Angel Chicken Rice

Comfort food doesn’t get much better than this creamy, savory, and satisfying Angel Chicken Rice. Tender chicken is simmered in a rich, herb-infused cream sauce and served over fluffy rice for a weeknight meal that feels indulgent but is incredibly easy to make. It’s perfect for feeding a family or meal prepping for the week.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Creamy & Flavorful – A velvety sauce packed with herbs and umami flavor.
One-Pan Magic – Everything cooks together, saving time and cleanup.
Family-Friendly – Mild, comforting flavors even picky eaters will enjoy.
Great for Leftovers – Tastes even better the next day.
Customizable – Serve over rice, orzo, or mashed potatoes.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Chicken:

• 1.5 lbs boneless skinless chicken thighs (or breasts)
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• ½ tsp onion powder
• ½ tsp dried parsley
• ½ tsp salt
• ¼ tsp black pepper

For the Creamy Sauce:

• 1 tbsp butter
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 small yellow onion, finely chopped
• 1 cup chicken broth (low sodium)
• 1 cup plain Greek yogurt or sour cream
• 1 block (8 oz) cream cheese, softened
• 1 packet (1 oz) dry Italian dressing mix
• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• ½ tsp dried thyme
• ½ tsp dried basil
• ¼ tsp red pepper flakes (optional for a bit of heat)

For Serving:

• 3 cups cooked white or brown rice
• 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
• Extra Parmesan cheese for garnish

Tools You’ll Need

• Large skillet or sauté pan
• Medium pot (for rice)
• Whisk
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Cutting board and knife
• Spatula or wooden spoon

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Season & Sear the Chicken

1. Pat chicken dry and season both sides with garlic powder, onion powder, parsley, salt, and pepper.
2. In a large skillet over medium heat, add olive oil.
3. Sear the chicken for 4–5 minutes per side until golden brown.
4. Remove chicken and set aside on a plate. It doesn’t need to be fully cooked yet.

Step 2: Build the Creamy Sauce

1. In the same skillet, add 1 tbsp butter and the chopped onions. Cook for 2–3 minutes until translucent.
2. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
3. Pour in the chicken broth and stir to deglaze the pan, scraping up any browned bits.
4. Lower the heat and add the cream cheese, stirring until melted and smooth.
5. Whisk in Greek yogurt (or sour cream), dry Italian dressing mix, Parmesan, thyme, basil, and red pepper flakes if using.
6. Simmer for 3–5 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.

Step 3: Return Chicken to the Sauce

1. Place the seared chicken back into the skillet, spooning sauce over each piece.
2. Cover the pan and let simmer on low heat for 15–20 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked and tender.
3. Stir occasionally to prevent the sauce from sticking.

Step 4: Prepare the Rice

1. While the chicken simmers, cook your rice according to package directions.
2. For extra flavor, cook it in chicken broth instead of water.

Step 5: Assemble & Serve

1. Spoon a generous portion of rice onto each plate.
2. Top with a piece of chicken and lots of creamy sauce.
3. Garnish with fresh parsley and a sprinkle of extra Parmesan.

Tips for the Best Angel Chicken Rice
Use Thighs for Juiciness – Chicken thighs stay moist and flavorful.
Don’t Overheat the Yogurt – Stir it in after removing from direct heat to avoid curdling.
Let It Simmer Slowly – A gentle simmer helps the chicken absorb all the flavors.
Use Full-Fat Dairy – It gives the sauce richness and a smoother texture.
Fresh Herbs Add Brightness – A little fresh parsley or basil at the end elevates the dish.

Serving Suggestions
Garlic Green Beans – A bright and crisp veggie side.
Steamed Broccoli – Adds color and balance to the rich sauce.
Crisp Garden Salad – With a simple vinaigrette to cut through the creaminess.
Buttered Corn – Sweet corn pairs beautifully with savory flavors.
Crusty Bread – For soaking up extra sauce if you’re skipping rice.

How to Store & Reheat

Storing:

• Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• Store rice and chicken separately for best texture.

Freezing:

• Freeze chicken and sauce (not rice) in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months.
• Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.

Reheating:

• Stovetop: Reheat chicken and sauce in a pan over low heat, adding a splash of broth or milk if needed.
• Microwave: Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring in between to distribute heat evenly.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use a different cut of chicken?
   Yes, chicken breasts work well too—just adjust cooking time to avoid drying out.
2. Is there a dairy-free option?
   You can try using dairy-free cream cheese and yogurt alternatives, but flavor and texture will vary.
3. Can I make this in a slow cooker?
   Yes! Add all ingredients except Greek yogurt and Parmesan. Cook on low for 4–6 hours, then stir in yogurt and cheese at the end.
4. What type of rice works best?
   White jasmine, basmati, or brown rice all work. Even cauliflower rice if you’re going low-carb.
5. Can I use fresh herbs instead of dried?
   Absolutely. Use 3x the amount of fresh herbs in place of dried ones.

Final Thoughts
Angel Chicken Rice is the ultimate feel-good meal—rich, creamy, and full of flavor with tender chicken and buttery sauce served over warm rice. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or prepping for the week, this dish delivers comfort and taste in every bite. Plus, it’s easy enough for a busy weeknight but special enough for Sunday dinner.

Try it once and it might just become a new family favorite!

Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 30 minutes
Cuisine: American

Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
Calories: 420 | Protein: 32g | Carbohydrates: 28g | Fat: 21g | Fiber: 1g | Sodium: 620mg

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