Description: Indulge in the effortless elegance of Creamy Crockpot Angel Chicken, a recipe that transforms simple ingredients into a comforting and flavorful meal. Tender chicken, enveloped in a rich and creamy sauce infused with Italian herbs, slow-cooked to perfection and served over delicate angel hair pasta. This is a weeknight dinner solution that feels like a weekend indulgence, perfect for busy families and anyone craving a satisfying, fuss-free dish.
Ingredients:
- 1 ½ lbs boneless skinless chicken breasts (cut into chunks or left whole) – Chicken breasts are the star of the show, providing a lean protein base that becomes incredibly tender during the slow cooking process. Feel free to use fresh or frozen chicken breasts (thawed completely).
- ½ cup chicken broth – Chicken broth adds moisture and depth of flavor to the sauce. Use low-sodium broth to control the salt content of the dish. You can substitute with vegetable broth for a slightly different flavor profile.
- 4 oz cream cheese (softened) – Cream cheese is the key ingredient that gives the sauce its creamy texture and tangy flavor. Make sure the cream cheese is softened to room temperature for easy incorporation into the sauce. Full-fat or reduced-fat cream cheese can be used.
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup – Cream of chicken soup acts as a convenient base for the sauce, adding richness and thickening properties. Look for a low-sodium option to better manage the sodium content of your meal.
- 1 packet Italian dressing seasoning mix – This seasoning mix is the secret weapon for adding a burst of Italian-inspired flavor to the dish. It typically contains a blend of herbs and spices like oregano, basil, parsley, garlic, and onion.
- ¼ cup butter – Butter adds richness and flavor to the sauce, creating a luxurious mouthfeel. Salted or unsalted butter can be used, adjusting the salt content accordingly.
- 1 lb angel hair pasta (cooked and drained) – Angel hair pasta is the perfect complement to the creamy sauce, its delicate strands soaking up all the delicious flavors. Other pasta shapes like spaghetti, fettuccine, or penne can also be used.
Preparation:
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken: Rinse the chicken breasts under cold water and pat them dry with paper towels. If using whole chicken breasts, you can cut them into smaller, bite-sized chunks for faster and more even cooking. This also allows the chicken to absorb the flavors of the sauce more effectively.
Step 2: Create the Creamy Sauce Base: In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over low heat. Once the butter is melted, add the softened cream cheese, cream of chicken soup, and Italian dressing seasoning mix. Stir continuously with a whisk or spoon until all the ingredients are fully combined and the sauce is smooth and creamy. Ensure that there are no lumps of cream cheese remaining.
Step 3: Assemble the Crockpot Ingredients: Place the prepared chicken pieces in the bottom of the crockpot. Pour the chicken broth over the chicken, ensuring that it is evenly distributed. Then, pour the creamy sauce over the chicken and broth, covering the chicken completely.
Step 4: Slow Cook to Perfection: Cover the crockpot with the lid and cook on low heat for 4-5 hours or on high heat for 2-3 hours. The cooking time may vary depending on the size and thickness of the chicken pieces and the specific crockpot used. The chicken is done when it is cooked through and easily shreds with a fork. Check the internal temperature of the chicken with a meat thermometer to ensure it reaches 165°F (74°C).
Step 5: Cook the Pasta and Combine: While the chicken is cooking in the crockpot, cook the angel hair pasta according to the package directions. Drain the cooked pasta thoroughly and set it aside. Once the chicken is cooked through, shred it with two forks directly in the crockpot. Then, gently stir the shredded chicken into the creamy sauce, ensuring that it is evenly distributed. Finally, add the cooked and drained angel hair pasta to the crockpot and toss gently to coat the pasta with the creamy chicken sauce.
Why You Will Love This Recipe:
- Effortless Preparation: This recipe requires minimal effort, making it perfect for busy weeknights. Simply toss the ingredients into the crockpot and let it do the work!
- Incredible Flavor: The combination of creamy sauce, tender chicken, and Italian herbs creates a flavor explosion that will tantalize your taste buds.
- Versatile and Customizable: This recipe can be easily customized to suit your preferences. Add vegetables like mushrooms, bell peppers, or spinach for added nutrients and flavor.
- Family-Friendly: This is a dish that both kids and adults will love, making it a surefire crowd-pleaser.
- Comfort Food at Its Finest: Creamy Crockpot Angel Chicken is the ultimate comfort food, perfect for cozy nights in.
COOKING Rating: 5/5 Stars
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve hot over angel hair pasta.
- Garnish with fresh parsley or basil.
- Add a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese for extra flavor.
- Serve with a side of steamed vegetables like broccoli or green beans.
- Pair with a crusty bread for dipping in the creamy sauce.
- Add a side salad for a complete and balanced meal.
Tips:
- For a thicker sauce, mix a tablespoon of cornstarch with two tablespoons of cold water and stir it into the crockpot during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
- If you don’t have Italian dressing seasoning mix, you can use a combination of dried oregano, basil, parsley, garlic powder, and onion powder.
- To prevent the pasta from becoming mushy, add it to the crockpot just before serving.
- If you want to add vegetables, add them to the crockpot during the last hour of cooking.
- This recipe can be easily doubled or tripled to feed a larger crowd.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- For a spicier dish, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce.
- To lighten up the dish, use reduced-fat cream cheese and cream of chicken soup.
- You can use other cuts of chicken, such as chicken thighs, but they may require a longer cooking time.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 2-5 hours
Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes- 5 hours 15 minutes
Nutritional Information: (Estimated, per serving)
- Calories: 550-650
- Protein: 40-50g
- Sodium: 800-1200mg
Conclusion:
Creamy Crockpot Angel Chicken is a recipe that embodies simplicity and deliciousness. It’s a dish that allows you to enjoy a home-cooked meal without spending hours in the kitchen. The creamy sauce, tender chicken, and perfectly cooked pasta combine to create a symphony of flavors and textures that will leave you craving more. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a beginner, this recipe is sure to become a staple in your repertoire. So, gather your ingredients, plug in your crockpot, and prepare to be amazed by the ease and deliciousness of Creamy Crockpot Angel Chicken! This recipe is a comforting, flavorful, and incredibly easy way to enjoy a delicious meal with minimal effort, freeing you up to spend time with your loved ones or simply relax.
Questions and Answers:
Q1: Can I use frozen chicken breasts for this recipe?
A: Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts, but make sure they are completely thawed before adding them to the crockpot. Thawing ensures that the chicken cooks evenly and prevents it from becoming dry or tough. You can thaw the chicken in the refrigerator overnight or use the microwave on the defrost setting.
Q2: Can I substitute the cream of chicken soup with something else?
A: Yes, if you don’t have cream of chicken soup, you can substitute it with cream of mushroom soup or cream of celery soup. You can also make a homemade cream sauce by combining milk, flour, and butter.
Q3: How can I make this recipe healthier?
A: To make this recipe healthier, you can use reduced-fat cream cheese and cream of chicken soup. You can also add more vegetables to the crockpot, such as broccoli, carrots, or spinach. Additionally, using whole wheat pasta can increase the fiber content of the dish.
Q4: Can I make this recipe in the Instant Pot?
A: Yes, you can make this recipe in the Instant Pot. Place the chicken, chicken broth, cream cheese, cream of chicken soup, and Italian dressing seasoning mix in the Instant Pot. Cook on high pressure for 10-12 minutes, followed by a natural pressure release for 10 minutes. Then, shred the chicken and stir in the cooked pasta.
Q5: How long can I store leftovers in the refrigerator?
A: Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Make sure to store the leftovers in an airtight container to prevent them from drying out. Reheat the leftovers in the microwave or on the stovetop until heated through. You may need to add a little bit of milk or broth to the leftovers to rehydrate the sauce.
