Crock Pot Angel Chicken is the creamy, slow-cooked miracle your chaotic weeknights didn’t know they needed. This simple yet flavorful dish combines tender chicken with a rich sauce, all cooked to perfection in your crockpot. Perfect for family dinners or gatherings, this recipe makes you look like a culinary expert with minimal effort.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick Prep Time: With just five minutes of prep, you can set it and forget it, making it a great option for busy schedules.
- Deliciously Creamy: The combination of cream cheese and cream of chicken soup creates a rich and comforting sauce that clings to the chicken perfectly.
- Versatile Serving Options: Serve over angel hair pasta or rice; this dish adapts to whatever you have on hand.
- Crowd-Pleaser: This dish is sure to impress family and friends, making it ideal for gatherings or potlucks.
- Freezer-Friendly: Prepare a double batch and freeze half for an easy meal later; it reheats beautifully!
Tools and Preparation
To make Crock Pot Angel Chicken efficiently, you’ll need a few essential tools. Gathering these beforehand will streamline your cooking process.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Nonstick spray
- Crockpot
- Microwave-safe bowl
- Whisk
- Forks (for shredding)
Importance of Each Tool
- Nonstick spray: Ensures easy cleanup by preventing the chicken from sticking to the crockpot.
- Crockpot: The heart of this recipe, allowing for hands-off cooking that results in tender meat.
- Whisk: Helps combine ingredients smoothly, ensuring even distribution of flavors.
Ingredients
For the Chicken
- 1.5 pounds chicken breast (boneless and skinless)
- 3 cloves garlic (chopped or left whole)
For the Sauce
- 10.5 ounces cream of chicken soup
- 3/4 cup chicken stock
- 4 ounces cream cheese
- 1/4 cup butter
- 0.6 ounces Italian dressing mix (I used Good Seasons)
For Serving
- 1 pound angel hair pasta
How to Make Crock Pot Angel Chicken
Step 1: Prepare the Crockpot
- Spray the inside of the crockpot with nonstick cooking spray to prevent sticking.
Step 2: Add Chicken and Garlic
- Place the chicken breast into the crockpot.
- Add the garlic on top of the chicken.
Step 3: Make the Sauce
- Soften the butter and cream cheese in a microwave-safe bowl until easy to mix.
- Whisk until smooth and creamy.
- Whisk in the cream of chicken soup without diluting it.
- Add in the Italian dressing mix and chicken stock, whisking until well combined.
Step 4: Combine Everything
- Pour the sauce over the chicken breasts evenly.
- Cover and set your crockpot to cook on low for 6 to 8 hours.
Step 5: Shred Optional (30 Minutes Before Serving)
- About 30 minutes before serving, shred the chicken with two forks while still in the sauce for extra flavor infusion.
Step 6: Cook Pasta
- Just before serving time, cook the angel hair pasta according to package instructions; drain well.
Step 7: Serve Your Dish
- Serve the creamy Crock Pot Angel Chicken over a bed of angel hair pasta for a delightful meal everyone will love!
How to Serve Crock Pot Angel Chicken
Crock Pot Angel Chicken is a versatile dish that pairs beautifully with various sides. Whether you want a hearty meal or something light, these serving suggestions will make your dinner even better.
Over Angel Hair Pasta
- This dish is traditionally served over angel hair pasta, allowing the creamy sauce to cling perfectly, creating a comforting bowl of goodness.
With Fresh Vegetables
- Add a side of steamed broccoli or green beans for a pop of color and nutrition. The freshness complements the creamy chicken beautifully.
On a Bed of Rice
- For a heartier meal, serve the chicken over fluffy white or brown rice. The rice absorbs the flavorful sauce, making each bite delicious.
Inside Tortillas
- Use tortillas to create tasty wraps filled with Crock Pot Angel Chicken. Add some cheese and lettuce for an easy and fun meal.
With Garlic Bread
- Pair this dish with warm garlic bread for a satisfying crunch. It’s perfect for soaking up any leftover sauce on your plate.
As Leftovers
- Enjoy the leftovers for lunch! This dish reheats well and can be enjoyed in many ways, from sandwiches to salads.
How to Perfect Crock Pot Angel Chicken
To achieve the best results with your Crock Pot Angel Chicken, follow these simple tips.
- Use fresh ingredients: Fresh herbs and spices enhance flavor. Always opt for fresh garlic and high-quality cream cheese.
- Don’t rush cooking time: Allowing it to cook on low for 6-8 hours gives the chicken time to become tender and soak up the flavors.
- Adjust seasoning: Taste the sauce before serving; feel free to add salt or pepper as needed to suit your palate.
- Add vegetables: Consider adding carrots or bell peppers during cooking for added nutrition and flavor without extra effort.
- Shred the chicken: Shredding the chicken about 30 minutes before serving helps it absorb more sauce, making every bite flavorful.
- Garnish before serving: A sprinkle of parsley or grated Parmesan adds a nice touch and enhances presentation.
Best Side Dishes for Crock Pot Angel Chicken
Crock Pot Angel Chicken pairs wonderfully with a variety of side dishes that complement its creamy texture and rich flavor. Here are some great options:
- Steamed Broccoli – This vibrant green vegetable adds nutrition and balances out the richness of the chicken.
- Garlic Mashed Potatoes – Creamy mashed potatoes are always a hit. They’re perfect for soaking up extra sauce.
- Caesar Salad – A crisp Caesar salad offers freshness and crunch that contrasts nicely with the creamy main dish.
- Roasted Asparagus – This elegant side brings an earthy flavor that enhances your meal’s overall appeal.
- Quinoa Pilaf – A nutty quinoa pilaf provides texture and is a healthy alternative to rice.
- Corn on the Cob – Sweet corn is a fun addition that adds sweetness and complements savory flavors well.
- Baked Sweet Potatoes – Their natural sweetness pairs exceptionally well with savory dishes like this one.
- Garlic Breadsticks – Soft breadsticks are perfect for dipping into the creamy sauce left on your plate.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Avoiding common mistakes can make your Crock Pot Angel Chicken even better. Here are a few pitfalls to watch out for:
- Skipping the Nonstick Spray: Always spray the crockpot with nonstick cooking spray. This prevents sticking and makes cleanup easier.
- Not Shredding the Chicken: If you want a more flavorful dish, shred the chicken during cooking. This allows the meat to soak up the sauce better.
- Using Cold Ingredients: Soften cream cheese and butter before mixing. Cold ingredients don’t blend well, which can lead to lumps in your sauce.
- Ignoring Cook Times: Cooking on low for 6-8 hours is crucial. Rushing the process may lead to undercooked chicken.
- Forgetting About Pasta: Don’t forget to cook your angel hair pasta right before serving. It’s essential for a complete meal.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store leftovers in an airtight container.
- Use within 3-4 days for best quality.
Freezing Crock Pot Angel Chicken
- Place in a freezer-safe container or bag.
- Can be frozen for up to 3 months.
Reheating Crock Pot Angel Chicken
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C), cover with foil, and heat for about 20-30 minutes.
- Microwave: Heat in short intervals, stirring in between until hot throughout.
- Stovetop: Warm over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about making Crock Pot Angel Chicken:
Can I use frozen chicken breasts?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts. Just increase the cooking time by an hour or so.
What can I serve with Crock Pot Angel Chicken?
This dish pairs well with vegetables, salad, or garlic bread, making it a versatile addition to any dinner table.
How spicy is Crock Pot Angel Chicken?
This recipe is not spicy at all. The Italian dressing mix adds flavor without heat. You can adjust the spice level based on your preferences.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, just ensure you use gluten-free cream of chicken soup and Italian dressing mix.
Final Thoughts
Crock Pot Angel Chicken is a delightful recipe that combines convenience and comfort. Its creamy texture and rich flavors make it ideal for busy weeknights or family gatherings. Feel free to customize it by adding vegetables or different spices for an extra twist!
Crock Pot Angel Chicken
Crock Pot Angel Chicken is the ultimate comfort food, perfect for busy weeknights when you crave something simple yet spectacular. This creamy, slow-cooked dish features tender chicken enveloped in a luscious sauce made with cream cheese and cream of chicken soup. With just five minutes of prep time, you can set it in your crockpot and let it work its magic while you handle other tasks.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 to 8 hours
- Total Time: 0 hours
- Yield: Serves approximately 4
- Category: Main
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breast
- 10.5 ounces cream of chicken soup
- 4 ounces cream cheese
- 3/4 cup chicken stock
- 1/4 cup butter
- 0.6 ounces Italian dressing mix
- Angel hair pasta (for serving)
Instructions
- Spray the crockpot with nonstick cooking spray.
- Place the chicken breasts and garlic in the crockpot.
- In a microwave-safe bowl, soften the butter and cream cheese, then whisk until smooth.
- Add the cream of chicken soup, Italian dressing mix, and chicken stock; whisk until combined.
- Pour the sauce over the chicken and cook on low for 6 to 8 hours.
- About 30 minutes before serving, shred the chicken in the sauce for added flavor.
- Cook angel hair pasta according to package instructions and serve topped with the creamy chicken.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (approximately 250g)
- Calories: 460
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 960mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
