Angel Chicken Rice Bake (Printable)
Creamy one pot chicken and rice with Italian seasoning, ready in just over an hour.
# What You Need:
→ Poultry
01 - 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
→ Rice & Grains
02 - 1 cup long-grain white rice, uncooked
→ Dairy
03 - 1 cup heavy cream
04 - 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
05 - 4 oz cream cheese, softened
06 - 2 tbsp unsalted butter
→ Broth & Sauces
07 - 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
08 - 1 packet (1 oz) dry Italian dressing seasoning mix
09 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
→ Vegetables
10 - 1/2 medium onion, finely chopped
11 - 1 cup fresh baby spinach
→ Spices & Herbs
12 - 1/2 tsp salt, or to taste
13 - 1/4 tsp black pepper
14 - 1/4 tsp dried thyme
15 - 1/4 tsp paprika
→ Garnish
16 - 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
# How To Make It:
01 - Preheat oven to 375°F.
02 - In a large oven-safe pot or Dutch oven, melt butter over medium heat. Add onion and garlic, sautéing until soft and fragrant, about 3 minutes.
03 - Stir in rice and toast for 2 minutes, ensuring it is coated in butter and aromatics.
04 - Add chicken broth, heavy cream, cream cheese, Parmesan, Italian dressing seasoning, salt, pepper, thyme, and paprika. Stir until cream cheese melts and mixture is combined.
05 - Arrange chicken breasts over rice mixture. Spoon some sauce over chicken. If using, add baby spinach by tucking it into the sides.
06 - Cover pot with tight-fitting lid or aluminum foil. Bake for 40 minutes.
07 - Uncover, check that rice is tender and chicken is cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F). If needed, bake 5–10 minutes longer. Optionally, broil for 2 minutes to brown the top.
08 - Let rest for 5 minutes. Garnish with parsley before serving.
# Expert Suggestions:
01 -
- The entire meal cooks in one pot, meaning less cleanup and more time to relax after a long day
- That creamy, savory sauce soaks into every grain of rice, creating the kind of rich comfort that makes people ask for seconds
02 -
- Rice continues absorbing liquid while resting, so if it looks slightly soupy when you first uncover it, give it those 5 minutes before panicking
- The cream cheese melts better if it is truly softened, so take it out of the fridge while you prep other ingredients
03 -
- Use chicken thighs instead of breasts if you want meat that stays incredibly juicy even after long baking
- Broiling for just 2 minutes at the end creates those gorgeous golden-brown spots that make it look like it came from a restaurant kitchen