Angel Chicken Rice

Angel Chicken Rice is a comforting and delicious dish that combines tender chicken breasts, a creamy and flavorful sauce, and a bed of fluffy rice. This dish is easy to prepare and perfect for busy weeknights or family gatherings. The combination of Italian dressing mix, golden mushroom soup, white wine, and cream cheese creates a rich, savory sauce that infuses the chicken with incredible flavor. Baked to perfection, the chicken becomes juicy and tender, and the sauce is perfect for drizzling over a serving of rice, making each bite satisfying and comforting.

What’s wonderful about this recipe is how simple it is to make, with minimal ingredients and only a short time required for preparation and cooking. Whether you’re feeding your family or hosting a dinner party, Angel Chicken Rice is guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser. The smooth and tangy sauce paired with the chicken and rice offers a classic combination of flavors that are sure to satisfy everyone at the table.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Rich and Creamy Sauce

The sauce made with cream cheese, golden mushroom soup, and white wine adds a luxurious richness that takes the chicken to the next level.

2. Quick and Easy to Make

With just 10 minutes of prep and 1 hour of baking, this recipe is simple to prepare and doesn’t require too much hands-on time.

3. Comforting Meal

The combination of chicken and rice with a creamy sauce is the ultimate comfort food, perfect for feeding your loved ones.

4. Crowd-Pleaser

This dish is perfect for family dinners, gatherings, or potlucks, as it’s easy to make in large batches and is sure to please everyone.

5. Flavorful Yet Simple

The flavors are bold and savory, thanks to the Italian dressing mix and cream cheese, but the recipe uses just a few basic ingredients, making it both flavorful and straightforward.

Ingredients

• 6 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1/4 cup butter
• 1 package dry Italian salad dressing mix
• 1 can condensed golden mushroom soup
• 1/2 cup white wine
• 4 ounces cream cheese with chives
• Cooked rice (for serving)

Variations

• Add Vegetables: You can add sliced mushrooms, onions, or bell peppers to the sauce for added flavor and texture.
• Spicy Version: For a spicy kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce or serve with hot sauce.
• Use Chicken Thighs: If you prefer dark meat, you can substitute boneless, skinless chicken thighs for the chicken breasts.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C) to prepare for baking.

Step 2: Brown the Chicken

In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Brown the chicken breasts in the butter, cooking for about 4-5 minutes on each side until golden brown.

Step 3: Arrange the Chicken

Place the browned chicken breasts in a 9×13 inch baking dish.

Step 4: Prepare the Sauce

In the same skillet, combine the Italian salad dressing mix, golden mushroom soup, white wine, and cream cheese. Stir the ingredients until the cream cheese is fully incorporated and the mixture is smooth.

Step 5: Pour the Sauce Over Chicken

Pour the creamy sauce mixture evenly over the chicken breasts in the baking dish, making sure they are well covered.

Step 6: Bake the Dish

Bake the chicken in the preheated oven for about 60 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked and tender.

Step 7: Serve

Serve the angel chicken over a bed of cooked rice, spooning the creamy sauce over the top for extra flavor.

Tips for Making the Recipe

• Even Cooking: Be sure to brown the chicken on both sides before baking to lock in the flavor and moisture.
• Don’t Overcook: Since the chicken is baking in a sauce, it’s important not to overcook it. Check the internal temperature with a meat thermometer (it should be 165°F or 74°C).
• Customize the Sauce: If you prefer a thicker sauce, you can add a bit of flour or cornstarch to the mixture while cooking it on the stove.
• Serve with Fresh Herbs: Garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or basil for added color and freshness.

How to Serve

Angel Chicken Rice is best served over fluffy white rice or even brown rice for a healthier alternative. You can also serve it with roasted vegetables or a fresh green salad on the side to balance the richness of the dish.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover Angel Chicken Rice in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. The sauce will continue to soak into the chicken, making it even more flavorful the next day.

Freezing

You can freeze leftover Angel Chicken Rice for up to 2-3 months. To do so, let the dish cool completely, then store it in an airtight freezer-safe container. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Reheating

Reheat the dish in the microwave or in a covered oven-safe dish at 350°F (175°C) for about 20 minutes, or until heated through.

FAQs

1. Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Yes, you can substitute boneless, skinless chicken thighs for chicken breasts if you prefer dark meat.

2. Can I make this recipe without white wine?

If you don’t have white wine, you can substitute it with chicken broth or vegetable broth for a non-alcoholic version.

3. How do I make the sauce thicker?

To thicken the sauce, add a tablespoon of flour or cornstarch to the mixture and stir until smooth.

4. Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the dish in advance and refrigerate it until ready to bake. Just allow it to come to room temperature before baking.

5. Can I use a different type of soup?

While golden mushroom soup is ideal, you can use cream of mushroom soup or even a cream of chicken soup if you prefer.

6. How do I know when the chicken is done?

The chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) to be fully cooked. You can check with a meat thermometer.

7. Can I use low-fat cream cheese?

Yes, you can use low-fat or fat-free cream cheese for a lighter version of this recipe.

8. Can I add vegetables to this dish?

Yes, you can add vegetables such as mushrooms, onions, or spinach to the sauce for extra flavor and nutrition.

9. How do I store leftover Angel Chicken Rice?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

10. Can I freeze Angel Chicken Rice?

Yes, you can freeze this dish for up to 2-3 months. Just ensure that it’s stored in an airtight freezer-safe container.

Conclusion

Angel Chicken Rice is a simple yet delicious meal that combines tender chicken with a creamy, flavorful sauce. Perfect for a family dinner or a gathering, this dish is easy to prepare and sure to please everyone at the table. With its rich sauce and satisfying flavor, it’s a comforting and hearty meal that you’ll want to make again and again. Whether you’re looking for a quick dinner or a special occasion meal, Angel Chicken Rice will always be a hit.

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