Ah, let me take you on a cozy culinary journey with one of my all-time favorite dishes—Crock Pot Angel Chicken. Picture this: it’s a busy weekday evening, and you want something comforting but incredibly easy to make. This dish is it! Trust me, it’s like a warm hug on a plate. This recipe has become such a staple in my household because it’s unbelievably simple and yet bursting with flavor. Plus, who can resist a slow-cooked chicken dish that practically melts in your mouth?
Why you’ll love this recipe
Let’s talk about why this recipe deserves a spot in your dinner rotation. First off, the flavors! The cream cheese and Italian seasoning combined with the cream of chicken soup create a sinfully rich sauce that clings beautifully to the tender chicken. The chicken practically shreds itself after a day in the slow cooker, marrying beautifully with that luscious sauce. And guess what? It all comes together without needing a ton of fuss.
Imagine walking into your home after a long day to the savory aroma wafting through the air, welcoming you to the dinner table. It’s a comforting sight; you can’t help but feel a sense of relief knowing that dinner is ready. Furthermore, it’s not just a hit among adults; kids love it too!
Gather these ingredients
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Boneless, skinless chicken breasts (4 pieces): The star of the show! Chicken breasts stay juicy and tender as they cook slowly. Feel free to swap in chicken thighs if you prefer something richer in flavor.
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Cream cheese (8 oz, softened): This ingredient adds that creamy, dreamy texture we all crave. If you’re looking for a lower-fat option, low-fat cream cheese works well too.
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Dry Italian salad dressing mix (1 packet): This sprinkle of magic brings a punch of flavor that transforms the ordinary into something special. You can also make your own blend of herbs like oregano, basil, and garlic if you’re feeling adventurous.
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Cream of chicken soup (10.5 oz): This creamy base ties everything together and enhances the chicken’s succulent texture. If you want a healthier twist, opt for a reduced-fat version.
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Chicken broth (1 cup): This adds depth and moisture to the dish. Homemade broth is fantastic if you have it on hand, but store-bought is a lifesaver too.
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Salt and pepper: Simple seasoning makes all the difference. Don’t skip the salt—it’s essential!
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Angel hair pasta (12 oz): This delicate pasta is the perfect vehicle to soak up all that heavenly sauce. If you want to switch things up, any pasta shape will do.
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Fresh parsley (for garnish, optional): A sprinkling of fresh herbs brightens the dish and adds a pop of color.
Preparing Crock Pot Angel Chicken
- Start by placing the chicken breasts in your slow cooker.
- In a separate bowl, combine softened cream cheese, Italian dressing mix, cream of chicken soup, and chicken broth. Mix until it’s smooth and creamy.
- Pour this dreamy mixture over the chicken in the slow cooker.
- Cook on low for 6 to 8 hours. Trust me, patience is key here! The longer it cooks, the more tender the chicken gets.
- About 30 minutes before you’re ready to serve, cook the angel hair according to the package directions. It cooks fast, so keep an eye on it!
- Once the chicken is tender and practically falling apart, shred it right in the slow cooker and stir it into that rich sauce.
- Serve the angel chicken over the cooked pasta, and if you’re feeling fancy, top with fresh parsley.
Best way to enjoy it
Now, let’s talk about how to make this a show-stopper. Serve this dish piping hot, and don’t hold back on the sauce—let it drench that pasta to create a heavenly bite. A side of garlic bread or a simple green salad pairs beautifully with this meal. Consider a light red or white wine if you want to elevate your dinner experience. It’s all about balance.
Keeping leftovers fresh
If, by some miracle, you have leftovers, let’s talk storage. This dish stores beautifully in the fridge for up to four days. Make sure to let it cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Reheat the chicken mixture gently on the stove or in the microwave until warmed through. If you want to freeze it, portion it in freezer-safe bags or containers, and it’ll be good for about three months.
Pro chef tips
- If you want to add a little pizazz to this dish, sauté some garlic and onions before adding them to the slow cooker.
- Need it spicier? Try adding red pepper flakes to the mix for a kick.
- For those looking to cut carbs, serve the sauce over zucchini noodles instead of pasta.
Creative Twists
Feeling adventurous? Here are some variations:
- Toss in some vegetables, like spinach or mushrooms, during the last hour of cooking for extra nutrition.
- Swap the cream of chicken soup for cream of mushroom for a different flavor profile.
- For a cheesy twist, stir in some shredded cheese at the end before serving—who can resist melty goodness?
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 8 oz softened cream cheese
- 1 packet dry Italian salad dressing mix
- 10.5 oz can cream of chicken soup
- 1 cup chicken broth
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 12 oz angel hair pasta
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Directions to follow
- Place chicken breasts in the slow cooker.
- In a bowl, combine cream cheese, Italian dressing mix, cream of chicken soup, and chicken broth until smooth.
- Pour the mixture over the chicken.
- Cook on low for 6-8 hours until chicken is tender.
- Cook the angel hair pasta as directed on the package about 30 minutes before serving.
- Shred the chicken in the slow cooker and mix it into the sauce.
- Serve over pasta and garnish with parsley.
Your questions answered
- Can I make this dish ahead of time? Absolutely! Just slow cook it earlier in the day and reheat when you’re ready to serve.
- What can I use instead of cream of chicken soup? You can substitute it with homemade cream sauce or even a can of cream of mushroom.
- How do I ensure the chicken stays moist? Cooking on low and letting it slow-cook is crucial. Don’t raise the heat; patience will pay off.
- Can I double the recipe? Yes! Just make sure your slow cooker has enough room, and you may need to extend the cooking time slightly.
- How can I spice it up? Add crushed red pepper flakes or even some hot sauce for a spicy kick!
If you’re ready to indulge, give this recipe a try. The creamy goodness, tender chicken, and playful pasta all come together in a symphony of flavors that will surely please. Cook with joy, and remember, the best part of cooking is sharing your creations—so don’t hesitate to drop a comment or share your twists on this dish! Happy cooking!
Crock Pot Angel Chicken
Description
Crock Pot Angel Chicken is an easy, slow-cooked dish with tender chicken, a creamy sauce, and served over angel hair pasta. Perfect for busy weeknights!Ingredients
Main Ingredients
Directions
Cooking Instructions
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Place chicken breasts in the slow cooker.
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In a bowl, combine cream cheese, Italian dressing mix, cream of chicken soup, and chicken broth until smooth.
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Pour the mixture over the chicken.
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Cook on low for 6-8 hours until chicken is tender.
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Cook the angel hair pasta as directed on the package about 30 minutes before serving.
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Shred the chicken in the slow cooker and mix it into the sauce.
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Serve over pasta and garnish with parsley.
Nutrition Facts
Servings 4
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 450kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 20g31%
- Saturated Fat 10g50%
- Trans Fat 0g
- Cholesterol 90mg30%
- Sodium 800mg34%
- Potassium 500mg15%
- Total Carbohydrate 45g15%
- Dietary Fiber 2g8%
- Sugars 2g
- Protein 35g70%
- Vitamin A 400 IU
- Vitamin C 0 mg
- Calcium 100 mg
- Iron 1 mg
- Vitamin D 0 IU
- Vitamin E 1 IU
- Vitamin K 2 mcg
- Thiamin 0.1 mg
- Riboflavin 0.2 mg
- Niacin 7 mg
- Vitamin B6 0.5 mg
- Folate 30 mcg
- Vitamin B12 2 mcg
- Pantothenic Acid 0.8 mg
- Phosphorus 250 mg
- Magnesium 25 mg
- Zinc 2 mg
- Selenium 30 mcg
- Copper 0.2 mg
- Manganese 0.2 mg
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
