Description
Crockpot Angel Chicken
If you’re craving a comforting, creamy pasta dish, this Crockpot Angel Chicken is your go-to! The creamy sauce and tender chicken breast are perfectly paired with angel hair pasta for an easy weeknight dinner.
Ingredients:
1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breast
3 cloves garlic, chopped or left whole
10.5 ounces cream of chicken soup
¾ cup chicken stock
4 ounces cream cheese
¼ cup butter
0.6 ounces Italian dressing mix
1 pound angel hair pasta
Instructions:
Spray the crockpot with non-stick cooking spray.
Place the chicken breast and garlic in the crockpot.
In a microwave-safe bowl, soften the butter and cream cheese. Whisk until smooth.
Add the cream of chicken soup, chicken stock, and Italian dressing mix to the bowl, and whisk to combine.
Pour the mixture over the chicken.
Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours.
About 30 minutes before serving, shred the chicken with two forks and cook the pasta. Drain.
Serve the shredded chicken over the pasta and enjoy!
Tip: For extra flavor, you can sprinkle some fresh parsley on top before serving.
#ComfortingCrockpotChicken
Step-by-Step Guide
Follow these detailed instructions for perfect Crockpot Angel Chicken every time. First, prepare your slow cooker by spraying the interior with non-stick cooking spray. Place 1.5 pounds of boneless, skinless chicken breasts in the bottom, along with 3 cloves of chopped garlic. Next, in a microwave-safe bowl, combine ¼ cup of butter and 4 ounces of cream cheese. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until softened and easily whisked into a smooth base. To this base, whisk in one 10.5-ounce can of cream of chicken soup, ¾ cup of chicken stock, and one 0.6-ounce packet of Italian dressing mix until fully incorporated. Pour this creamy mixture evenly over the chicken and garlic in the crockpot. Cover with the lid and cook on the LOW setting for 6 to 8 hours. About 30 minutes before the cooking time is complete, use two forks to shred the chicken directly in the pot. While the shredded chicken continues to warm in the sauce, cook one pound of angel hair pasta according to package directions, then drain.
Serving Suggestions
This creamy chicken dish is incredibly versatile. For a classic presentation, simply ladle the chicken and sauce over a bed of freshly cooked angel hair pasta. To elevate the meal, garnish with freshly chopped parsley, grated Parmesan cheese, or a crack of black pepper. For a complete dinner, serve it alongside a crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette, steamed green beans, or roasted asparagus. The rich sauce also pairs wonderfully with crusty garlic bread for dipping.
How-to Summary
In summary: Prepare the crockpot, add chicken and garlic. Create a sauce by melting butter and cream cheese, then whisking in soup, stock, and seasoning. Pour over chicken and cook on low for 6-8 hours. Shred the chicken, cook the pasta, and combine to serve.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes, boneless, skinless chicken thighs are an excellent substitute. They may require the same or slightly less cooking time and will result in an even more tender, juicy dish due to their higher fat content.
Can I make this recipe on the stovetop?
Absolutely. Brown the chicken in a large skillet or Dutch oven, then remove it. Prepare the sauce in the same pot, add the chicken back, cover, and simmer for 25-30 minutes until the chicken is cooked through, then proceed with shredding.
How can I prevent the pasta from becoming mushy?
Always cook the pasta separately just before serving. Do not add uncooked pasta to the slow cooker, as it will absorb too much liquid and overcook. For best results, time your pasta to be ready just as the chicken is finished.
Is it possible to make this dish ahead of time?
You can prepare the chicken and sauce in the slow cooker a day in advance. Store it covered in the refrigerator. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the slow cooker, adding a splash of chicken stock if needed to refresh the sauce, and cook fresh pasta when ready to serve.
What can I use instead of cream of chicken soup?
A homemade alternative is to make a simple roux with 3 tablespoons each of butter and flour, cook for 1 minute, then whisk in 1 cup of chicken stock and ½ cup of milk or cream until thickened. Use this in place of the canned soup.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Avoid these pitfalls for the best results. First, do not cook the pasta in the slow cooker; it will turn into a starchy, soggy mess. Second, ensure your cream cheese and butter are properly softened before whisking to avoid a lumpy sauce. Third, resist the urge to cook on HIGH heat to shorten the time, as this can make the chicken tough and the sauce less flavorful. Finally, do not skip the step of spraying the crockpot, as the creamy sauce and cheese can stick and burn.
Conclusion
Crockpot Angel Chicken is the ultimate set-it-and-forget-it comfort meal, delivering rich, creamy flavor with minimal effort. By following this enhanced guide, avoiding common errors, and utilizing the serving suggestions, you can create a restaurant-worthy pasta dish that will become a reliable favorite in your weekly dinner rotation. Its simplicity and delicious results are sure to impress both family and guests alike.
