Slow Cooker Angel Chicken

A flavorful and creamy dish, Slow Cooker Angel Chicken is perfect for any occasion. This easy recipe combines tender chicken with a rich sauce made from Italian dressing mix and cream cheese. Just set it and forget it! Whether it’s a family dinner or a potluck, this dish will impress everyone at the table.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy Preparation: With minimal prep time and straightforward instructions, you can have a delicious meal ready without much fuss.
• Rich Flavor: The combination of cream cheese and Italian dressing creates a mouthwatering sauce that elevates the chicken to new heights.
• Versatile Serving Options: Serve it over angel hair pasta, rice, or even mashed potatoes for a satisfying meal tailored to your taste.
• Perfect for Meal Prep: Make a big batch for easy lunches throughout the week or freeze portions for future meals.
• Family-Friendly: This dish is sure to please both kids and adults, making it ideal for family gatherings.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into this delicious recipe, gather your tools to ensure a smooth cooking experience.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Slow cooker
• Non-stick cooking spray or slow cooker liner
• Whisk
• Mixing bowl
• Forks (for shredding chicken)
• Pot (for cooking pasta)

Importance of Each Tool

• Slow cooker: Allows for hands-off cooking while developing deep flavors over hours.
• Whisk: Essential for thoroughly mixing the creamy sauce ingredients together without lumps.

Ingredients

A creamy, set-it-and-forget-it chicken dinner made in the slow cooker with Italian dressing mix and cream cheese served over angel hair pasta.

For the Chicken

• 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breast
• 3 cloves garlic, chopped or left whole

For the Sauce

• 10.5 ounces cream of chicken soup (undiluted)
• ¾ cup chicken stock
• 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
• ¼ cup butter, softened
• 0.6 ounces dry Italian dressing mix (Good Seasons recommended)

For the Pasta

• 1 pound angel hair pasta, cooked according to package directions

For Garnish

• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped

How to Make Slow Cooker Angel Chicken

Step 1: Prepare the Slow Cooker

Spray the inside of your slow cooker with non-stick cooking spray or use a slow cooker liner for even easier cleanup.

Step 2: Add Chicken and Garlic

Place the chicken breasts in the bottom of the slow cooker. Add the garlic on top of the chicken.

Step 3: Make the Creamy Sauce

Soften the butter and cream cheese in the microwave. Then whisk them together until smooth. Add in the undiluted cream of chicken soup, dry Italian dressing mix, and chicken stock. Whisk until everything is well combined.

Step 4: Combine Sauce with Chicken

Pour the creamy sauce mixture over the chicken breasts. Cover and cook on low for 6 to 8 hours until the chicken is tender and cooked through.

Step 5: Shred Chicken for Extra Flavor

About 30 minutes before cooking time is finished, shred the chicken breasts using two forks. This allows them to soak up more flavor from the sauce as they continue to cook.

Step 6: Cook Angel Hair Pasta

Just before serving, cook the angel hair pasta according to package directions. Drain well and serve topped with the creamy chicken and sauce. Enjoy your delicious Slow Cooker Angel Chicken!

How to Serve Slow Cooker Angel Chicken

Serving Slow Cooker Angel Chicken is a delightful experience that can be enhanced with various accompaniments. The creamy chicken pairs beautifully with different sides and garnishes, making your meal feel special and complete.

Over Angel Hair Pasta

• Serve directly over cooked angel hair pasta for a classic presentation. The pasta absorbs the creamy sauce perfectly.

With Fresh Herbs

• Garnish with freshly chopped parsley or basil. This adds a pop of color and fresh flavor to the dish.

Alongside Garlic Bread

• Offer slices of garlic bread on the side. It’s perfect for soaking up any leftover sauce from the plate.

With Steamed Vegetables

• Pair with steamed broccoli or green beans for a nutritious addition. The vegetables provide a nice contrast in texture and flavor.

As a Wrap

• Use tortillas to create delicious wraps filled with chicken and sauce. This is a fun way to enjoy leftovers!

On a Salad

• Top a mixed greens salad with shredded Slow Cooker Angel Chicken for a lighter option. Drizzle with balsamic vinaigrette for extra flavor.

How to Perfect Slow Cooker Angel Chicken

Perfecting your Slow Cooker Angel Chicken can elevate your dish to new heights. Here are some tips to ensure you achieve the best results every time.

• Use high-quality ingredients: Fresh chicken and good-quality cream cheese make all the difference in flavor.

• Don’t skip the browning: For added depth, consider browning the chicken before adding it to the slow cooker.

• Adjust seasoning: Taste your sauce before serving and adjust salt or pepper as needed to enhance flavors.

• Experiment with add-ins: Feel free to toss in vegetables like bell peppers or mushrooms for added nutrition and taste.

• Allow for resting: Let the dish sit for about 10 minutes after cooking before serving. This helps thicken the sauce slightly.

• Store leftovers properly: Keep any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days, ensuring they stay fresh.

Best Side Dishes for Slow Cooker Angel Chicken

Pairing your Slow Cooker Angel Chicken with complementary side dishes can enhance your meal experience. Here are some great options that will go well with this creamy dish.

1. Garlic Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes make an excellent base for soaking up the flavorful sauce.

2. Caesar Salad: A crisp Caesar salad adds a refreshing crunch, balancing out the richness of the chicken.

3. Roasted Brussels Sprouts: These bring a nutty flavor that complements the creaminess of the dish, making them an ideal partner.

4. Rice Pilaf: Lightly seasoned rice pilaf can soak up sauces beautifully while adding textural variety.

5. Corn on the Cob: Sweet corn enhances the meal’s comfort food vibe; grill it or boil it simply for best results.

6. Coleslaw: A tangy coleslaw provides crunch and acidity, cutting through the richness of the chicken dish.

7. Steamed Asparagus: Lightly seasoned asparagus offers a touch of elegance and brings beautiful color to your plate.

8. Quinoa Salad: A refreshing quinoa salad loaded with veggies is not only healthy but also adds interesting textures and flavors.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Slow Cooker Angel Chicken is a delightful recipe, but there are some pitfalls to watch out for. Here are common mistakes to avoid:

• Using the wrong chicken cuts: Using chicken thighs or bone-in pieces can lead to uneven cooking. Stick with boneless, skinless chicken breasts for the best results.
• Not measuring ingredients: Skipping precise measurements can alter flavors and textures. Always measure your cream cheese and Italian dressing mix carefully for a balanced dish.
• Overcooking the chicken: Cooking beyond the recommended time can make your chicken dry. Stick to 6-8 hours on low heat for perfectly tender chicken.
• Skipping the shredding step: Not shredding the chicken before the end of cooking means missing out on enhanced flavor absorption. Shred it about 30 minutes before finishing the cook time.
• Ignoring pasta timing: Cooking the pasta too early can result in mushiness. Wait until just before serving to cook your angel hair pasta.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container.
• Use within 3-4 days for optimal freshness.

Freezing Slow Cooker Angel Chicken

• Place in a freezer-safe container or bag.
• Freeze for up to 3 months for best quality.

Reheating Slow Cooker Angel Chicken

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Place in an oven-safe dish and cover with foil. Heat for about 20-30 minutes until warmed through.
• Microwave: Transfer to a microwave-safe bowl. Heat in 1-minute intervals, stirring in between, until heated thoroughly.
• Stovetop: Place in a skillet over medium heat. Stir occasionally until warmed through, about 10-15 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Slow Cooker Angel Chicken?

Slow Cooker Angel Chicken is a creamy chicken dish made with Italian dressing mix and cream cheese, cooked slowly until tender and served over angel hair pasta.

Can I use other types of pasta?

Yes! While angel hair pasta works best, you can substitute it with spaghetti or fettuccine based on your preference.

How do I make Slow Cooker Angel Chicken spicy?

To add spice, consider incorporating red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños into the mixture before cooking. This will give your dish a nice kick!

Can I prepare this meal ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prep all ingredients and store them in the fridge overnight. In the morning, simply add them to your slow cooker and let it cook all day.

What side dishes pair well with Slow Cooker Angel Chicken?

Serving this dish with garlic bread or a fresh salad complements its creamy texture perfectly!

Final Thoughts

Slow Cooker Angel Chicken is not only easy to prepare but also rich in flavor and comforting. Its versatility allows you to customize it with different spices or sides as you prefer. Give this recipe a try; it’s sure to become a favorite among family and friends!