Get ready to discover your new favorite weeknight dinner. This Baked Italian Angel Chicken recipe combines tender, juicy chicken breasts with a rich, creamy Italian-seasoned sauce, all baked to golden perfection. It’s a simple, elegant dish that feels gourmet but comes together with minimal effort, making it perfect for busy families and seasoned home cooks alike. If you’re looking for a meal that guarantees clean plates and rave reviews, this is the one.
We’re taking simple ingredients—chicken, cream cheese, Italian dressing, and a few key seasonings—and transforming them into a restaurant-quality meal. The “angel” in the name often refers to the light, delicate texture of the dish, often served over angel hair pasta to soak up every last drop of the incredible sauce.
Why This Baked Italian Angel Chicken Recipe is a Must-Try
In a world of complicated recipes, this dish stands out for its straightforward elegance and incredible flavor. It’s the kind of meal that will quickly become a staple in your dinner rotation.
- Incredibly Flavorful: The combination of tangy Italian dressing and rich cream cheese creates a sauce that is both zesty and luxuriously smooth.
- Simple Ingredients: You only need a handful of common, easy-to-find ingredients to create this showstopper.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: It’s quick enough for a weeknight dinner but impressive enough to serve to guests.
- Family-Approved: The creamy sauce and tender chicken are a guaranteed hit with both kids and adults.
The Key Ingredients for Perfect Angel Chicken
The magic of this dish lies in its simplicity. Here’s what you’ll need to bring this Baked Italian Angel Chicken to life. Each ingredient plays a crucial role in creating the signature creamy texture and savory flavor.
- Chicken Breasts: Use boneless, skinless chicken breasts for the best results. Pounding them to an even thickness ensures they cook evenly and stay juicy.
- Cream Cheese: This is the secret to the ultra-creamy sauce. Opt for full-fat block-style cream cheese for the richest texture.
- Italian Dressing: A good quality zesty or robust Italian salad dressing provides the primary flavor base—tangy, herby, and delicious.
- Butter: A small amount of melted butter adds richness and helps the chicken brown beautifully.
- Garlic Powder & Onion Powder: These aromatics add depth to the sauce, complementing the Italian herbs.
- Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan adds a salty, nutty finish that takes the dish over the top.
- Fresh Parsley: A sprinkle of fresh parsley at the end adds a pop of color and freshness.
Step-by-Step Instructions for Baked Italian Angel Chicken
Making this creamy baked chicken is easier than you think. Follow these simple steps for a flawless result every time. For another amazing chicken dish, you should try this Longhorn Parmesan Crusted Chicken recipe.
Preparing the Chicken
First, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Place the chicken breasts between two sheets of plastic wrap and pound them to an even ½-inch thickness. This is the key to ensuring the chicken cooks quickly and evenly without drying out. Season both sides of the chicken with salt and pepper and arrange them in a single layer in the prepared baking dish.
Making the Creamy Italian Sauce
In a medium bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, Italian dressing, melted butter, garlic powder, and onion powder. Whisk until the mixture is smooth and creamy. It’s important to have the cream cheese at room temperature to avoid lumps. Once smooth, pour this luscious sauce evenly over the chicken breasts in the baking dish, ensuring each piece is well-coated.
Baking to Perfection
Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese over the top of the saucy chicken. Bake, uncovered, for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through (internal temperature reaches 165°F or 74°C) and the top is golden and bubbly. Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in more tender chicken.
Pro Tips for the Best Baked Italian Angel Chicken
Want to elevate your dish? Here are a few expert tips to guarantee success and incredible flavor.
- Don’t Overbake: Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness. Chicken is perfectly cooked at 165°F (74°C). Pulling it out at the right time is the best way to prevent dry chicken.
- Use Room Temperature Cream Cheese: To ensure a silky smooth sauce, let your cream cheese sit out for at least 30 minutes before mixing.
- Freshly Grated Parmesan: For the best flavor and melt, always grate your own Parmesan cheese. Pre-shredded cheese often contains anti-caking agents that can affect the texture. If you love Parmesan, check out this Garlic Parmesan Crusted Halibut!
Delicious Variations to Try
While this classic Baked Italian Angel Chicken is fantastic as is, it’s also a great base for customization. Here are a few ideas to switch things up:
- Add Veggies: Stir in a cup of fresh spinach or some sautéed mushrooms into the cream cheese sauce before pouring it over the chicken.
- A Touch of Spice: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce for a little bit of heat.
- Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Mix in some chopped, oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes for a burst of tangy, savory flavor.
- Different Cheeses: Try topping with a mix of mozzarella and Parmesan for an extra cheesy, gooey finish. For a hearty meal, try this easy tater tot casserole recipe.
What to Serve with Your Angel Chicken
This creamy chicken dish is incredibly versatile. The rich sauce is perfect for serving over a base that can soak it all up.
- Pasta: Angel hair pasta is the traditional choice, but any pasta like linguine, fettuccine, or penne works beautifully.
- Rice: Serve over a bed of fluffy white or brown rice.
- Vegetables: Roasted asparagus, steamed broccoli, or honey balsamic brussels sprouts are excellent side dishes.
- Bread: A side of crusty Amish white bread or garlic bread is a must for sopping up the delicious sauce.
Storing and Reheating Leftovers
This dish makes for fantastic leftovers. Store any remaining chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, place the chicken and sauce in an oven-safe dish and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes, or until warmed through. You can also gently reheat it in the microwave.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, you can assemble the entire dish without baking it. Cover and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready to cook, you may need to add 5-10 minutes to the baking time since you’ll be starting from cold.
Yes, you can use boneless, skinless chicken thighs. They are naturally juicier and may require a slightly longer cooking time. Ensure they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat gently in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes or in the microwave until warmed through. Adding a splash of milk or broth can help restore the sauce’s creaminess.
This dish is most commonly served over angel hair pasta to soak up the creamy sauce. It also pairs wonderfully with rice, mashed potatoes, roasted asparagus, steamed broccoli, or a simple green salad.
Angel Chicken is a popular American dish known for its creamy sauce. It typically consists of chicken breasts baked in a sauce made from cream cheese, butter, and Italian dressing, and is often served over angel hair pasta.
The Ultimate Baked Italian Angel Chicken Recipe
Baked Italian Angel Chicken (The Ultimate Creamy Recipe)
Ingredients
Equipment
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.
- Pound the chicken breasts to an even ½-inch thickness. Season both sides with salt and pepper and place them in a single layer in the baking dish.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the softened cream cheese, Italian dressing, melted butter, garlic powder, and onion powder until smooth.
- Pour the cream cheese mixture evenly over the chicken breasts.
- Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese over the top.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through (reaches an internal temperature of 165°F) and the sauce is bubbly and lightly golden.
- Let rest for 5 minutes, then garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Notes
Pounding the chicken is a crucial step for tender, evenly cooked results.
Serve hot over angel hair pasta, rice, or with a side of steamed vegetables.
Share Your Creation!
We hope you love this Baked Italian Angel Chicken recipe as much as we do! It’s a true crowd-pleaser that’s sure to earn a permanent spot in your recipe collection. If you make it, don’t forget to leave a comment below and share your masterpiece on Pinterest. We can’t wait to see it!
