Classic Crockpot Angel Chicken Recipe

Introduction

Crockpot Angel Chicken is a simple, creamy, and flavorful dish perfect for a hearty family meal. It combines tender chicken, an Italian-seasoned sauce, and delicate angel hair pasta for an irresistibly comforting dish. This recipe is easy to prepare, requiring just a handful of ingredients and minimal effort, thanks to the convenience of a crockpot.

Overview of the Recipe

Crockpot Angel Chicken combines boneless chicken breasts, a creamy Italian-flavored sauce, and delicate angel hair pasta, cooked to perfection in a slow cooker. The result is tender chicken in a velvety sauce that tastes as if it took hours to prepare – yet requires minimal effort. This dish is perfect for busy weeknights or lazy weekends when you want a delicious, fuss-free meal.

History and Origin

While there isn’t a specific historical origin for Crockpot Angel Chicken, the recipe itself draws inspiration from classic Italian flavors. Slow-cooking chicken with cream-based sauces has long been a favorite in American cuisine, where the use of Italian seasoning blends and creamy sauces became popular in the mid-20th century. The idea of using a crockpot for such dishes has been around since the 1970s, popularized as a convenient way to prepare hearty meals.

Ingredients

• 1 packet dry Italian dressing mix
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1 tablespoon butter
• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 package (8 oz) cream cheese, softened
• 1 can (10.75 oz) condensed cream of chicken soup
• 1 package (16 oz) angel hair pasta
• 1 tablespoon olive oil (optional, for pasta)

Instructions

1. Prepare the Sauce:
   • In a medium saucepan, combine the cream cheese, condensed cream of chicken soup, butter, and dry Italian dressing mix.
   • Heat over medium heat, stirring frequently, until the mixture is smooth and well-blended. Make sure there are no lumps in the sauce for a creamy consistency.
2. Arrange the Chicken:
   • Place the chicken breasts at the bottom of the crockpot, making sure they lay flat and do not overlap. This ensures even cooking.
3. Add the Sauce:
   • Pour the prepared cream cheese mixture over the chicken breasts, covering them completely with the sauce for maximum flavor absorption.
4. Cook the Chicken:
   • Cover the crockpot with its lid and set it to cook on Low for 4–5 hours or on High for 2–3 hours, until the chicken is fully cooked and tender.
5. Prepare the Pasta:
   • About 20 minutes before the chicken is ready, bring a pot of water to a boil and cook the angel hair pasta according to the package instructions. Drain the pasta and, if desired, toss with a bit of olive oil to prevent sticking.
6. Serve:
   • Once the chicken is done, you can either shred the chicken breasts for a more rustic look or serve them whole over the angel hair pasta.
   • Ladle the creamy sauce over the top of the pasta and chicken for a generous coating.
   • Enjoy your comforting Crockpot Angel Chicken!

Serving Suggestions

This Crockpot Angel Chicken recipe serves about 4 people and is ideal for a cozy family dinner. It can be served with a side of steamed vegetables like broccoli, green beans, or a light salad to balance the richness of the dish. A slice of garlic bread or warm dinner rolls makes an excellent accompaniment, perfect for soaking up the creamy sauce.

Pairing and Serving Suggestions

For an optimal pairing, serve this dish with a refreshing, sparkling water flavored with lemon or lime. A citrus-infused iced tea also complements the creamy sauce and Italian seasoning. Adding a sprinkle of fresh basil or parsley on top of each serving can enhance both the visual appeal and flavor of the dish.

Variations of the Recipe

1. Herb Chicken Variation:
   Add fresh herbs like rosemary, thyme, or basil to the crockpot for extra fragrance and depth of flavor.
2. Vegetable Addition:
   Include vegetables such as mushrooms, bell peppers, or spinach. Add them to the crockpot during the last hour of cooking to ensure they don’t become too soft.
3. Spicy Angel Chicken:
   Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne pepper to the sauce for a spicy twist on this classic recipe.
4. Gluten-Free Option:
   Substitute the angel hair pasta with gluten-free pasta to accommodate dietary preferences.

Health Benefits and Notes

• Protein-Packed: The chicken breasts provide a high-quality source of protein, essential for muscle maintenance and growth.
• Calcium-Rich: Cream cheese and cream of chicken soup add a good amount of calcium, beneficial for bone health.
• Low-Carb Adaptation: For a low-carb version, skip the pasta and serve with zucchini noodles or steamed vegetables.

While this recipe does contain some saturated fat from the cream cheese and butter, using light cream cheese can reduce the fat content without sacrificing flavor.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1: Can I use a different cut of chicken?
Yes, boneless chicken thighs work well as a substitute. They tend to be juicier than chicken breasts and will also absorb the flavors nicely.

Q2: Can I prepare this dish without a crockpot?
Yes, you can make this recipe on the stovetop. Cook the chicken and sauce in a deep skillet over low to medium heat for 25–30 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.

Q3: How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of chicken broth or milk to keep the sauce creamy.

Q4: Can I use homemade Italian seasoning instead of the dressing mix?
Certainly. Combine 1 tablespoon each of dried basil, oregano, parsley, and garlic powder, and use this blend in place of the store-bought Italian dressing mix.

Conclusion

Crockpot Angel Chicken is a delicious, comforting dish that brings together the convenience of slow cooking and the satisfaction of a creamy, flavorful meal. Ideal for family dinners, this recipe is easy to make and can be adapted to suit various tastes and dietary needs. From its Italian-inspired flavors to the tender chicken in a creamy sauce, this dish is sure to be a family favorite.

Enjoy your Crockpot Angel Chicken over angel hair pasta with the recommended side pairings for a meal that’s both nourishing and delectable!

Classic Crockpot Angel Chicken Recipe

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• Author: Wendy Balderas
• Total Time: 4–5 hours
• Yield: 4 servings 1x

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Description

This comforting Crockpot Angel Chicken recipe combines tender chicken breasts with a creamy, Italian-seasoned sauce served over angel hair pasta. A hearty meal made easy by the slow cooker, this recipe requires minimal preparation and is perfect for busy days when you need a satisfying, family-friendly dinner.

 

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 packet dry Italian dressing mix
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1 tablespoon butter
• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 package (8 oz) cream cheese, softened
• 1 can (10.75 oz) condensed cream of chicken soup
• 1 package (16 oz) angel hair pasta
• 1 tablespoon olive oil (optional, for pasta)

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Instructions

1. Prepare the Sauce: In a medium saucepan, combine the cream cheese, condensed cream of chicken soup, butter, and dry Italian dressing mix. Stir over medium heat until smooth and well-blended.
2. Arrange the Chicken: Place the chicken breasts in the bottom of your crockpot, making sure they lay flat.
3. Add the Sauce: Pour the prepared cream cheese mixture over the chicken breasts, fully coating them.
4. Cook the Chicken: Cover and cook on Low for 4–5 hours or on High for 2–3 hours, until the chicken is tender and fully cooked.
5. Prepare the Pasta: About 20 minutes before the chicken is done, cook the angel hair pasta according to the package instructions. Drain and toss with a bit of olive oil if desired to prevent sticking.
6. Serve: Serve the chicken over the angel hair pasta, and spoon the creamy sauce over the top. You can either shred the chicken or leave it whole.

Notes

• Herb Variation: Sprinkle fresh basil or parsley on top before serving for added color and flavor.
• Storage Tips: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat with a splash of chicken broth or milk to keep the sauce creamy.
• Low-Carb Option: For a low-carb version, replace pasta with zucchini noodles or steamed vegetables.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 4–5 hours on Low (or 2–3 hours on High)
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Slow Cooker
• Cuisine: American, Italian-inspired

Nutrition

• Calories: 530
• Sugar: 3g
• Sodium: 1120mg
• Fat: 22g
• Saturated Fat: 10g
• Carbohydrates: 45g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 35g
• Cholesterol: 110mg