Crock Pot Angel Chicken is a delightful meal that is perfect for busy days when you want something delicious without spending too much time in the kitchen. This dish combines tender chicken with a creamy sauce made from Italian dressing mix, cream of chicken soup, and cream cheese. Serve it over angel hair pasta, and you have a comforting and simple dinner.
Cooking in a crock pot not only makes the chicken tender but also allows the flavors to blend beautifully. This recipe is very easy to follow, making it great for those new to cooking or anyone looking for a stress-free meal.
WHY YOU WILL LOVE THIS RECIPE
This recipe for Crock Pot Angel Chicken is loved by many for several reasons. First, it is a one-pot meal, which means fewer dishes to wash afterward. Second, the ingredients are simple and easy to find, making grocery shopping a breeze.
The chicken becomes very tender and full of flavor as it cooks in the crock pot. The creamy sauce is rich and goes perfectly with the lightness of angel hair pasta. You can have a hearty and satisfying meal ready to enjoy with minimal effort.
Finally, this dish can easily feed a family, making it a great choice for weeknight dinners or gatherings.
HOW TO MAKE Crock Pot Angel Chicken
EQUIPMENT NEEDED
To make Crock Pot Angel Chicken, you will need the following equipment:
- A crock pot
- A mixing bowl
- A whisk or spoon for mixing
- A cutting board
- A sharp knife
- A pot for boiling pasta
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 packet of Italian dressing mix
- 1 can cream of chicken soup
- 8 oz cream cheese
- 8 oz angel hair pasta
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
STEP-BY-STEP INSTRUCTIONS
- Place the chicken breasts in the crock pot. Arrange the chicken breasts at the bottom of the pot. You want them to lie flat to ensure they cook evenly.
- In a separate bowl, mix the Italian dressing mix, cream of chicken soup, and cream cheese until well combined. Use a whisk or spoon to blend these ingredients until smooth. This will be your creamy sauce.
- Pour the mixture over the chicken in the crock pot. Make sure the chicken is evenly covered with the sauce for maximum flavor.
- Cook on low for 6-8 hours or until the chicken is tender. The longer you cook the chicken, the more tender it will become.
- Remove the chicken and shred it, then return it to the pot and mix well. Use two forks to shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces. Stir it back into the sauce for even flavor.
- Cook the angel hair pasta according to package instructions. In a separate pot, bring water to a boil and cook the pasta until it is tender. Typically this takes just a few minutes.
- Serve the chicken and sauce over the cooked angel hair pasta. Use a slotted spoon to take the chicken and sauce and place it on top of the pasta.
- Season with salt, pepper, and garnish with parsley if desired. A sprinkle of fresh parsley adds color and freshness to the dish.
HOW TO SERVE Crock Pot Angel Chicken
Serving Crock Pot Angel Chicken is quite simple. Once you have plated the chicken and pasta, you can add a little extra cream sauce on top for a richer flavor. Pair this dish with a side of garlic bread or a fresh salad to complete your meal.
This dish is best enjoyed hot. You can serve it family-style directly from the crock pot or plate individual servings for a more elegant touch at the dinner table.
STORAGE & FREEZING: Crock Pot Angel Chicken
Crock Pot Angel Chicken can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Make sure to let it cool completely before placing it in an airtight container.
If you want to freeze it, cool it completely and then place the chicken and sauce into a freezer-safe container. It will keep well in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you are ready to eat it, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator and reheat it on the stove or in the microwave.
SERVING SUGGESTIONS
For a more complete meal, you can serve Crock Pot Angel Chicken with:
- Steamed vegetables, such as broccoli or green beans
- A fresh garden salad
- Breadsticks or garlic bread
- Grated parmesan cheese on top of the pasta
These sides will enhance your meal and provide a variety of flavors and textures.
VARIATIONS
You can easily customize Crock Pot Angel Chicken to suit your tastes. Here are a few ideas:
- Add vegetables: You can include diced bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach into the crock pot for extra nutrition and flavor.
- Change the pasta: Instead of angel hair pasta, serve with fettuccine, rice, or zucchini noodles for a low-carb option.
- Spice it up: For some heat, add crushed red pepper flakes to the sauce to give it a kick.
FAQs
1. Can I use frozen chicken breasts?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts in the crock pot. Just note that it may increase the cooking time.
2. Is there a gluten-free option for this recipe?
Absolutely! You can use gluten-free pasta and make sure the cream of chicken soup and Italian dressing mix are also gluten-free.
3. Can I use other types of meat?
Yes, this recipe can work with chicken thighs, pork chops, or even turkey. Just adjust the cooking time as needed.
4. Can I double the recipe?
Yes, you can double the recipe, but ensure your crock pot can handle the larger amount of food.
MAKE-AHEAD TIPS FOR Crock Pot Angel Chicken
If you want to get ahead on this recipe, here are some tips:
- Prep the night before: You can mix the sauce ingredients in advance and store them in the refrigerator. Place the chicken in the crock pot in the morning, pour the sauce on it, and turn it on.
- Cut the chicken in the morning: If you prefer, cube or slice the chicken instead of cooking whole breasts. This can help decrease cooking time and make it easier to serve.
- Ready the pasta: You can cook the pasta ahead of time, store it, and then reheat it when you are ready to serve.
By following these tips, you can ensure that your dinner will be quick and easy on a busy day. Enjoy your delicious Crock Pot Angel Chicken!
Crock Pot Angel Chicken
Ingredients
Method
- Place the chicken breasts in the crock pot, arranging them flat at the bottom.
- In a separate bowl, mix the Italian dressing mix, cream of chicken soup, and cream cheese until smooth.
- Pour the sauce mixture over the chicken in the crock pot, ensuring it's evenly covered.
- Cook on low for 6-8 hours until the chicken is tender.
- Remove the chicken, shred it with two forks, and return it to the pot, mixing it back into the sauce.
- In a separate pot, cook the angel hair pasta according to package instructions until tender.
- Serve the shredded chicken and sauce over the cooked pasta.
- Season with salt and pepper, and garnish with parsley, if desired.