The Angel Chicken Rice Recipe is a divine comfort food that brings together tender, buttery chicken smothered in a rich, creamy sauce infused with Italian herbs, golden mushroom soup, and a hint of white wine. It’s simple enough for a weeknight dinner yet elegant enough to impress guests, all served perfectly over a bed of fluffy rice that soaks up every bit of that luscious sauce. If you love flavors that feel like a warm hug, this recipe will quickly become one of your favorites to make and share.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are straightforward but each plays an essential role in creating the full, layered flavor and creamy texture that define the Angel Chicken Rice Recipe. From the rich butter to the tangy Italian dressing mix and velvety cream cheese, every element contributes beautifully to the final dish.
- 6 boneless, skinless chicken breasts: The star protein, easy to cook and wonderfully tender when baked in sauce.
- 1/4 cup butter: Adds richness and helps beautifully brown the chicken, creating great flavor depth.
- 1 package dry Italian salad dressing mix: Infuses the dish with bright herbs and spices that brighten the creamy sauce.
- 1 can condensed golden mushroom soup: Brings savory earthiness and creamy body, making the sauce irresistible.
- 1/2 cup white wine: Elevates the sauce with a subtle acidity and complexity that balances the richness.
- 4 ounces cream cheese with chives: Adds luscious creaminess and a mild oniony note that’s just enough to keep things interesting.
- Cooked rice, for serving: The ideal base to soak up all the delicious sauce and balance the hearty chicken.
How to Make Angel Chicken Rice Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Begin by setting your oven to 325°F (165°C) so it’s ready to gently bake the chicken until it’s tender and juicy. This moderate temperature ensures the chicken cooks evenly without drying out.
Step 2: Brown the Chicken
Melt the butter in a large skillet over medium heat and brown the chicken breasts on both sides. This step locks in flavor and gives the chicken a lovely golden crust that adds texture and aroma to the final dish.
Step 3: Arrange Chicken in Baking Dish
Once browned, place the chicken breasts carefully into a 9×13-inch baking dish, making sure they’re spaced evenly. This sets the stage for them to absorb the fabulous sauce during baking.
Step 4: Make the Sauce
Using the same skillet (to capture all those pan flavors), combine the dry Italian salad dressing mix, condensed golden mushroom soup, white wine, and cream cheese. Stir everything together over low heat until the sauce is perfectly smooth, creamy, and well blended, ready to pour over the chicken.
Step 5: Pour Sauce and Bake
Pour the luscious sauce evenly over the chicken breasts in the baking dish. Cover the dish with aluminum foil to keep the moisture in, then bake for about 60 minutes. The chicken will become tender and soak up the delicious herb-infused sauce, making every bite a delight.
Step 6: Serve Over Rice
When done, serve the chicken hot over a bed of freshly cooked rice. The rice soaks up the creamy sauce perfectly, turning every mouthful into a satisfying experience.
How to Serve Angel Chicken Rice Recipe
Garnishes
Add a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or chives on top for a pop of color and a fresh, mild herbal note that complements the creamy sauce beautifully. A light dusting of grated Parmesan can also add a savory touch that enhances the flavors even more.
Side Dishes
Pair this dish with simple steamed vegetables such as broccoli, green beans, or asparagus. Their crispness and subtle flavors provide a lovely balance to the richness of the Angel Chicken Rice Recipe. A side salad with a light vinaigrette also works great to keep the meal feeling fresh and bright.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve the chicken sliced atop a mound of rice, then drizzle extra sauce around the plate for an elegant restaurant-style presentation. For a fun twist, try baking the chicken and sauce in individual ramekins before serving, making each portion feel special and personalized.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Angel Chicken Rice Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This dish keeps well, and the sauce often tastes even better the next day as the flavors have time to meld further.
Freezing
For longer storage, freezing is an option. Cool the chicken and sauce completely, then place in a freezer-safe container. It can be frozen for up to 2 months without losing flavor or texture, making it a great dish to prepare in advance for busy days.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth or water if needed to loosen the sauce. Heat until warmed through, and be sure to stir occasionally for even heating and to preserve the creamy consistency.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs will add an extra layer of juiciness and flavor. Just adjust the cooking time slightly since thighs may take a bit longer to become tender.
Is it necessary to use white wine in the sauce?
The white wine adds a lovely depth and acidity that balances the richness, but if you prefer, you can substitute with chicken broth or even a splash of lemon juice for a similar tangy note.
Can this recipe be made gluten-free?
Yes, by choosing a gluten-free Italian seasoning mix and ensuring the golden mushroom soup is gluten-free, you can easily adapt this recipe for gluten-sensitive diets.
What type of rice works best?
Long grain white rice or jasmine rice are ideal because they stay fluffy and absorb the sauce well, but you can also try brown rice for a nuttier flavor and extra fiber.
Can I make the sauce ahead of time?
Definitely! You can prepare the sauce a day ahead and refrigerate it. When ready to cook, simply brown the chicken, pour over the pre-made sauce, and bake as directed.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a comforting yet elegant dish to share with family or friends, the Angel Chicken Rice Recipe is a fantastic choice. It’s packed with flavor, easy to prepare, and has that perfect creamy sauce that will keep everyone coming back for seconds. Give it a try soon—you might just find your new go-to dinner!
Print
Angel Chicken Rice Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Angel Chicken Rice is a comforting and creamy baked chicken dish featuring tender chicken breasts smothered in a rich sauce made from Italian salad dressing mix, golden mushroom soup, white wine, and cream cheese. Served over a bed of fluffy cooked rice, this meal is perfect for a hearty family dinner with simple ingredients and easy preparation.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 6 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1/4 cup butter
Sauce
- 1 package dry Italian salad dressing mix
- 1 can condensed golden mushroom soup
- 1/2 cup white wine
- 4 ounces cream cheese with chives
Serving
- Cooked rice, for serving
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C) to prepare for baking the chicken.
- Brown Chicken: In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat and brown the chicken breasts on both sides. This seals in the juices and adds extra flavor.
- Arrange Chicken: Place the browned chicken breasts evenly in a 9×13-inch baking dish, creating a base for the creamy sauce.
- Prepare Sauce: Using the same skillet, combine the dry Italian salad dressing mix, condensed golden mushroom soup, white wine, and cream cheese. Stir continuously until the mixture is smooth, creamy, and well-blended.
- Pour Sauce: Evenly pour the prepared sauce over the chicken breasts in the baking dish, coating each piece thoroughly.
- Bake: Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil to retain moisture and bake in the preheated oven for about 60 minutes, or until the chicken is completely cooked through and tender.
- Serve: Serve the tender chicken and creamy sauce over a bed of cooked rice, allowing the rice to soak up the delicious flavors.
Notes
- Make sure to brown the chicken well to develop more flavor in the final dish.
- White wine can be substituted with chicken broth if preferred or to make the recipe non-alcoholic.
- If you like a thicker sauce, you can simmer the sauce mixture briefly in the skillet before pouring over the chicken.
- Use freshly cooked rice for the best texture; leftover rice can also work if properly reheated.
- Covering the baking dish helps keep the chicken moist during baking.
