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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.
Common Queries
- → 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.