Slow Cooker Angel Chicken is a comforting and delicious dish that brings the heart and soul of home cooking right to your table. With tender chicken drenched in a creamy, flavorful sauce, this recipe is perfect for busy weeknights and family gatherings. The best part? You can set it and forget it, letting your slow cooker do all the hard work while you focus on what really matters—spending time with your loved ones.
Why We Love This Slow Cooker Angel Chicken Recipe
This recipe stands out not only for its rich and savory flavors but also for its simplicity. You don’t need advanced cooking skills to make a dish that will impress your family and friends. The combination of ingredients melds beautifully during the slow cooking process, creating a sauce that’s perfect for draping over al dente angel hair pasta. You’ll appreciate how the cream cheese and cream of chicken soup work together to create a luxurious texture, while the garlic and Italian seasoning add a delightful depth of flavor. Plus, cleanup is a breeze, making it an ideal choice for busy cooks who want to enjoy a hearty meal without the fuss.
Ingredients about Slow Cooker Angel Chicken
To prepare your Slow Cooker Angel Chicken, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
- 10.5 ounces canned cream of chicken soup
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 0.7 ounce packet Italian dry salad dressing mix
- 3/4 cup chicken broth
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- 1-2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 16 ounces angel hair pasta
- Chopped fresh parsley, for garnish
- Cracked black pepper, for garnish
- Grated Parmesan cheese, for garnish (optional)
How to Make Slow Cooker Angel Chicken Directions
Let’s get right into the step-by-step process of making this delightful dish. Start by preparing your chicken. Pat the boneless, skinless chicken breasts dry with a paper towel. Sprinkle salt and black pepper generously on both sides of the chicken. This seasoning will enhance the overall flavor of your dish.
Next, heat a cast iron skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, drizzle in about 1-2 tablespoons of vegetable oil. Swirl the oil around to coat the skillet evenly. Carefully place the seasoned chicken breasts in the skillet and sear them for about 2-3 minutes on each side, or until they turn golden brown. This step adds a nice color and flavor to the chicken.
Meanwhile, prepare the creamy sauce. In a medium mixing bowl, mix the softened cream cheese and unsalted butter. Whisk these ingredients together until you achieve a smooth consistency. To this, add the canned cream of chicken soup, minced garlic, chicken broth, and the Italian dry salad dressing mix. Continue to whisk until everything is fully blended. This creamy mix will become the luscious sauce to coat your chicken.
Now, it’s time to set up your slow cooker. Spray the interior with non-stick cooking spray for easy cleanup. Layer the seared chicken breasts in the bottom of the slow cooker in an even layer. Once the chicken is arranged, pour the creamy sauce mixture over the top, ensuring that all pieces are well coated.
Cover your slow cooker and let it work its magic on low heat for about 3 to 4 hours. You’ll know your chicken is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. While the chicken cooks, you can prepare the angel hair pasta. Fill a large pot with water, add salt, and bring it to a boil. Once boiling, add the angel hair pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta well, but remember to reserve a bit of the pasta water in case you want to adjust the sauce later.
When your chicken is ready, you can choose to serve it whole or shredded. If you’d like to shred it, simply use two forks to pull it apart while it’s still in the slow cooker. Plate the cooked pasta and lay the chicken and sauce generously over the top. This is where you can get creative—garnish with fresh chopped parsley, a sprinkle of cracked black pepper, and if you desire, some grated Parmesan cheese for an extra touch of flavor.
How to Serve Slow Cooker Angel Chicken
Serving your Slow Cooker Angel Chicken is as enjoyable as making it. Start by placing a generous serving of the cooked angel hair pasta onto a plate or bowl. Next, either lay the chicken breasts on top or shred them right over the pasta for a heartier feel. The creamy sauce will cascade over both the chicken and the pasta, creating a delightful presentation and a mouthwatering dish.
For a well-rounded meal, consider adding a side salad or steamed vegetables. Fresh greens can help cut through the richness of the sauce, and they add a beautiful pop of color to your meal. You might also want to serve the dish with warm garlic bread to soak up any extra sauce – it’s just too good to waste!
Finally, don’t forget to garnish your plate. A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley adds a touch of freshness, while cracked black pepper gives it that restaurant-style finish. For those who love cheese, consider offering grated Parmesan alongside each plate so everyone can customize their dish to their liking.
Expert Tips: Slow Cooker Angel Chicken
When preparing Slow Cooker Angel Chicken, a few expert tips can elevate your cooking experience:
- Sear the Chicken: Don’t skip the searing step! This helps to lock in the juices and enhances the overall flavor of the dish.
- Cream Cheese Temperature: Make sure your cream cheese is at room temperature. This will make it easier to whisk and integrate into the sauce without lumps.
- Customize Flavors: Feel free to customize the dish with your favorite herbs or spices. Adding fresh thyme or oregano can bring an entirely new dimension to the flavor.
- Vegetable Add-ins: For a more balanced meal, consider adding vegetables like bell peppers, spinach, or mushrooms to the slow cooker. Just toss them in before you pour the sauce over.
- Pasta Preparation: For perfectly cooked pasta, avoid adding it to water until it reaches a rolling boil. This ensures even cooking.
How to Store Slow Cooker Angel Chicken
If you have any leftovers—or if you’re making this dish in advance—proper storage is essential for maintaining its delicious flavor. Allow the Slow Cooker Angel Chicken to cool to room temperature. Once cooled, transfer the chicken and sauce to an airtight container. You can keep it refrigerated for up to three days, making it great for meal prep or quick dinners.
If you want to extend its shelf life, consider freezing it. Portion the chicken and sauce into smaller airtight containers or freezer bags, making sure to remove as much air as possible before sealing. This way, your Slow Cooker Angel Chicken can last for up to three months in the freezer.
When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply thaw it overnight in the refrigerator and reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave until warmed through. You may want to add a splash of chicken broth or a bit of cream to the sauce during reheating to bring back its creamy texture.
Variation of Slow Cooker Angel Chicken
Feel free to get creative with your Slow Cooker Angel Chicken! Here are a few variations to consider that will keep this recipe exciting:
- Different Proteins: While chicken is the star of this dish, you can use other proteins such as turkey breasts or even shrimp. Adjust the cooking time accordingly, especially for shrimp, which cooks much faster.
- Add Cheese: For extra cheesy goodness, mix in shredded mozzarella or pepper jack cheese into the sauce before pouring it over the chicken.
- Spicy Kick: If you enjoy a bit of heat, add red pepper flakes to the sauce mixture or use a spicy Italian dressing mix instead.
- Herb Infusion: Switch up the flavor profile by adding fresh herbs like basil, dill, or thyme. Just toss them into the sauce for a more aromatic experience.
- Vegetarian Option: To make a vegetarian version, substitute chicken with hearty vegetables such as mushrooms, eggplant, and zucchini. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth, and keep the rest of the ingredients the same.
FAQ
What is Slow Cooker Angel Chicken? Slow Cooker Angel Chicken is a comforting dish made with seasoned chicken breasts cooked slowly in a creamy sauce composed of cream cheese, cream of chicken soup, and Italian spices, served over angel hair pasta.
How do I make Slow Cooker Angel Chicken? To make this dish, sear chicken breasts before placing them in a slow cooker. Prepare a creamy sauce of cream cheese, chicken soup, garlic, and broth, pour it over the chicken, and cook on low for 3-4 hours.
Can I freeze Slow Cooker Angel Chicken? Yes! You can freeze the chicken and sauce in airtight containers for up to three months. Just thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
What can I serve with Slow Cooker Angel Chicken? This dish pairs perfectly with a side of salad, steamed vegetables, or warm garlic bread to soak up the delicious sauce.
What can I substitute for chicken in Slow Cooker Angel Chicken? You can use turkey, shrimp, or even hearty vegetables for a vegetarian version. Adjust the cooking times accordingly based on the protein you choose.
Slow Cooker Angel Chicken
Ingredients
Chicken Preparation
- 1.5 pounds Boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Salt to taste Salt
- Black pepper to taste Black pepper
- 1-2 tablespoons Vegetable oil
Creamy Sauce
- 4 ounces Cream cheese, softened Should be at room temperature
- 3 tablespoons Unsalted butter, softened
- 10.5 ounces Canned cream of chicken soup
- 3 cloves Garlic, minced
- 0.7 ounce Italian dry salad dressing mix
- 3/4 cup Chicken broth
Pasta and Garnish
- 16 ounces Angel hair pasta
- Chopped Fresh parsley Chopped fresh parsley For garnish
- Cracked Black pepper Cracked black pepper For garnish
- Grated Parmesan cheese Grated Parmesan cheese Optional for garnish
Instructions
Preparation
- Pat the boneless, skinless chicken breasts dry with a paper towel and season both sides with salt and black pepper.
- In a cast iron skillet over medium-high heat, add 1-2 tablespoons of vegetable oil. Sear the chicken breasts for 2-3 minutes on each side until golden brown.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese and unsalted butter and whisk until smooth.
- Add the cream of chicken soup, minced garlic, chicken broth, and Italian dressing mix. Whisk until fully blended.
Slow Cooking
- Spray the slow cooker with non-stick cooking spray. Layer the seared chicken in the bottom of the slow cooker.
- Pour the creamy sauce over the chicken to ensure even coating.
- Cover and cook on low for 3-4 hours until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
- While the chicken is cooking, prepare the angel hair pasta according to the package instructions.
Serving
- Plate the cooked pasta and generously lay the chicken and sauce over the top.
- Garnish with chopped parsley, cracked black pepper, and grated Parmesan cheese if desired.
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