Angel Chicken Rice is the kind of creamy, soul-warming comfort food that brings everyone racing to the table. Imagine juicy chicken breasts nestled in a silky, herby sauce, all cozied up beside angel hair pasta. The flavors are luscious yet perfectly balanced, with a touch of brightness from fresh parsley and a sprinkle of Parmesan. This is one of those dishes you crave after a long day or pull out for special gatherings, and it always delivers on pure, delicious satisfaction.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Don’t let the elegance of Angel Chicken Rice fool you—its ingredient list is a harmonious blend of pantry staples and a few simple fresh items. Each component layers in flavor, texture, or color, contributing to the final, crave-worthy bite.
- Chicken Breasts: Use boneless, skinless chicken breasts for quick cooking and tender results; thighs can work for extra juiciness.
- Olive Oil: Essential for searing the chicken to a beautiful golden crust—don’t skip this step for best flavor.
- Cream of Mushroom Soup: Adds depth and a silky texture to the sauce, enhancing the dish’s savory profile.
- Cream of Chicken Soup: Helps deliver a rich, hearty backbone to the luscious sauce.
- Cream Cheese: Softened cream cheese infuses decadent creaminess and helps bind the sauce together; let it come to room temp for easier mixing.
- Chicken Broth: Lends moisture and lovely flavor; grab a low-sodium version if you want to mind the salt.
- Dry White Wine (or extra broth): Brings gentle acidity that balances out the creamy ingredients; use extra broth if wine isn’t your style.
- Italian Dressing Mix: Packs a punch of herbs and flavor, turning the sauce from good to irresistible.
- Garlic Powder: Adds mellow warmth without overpowering the other flavors.
- Black Pepper: For just the right touch of gentle heat.
- Angel Hair Pasta: This delicate noodle soaks up the creamy sauce beautifully; cook it just until al dente.
- Fresh Parsley: A sprinkle of green freshness at the end lifts the whole dish.
- Grated Parmesan Cheese: Salty and nutty, the final flourish that ties it all together.
How to Make Angel Chicken Rice
Step 1: Sear the Chicken Breasts
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. Meanwhile, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once shimmering, add your chicken breasts and let them sear undisturbed for 2 to 3 minutes per side. Aim for a golden, crisp exterior—it won’t cook through just yet, but that caramelized flavor is pure magic later in the dish.
Step 2: Mix Up the Creamy Sauce
While the chicken works its golden magic, grab a saucepan and combine the cream of mushroom soup, cream of chicken soup, softened cream cheese, chicken broth, white wine (or extra broth), Italian dressing mix, garlic powder, and black pepper. Give everything a good stir over medium heat until smooth and creamy, making sure there are no lumps from the cream cheese. Inhale deeply—the fragrance is a preview of the goodness ahead!
Step 3: Layer Chicken and Sauce
Nestle the seared chicken breasts into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Pour that dreamy sauce evenly over the chicken, making sure each piece gets a generous coating. Cover the dish snugly with foil—this keeps all the moisture in while the flavors meld beautifully in the oven.
Step 4: Bake Until Tender
Slide the dish into your preheated oven and let it bake for 40 to 45 minutes. The chicken will finish cooking in the comfort of the creamy sauce, soaking up every bit of flavor to reach melt-in-your-mouth tenderness by the time you’re ready to serve.
Step 5: Cook the Angel Hair Pasta
While the chicken bakes, cook your angel hair pasta according to the package directions. Be sure to salt your water for extra flavor, and cook until just al dente—the sauce will finish softening the noodles once everything comes together. Drain gently and set aside.
Step 6: Serve Up Angel Chicken Rice
To serve, use tongs to twirl a heap of angel hair pasta onto each plate. Top with one of the tender chicken breasts and a generous spoonful of that savory, herb-laced sauce. Finish with a shower of fresh parsley and all the Parmesan your heart desires. Every bite of Angel Chicken Rice is pure, creamy comfort.
How to Serve Angel Chicken Rice
Garnishes
A good garnish does more than look pretty—it adds a fresh, bright pop to your creamy Angel Chicken Rice! I love snipping a few tablespoons of fresh parsley over the top for color and flavor. A generous sprinkle of grated Parmesan right before serving brings a little salty, nutty magic that lingers on your palate. And if you want a subtle bite, try a twist of freshly cracked black pepper.
Side Dishes
Angel Chicken Rice plays well with plenty of sidekicks. A crisp green salad tossed in tangy vinaigrette is a natural choice, cutting through the richness while adding texture and freshness. If you’re in the mood for something hot, roasted broccoli or lemony green beans are perfect companions. Warm, crusty garlic bread for extra sauce-mopping is always welcome at my table!
Creative Ways to Present
Turn Angel Chicken Rice into a dinner party showstopper by twirling the pasta high in shallow bowls or arranging it family-style on a big platter with chicken nestled on top. For a cozy touch, portion the pasta and chicken into individual ramekins—cheese bubbling and brown from the broiler—then serve straight out of the oven. It’s also fun to assemble a “build-your-own” pasta bar with toppings like extra herbs, red pepper flakes, and toasted breadcrumbs!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Angel Chicken Rice holds up beautifully for lunch or dinner the next day. Transfer any extra chicken and sauce to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep the angel hair noodles separate if possible, so they stay light and don’t soak up too much sauce.
Freezing
To freeze, allow the cooked chicken and sauce to cool completely, then transfer to a freezer-safe container. The sauce may separate slightly upon thawing due to the dairy, but a good stir when reheating brings it right back together. It’s best to freeze the pasta separately, as reheated angel hair can get mushy.
Reheating
When you’re ready to enjoy Angel Chicken Rice again, reheat gently in a covered skillet over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or milk to loosen up the sauce if needed. If using the microwave, cover loosely and heat in one-minute bursts, stirring between each, until piping hot. Cooked angel hair pasta is best revived with a quick dip in hot water or a brief sauté with a touch of olive oil.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs are fantastic in Angel Chicken Rice, providing an extra-juicy result. Simply adjust the baking time as needed, since thighs can take a little longer to reach full tenderness.
What can I substitute for cream cheese if I want a lighter version?
If you’re looking to lighten things up, sub in plain Greek yogurt for half (or even all) of the cream cheese. You’ll get a slightly tangier flavor and a lighter texture—still gorgeous in the creamy sauce!
Is it possible to make this dish ahead of time?
You sure can! Assemble the chicken and sauce in your baking dish, cover tightly, and refrigerate up to 24 hours ahead. When you’re ready to bake, just let the dish come to room temperature for 30 minutes before placing it in the oven as directed.
What should I do if my sauce is too thick?
No worries! If your sauce tightens up too much, just stir in a little extra chicken broth or milk until you reach your desired consistency. The sauce should be creamy enough to coat the back of a spoon and glide beautifully over the pasta.
Can Angel Chicken Rice be made gluten free?
Yes! Use gluten-free cream soups and swap in your favorite gluten-free angel hair or spaghetti. Always check your Italian dressing mix for hidden gluten; many brands offer safe alternatives.
Final Thoughts
I truly believe Angel Chicken Rice is one of those dishes that everyone should have in their comfort food repertoire. Creamy, flavorful, and oh-so-satisfying, it’s a meal that brings people together and guarantees happy plates. Treat yourself and your loved ones to a cozy night in—your table (and your soul) will thank you.
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Angel Chicken Rice Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the rich and creamy flavors of Angel Chicken Rice. This comforting dish features tender chicken breasts smothered in a luscious sauce, served over a bed of angel hair pasta for a satisfying meal.
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
For the Sauce:
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
- 1 package (8 oz) cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup dry white wine (or extra chicken broth)
- 1 packet Italian dressing mix
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
For Serving:
- 12 ounces angel hair pasta, cooked
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- Grated Parmesan cheese for serving
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat and sear chicken breasts for 2–3 minutes per side until lightly golden.
- In a saucepan, combine mushroom soup, chicken soup, cream cheese, chicken broth, wine, Italian dressing mix, garlic powder, and black pepper. Cook over medium heat, stirring until smooth.
- Place chicken in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish and pour sauce over the top. Cover with foil and bake for 40–45 minutes until chicken is cooked through.
- Meanwhile, cook angel hair pasta according to package directions and drain.
- To serve, place pasta on plates, top with chicken and creamy sauce, and garnish with parsley and Parmesan.
Notes
- This dish is rich and creamy—pair it with a green salad or roasted vegetables for balance.
- You can substitute Greek yogurt for some of the cream cheese to lighten it up.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Main Course, Pasta
- Method: Baking, Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast with pasta
- Calories: 560
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 930 mg
- Fat: 25 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 48 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 34 g
- Cholesterol: 120 mg
