Ah, my friend, let’s talk about a real gem in the world of easy weeknight meals—Crock Pot Angel Chicken. Picture this: you’re coming home after a long day, exhausted, and you don’t want to jump back into the kitchen. Instead, you want something warm and comforting, that fills your senses and your belly. Well, this dish is like a warm hug from your favorite grandma. It’s your secret weapon for a delicious dinner that practically makes itself!
Why you’ll love this recipe
What makes this Crock Pot Angel Chicken so enchanting? Let’s dive in, shall we? First off, it’s a complete meal that melds together in your trusty slow cooker, transforming mundane ingredients into something magical. You get tender, juicy chicken bathed in a creamy, tangy sauce, all served over a cloud of angel hair pasta. It’s a symphony of flavors, my beloved friend, and with just a handful of ingredients.
Not only does it taste divine, but it also gives you the gift of time. Set it and forget it, folks! You can go about your day, and when you return, you’ve got dinner ready to rock. Plus, it’s oh-so-easy to make, even for those nights when you feel more ‘couch potato’ than ‘gourmet chef.’ Trust me; everyone who tries this will ask for seconds, and you’ll be the culinary superstar in your circle.
Key ingredients overview
Gather these ingredients and prepare for a flavorful adventure:
4 Chicken Breasts: Juicy, boneless, skinless breasts are the stars of the show. They soak up all that creamy goodness as they cook to tender perfection. If you’re feeling daring, you can swap in thighs for an even juicier bite!
1 Can Cream of Chicken Soup: This is the magic potion that turns everything delicious. It adds creaminess and depth without the hassle of making a béchamel from scratch. If you’re aiming for a healthier or lighter option, opt for the low-fat version.
1 Packet Italian Dressing Mix: Ah, the secret flavor enhancer! This blend not only gives it a zesty kick but whispers sweet nothings of Italian herbs and spices into every bite. If you prefer control over your spice blend, feel free to mix your own herbs—like oregano, basil, and garlic powder.
1 Cup Chicken Broth: We need a splash of liquid gold to keep our chicken moist and add more flavor to our sauce. Use low-sodium broth if you’re watching your salt intake.
8 oz Angel Hair Pasta: The perfect bed for our chicken. Its delicate texture complements the creamy sauce beautifully. If you’re gluten-free, seek out a gluten-free pasta blend that matches this style.
1 Cup Grated Parmesan Cheese: Let’s not skimp on this one! This delectable cheese adds that savory umami punch that will have everyone convinced you’ve pulled off a restaurant-level dish.
Salt and Pepper to Taste: The simplest yet most essential seasoning. They elevate every ingredient to its highest potential.
Fresh Parsley for Garnish: A pop of color and freshness to finish it off. Plus, who doesn’t love a little greenery on their plate?
How this recipe comes together
Ready to whip this up? Let’s break it down step by step:
Place the Chicken: Take those lovely chicken breasts and lay them down cozy in your crock pot.
Mix the Sauce: Grab a bowl and whisk together the cream of chicken soup, Italian dressing mix, and chicken broth. Mix until smooth and your kitchen starts smelling like Italy. Pour this heavenly concoction over the chicken.
Slow Cook: Cover that beauty and set your crock pot on low for 6 to 7 hours. Resist the urge to peek; trust the process! The chicken will be so tender, it’ll practically fall apart.
Cook the Pasta: About 30 minutes before serving, boil your angel hair pasta according to package instructions. Don’t forget to salt that water—it’s a game changer!
Shred the Chicken: When the chicken is ready, take two forks and shred the meat right in the crock pot. Mix it into the sauce so that every bite is infused with flavor.
Plate and Serve: Spoon that glorious chicken mixture over your cooked pasta. Top each serving with a generous sprinkle of Parmesan cheese and a shower of fresh parsley. Adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper to your taste.
Best way to enjoy it
To really make this meal sing, serve it straight from the crock pot into bowls. Maybe add a side of garlic bread hearing its buttery siren song and a crisp green salad to bring some freshness to the table. You could even drizzle some balsamic glaze over your salad for an extra flair!
Want to fancy it up? Pair it with a glass of white wine, like a Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio. It’s a match made in culinary heaven!
Storage and reheating tips
So you’ve had your fill and there are some leftovers lingering? No worries! Let the chicken cool down, then store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
If you want to save some for later, feel free to freeze the chicken mixture (without pasta) for up to three months. Just thaw it overnight in the fridge when you’re ready to dig in.
Reheat on low in the crock pot or gently on the stovetop, adding a splash of chicken broth if needed to bring back that creamy allure.
Helpful cooking tips
Want this dish to shine even brighter? Here are my insider tips:
- Prep the Night Before: You can layer the chicken and sauce in the crock pot the night before and store it in the fridge. Just turn it on in the morning, and you’re golden!
- Don’t Skip the Shredding: Shredding the chicken right in the sauce allows it to soak up all that good flavor. Trust me, it’s worth it!
- Spice It Up: Feeling adventurous? Toss in some red pepper flakes for a kick.
Creative Twists
Here’s where we get to have a little fun! You can easily customize this dish:
- Vegetarian Option: Swap the chicken for hearty vegetables like zucchini and bell peppers, or use chickpeas for protein.
- Add Veggies: You can throw in some spinach or kale during the last 15 minutes of cooking for a nutrient boost.
- Herb Swap: Experiment with fresh herbs like basil or thyme instead of parsley for a different twist.
Ingredients
- 4 Chicken Breasts
- 1 Can Cream of Chicken Soup
- 1 Packet Italian Dressing Mix
- 1 Cup Chicken Broth
- 8 oz Angel Hair Pasta
- 1 Cup Grated Parmesan Cheese
- Salt and Pepper to Taste
- Fresh Parsley for Garnish
Directions to follow
- Place chicken breasts in the crock pot.
- In a bowl, mix cream of chicken soup, Italian dressing mix, and chicken broth until well combined. Pour this over the chicken.
- Cover and cook on low for 6-7 hours until the chicken is tender.
- About 30 minutes before serving, cook angel hair pasta according to package instructions.
- Once the chicken is cooked, shred it in the crock pot and mix it with the sauce.
- Serve the chicken over the cooked pasta. Top with Parmesan cheese and parsley. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
Your questions answered
- How long does prep take? Just about 10 minutes to set everything up before the magic begins!
- Can I use frozen chicken? Yes! Just add an extra hour to your cooking time for frozen breasts.
- What can I pair with it? A crisp green salad and garlic bread work wonderfully.
- How can I make it healthier? Use low-fat soup and reduce the cheese or skip it altogether if you prefer.
- Can I make this dish ahead of time? Definitely! Just prepare it in advance and reheat it on serving day.
This is one of those recipes that feels like home, doesn’t it? With its cozy flavors and effortless prep, it can turn any hectic day into a delightful dining experience. I encourage you to give it a whirl! Once you do, I’m sure you’ll find your own flair, so don’t hesitate to share your twists down in the comments. Let’s create a vibrant cooking community together—what do you say?
Crock Pot Angel Chicken
Description
Crock Pot Angel Chicken is an effortless weeknight meal featuring juicy chicken breasts, creamy sauce, and angel hair pasta. It's a dish that cooks while you go about your day, perfect for busy evenings.Ingredients
Main Ingredients
Instructions
Cooking Instructions
Prepare Chicken
Place chicken breasts in the crock pot.Mix Sauce
In a bowl, mix cream of chicken soup, Italian dressing mix, and chicken broth until well combined. Pour this over the chicken.Slow Cook
Cover and cook on low for 6-7 hours until the chicken is tender.Resist the urge to peek.Cook Pasta
About 30 minutes before serving, cook angel hair pasta according to package instructions.Don't forget to salt the water!Shred Chicken
Once the chicken is cooked, shred it in the crock pot and mix it with the sauce.Serve
Serve the chicken over the cooked pasta. Top with Parmesan cheese and parsley. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
Nutrition Facts
Servings 4
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 450kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 15g24%
- Saturated Fat 7g35%
- Cholesterol 100mg34%
- Sodium 900mg38%
- Potassium 700mg20%
- Total Carbohydrate 45g15%
- Dietary Fiber 2g8%
- Sugars 3g
- Protein 30g60%
- Vitamin A 800 IU
- Vitamin C 2 mg
- Calcium 250 mg
- Iron 2 mg
- Phosphorus 400 mg
- Magnesium 35 mg
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
