Crock Pot Angel Chicken is a comforting, creamy dish that makes dinner a breeze. This recipe allows you to enjoy tender, flavorful chicken bathed in a luscious sauce, all without spending hours in the kitchen. You can easily prepare it in your slow cooker, making it a perfect meal for busy weeknights when you want something delicious and effortless.
Why We Love This Crock Pot Angel Chicken Recipe
This Crock Pot Angel Chicken recipe is loved for its simplicity and incredible flavors. You get juicy, boneless chicken breasts that soak up a creamy sauce made with cream cheese, chicken soup, and garlic. The slow cooking process ensures that every bite is tender and packed with flavor. Plus, it pairs perfectly with angel hair pasta, making it a complete meal that everyone in your family will love. With only a handful of ingredients, you can whip up this delightful dish without breaking a sweat.
Ingredients about Crock Pot Angel Chicken
- 1-2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
- 10.5-ounce can cream of chicken soup
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- ¾ cup chicken broth
- 1 packet Good Seasons Dry Italian Salad Dressing Mix
- 16 ounces angel hair pasta
How to Make Crock Pot Angel Chicken Directions
Making this wonderful Crock Pot Angel Chicken is a straightforward process that allows you to enjoy a delicious home-cooked meal with minimal effort. Follow these steps to create your flavorful dish:
- Start by heating the vegetable oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. While the pan heats up, season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper to enhance the flavor.
- Once the skillet is hot, add the seasoned chicken breasts. Sear each side of the chicken for about 3-4 minutes or until they achieve a lovely golden brown color. This step seals in the juices and adds depth to the dish.
- In a separate mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese and butter. Stir until smooth and creamy, ensuring there are no lumps. Then, add the cream of chicken soup, minced garlic, chicken broth, and the packet of Italian dressing mix to the bowl. Mix everything well until fully combined and the mixture is creamy.
- Before you pour everything into the crock pot, spray the inside with non-stick cooking spray to prevent the chicken from sticking. Place the seared chicken breasts at the bottom of the crock pot, and then pour the creamy sauce evenly over the chicken.
- Cover the crock pot and set it to cook on low heat for 3-4 hours. This slow cooking method allows the flavors to meld and the chicken to become incredibly tender.
- About 10 minutes before you’re ready to serve, cook the angel hair pasta according to the package instructions. It usually takes just a few minutes to cook to al dente. Once cooked, drain the pasta and set it aside.
- Once the cooking time for the chicken is complete, serve the creamy chicken and sauce over the angel hair pasta and enjoy! You can garnish the dish with fresh herbs, like parsley or basil if desired, to add a pop of color and freshness.
How to Serve Crock Pot Angel Chicken
Serving Crock Pot Angel Chicken is as easy as it is delicious. Once you have your chicken and sauce ready, prepare your angel hair pasta for serving. Place a generous helping of the pasta on individual plates or a large serving platter.
Then, top it off with the creamy chicken and sauce. The rich sauce will coat the pasta beautifully, making every bite delightful. For an extra touch, consider garnishing with freshly chopped herbs, such as parsley or finely grated Parmesan cheese, to enhance both the look and flavor of the meal.
Pair this dish with a fresh salad or steamed vegetables to create a balanced meal. The combination of creamy chicken, tender pasta, and fresh greens makes for a satisfying dinner that everyone at the table will love.
Expert Tips: Crock Pot Angel Chicken
To elevate your Crock Pot Angel Chicken experience, here are some expert tips:
- Searing the Chicken: Don’t skip the searing step! It adds a nice texture and flavor to the chicken that enhances the overall dish.
- Cream Cheese Temperature: Ensure that the cream cheese is softened before mixing. This will help it blend smoothly with the other ingredients and prevent any lumps in your sauce.
- Customize the Seasoning: Feel free to tweak the seasoning to your liking. You can add herbs like thyme or oregano or even a dash of red pepper flakes for a kick.
- Thicker Sauce: If you like a thicker sauce, you can add a cornstarch slurry (1 tablespoon of cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons of cold water) towards the end of the cooking time. This will thicken the sauce nicely.
- Veggies: Add some vegetables to the slow cooker for a complete meal. Sliced bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach can all be excellent choices that will cook down beautifully and add nutrition to the dish.
How to Store Crock Pot Angel Chicken
If you have leftovers (which is often the case because this dish is so satisfying), storing your Crock Pot Angel Chicken is simple. Allow it to cool to room temperature before transferring it to an airtight container. You can store it in your refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
Reheating is also easy. Simply microwave individual portions or heat it on the stove over low heat until warmed through. If you find the sauce has thickened during storage, add a splash of chicken broth or water to loosen it up while reheating.
For longer storage, consider freezing the chicken and sauce. Place them in freezer-safe containers, ideally separating the chicken from the sauce so they maintain their textures. Frozen, it can last for up to 3 months. Thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before reheating for the best results.
Variation of Crock Pot Angel Chicken
While the classic version of Crock Pot Angel Chicken is fantastic, feel free to get creative with different variations:
- Vegetable Angel Chicken: Incorporate vegetables like broccoli or zucchini in the crock pot along with the chicken for added health benefits and flavor.
- Cheesy Garlic Chicken: Add shredded mozzarella or cheddar cheese on top of the chicken during the last 30 minutes of cooking for a cheesy twist that complements the creamy sauce.
- Spicy Kick: For those who love a little heat, mix some sliced jalapeños or crushed red pepper flakes into the sauce to give the dish a spicy edge.
- Herbed Variety: Instead of using the dry Italian dressing mix, try using fresh herbs such as rosemary or thyme for a fresher flavor. Chop them finely and mix them into the creamy sauce.
- Baked Version: For a different cooking method, you can bake the chicken and sauce in the oven at 350°F for about 30-40 minutes instead of using a crock pot. Top with crispy breadcrumbs for an extra layer of texture.
FAQ
What is Crock Pot Angel Chicken?
Crock Pot Angel Chicken is a creamy and flavorful dish made with boneless chicken breasts, cream cheese, and a variety of seasonings, cooked slowly in a crock pot until tender.
How long do you cook Crock Pot Angel Chicken?
You should cook Crock Pot Angel Chicken on low for about 3-4 hours. This slow cooking process allows the chicken to become incredibly tender.
Can I use frozen chicken for Crock Pot Angel Chicken?
Yes, you can, but it’s best to thaw it first for even cooking. If you use frozen chicken, you may need to extend the cooking time.
What should I serve with Crock Pot Angel Chicken?
Crock Pot Angel Chicken pairs wonderfully with angel hair pasta, but you can also serve it with rice, quinoa, or a side of fresh vegetables for a complete meal.
Can I make Crock Pot Angel Chicken ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the ingredients in advance and store them in the fridge until you’re ready to cook. Just assemble and turn on your crock pot when you need a quick meal.
What can I do if the sauce is too thick?
If your sauce turns out too thick after cooking, you can stir in a bit of chicken broth or water to reach your desired consistency before serving.
Crock Pot Angel Chicken
Ingredients
For the chicken
- 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1-2 tablespoons vegetable oil For searing the chicken
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For the sauce
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened Ensure it's at room temperature for easy mixing
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
- 10.5 ounces can cream of chicken soup
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- ¾ cup chicken broth
- 1 packet Good Seasons Dry Italian Salad Dressing Mix
For serving
- 16 ounces angel hair pasta Cook according to package instructions
Instructions
Preparation
- Heat the vegetable oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper.
- Once the skillet is hot, add the seasoned chicken breasts and sear for 3-4 minutes on each side until golden brown.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese and butter until smooth. Add cream of chicken soup, minced garlic, chicken broth, and Italian dressing mix; mix well.
- Spray the inside of the crock pot with non-stick cooking spray. Place the seared chicken at the bottom and pour the creamy sauce over it.
- Cover and cook on low heat for 3-4 hours.
- About 10 minutes before serving, cook the angel hair pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- Once cooked, serve the creamy chicken and sauce over the angel hair pasta.
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