Angel Chicken Rice is a creamy, flavorful dish featuring tender chicken served over a bed of seasoned rice. It combines elements of a comforting casserole with a zesty sauce, often enriched with garlic, lemon, and a mix of creamy ingredients. Here’s a delicious recipe for this easy-to-make, flavorful dish!
Ingredients:
For the Chicken:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tbsp lemon juice (optional, for added flavor)
For the Rice:
- 1 cup (200 g) long-grain white rice
- 2 cups (480 ml) chicken broth
- 1 tbsp butter
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
For the Sauce:
- 1 cup (240 ml) heavy cream or half-and-half
- 1 cup (240 ml) chicken broth
- ½ cup (50 g) grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tbsp butter
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
Instructions:
- Prepare the Chicken:
- Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add the chicken and cook for 6-7 minutes per side, until the chicken is fully cooked and golden brown on the outside.
- Remove the chicken from the skillet, cover it with foil, and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing into strips or cubes.
- Drizzle with lemon juice if desired for added flavor.
- Cook the Rice:
- In a separate saucepan, melt butter and olive oil over medium heat.
- Add the rice, garlic powder, onion powder, and salt. Stir to coat the rice in the oils and spices for 1-2 minutes.
- Add the chicken broth and bring it to a boil.
- Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and simmer for 18-20 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the liquid has been absorbed. Remove from heat and let it sit for 5 minutes before fluffing the rice with a fork.
- Make the Sauce:
- In the same skillet you cooked the chicken, melt butter over medium heat.
- Stir in the chicken broth and bring it to a simmer. Let it cook for 2-3 minutes.
- Add the heavy cream and bring it to a gentle simmer.
- Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and cook until the sauce thickens slightly, about 3-5 minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Assemble the Dish:
- Serve the rice on plates or in a large serving dish.
- Arrange the sliced or cubed chicken on top of the rice.
- Pour the creamy sauce over the chicken and rice.
- Garnish with freshly chopped parsley, if desired, for a pop of color.
Tips:
- For extra flavor, you can add sautéed vegetables like mushrooms, spinach, or bell peppers to the rice or sauce.
- This dish pairs wonderfully with a side of steamed vegetables or a simple salad.
- You can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk for a lighter version.
This Angel Chicken Rice is a deliciously creamy, comforting dish that’s easy to prepare and perfect for a weeknight dinner or special occasion!