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Crock Pot Angel Chicken transforms ordinary chicken breasts into a heavenly dinner experience. This Italian-inspired dish combines tender chicken with a rich, creamy sauce that perfectly coats delicate angel hair pasta, creating a restaurant-quality meal right in your slow cooker.
I've made this countless times for family gatherings, and it's become our go-to comfort meal during cold winter months. The aroma that fills the house while it's cooking is simply irresistible.
Key Ingredients and Selection Tips
- Chicken breasts: Choose fresh, uniform-sized pieces for even cooking
- Cream cheese: Full-fat provides the best texture; bring to room temperature
- Italian dressing mix: The secret flavor booster that adds depth
- Angel hair pasta: The delicate strands perfectly capture the creamy sauce
- Cream of chicken soup: Creates a silky base for the sauce
- Fresh garlic: Always opt for fresh over pre-minced for best flavor
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Step 1:
- Sear the seasoned chicken breasts in a hot cast iron skillet until golden brown
- Step 2:
- Prepare the sauce by whisking softened cream cheese and butter until smooth
- Step 3:
- Incorporate soup, garlic, broth, and Italian dressing mix into the cream mixture
- Step 4:
- Place seared chicken in the prepared crockpot
- Step 5:
- Pour sauce over chicken and cook on low for 2.5-3 hours
- Step 6:
- Cook pasta just before serving
- Step 7:
- Serve whole or shredded chicken over pasta with abundant sauce
My family particularly loves the cream cheese in this recipe. I remember my daughter requesting this dish for her birthday dinner three years in a row - the creamy sauce won her heart completely.
Make-Ahead and Storage
- Prepare the sauce mixture up to 24 hours ahead
- Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days
- The sauce thickens when chilled but loosens when reheated
- Freeze portions without pasta for up to 2 months
This recipe has earned its place in my permanent rotation, and I'm constantly amazed at how such simple ingredients can create such a satisfying meal. The combination of tender chicken and silky sauce makes this dish truly special, and it's one I'm always proud to serve to both family and guests.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Can I use a different cut of chicken?
- Yes, you can use chicken thighs instead of breasts, but adjust the cooking time as needed.
- → Can I make this dish ahead of time?
- Yes, you can prepare the sauce and chicken, then reheat when ready to serve.
- → What pasta can I use instead of angel hair?
- You can substitute with spaghetti, linguine, or any pasta you prefer.
- → Can I freeze the leftovers?
- Yes, the chicken and sauce can be frozen in an airtight container for up to 3 months.
- → How do I thicken the sauce?
- If needed, you can stir in a cornstarch slurry at the end of cooking to thicken the sauce.