Angel Chicken Rice

Creamy, savory, and incredibly comforting, Angel Chicken Rice is a warm and hearty dish that brings tender chicken, fluffy rice, and a rich, herb-infused sauce together in one satisfying skillet. Inspired by the classic “angel chicken” flavor profile, this version pairs familiar pantry ingredients with a silky cream sauce for a meal that’s family-friendly, freezer-ready, and weeknight-approved.

Want recipes like this delivered straight to your inbox? Subscribe now to get the latest culinary creations you’ll love.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Creamy & Comforting – Like a cozy casserole in a skillet.
One-Pan Wonder – Fewer dishes and faster cleanup.
Family-Friendly – Mild, creamy flavors everyone enjoys.
Great for Meal Prep – Stores and reheats beautifully.
Customizable – Add your favorite veggies or swap in brown rice.

Ingredients You’ll Need

• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, thinly sliced
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 small yellow onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• ½ tsp salt
• ¼ tsp black pepper
• 1 cup long-grain white rice (uncooked)
• 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
• ½ cup milk (or half-and-half for extra creaminess)
• ½ cup cream cheese, softened
• ½ cup shredded mozzarella or parmesan
• 1 tbsp fresh parsley or basil, chopped (optional, for garnish)

Tools You’ll Need
• Large skillet with lid or Dutch oven
• Cutting board and knife
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Spatula or wooden spoon

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Sear the Chicken
In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat.
Add the sliced chicken and cook for 4–5 minutes, until golden and cooked through.
Season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
Transfer chicken to a plate and set aside.

Step 2: Sauté the Onion & Garlic
In the same skillet, add a bit more oil if needed.
Sauté the chopped onion over medium heat for 3 minutes until softened.
Add garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.

Step 3: Cook the Rice
Stir in the uncooked rice and toast for 1 minute to enhance flavor.
Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a boil.
Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15–18 minutes, or until rice is tender and liquid is mostly absorbed.

Step 4: Make It Creamy
Stir in the milk and softened cream cheese.
Continue stirring gently until the cream cheese melts into the rice, creating a smooth and creamy base.

Step 5: Return the Chicken & Finish
Add the cooked chicken back to the skillet along with mozzarella or parmesan cheese.
Stir everything together and cook for 2–3 more minutes until heated through and creamy.
Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.

Step 6: Garnish & Serve
Top with chopped fresh herbs if desired.
Serve warm as a hearty main dish with a side of greens or steamed veggies.

Tips for the Best Angel Chicken Rice
Use Thin Chicken – Thin slices cook faster and blend well into the rice.
Don’t Rush the Rice – Simmer gently to avoid undercooked or soggy grains.
Room Temp Cream Cheese – Makes it easier to blend into the sauce.
Try Brown Rice – Increase broth and cook time accordingly for a whole grain version.
Add Veggies – Sauté mushrooms, peas, or spinach for more nutrition and texture.

Serving Suggestions
With a Green Salad – A fresh side balances the richness.
With Steamed Broccoli – A simple and nutritious veggie pairing.
With Garlic Bread – Scoop every last bit of creamy sauce.
In Meal Prep Bowls – Pack with roasted veggies for a balanced lunch.
As a Casserole – Pour into a baking dish, top with extra cheese, and broil until bubbly.

How to Store & Reheat

Storing:
Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freezer: Freeze in individual portions for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight before reheating.

Reheating:
Stovetop: Reheat over medium-low heat with a splash of milk or broth.
Microwave: Heat in 60-second intervals, stirring between, until hot throughout.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use rotisserie chicken?
   Yes—just skip the searing step and stir it in at the end to heat through.
2. Can I make it dairy-free?
   Use dairy-free cream cheese and plant-based milk. Omit the cheese or use a vegan version.
3. What kind of rice is best?
   Long-grain white rice or jasmine rice works well. Avoid instant rice.
4. Can I bake this dish?
   Yes—transfer to a casserole dish after Step 5, top with cheese, and bake at 375°F for 10–15 minutes.
5. Can I add spice?
   Absolutely! Add red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños with the onion for heat.

Final Thoughts
Angel Chicken Rice is creamy, cozy, and full of simple goodness—a perfect dish to gather around the table for. It’s comforting without being heavy, filling without being complicated, and always a hit with the family. From busy weeknights to cozy weekends, this one-pan meal brings both convenience and comfort to your dinner routine.

Give it a try and let us know how you liked it! Don’t forget to share, rate, and tag your own creamy creations.

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

Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
Calories: 420 | Protein: 29g | Carbohydrates: 34g | Fat: 20g | Fiber: 2g | Sodium: 460mg

Print