rice or pasta, then pour the sauce over the top. Individual ramekins make adorable servings for a dinner party, too!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Angel Chicken Rice stores like a dream. Place cooled chicken and sauce in an airtight container, and refrigerate for up to three days. Store the rice or pasta separately if possible to keep things from getting soggy.
Freezing
This dish freezes exceptionally well! Simply cool completely, then pack the chicken and sauce into a freezer-safe container, leaving a little space at the top for expansion. Freeze for up to three months. When you’re ready, thaw overnight in the fridge.
Reheating
To reheat, gently warm the chicken and sauce on the stovetop over low heat, stirring often until heated through. If the sauce has thickened up in the fridge, a splash of milk or broth will loosen it to its original creaminess. Microwave works in a pinch—just cover and use short bursts, stirring between each.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs will turn out even juicier and more flavorful. Just be sure to adjust cook time as needed, as thighs might take a bit longer to become tender.
What’s the best substitute for the white wine?
If you want to skip the wine, simply use more chicken broth instead. The wine does add a subtle brightness, but the dish will still taste wonderful with just broth.
Is Angel Chicken Rice gluten-free?
It can be! Make sure to use gluten-free pasta or serve with white rice, and double-check that your cream of chicken soup and dressing mix are certified gluten-free.
Can I make Angel Chicken Rice in a slow cooker?
Definitely. Place all ingredients (except for the cooked pasta/rice and parsley) into your slow cooker, cover, and cook on low for 4 to 5 hours. Shred the chicken or serve whole as you like.
How spicy is this dish?
Angel Chicken Rice is mild and family-friendly, but you can add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes or a chopped chili for something bolder if you love spice!
Final Thoughts
If you’re craving a dish that brings comfort, flavor, and a bit of elegance all in one, give Angel Chicken Rice a spin. The creamy sauce, tender chicken, and ease of preparation will quickly make it one of your go-to recipes—for both busy weeknights and cozy gatherings with friends and family. Let this dish become a new tradition at your table!
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Angel Chicken Rice Recipe
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Angel Chicken Rice recipe is a comforting and creamy dish that is perfect for a satisfying meal. Tender chicken cooked in a flavorful creamy sauce served over angel hair pasta or rice.
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 packet (1 oz) dry Italian dressing mix
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Creamy Sauce:
- 8 oz cream cheese (softened)
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup dry white wine (optional or substitute with more broth)
For Serving:
- 8 oz angel hair pasta or white rice (cooked)
- Chopped fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Cook the Chicken: In a large skillet or sauté pan, melt butter over medium heat. Add the chicken breasts and season with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Sear for 2–3 minutes per side until lightly browned but not fully cooked through.
- Prepare the Sauce: In a separate bowl, whisk together the cream cheese, cream of chicken soup, chicken broth, white wine (if using), and Italian dressing mix until smooth. Pour the mixture over the chicken in the skillet.
- Simmer: Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 20–25 minutes until the chicken is tender and cooked through. Stir the sauce occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Serve: Serve the chicken and sauce over cooked angel hair pasta or rice, and garnish with fresh parsley.
Notes
- For a richer flavor, use rotisserie chicken and reduce the cooking time.
- You can also make this in a slow cooker by adding all ingredients and cooking on low for 4–5 hours.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 670mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 130mg
