Imagine coming home to a kitchen filled with the rich, inviting aroma of a creamy, tender chicken dish that practically melts in your mouth. Crockpot Angel Chicken is the ultimate comfort food that combines the convenience of slow cooking with a luxurious, restaurant-worthy flavor profile. This one-pot wonder transforms simple ingredients into a decadent meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights or lazy weekends.
Ingredients
US Measurements
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 8 oz (226g) cream cheese, softened
- 10.5 oz (298g) can cream of mushroom soup
- 1/2 cup (120ml) chicken broth
- 1/4 cup (60ml) dry white wine (or additional chicken broth)
- 1 packet (0.7 oz / 20g) Italian dressing mix
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1 lb (454g) angel hair pasta, cooked
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Metric Measurements
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 226g cream cheese, softened
- 298g can cream of mushroom soup
- 120ml chicken broth
- 60ml dry white wine (or additional chicken broth)
- 20g Italian dressing mix packet
- 2.5g garlic powder
- 1.25g black pepper
- 454g angel hair pasta, cooked
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Cooking Instructions
- Prepare the Sauce: In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the softened cream cheese, cream of mushroom soup, chicken broth, white wine, Italian dressing mix, garlic powder, and black pepper until smooth and well combined.
- Prepare the Chicken: Place the chicken breasts in the bottom of a 6-quart slow cooker, arranging them in a single layer.
- Add the Sauce: Pour the prepared sauce evenly over the chicken breasts, ensuring they are completely covered.
- Slow Cook: Cover the crockpot and cook on LOW for 6-7 hours or on HIGH for 3-4 hours, until the chicken is tender and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F or 74°C).
- Prepare Pasta: About 20 minutes before serving, cook the angel hair pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- Shred the Chicken: Using two forks, gently shred the chicken breasts in the slow cooker, mixing them with the creamy sauce.
- Serve: Plate the cooked angel hair pasta and top with the creamy shredded chicken. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley if desired.
Nutritional Information
- Servings: 4-6
- Calories per serving: Approximately 450-550
- Protein: 35-40g
- Carbohydrates: 35-45g
- Fat: 20-25g
Cooking Timing
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6-7 hours (LOW) or 3-4 hours (HIGH)
- Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes to 7 hours 15 minutes
Expert Cooking Tips and Tricks
- For extra creaminess, use full-fat cream cheese
- Ensure chicken is completely covered by sauce for maximum flavor
- Let the cream cheese soften at room temperature for easier mixing
- Don’t overcook the chicken to prevent dryness
- Use a meat thermometer to check chicken doneness
Recipe Variations and Substitutions
- Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free cream of mushroom soup and dressing mix
- Dairy-Free: Substitute cream cheese with dairy-free alternative
- Vegetable Add-Ins: Mix in spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers
- Protein Swap: Use turkey or pork instead of chicken
- Pasta Alternatives: Try zucchini noodles or brown rice
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: Can I freeze Crockpot Angel Chicken? A: Yes, you can freeze the chicken mixture for up to 3 months. Store pasta separately and reheat when ready to serve.
Q2: What wine works best for this recipe? A: A dry white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio works well. You can also substitute with additional chicken broth.
Q3: Can I make this recipe in an Instant Pot? A: Absolutely! Cook on high pressure for 10-12 minutes with a quick release.
Q4: How can I prevent the sauce from separating? A: Ensure cream cheese is fully softened and whisk thoroughly before adding to the slow cooker.
Q5: Is this recipe kid-friendly? A: Yes! The creamy sauce and tender chicken make it appealing to children.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
- Refrigeration: Store in an airtight container for 3-4 days
- Meal Prep: Prepare sauce and chicken mixture in advance
- Reheating: Warm in microwave or stovetop, adding a splash of broth to maintain creaminess
- Freezer Friendly: Freeze chicken mixture for up to 3 months
Enjoy this comforting, creamy Crockpot Angel Chicken – a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that brings restaurant-quality flavor right to your dinner table!