Angel Chicken Rice Recipe

Heavenly Angel Chicken Rice Recipe: A Dreamy Dinner Delight

Creamy and comforting angel chicken rice delivers a smooth culinary experience that feels like a warm embrace.

Weeknight dinners demand simple yet satisfying solutions for hungry households.

Succulent chicken pieces nestle into a rich, velvety sauce that coats fluffy rice with delectable flavor.

Minimal ingredients create maximum impact in this crowd-pleasing dish.

Unexpected hints of herbs and smooth cream cheese provide depth to each delightful bite.

Professional chefs and home cooks alike appreciate how quickly this meal comes together.

Gather around the table and savor every single spoonful of this irresistible comfort classic.

Angel Chicken Rice: Frequently Asked Questions

  • Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?

Brown rice requires more liquid and longer cooking time. Adjust recipe by adding extra 1/2 cup chicken broth and increasing baking time by 15-20 minutes to ensure rice becomes tender.

  • How do I know the chicken is fully cooked?

Use a meat thermometer to check internal temperature reaches 165°F at the thickest part of the chicken breast. Clear juices and no pink meat are also good indicators of doneness.

  • Is it possible to make this dish dairy-free?

Substitute cream cheese with dairy-free alternatives like cashew cream or coconut cream. Replace heavy cream with unsweetened almond milk or coconut milk to maintain similar consistency.

Why Angel Chicken Rice Is a Comfort Classic

  • Minimal Cleanup Magic: Kiss goodbye to multiple pots and pans – this recipe dirties just one dish, making post-dinner cleanup a breeze.
  • Crowd-Pleasing Comfort: Packed with creamy textures and savory seasonings, this dish satisfies everyone from picky kids to discerning adults.
  • Versatile Meal Solution: Perfect for busy weeknights, potlucks, or family gatherings, this recipe adapts seamlessly to different dining scenarios.

Ingredients for Making Angel Chicken Rice

For the Protein:
  • Chicken Breasts: Lean, tender meat that serves as the main protein source and absorbs the creamy flavors of the dish.
For the Base:
  • White Rice: Creates a soft, fluffy foundation that soaks up the delicious sauce and complements the chicken.
For the Seasonings:
  • Garlic Powder, Dried Basil, Salt, Black Pepper: Provide a robust and aromatic flavor profile that enhances the overall taste of the chicken.
For the Creamy Sauce Components:
  • Cream Cheese, Heavy Cream: Deliver a rich, velvety texture and add luxurious creaminess to the dish.
  • Italian Salad Dressing: Introduces tangy and herbal notes that elevate the sauce's complexity.
  • Melted Butter: Adds richness and helps create a smooth, well-integrated sauce.
For the Moisture and Flavor:
  • Chicken Broth: Ensures the rice stays moist and adds depth to the overall flavor of the dish.
For the Garnish:
  • Fresh Parsley: Brings a bright, fresh finish and adds a pop of color to the completed dish.
For the Cooking Preparation:
  • Aluminum Foil: Helps trap moisture and ensures even cooking during the baking process.

Step-by-Step Angel Chicken Rice Recipe

Step 1: Prep The Oven And Dish

Preheat the oven to 375°F and grab a spacious baking dish ready for cooking.

Step 2: Season The Chicken

Generously coat chicken breasts with:
  • Garlic powder
  • Dried basil
  • Salt
  • Black pepper

Ensure every inch of chicken is seasoned perfectly.

Step 3: Create Rice Foundation

Spread uncooked white rice evenly across the bottom of the baking dish, creating a delicious base layer.

Step 4: Position Chicken

Carefully place seasoned chicken breasts directly on top of the rice layer.

Step 5: Mix Creamy Sauce

In a mixing bowl, whisk together:
  • Cream cheese
  • Heavy cream
  • Italian salad dressing
  • Melted butter

Blend until smooth and well-combined.

Step 6: Pour Sauce

Gently drizzle the creamy mixture over chicken and rice, ensuring complete and even coverage.

Step 7: Add Moisture

Pour chicken broth around the dish edges to help steam and soften the rice during baking.

Step 8: Cover And Protect

Tightly wrap the baking dish with aluminum foil to lock in moisture and guarantee even cooking.

Step 9: Bake To Perfection

Slide the dish into the preheated oven and bake for 45-50 minutes until chicken is fully cooked and rice becomes tender.

Step 10: Create Golden Crisp

Remove foil during the final 10 minutes of cooking, allowing the top to develop a beautiful golden-brown crust.

Step 11: Rest And Settle

Allow the casserole to rest for 5-7 minutes, letting the sauce settle and flavors meld together.

Step 12: Garnish And Serve

Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the top for a vibrant, aromatic finishing touch before serving.

Pro-Level Tips for Angel Chicken Rice

  • Prep Perfectly: Use long-grain white rice for the best texture and even cooking results.
  • Sauce Smoothing: Whisk cream cheese at room temperature to prevent lumps and create a silky-smooth sauce.
  • Moisture Magic: Add extra chicken broth if you prefer softer rice or want more sauce in the final dish.
  • Protein Swap: Replace chicken breasts with thighs or turkey for varied flavor and protein options.
  • Diet-Friendly Adaptation: Use low-fat cream cheese and light cream to reduce overall calorie content while maintaining delicious taste.

Easy Ways to Switch Up Angel Chicken Rice

  • Gluten-Free Comfort: Replace Italian dressing with gluten-free version and use certified gluten-free rice for celiac-friendly meal.
  • Low-Carb Cauliflower Swap: Substitute white rice with riced cauliflower to reduce carbohydrate content and create keto-friendly alternative.
  • Dairy-Free Adaptation: Use dairy-free cream cheese, coconut cream instead of heavy cream, and olive oil in place of butter for lactose-intolerant individuals.
  • Mediterranean Herb Remix: Incorporate oregano, thyme, and rosemary instead of basil, adding kalamata olives and sun-dried tomatoes for Mediterranean flair.

What to Pair with Angel Chicken Rice

  • Pair Creamy Chicken and Rice with Crisp White Wine: A chardonnay or sauvignon blanc complements the rich, creamy sauce with its bright acidity and refreshing notes.
  • Create Fresh Green Side Salad: Toss mixed greens with a light vinaigrette to balance the dish's creamy texture and provide a crisp, tangy counterpoint.
  • Serve Roasted Vegetable Medley: Prepare a colorful mix of roasted zucchini, bell peppers, and carrots to add nutritional variety and enhance the meal's visual appeal.
  • Select Buttery Garlic Bread: Warm, crusty garlic bread provides the perfect accompaniment to soak up the delicious creamy sauce and add a satisfying crunch.

How to Store and Reheat Angel Chicken Rice

  • Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Seal tightly and keep in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Cool completely before storing to prevent bacterial growth.
  • Transfer portions to freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Remove excess air to prevent freezer burn. Freeze for maximum 2-3 months. Label container with date and contents.
  • Place individual serving in microwave-safe dish. Cover with damp paper towel to retain moisture. Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through. Check internal temperature reaches 165°F for food safety.
  • Preheat oven to 350°F. Place leftovers in oven-safe dish.
Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon
Angel Chicken Rice Recipe

Angel Chicken Rice Recipe


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.6 from 29 reviews

  • Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Savory angel chicken rice blends tender chicken with creamy sauce and aromatic herbs, creating a comforting meal that whispers pure comfort. Delightful flavors meld together, promising warmth and satisfaction with each delectable bite you’ll enjoy.


Ingredients

Scale

Chicken and Base:

  • 2 lbs boneless chicken breasts
  • 1 cup white rice
  • 1/2 cup chicken broth

Sauce Ingredients:

  • 8 oz cream cheese
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 1/4 cup Italian salad dressing
  • 2 tbsp butter

Herbs and Seasonings:

  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp dried basil
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper
  • 2 tbsp fresh parsley (chopped)

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 375°F, preparing a spacious baking dish for the culinary creation.
  2. Season chicken breasts thoroughly with garlic powder, dried basil, salt, and black pepper, ensuring even coverage.
  3. Spread uncooked white rice evenly across the bottom of the baking dish, creating a foundational layer.
  4. Arrange seasoned chicken breasts directly on top of the rice layer.
  5. In a mixing bowl, whisk together cream cheese, heavy cream, Italian salad dressing, and melted butter until smooth and well-integrated.
  6. Gently pour the creamy sauce over the chicken and rice, making sure to distribute it uniformly.
  7. Pour chicken broth around the edges of the dish to help steam and moisten the rice during baking.
  8. Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil to trap moisture and ensure even cooking.
  9. Bake in the preheated oven for 45-50 minutes, or until chicken is completely cooked through and rice is tender.
  10. Remove foil during the last 10 minutes of cooking to allow the top to slightly brown and crisp.
  11. Once done, let the dish rest for 5-7 minutes to allow sauce to settle and flavors to meld.
  12. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley before serving for a vibrant, aromatic finish.

Notes

  • Swap white rice with brown rice or quinoa for added nutrition and a nutty flavor profile.
  • Use low-fat cream cheese and reduced-sodium broth to create a lighter version of the dish.
  • For gluten-free option, select a gluten-free Italian dressing and verify ingredient compatibility.
  • Enhance protein variety by substituting chicken with turkey or boneless pork chops for diverse meal experiences.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 50 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Singaporean

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 683
  • Sugar: 2 g
  • Sodium: 709 mg
  • Fat: 36 g
  • Saturated Fat: 20 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 53 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 43 g
  • Cholesterol: 151 mg
Jackson Reid

Jackson Reid

Founder & Recipe Developer

Expertise

  • Single-serving recipe development
  • Global flavor fusion
  • Minimalist cooking techniques
  • Food photography and styling

Education

Holyoke Community College – HCC-MGM Culinary Arts Institute
Certificate in Culinary Arts
Focus: Farm-to-table cuisine, sustainable cooking practices, and hands-on kitchen training


Jackson’s love for cooking began one dish at a time. After earning his Culinary Arts Certificate from Holyoke Community College’s HCC-MGM Culinary Arts Institute, he focused on what mattered most: creating recipes that are simple to follow and full of flavor.
At 10 Below Ice Cream, Jackson brings together global influences and a less-is-more approach. His recipes reflect his belief that good food doesn’t need to be complicated; it just needs to make sense, taste great, and feel right.
When he’s not testing ingredients or adjusting seasonings, you’ll find him hiking near Asheville, exploring local markets, or chasing the best light for food photos.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe rating 5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star