When it comes to easy and delicious weeknight meals, Crock Pot Angel Chicken takes the crown. This recipe combines tender chicken breasts with a creamy, flavorful sauce that is perfect for serving over a bed of angel hair pasta. The beauty of this dish lies in its simplicity. Just throw all the ingredients into your slow cooker, and let time do the work for you. Your kitchen will fill with an incredible aroma, and your family will be eagerly waiting to dig into a warm, satisfying meal.
Why We Love This Crock Pot Angel Chicken Recipe
This Crock Pot Angel Chicken recipe is more than just a meal; it’s a transformative experience for your taste buds. With its simple preparation and hearty, flavorful profile, this dish becomes a go-to for busy households. You’ll appreciate the minimal effort required while still enjoying a home-cooked meal that feels indulgent. Perfect for a Sunday family dinner or a quick weekday treat, this recipe is flexible enough to cater to various tastes and dietary needs. Plus, who doesn’t love a meal that virtually prepares itself?
Ingredients about Crock Pot Angel Chicken
To whip up this delightful meal, you only need a handful of ingredients that you may already have in your pantry. Here’s what you will need:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts: The stars of the show; they provide the protein.
- 1 packet of Italian dressing mix: This adds a burst of flavor.
- 1 can of cream of chicken soup: Makes the base of the creamy sauce.
- 1 cup of chicken broth: Enhances the flavor and moisture.
- 8 oz of cream cheese: Provides a smooth and creamy texture.
- 8 oz of angel hair pasta: Perfect for serving this delicious dish.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential seasonings that elevate the dish.
- Chopped parsley for garnish (optional): A fresh sprinkle to make it visually appealing.
How to Make Crock Pot Angel Chicken Directions
Creating this divine dish is incredibly straightforward and doesn’t demand advanced culinary skills. Just follow these easy steps:
- Prepare the Slow Cooker: Start by preparing your slow cooker. Place the chicken breasts at the bottom, ensuring they’re laid out nicely.
- Add the Seasoning: Sprinkle the Italian dressing mix evenly over the chicken. This magic packet introduces robust flavors that will marry beautifully during the slow cooking process.
- Mix the Soups: In a separate mixing bowl, combine the cream of chicken soup with the chicken broth. Stir this mixture well until smooth. This will serve as the sauce that envelops your chicken.
- Pour Over the Chicken: Carefully pour the creamy mixture over the chicken breasts. Make sure the chicken is well-coated for the best flavor penetration.
- Incorporate Cream Cheese: Cut the cream cheese into small chunks and distribute them evenly over the chicken. As it cooks, this will melt into the sauce, adding a rich creaminess that steals the show.
- Set and Forget: Cover your slow cooker with a lid and set it on low for about 4 to 6 hours. This slow cooking method allows all the flavors to meld together and tenderize the chicken.
- Cook the Pasta: When your cooking time is nearing its end, prepare the angel hair pasta according to the package instructions. Since it’s a delicate pasta, it cooks relatively quickly, ensuring you can serve everything hot.
- Shred and Stir: Once the chicken is cooked through and tender, use two forks to shred the chicken directly in the slow cooker. Stir it well into the sauce; it should meld perfectly for a delightful coating.
- Serve: Finally, spoon the chicken and sauce over your cooked angel hair pasta.
- Garnish: If you like, sprinkle some chopped parsley on top for a fresh touch and added color.
How to Serve Crock Pot Angel Chicken
Serving your Crock Pot Angel Chicken is as delightful as making it. Start with a generous portion of angel hair pasta on each plate, then ladle a hearty helping of the creamy chicken and sauce right over the pasta. This not only provides a beautiful presentation but also ensures that every bite is utterly delectable.
You can serve this dish with a side of steamed vegetables or a fresh green salad to balance the meal. If you want to elevate your dinner experience, consider offering some crusty bread to soak up any extra sauce. It’s a wonderful way to make the meal feel complete while keeping your family satisfied.
Expert Tips: Crock Pot Angel Chicken
- Use Fresh Chicken: For the best flavor and texture, opt for fresh chicken breasts rather than frozen ones.
- Adjust the Creaminess: If you prefer a thicker sauce, you can reduce the amount of chicken broth. For a lighter sauce, use a little bit more.
- Spice It Up: Feel free to add garlic powder, onion powder, or even red pepper flakes for a little spice. This can enhance the flavor profile significantly.
- Don’t Skip the Shredding: Shredding the chicken in the sauce allows it to absorb more flavors. You’ll love how each bite is infused with the creamy goodness.
- Perfect for Leftovers: This dish keeps well, so don’t hesitate to make a larger batch for leftovers. The flavors become even better the next day.
How to Store Crock Pot Angel Chicken
Leftovers are one of the best parts of making Crock Pot Angel Chicken. After you’ve enjoyed your meal, let the chicken cool to room temperature. Then, transfer it to an airtight container. You can refrigerate it for up to three to four days. It’s also freezer-friendly! Just portion it out in freezer-safe containers, and it will last up to three months in the freezer. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator, and reheat it in the microwave or on the stove with a splash of broth to keep it moist.
Variations of Crock Pot Angel Chicken
Once you master the base recipe, the possibilities are endless. Here are some variations you can try:
- Vegetable Add-ins: For a more balanced meal, consider adding vegetables like broccoli or bell peppers to the slow cooker. They will cook along with the chicken and soak up the flavors.
- Different Pasta: Swap out the angel hair pasta for your favorite type of pasta. Penne, rotini, or even rice can serve as a wonderful base for this dish.
- Herb Infusions: Experiment with different herbs like thyme or rosemary to give your sauce a unique flair.
- Cheese Lovers’ Delight: Stir in some shredded cheese at the end for a richer, cheesier result that is sure to impress.
FAQ
What is Crock Pot Angel Chicken?
Crock Pot Angel Chicken is a delicious and easy-to-make dish featuring chicken breasts cooked in a creamy sauce made with Italian dressing mix, cream of chicken soup, and cream cheese. It is typically served over angel hair pasta.
How long does it take to cook Crock Pot Angel Chicken?
Cooking time for Crock Pot Angel Chicken on low is about 4 to 6 hours. The longer it cooks, the more tender the chicken will become.
Can I use frozen chicken breasts?
While it’s best to use fresh chicken breasts for optimal flavor and texture, you can use frozen chicken breasts. Just be aware that cooking times may need to be adjusted.
What can I serve with Crock Pot Angel Chicken?
This dish is delicious on its own, but you can serve it with steamed vegetables, a fresh salad, or crusty bread to soak up the extra sauce.
Can I freeze leftovers?
Yes! You can freeze leftovers of Crock Pot Angel Chicken for up to three months. Just place it in an airtight container and reheat when you’re ready to enjoy it again.