Heavenly Angel Chicken with Herb Rice
This Heavenly Angel Chicken with Herb Rice is a divine blend of tender chicken in a creamy, herb-infused sauce served over aromatic rice. The dish balances rich, comforting flavors with bright herbs, creating a harmonious and satisfying meal. Perfect for busy weeknights, this angelic recipe delivers restaurant-quality taste with simple ingredients and techniques, all in about 30 minutes.
Equipment
- Large Skillet
- Medium saucepan
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Whisk
- Wooden spoon
Ingredients
Protein
- 4 Boneless, skinless chicken breasts (6 oz each / 170g each)
Produce
- 1 small Onion finely chopped (about 1/2 cup / 75g)
- 3 cloves Garlic minced
- 1/4 cup Fresh parsley chopped [15 g]
- 2 tablespoons Fresh basil chopped [5 g]
Dairy
- 1/4 cup Unsalted butter [60g]
- 1/2 cup Heavy cream [120ml]
- 1/4 cup Grated Parmesan cheese [25g]
Pantry
- 1 cup Long-grain white rice [200g]
- 1 can Cream of chicken soup (10.5 oz / 298g)
- 2 1/4 cups Chicken broth [530ml]
- 1/4 cup White wine [60ml] (optional)
- 1 teaspoon Dried Italian herbs [2 g]
- 1/2 teaspoon Salt [3 g]
- 1/4 teaspoon Black pepper [1 g]
Instructions
Preparation
- Season chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and half of the dried Italian herbs.
Cooking the Chicken
- In a large skillet, melt butter over medium-high heat. Add chicken and cook for 5-6 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through (165°F / 74°C internal temperature). Remove chicken and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add onion and garlic. Cook for 2 minutes until fragrant.
- Add cream of chicken soup, chicken broth, white wine (if using), remaining Italian herbs, salt, and pepper. Whisk to combine and simmer for 5 minutes.
- Stir in heavy cream and Parmesan cheese. Simmer for another 3-4 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
Cooking the Rice
- While the chicken is cooking, prepare the rice. In a medium saucepan, combine rice, 2 cups of chicken broth, and a pinch of salt. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 18-20 minutes or until rice is tender and liquid is absorbed.
- Once cooked, fluff the rice with a fork and stir in half of the chopped herbs.
Serving
- Return the chicken to the skillet with the sauce, coating it well.
- Serve the chicken and sauce over the herbed rice, garnishing with remaining fresh herbs.
Notes
For a lighter version, use half-and-half instead of heavy cream. You can substitute the white wine with additional chicken broth if preferred. For extra flavor, add a squeeze of lemon juice to the sauce before serving.
Notes:
- Lighter Alternatives:
- Use half-and-half or low-fat milk instead of heavy cream for a lighter sauce.
- Substitute the butter with olive oil for a healthier fat option.
- Ingredient Substitutions:
- Replace white wine with additional chicken broth if you prefer an alcohol-free version.
- Swap cream of chicken soup with a homemade roux using flour, butter, and chicken broth for a fresher taste.
- Storage Instructions:
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- For longer storage, freeze the chicken and sauce separately from the rice for up to 2 months.
- Reheating Tips:
- Reheat on the stove over medium-low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or water to thin the sauce if it becomes too thick.
- Microwave individual portions, covering with a microwave-safe lid or plastic wrap to retain moisture.
- Fresh Ingredients:
- Fresh herbs elevate the flavor significantly, so use fresh parsley and basil if possible.
Quick Tips:
- To thicken the sauce, simmer a little longer or mix in a teaspoon of cornstarch dissolved in cold water.
- For crispier chicken, lightly coat the chicken breasts in flour before searing.
- Pre-slicing the chicken into thin strips can help cook it faster and more evenly.
- Add a squeeze of lemon juice to the sauce for a bright, zesty kick right before serving.
Side Dish Suggestions:
- Roasted Vegetables: Broccoli, asparagus, or carrots roasted with olive oil, garlic, and a sprinkle of herbs.
- Salads: A simple green salad with a lemon vinaigrette pairs well with the creamy chicken.
- Pasta: A light pasta salad or simple buttered noodles can complement the herb rice and sauce.
- Garlic Bread: Serve a slice of garlic bread to soak up the extra sauce.
Nutritional Benefits:
- Chicken: A great source of lean protein, which is essential for muscle building and repair.
- Herbs (Parsley and Basil): Rich in vitamins A, C, and K, providing antioxidants and supporting immune health.
- Garlic: Contains allicin, known for its potential heart health benefits.
- Rice: Provides a quick source of energy and is gluten-free, making it suitable for many dietary preferences.
Serving Suggestions:
- Portion Size: Serve each person one chicken breast with a generous scoop of herbed rice and sauce.
- Presentation Tips: Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese for a restaurant-style presentation.
- Complementary Beverages: A crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or a sparkling water with lemon can balance the dish’s richness.
- Sauce Pairings: Consider serving with a side of garlic aioli or a light vinaigrette for added flavor complexity.
Meal Prep Tips:
- Advance Prep: Chop the onion, garlic, and herbs a day ahead and store in airtight containers in the refrigerator.
- Rice: Cook the rice in advance and refrigerate. Reheat with a splash of chicken broth to restore its moisture before serving.
- Sauce: Prepare the sauce up to two days ahead and store separately in an airtight container. Reheat gently before adding the chicken back in.
Customization Ideas:
- Vegetarian Option: Replace chicken with thick slices of tofu or chickpeas for a plant-based version.
- Gluten-Free: Ensure the cream of chicken soup is gluten-free or make a homemade version using gluten-free flour.
- Dairy-Free: Swap butter for olive oil and use coconut cream or a plant-based milk in place of heavy cream.
- Add-ins:
- Add baby spinach or kale to the sauce for extra greens and nutrients.
- Sprinkle red pepper flakes into the sauce for a bit of heat if you prefer a spicier flavor.
- Herb Swaps: Use other fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary for a different flavor profile.
