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This creamy Crock Pot Angel Chicken has become my ultimate weeknight savior when I need a satisfying dinner that practically cooks itself. The tender chicken breasts bathed in a rich Italian-inspired sauce create restaurant-quality flavor with minimal effort, all served over delicate angel hair pasta.
I first made this for my family during a particularly hectic week when I needed something that would cook while I tackled other responsibilities. The delicious aroma filled our home and everyone immediately requested it become part of our regular rotation.
Ingredients
- Boneless skinless chicken breasts: About 1.5 pounds for tender protein that absorbs all the savory flavors
- Cream cheese: Adds incredible richness and tanginess to the sauce
- Unsalted butter: Creates silky texture and depth of flavor
- Cream of chicken soup: Provides convenience and a velvety base
- Fresh garlic: Minced for aromatic foundation
- Chicken broth: Thins the sauce to perfect consistency
- Italian dressing mix packet: Infuses complex seasoning without measuring multiple spices
- Angel hair pasta: Cooks quickly and catches every bit of the delicious sauce
- Fresh parsley: Optional for bright color and flavor contrast
- Parmesan cheese: Optional for nutty complexity and added richness
How To Make Crock Pot Angel Chicken
- Sear the Chicken:
- Heat vegetable oil in a cast iron skillet over medium high heat until shimmering. Season chicken breasts generously with salt and pepper then place in the hot pan. Cook each side for 2-3 minutes until golden brown. This crucial step builds flavor through caramelization that slow cooking alone cannot achieve.
- Prepare the Sauce:
- In a medium bowl whisk together softened cream cheese and butter until completely smooth with no lumps. Add cream of chicken soup, minced garlic, chicken broth, and the Italian dressing mix. Whisk thoroughly until the mixture is fully incorporated and silky. The softened ingredients ensure everything blends perfectly.
- Slow Cook:
- Spray your crock pot with nonstick cooking spray to prevent sticking. Place the seared chicken breasts in a single layer at the bottom. Pour the prepared sauce evenly over the chicken making sure it's completely covered. Cover and cook on low for 2.5-3 hours until chicken reaches 165°F internal temperature using a meat thermometer for accuracy.
- Cook Pasta and Serve:
- About 10 minutes before serving bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook angel hair pasta according to package directions until al dente, usually just 4-5 minutes. Drain well. Decide whether to serve the chicken breasts whole or shredded then either toss the pasta directly in the sauce or plate the pasta and spoon the chicken and sauce on top. Garnish with fresh parsley, cracked pepper or Parmesan if desired.
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This recipe reminds me of my grandmother's Sunday dinners where she would spend hours creating comfort food that brought everyone together. The Italian dressing mix is my secret weapon here adding layers of herbs and seasonings that would otherwise require a fully stocked spice cabinet.
Make Ahead Options
This angel chicken can be completely prepared up to 24 hours in advance and stored in the refrigerator. The flavors actually continue to develop overnight making it even more delicious. Simply reheat gently on the stovetop or microwave until warmed through and prepare fresh pasta just before serving for the best texture.
Ingredient Substitutions
While this recipe is perfect as written you can easily adapt it to suit dietary needs or what you have on hand. Swap the cream cheese for Neufchâtel for less fat or use Greek yogurt for a tangier profile. Turkey cutlets work beautifully instead of chicken breasts if preferred. For a gluten-free version use your favorite gluten-free pasta and ensure your cream of chicken soup is gluten-free. The Italian dressing mix can be replaced with 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning plus 1 teaspoon each of garlic powder and onion powder.
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Low Sodium Considerations
If you're watching your sodium intake choose low sodium or no sodium chicken broth and cream of chicken soup. The Italian dressing mix contains salt so you may not need to add any additional salt when seasoning the chicken. Taste the sauce before serving and adjust seasonings as needed.
Serving Suggestions
This versatile dish pairs beautifully with simple green vegetables. A crisp garden salad with light vinaigrette offers refreshing contrast to the rich sauce. Garlic bread or crusty Italian bread makes an excellent accompaniment for soaking up every bit of the delicious sauce. For a complete meal consider roasted asparagus, broccoli, or green beans on the side to add color and nutrition.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → How do I keep the chicken moist?
Make sure not to overcook the chicken. Use a meat thermometer to confirm it reaches 165°F for perfect tenderness.
- → Can I substitute ingredients in the sauce?
Yes, you can use low-fat cream cheese or a different cream soup (like cream of mushroom). Try broth alternatives as well for different flavor profiles.
- → Can I prepare this dish without a crock pot?
You can simmer the ingredients on low heat in a heavy pot with a lid, ensuring the chicken cooks evenly and remains tender.
- → How can I make this dish lighter?
Opt for low-sodium chicken broth, reduced-fat cream cheese, and butter alternatives to lighten the overall calorie content.
- → What are the best garnishing options?
Fresh parsley, grated Parmesan cheese, and cracked black pepper elevate the dish’s flavors and presentation.