Angel Chicken Rice is a creamy, flavorful dish that features tender chicken in a rich sauce served over a bed of rice. This easy-to-make comfort food is perfect for a cozy dinner. Here’s how you can make it:
Ingredients:
For the Chicken:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs, if you prefer)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika (optional, for a hint of smokiness)
For the Sauce:
- 1 (10.5 oz) can of cream of chicken soup
- 1/2 cup ranch dressing (use a good-quality ranch)
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
For the Rice:
- 1 1/2 cups long-grain white rice (or your choice of rice)
- 3 cups chicken broth (or water with chicken bouillon)
- 1 tablespoon butter (optional)
- Salt, to taste
Instructions:
1. Cook the Chicken:
- Season the Chicken: Rub the chicken breasts with olive oil, and season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat a skillet over medium heat and add the chicken breasts. Cook for about 6-7 minutes on each side, until the chicken is browned and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F or 74°C). Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside. Once cool enough, slice it into strips or bite-sized pieces.
2. Prepare the Rice:
- Cook the Rice: In a separate pot, bring the chicken broth to a boil. Add the rice, salt, and butter. Cover the pot, reduce the heat to low, and let the rice simmer for about 18-20 minutes, or until the rice is cooked and the liquid has been absorbed. Remove from heat and let it sit covered for a few minutes before fluffing it with a fork.
3. Make the Sauce:
- Combine Sauce Ingredients: In a bowl, whisk together the cream of chicken soup, ranch dressing, sour cream, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper until smooth and creamy.
4. Combine the Chicken and Sauce:
- Heat the Sauce: In the same skillet you cooked the chicken in, add the sauce mixture over medium heat. Stir occasionally and bring it to a simmer. Once heated through, add the sliced chicken back into the pan and stir to coat the chicken with the sauce. Simmer for an additional 5-7 minutes, allowing the flavors to combine and the sauce to thicken.
5. Serve:
- Assemble the Dish: Spoon the cooked rice onto plates, and top with the creamy angel chicken mixture. Garnish with extra Parmesan or fresh parsley if desired.
Tips:
- You can add vegetables like peas, mushrooms, or spinach to the sauce for extra flavor and texture.
- For a lighter version, you can substitute the sour cream with Greek yogurt and use a lower-fat ranch dressing.
This Angel Chicken Rice is a simple yet satisfying dish, perfect for a weeknight dinner! Enjoy!