Description: A creamy, comforting slow cooker dinner that’s easy to prepare and delivers restaurant-quality flavor. Tender chicken breasts are enveloped in a rich, flavorful sauce that’s perfect served over a bed of delicate angel hair pasta. This recipe is a surefire crowd-pleaser, ideal for busy weeknights or weekend gatherings. The beauty of the Crockpot Angel Chicken lies in its simplicity; it requires minimal effort and yields a delicious, satisfying meal that everyone will love. The ingredients meld together beautifully during the slow cooking process, creating a symphony of flavors that will tantalize your taste buds and leave you craving more.
Ingredients:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 6-8 ounces each)
- 1 (8 oz) package cream cheese, softened to room temperature
- 1 (10.5 oz) can cream of mushroom soup
- ½ cup chicken broth (low sodium preferred)
- ¼ cup dry white wine, such as Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc (or substitute with additional chicken broth for an alcohol-free version)
- 1 (0.7 oz) packet Italian dressing mix
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper, freshly ground
- 1 lb angel hair pasta, cooked al dente according to package instructions
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
Preparation:
This recipe is all about layering flavors and letting the slow cooker do its magic. Here’s a step-by-step guide to preparing your Crockpot Angel Chicken:
Step 1: Prepare the Sauce:
In a medium-sized mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, cream of mushroom soup, chicken broth, white wine (or additional chicken broth), Italian dressing mix, garlic powder, and black pepper. Use a whisk or a hand mixer to thoroughly combine the ingredients until the sauce is smooth and creamy, with no lumps of cream cheese remaining. This is a crucial step to ensure the sauce has a silky texture and the flavors are evenly distributed. Take the time to make sure all the ingredients are fully incorporated.
Step 2: Assemble in Crockpot:
Place the boneless, skinless chicken breasts in the bottom of your slow cooker. Ensure the chicken breasts are arranged in a single layer and not overlapping, to promote even cooking. Pour the prepared sauce evenly over the chicken breasts, making sure each piece is fully coated. The sauce should completely envelop the chicken, creating a blanket of flavor.
Step 3: Slow Cook:
Cover the slow cooker with its lid. Cook on Low heat for 4-5 hours or on High heat for 2-3 hours, until the chicken is tender and cooked through. The internal temperature of the chicken should reach 165°F (75°C). Use a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of a chicken breast to verify doneness. Cooking times may vary slightly depending on your slow cooker model, so it’s always best to check the internal temperature to ensure the chicken is fully cooked.
Step 4: Cook Pasta:
During the last 30 minutes of the cooking time, prepare the angel hair pasta according to package instructions. Cook the pasta al dente, which means “to the tooth” in Italian. It should be firm but tender, with a slight resistance when bitten. Drain the pasta thoroughly to remove any excess water, which could dilute the sauce.
Step 5: Serve:
Once the chicken is cooked through, gently shred it using two forks directly in the slow cooker. This will allow the chicken to absorb more of the flavorful sauce. Serve the shredded chicken and creamy sauce over a bed of freshly cooked angel hair pasta. Spoon plenty of the creamy sauce on top of the pasta and chicken to ensure every bite is bursting with flavor. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley, if desired, for a pop of color and a fresh, herbaceous aroma.
Why You Will Love This Recipe:
- Effortless and Convenient: The slow cooker does all the work! Simply combine the ingredients, set it, and forget it. This is perfect for busy weeknights when you don’t have a lot of time to spend in the kitchen.
- Creamy and Flavorful: The combination of cream cheese, cream of mushroom soup, Italian dressing mix, and white wine creates a rich, decadent sauce that is incredibly satisfying.
- Versatile: This recipe can be easily adapted to your taste preferences. You can use different types of pasta, add vegetables, or adjust the seasonings to create your own unique version.
- Crowd-Pleasing: Everyone loves a creamy pasta dish, and this Crockpot Angel Chicken is sure to be a hit with both kids and adults.
- Freezer-Friendly: Leftovers can be easily frozen for a quick and easy meal later. Simply portion the chicken and sauce into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 3 months.
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve over angel hair pasta, spaghetti, or linguine.
- Serve with a side of steamed broccoli, green beans, or asparagus.
- Add a side salad with a light vinaigrette dressing.
- Serve with crusty bread for dipping into the creamy sauce.
- For a heartier meal, serve over mashed potatoes or rice.
Tips:
- For a richer flavor, use full-fat cream cheese.
- If you don’t have white wine, you can substitute it with additional chicken broth or a splash of lemon juice.
- Add vegetables like mushrooms, bell peppers, or spinach to the slow cooker for extra nutrition and flavor.
- To prevent the chicken from drying out, do not overcook it. Check the internal temperature frequently during the last hour of cooking.
- If the sauce is too thick, add a little more chicken broth to thin it out.
- If the sauce is too thin, mix a tablespoon of cornstarch with two tablespoons of cold water and stir it into the sauce during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
Prep Time: 15 minutes Cook Time: 2-5 hours (depending on High or Low setting) Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes to 5 hours 15 minutes
Nutritional Information: (per serving, estimated)
- Calories: Approximately 550-650
- Protein: 40-50 grams
- Sodium: 800-1000mg (depending on the sodium content of the soup, broth, and Italian dressing mix)
Conclusion:
Crockpot Angel Chicken is a delightful and convenient meal that offers a perfect balance of creamy, savory, and comforting flavors. Its simplicity in preparation, coupled with its impressive taste, makes it a go-to recipe for busy weeknights or effortless entertaining. From the tender chicken breasts enveloped in a luscious sauce to the delicate angel hair pasta that perfectly complements it, this dish is a symphony of textures and tastes that will leave you feeling satisfied and content. So, gather your ingredients, fire up your slow cooker, and let the magic unfold. You’re in for a truly delicious experience that’s sure to become a family favorite.
Questions and Answers about Crockpot Angel Chicken:
- Can I use frozen chicken breasts for this recipe? Answer: While it’s always best to use thawed chicken breasts for optimal texture and even cooking, you can use frozen chicken breasts in a pinch. However, keep in mind that using frozen chicken will significantly increase the cooking time. Add at least 1-2 hours to the cooking time, and always ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) before serving. It’s also a good idea to check the chicken’s internal temperature periodically throughout the cooking process.
- Can I substitute the cream of mushroom soup with another type of creamed soup? Answer: Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with different types of creamed soups to create variations of this dish. Cream of chicken soup, cream of celery soup, or even cream of broccoli soup can be used as substitutes for cream of mushroom soup. Each soup will impart a slightly different flavor profile to the dish, so choose one that you think will complement the other ingredients.
- Can I make this recipe without using white wine? Answer: Yes, you can easily make this recipe without white wine. The white wine adds a subtle depth of flavor to the sauce, but it’s not essential. You can substitute the white wine with an equal amount of chicken broth or a splash of lemon juice for a similar effect. Using chicken broth will maintain the savory flavor profile, while lemon juice will add a touch of brightness and acidity.
- How long can I store leftovers of Crockpot Angel Chicken? Answer: Leftovers of Crockpot Angel Chicken can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days in an airtight container. Ensure the chicken and sauce are cooled completely before refrigerating. When reheating, make sure the chicken is heated through to an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). You can reheat the leftovers in the microwave, on the stovetop, or in the oven.
- Can I freeze Crockpot Angel Chicken for later use? Answer: Yes, Crockpot Angel Chicken freezes exceptionally well. Allow the chicken and sauce to cool completely before transferring them to freezer-safe containers or freezer bags. Portion the mixture into individual servings or family-sized portions for easy thawing and reheating. Frozen Crockpot Angel Chicken can be stored in the freezer for up to 2-3 months. When ready to use, thaw the mixture in the refrigerator overnight or in the microwave on the defrost setting. Reheat thoroughly before serving.
