Make the Best Crock Pot Angel Chicken for a Delicious Dinner

Crock Pot Angel Chicken is a delightfully creamy and comforting chicken dish that’s perfect for busy weeknights. By using your trusty slow cooker, you can create a restaurant-quality meal with minimal effort. This dish features tender chicken breasts smothered in a rich and savory sauce, all served over a bed of fluffy angel hair pasta. It’s a family-friendly dinner that’s sure to become a new weeknight staple.

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Ingredients for Crock Pot Angel Chicken

The key to the irresistible flavor of Crock Pot Angel Chicken lies in the carefully selected ingredients. Let’s take a closer look at what you’ll need:

• Vegetable Oil: This helps to sear the chicken breasts before they go into the slow cooker, adding depth of flavor.
• Salt and Pepper: Simple seasonings that enhance the overall taste of the dish.
• Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: The star of the show, these provide the perfect protein for the creamy sauce.
• Cream Cheese: This key ingredient lends a rich, creamy texture to the sauce.
• Unsalted Butter: Adds a delicious richness and helps to create a smooth, velvety sauce.
• Cream of Chicken Soup: Contributes to the creamy base of the sauce, with low-sodium options available for those watching their salt intake.
• Garlic: Fresh minced garlic adds a savory depth of flavor to the dish.
• Chicken Broth: Helps to thin out the sauce and keep the chicken moist and tender.
• Italian Dressing Mix: This seasoning blend provides an irresistible Italian flair to the sauce.
• Angel Hair Pasta: The perfect pasta pairing to soak up all the delicious sauce.
• Garnishes (Optional): Chopped fresh parsley, cracked black pepper, and grated Parmesan cheese can elevate the dish with a final touch of flavor and texture.

How to Make Crock Pot Angel Chicken

Preparing this Crock Pot Angel Chicken couldn’t be simpler. Follow these easy steps for a mouthwatering meal:

1. Prep the Chicken: Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper. In a skillet, sear the chicken over medium-high heat for 2-3 minutes per side until lightly browned. This step helps to lock in the juices and add depth of flavor.
2. Prepare the Crock Pot: Place the seared chicken breasts in the slow cooker.
3. Make the Sauce: In a medium bowl, mix together the softened cream cheese, butter, cream of chicken soup, minced garlic, chicken broth, and Italian dressing mix until smooth and well combined.
4. Combine and Cook: Pour the creamy sauce over the chicken in the crock pot, making sure to coat the breasts evenly. Cover and cook on low for 4-6 hours or on high for 2-3 hours, until the chicken is cooked through and tender.
5. Cook the Pasta: About 15 minutes before serving, cook the angel hair pasta according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
6. Shred the Chicken: Remove the cooked chicken from the crock pot and use two forks to shred it into bite-sized pieces. Return the shredded chicken to the sauce, stirring to combine.
7. Serve and Enjoy: Divide the creamy shredded chicken over the cooked angel hair pasta. Garnish with chopped parsley, cracked black pepper, and/or grated Parmesan cheese for an extra touch of flavor and presentation.

Cooking Tips and Tricks for Crock Pot Angel Chicken

To ensure your Crock Pot Angel Chicken turns out perfectly every time, consider these helpful tips and tricks:

• Prevent Dry Chicken: The key to keeping the chicken moist and tender is to not overcook it. Follow the recommended cook times and check the internal temperature to avoid drying out the meat.
• Adjusting Cook Times: Slow cookers can vary in their heating abilities, so use the suggested time ranges as a guideline. Check the chicken periodically and adjust the cook time as needed to achieve the desired tenderness.
• Make-Ahead Prep: This dish is perfect for meal prepping. You can assemble the ingredients in the crock pot, cover, and refrigerate overnight before cooking. This allows the flavors to meld together even more.
• Leftover Versatility: Crock Pot Angel Chicken makes for delicious leftovers. Simply reheat the shredded chicken and sauce, and serve over pasta, rice, or mashed potatoes for an easy second-day meal.

Pairing Suggestions for Crock Pot Angel Chicken

Crock Pot Angel Chicken pairs beautifully with a variety of side dishes and beverages. Consider these tasty accompaniments:

Side Dish Ideas:

• Garlic Bread: Crusty bread is the perfect vehicle for soaking up the creamy sauce.
• Steamed Broccoli or Asparagus: These fresh vegetables add a nice contrast to the rich dish.
• Crisp Garden Salad: A light salad can balance out the creaminess of the chicken.

Beverage Pairings:

• White Wine: A crisp Chardonnay or Pinot Grigio complement the flavors beautifully.
• Sparkling Water or Unsweetened Iced Tea: These refreshing non-alcoholic options provide a nice contrast to the creamy dish.

Nutrition Information for Crock Pot Angel Chicken

Crock Pot Angel Chicken is a comforting and satisfying dish, but it’s important to be mindful of the nutritional information. Here’s a breakdown of the key nutritional facts:

• Calories: Approximately 480 calories per serving (based on 4 servings)
• Fat: 23 grams per serving, primarily from the cream cheese and butter
• Protein: 44 grams per serving, thanks to the chicken breasts
• Carbohydrates: 33 grams per serving, mostly from the angel hair pasta

To make this dish a bit healthier, you can opt for low-sodium or reduced-fat versions of the cream of chicken soup and chicken broth. Additionally, you can serve the chicken over whole-wheat pasta or zucchini noodles for a lower-carb alternative.

FAQs About Crock Pot Angel Chicken

Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs are a delicious and budget-friendly alternative to chicken breasts. The dark meat will remain juicy and tender in the slow cooker. Adjust the cook time as needed to ensure the thighs are cooked through.

How long should the chicken cook in the crock pot?

The chicken should cook for 4-6 hours on the low setting or 2-3 hours on the high setting, or until it’s cooked through and easily shreds with two forks.

Can I add vegetables to the crock pot with the chicken?

Absolutely! Feel free to add chopped onions, bell peppers, mushrooms, or other favorite vegetables to the crock pot along with the chicken. This will create a more well-rounded and flavorful dish.

Is this recipe suitable for meal prep and freezing?

Yes, Crock Pot Angel Chicken is an excellent choice for meal prepping and freezing. The shredded chicken and creamy sauce freeze beautifully. Simply let the dish cool completely, then portion it into airtight containers or freezer-safe bags. It will keep in the freezer for up to 3 months.

More Related Recipes You Might Enjoy

• Healthy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta
• Crock Pot Ranch Chicken
• Crockpot Thai Coconut Chicken Soup
• Garlic Herb Chicken with Mashed Potatoes

Conclusion

Crock Pot Angel Chicken is a delightfully creamy and comforting dish that’s perfect for busy weeknights. By letting your slow cooker do the work, you can enjoy a restaurant-quality meal with minimal effort. The tender chicken, savory sauce, and fluffy pasta create a harmonious blend of flavors that’s sure to delight your family. Give this Crock Pot Angel Chicken recipe a try, and get ready to experience the magic of a slow-cooked, creamy chicken dinner.

Looking for more tasty ideas? Visit Elena’s Fast & Flavorful Recipes on Pinterest for a treasure trove of easy meals, comforting bakes, and fun kitchen inspiration!

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