Crock Pot Angel Chicken is an incredibly comforting and flavorful dish that’s perfect for busy weeknights or family gatherings. With tender chicken simmered in a creamy, garlicky sauce, this dish delivers a delicious meal with minimal effort. The magic of the crock pot allows the flavors to meld beautifully, resulting in a dish that you and your loved ones will relish.
Why We Love This Crock Pot Angel Chicken Recipe
This recipe stands out for several reasons. First and foremost, it’s incredibly easy to prepare. You can get everything into the crock pot in under 30 minutes, making it a go-to option for those hectic days. The creamy sauce made of cream cheese and cream of chicken soup creates a rich and satisfying flavor profile that will have everyone reaching for seconds. Plus, the chicken cooks to tender perfection, making it a hit with both kids and adults. Pair it with angel hair pasta for a complete meal that’s ready to enjoy when you are!
Ingredients about Crock Pot Angel Chicken
To create your own delightful Crock Pot Angel Chicken, here’s the list of ingredients you will need:
List of ingredients with measurements
- 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 (low sodium recommended)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- ¾ cup chicken broth (low sodium recommended)
- 1 packet Good Seasons Dry Italian Salad Dressing Mix
- 16 ounces angel hair pasta
How to Make Crock Pot Angel Chicken Directions
Creating this delectable dish requires just a few simple steps that yield outstanding results. Begin by searing your chicken breasts. Heat vegetable oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Season each piece of chicken with salt and pepper on both sides before placing it in the hot skillet. Sear the chicken until it develops a beautiful golden brown color on each side, which usually takes about 3-4 minutes per side. This step not only enhances the flavor but also adds a lovely texture to the chicken.
While your chicken is searing, it’s time to prepare the creamy sauce. In a medium mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese and butter. Use a spatula or hand mixer to blend them until smooth and creamy. Next, introduce the can of cream of chicken soup to the mixture, along with the minced garlic, chicken broth, and the Italian seasoning mix. Stir everything together until you achieve a well-combined sauce that is both rich and flavorful.
Once your chicken is seared and your sauce is ready, it’s time to assemble everything in the crock pot. Before doing so, spray the crock pot with a non-stick cooking spray to ensure easy cleanup. Place the seared chicken breasts at the bottom of the crock pot, and then pour the creamy sauce over the top, ensuring that all the chicken is well-coated. Cover the crock pot with its lid and set it to cook on low for 3-4 hours, allowing the flavors to deepen and the chicken to become tender and juicy.
As you near the end of the cooking time, get your angel hair pasta ready. About ten minutes before serving, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to package instructions until it reaches an al dente texture. Once cooked, drain the pasta and set it aside.
Now it’s finally time to enjoy your meal! You can serve the chicken and sauce over a bed of angel hair pasta for a complete and satisfying dinner. The creamy sauce will cling beautifully to the pasta, making every bite rich and flavorful.
How to Serve Crock Pot Angel Chicken
Serving this Crock Pot Angel Chicken is straightforward, and the presentation can be quite appetizing. Start by placing a generous portion of the cooked angel hair pasta on each plate. Using a ladle, spoon out the tender chicken breasts and drizzle some of the creamy sauce over the top of the pasta. For an added touch, consider garnishing each dish with a sprinkle of fresh herbs, such as parsley or basil, to bring a pop of color and freshness to the plate.
Pair your meal with a light salad or some steamed vegetables to balance the richness of the dish. A simple side of garlic bread can also complement the creamy flavors beautifully. Whether you’re serving family or guests, this dish will impress everyone with its taste and heartwarming appeal.
Expert Tips: Crock Pot Angel Chicken
To ensure your Crock Pot Angel Chicken turns out perfectly every time, consider these expert tips. First, always remember to sear the chicken before placing it in the crock pot. This step adds depth to the flavor and enhances the overall enjoyment of the dish.
When preparing your creamy sauce, don’t rush the mixing process. Making sure the cream cheese and butter are thoroughly blended will help incorporate air into the mixture, leading to a fluffier and richer sauce. If your sauce seems too thick, you can always add a bit more chicken broth to achieve your desired consistency.
Also, try not to lift the lid of the crock pot too often while it’s cooking. Opening the lid lets out the steam and can slow down the cooking process. Trust in the power of the slow cooker to do its job!
Lastly, feel free to experiment with the seasoning. If you like a bit of heat, consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce. For a more herbal flavor, you could substitute homemade Italian seasoning in place of the dry dressing mix.
How to Store Crock Pot Angel Chicken
Storing your leftover Crock Pot Angel Chicken is both easy and convenient. Once the dish has cooled down, transfer any leftovers into an airtight container. Make sure to separate the chicken and sauce from the pasta, as the noodles can become mushy if stored together.
Place the airtight container in the refrigerator, where your leftovers will stay fresh for up to 3-4 days. If you want to store it for a longer period, consider freezing the chicken and sauce. Use a freezer-safe container, and it can last up to three months. Just remember to label your container with the date, so you can keep track of its freshness.
When you’re ready to enjoy your leftovers, you can reheat them in the microwave or on the stovetop. If frozen, allow the chicken to thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Variation of Crock Pot Angel Chicken
While the classic Crock Pot Angel Chicken is undeniably delicious, you might want to try different variations to keep things exciting. One option is to add some vegetables to the mix. Chopped bell peppers, spinach, or even mushrooms can enhance both the flavor and nutrition of the dish. Simply add them along with the chicken in the crock pot, allowing them to cook until tender.
If you prefer a little more tanginess, consider adding a tablespoon of lemon juice or some sun-dried tomatoes to the sauce to brighten the flavors. Alternatively, you could swap the cream of chicken soup for cream of mushroom soup for a different taste profile.
For those who love a bit of spice, experiment with a spicy Italian seasoning or add diced jalapeños to the sauce for a fiery kick. Another variation could involve using chicken thighs instead of breasts for a richer, juicier texture.
Lastly, if you’re looking for a low-carb option, you can substitute the angel hair pasta with zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice for a healthier, lighter twist.
FAQ
What is Crock Pot Angel Chicken?
Crock Pot Angel Chicken is a comforting, creamy chicken dish made in a slow cooker. It features chicken breasts cooked in a rich sauce made of cream cheese, cream of chicken soup, garlic, and Italian seasoning, served over angel hair pasta.
How long does it take to cook Crock Pot Angel Chicken?
Cooking Crock Pot Angel Chicken usually takes about 3-4 hours on low heat. This allows the chicken to become incredibly tender and the flavors to meld beautifully.
Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts, but make sure to increase the cooking time. It’s essential that the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F to ensure it is cooked through.
What can I serve with Crock Pot Angel Chicken?
Crock Pot Angel Chicken pairs well with various sides such as a fresh green salad, steamed vegetables, or garlic bread. The creamy sauce also makes it perfect for mixing with pasta.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the ingredients in advance and store them separately in the fridge. Just assemble and cook in the crock pot when you’re ready to enjoy your meal.
Crock Pot Angel Chicken
Ingredients
Chicken and seasoning
- 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts Fresh or frozen
- 1-2 Tablespoons vegetable oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 packet Good Seasons Dry Italian Salad Dressing Mix
Creamy sauce
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 3 Tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
- 10.5 ounces cream of chicken soup (low sodium recommended)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- ¾ cup chicken broth (low sodium recommended)
Serving
- 16 ounces angel hair pasta
Instructions
Preparation
- Heat vegetable oil in a skillet over medium-high heat and season chicken with salt and pepper.
- Sear the chicken for 3-4 minutes on each side until golden brown.
- In a medium bowl, blend softened cream cheese and butter until smooth.
- Add cream of chicken soup, minced garlic, chicken broth, and Italian seasoning to the bowl and stir until well combined.
Cooking
- Spray the crock pot with non-stick cooking spray.
- Place the seared chicken in the crock pot and pour the creamy sauce over it.
- Cover and cook on low for 3-4 hours.
- About 10 minutes before serving, cook the angel hair pasta according to package instructions and drain.
Serving
- Serve the chicken and sauce over the angel hair pasta.
- Garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or basil, if desired.
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