After a long day, the last thing I want is to spend hours in the kitchen. That’s where my go-to recipe, Angel Chicken Delight, comes in. This creamy chicken dish is not just a meal; it’s a warm hug on a plate. Perfect for busy weeknights or when you want to impress your loved ones, it’s easy to whip up and even easier to enjoy. With just a handful of ingredients, you can create a comforting dinner that will have everyone asking for seconds. Trust me, this dish is a game-changer!
Why You’ll Love This Angel Chicken Delight
Angel Chicken Delight is the ultimate solution for those hectic evenings when time is short. It’s a breeze to prepare, taking just an hour from start to finish. The creamy sauce envelops the chicken, creating a flavor explosion that will have your family raving. Plus, it’s versatile enough to pair with rice or pasta, making it a delightful choice for any palate. You’ll love how quickly it becomes a family favorite!
Ingredients for Angel Chicken Delight
Gathering the right ingredients is key to making Angel Chicken Delight a success. Here’s what you’ll need:
Boneless, skinless chicken breasts: The star of the dish, tender and juicy, perfect for soaking up that creamy sauce.
Cream of chicken soup: This adds a rich, savory base to the sauce, making it wonderfully creamy.
Cream cheese: Softened for easy mixing, it brings a luscious texture and depth of flavor.
Dry Italian dressing mix: A flavor powerhouse, it infuses the dish with herbs and spices without any extra effort.
Sliced mushrooms: Fresh or canned, they add an earthy note and a bit of texture to the dish.
Chicken broth: Enhances the sauce’s flavor and helps create that perfect creamy consistency.
Olive oil: Used for browning the chicken, it adds a touch of richness and helps prevent sticking.
Garlic powder: A must for flavor, it gives a subtle kick without overpowering the dish.
Onion powder: Complements the garlic and adds a savory depth to the overall flavor.
Salt and pepper: Essential for seasoning, they enhance all the other flavors in the dish.
Cooked rice or pasta: The perfect base for serving, soaking up all that delicious sauce.
Chopped parsley: Optional, but it adds a pop of color and freshness when garnished on top.
For those looking to lighten things up, consider substituting Greek yogurt for the cream cheese. You can also toss in some steamed broccoli or spinach for an extra veggie boost. Exact measurements for each ingredient can be found at the bottom of the article, ready for printing!
How to Make Angel Chicken Delight
Creating Angel Chicken Delight is a straightforward process that anyone can master. Follow these simple steps, and you’ll have a delicious meal ready in no time!
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step is crucial because it ensures that your dish cooks evenly. A hot oven helps the chicken cook through while allowing the sauce to bubble and meld together beautifully.
Step 2: Prepare the Chicken
Next, grab your boneless, skinless chicken breasts. Season them generously with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. This step is vital for flavor. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Once hot, add the chicken and brown it for about 5 minutes on each side. This browning creates a delicious crust that locks in moisture and flavor.
Step 3: Make the Creamy Mixture
While the chicken is browning, it’s time to whip up the creamy sauce. In a mixing bowl, combine the cream of chicken soup, softened cream cheese, dry Italian dressing mix, sliced mushrooms, and chicken broth. Mix until smooth. The result should be a velvety sauce that will coat the chicken perfectly.
Step 4: Assemble the Dish
Now, it’s time to bring it all together. Place the browned chicken breasts in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Pour the creamy mixture over the chicken, ensuring each piece is evenly coated. This step is key to achieving that rich, creamy flavor throughout the dish.
Step 5: Bake the Chicken
Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and pop it in the preheated oven. Bake for 30 minutes. After that, remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes. This uncovered baking allows the sauce to thicken and bubble. Always check that the chicken is cooked through; it should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
Once your Angel Chicken Delight is ready, serve it over cooked rice or pasta. The sauce is perfect for soaking into the grains. For a finishing touch, sprinkle some chopped parsley on top for a pop of color and freshness. Enjoy every creamy bite!
Tips for Success
Always preheat your oven for even cooking.
Don’t rush the browning process; it adds flavor.
For a creamier sauce, let the cream cheese soften at room temperature before mixing.
Feel free to experiment with different mushrooms for varied flavors.
Double the recipe for leftovers; it reheats beautifully!
Equipment Needed
Large skillet: Essential for browning the chicken. A non-stick pan works well too.
Baking dish: A 9×13-inch dish is perfect. Any oven-safe dish will do.
Mixing bowl: For combining the creamy sauce. A large bowl or even a pot can work.
Meat thermometer: To ensure the chicken is cooked through. A simple knife can also check doneness.
Variations
Herb-Infused: Add fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary to the creamy mixture for an aromatic twist.
Spicy Kick: Mix in some red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce for a bit of heat.
Vegetarian Option: Substitute the chicken with hearty vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, or eggplant.
Cheesy Delight: Stir in some shredded mozzarella or cheddar cheese into the sauce for an extra cheesy flavor.
Low-Carb Version: Serve over cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles instead of traditional rice or pasta.
Serving Suggestions
Side Dishes: Pair with steamed broccoli or a fresh garden salad for a balanced meal.
Drinks: A crisp white wine or sparkling water with lemon complements the creamy flavors.
Presentation: Serve in shallow bowls to showcase the sauce, garnished with parsley for a pop of color.
FAQs about Angel Chicken Delight
As you dive into making Angel Chicken Delight, you might have a few questions. Here are some common queries that can help you along the way:
Can I use frozen chicken breasts for this recipe?
Yes, you can! Just make sure to thaw them completely before cooking. This ensures even cooking and helps the flavors meld beautifully.
What can I substitute for cream cheese?
If you’re looking for a lighter option, Greek yogurt works well. It maintains the creaminess while cutting down on calories.
How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat gently in the microwave or oven to keep the chicken moist.
Can I add more vegetables to the dish?
Absolutely! Feel free to toss in steamed broccoli, spinach, or bell peppers for added nutrition and flavor.
Is Angel Chicken Delight suitable for meal prep?
Definitely! This dish reheats well, making it a fantastic option for meal prep. Just portion it out with your choice of rice or pasta for easy lunches or dinners throughout the week.
Final Thoughts
Angel Chicken Delight is more than just a recipe; it’s a comforting experience that brings family and friends together. The creamy sauce envelops the chicken, creating a dish that feels indulgent yet is surprisingly easy to prepare. Each bite is a reminder of home-cooked love, making it perfect for busy weeknights or special gatherings. I cherish the moments spent around the table, sharing laughter and stories over this delightful meal. With its simple ingredients and rich flavors, Angel Chicken Delight is sure to become a cherished favorite in your kitchen, just as it has in mine.
Angel Chicken Delight is a creamy and flavorful chicken dish that is perfect for dinner. It’s easy to prepare and sure to please the whole family.
Ingredients
Scale
2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 (10.5-ounce) can cream of chicken soup
1 (8-ounce) package cream cheese, softened
1 (1-ounce) packet dry Italian dressing mix
1 cup sliced mushrooms (fresh or canned)
1 cup chicken broth
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
Salt and pepper to taste
Cooked rice or pasta, for serving
Chopped parsley, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Season the chicken breasts with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Add the chicken to the skillet and cook until browned on both sides, about 5 minutes per side.
In a mixing bowl, combine the cream of chicken soup, cream cheese, dry Italian dressing mix, mushrooms, and chicken broth. Mix until smooth.
Place the browned chicken breasts in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Pour the cream mixture over the chicken, ensuring it is evenly coated.
Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes.
Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the sauce is bubbly.
Serve the chicken over cooked rice or pasta, and garnish with chopped parsley if desired.
Notes
For a lighter version, substitute the cream cheese with Greek yogurt.
Add steamed broccoli or spinach to the baking dish for extra vegetables and flavor.
