Crock Pot Angel Chicken: A Heavenly, Creamy Dinner
There are some meals that feel like they were sent from heaven, and this recipe for Crock Pot Angel Chicken is one of them. It is an incredibly easy, creamy, and flavorful dish that requires minimal effort and delivers maximum comfort. The slow cooker does all the work, transforming simple ingredients into a rich, velvety sauce and melt-in-your-mouth tender chicken. It’s the perfect meal for a busy day when you want to come home to a delicious aroma and a hearty, homemade dinner.
Why I love This Recipe
I’m a huge fan of recipes that free up my time, and this one is an absolute game-changer. What I love most is the “set it and forget it” nature of the slow cooker. I can simply toss all the ingredients in, go about my day, and come back to a perfectly cooked, delicious meal. The sauce is truly the star of the show—the combination of savory Italian dressing mix, tangy cream cheese, and rich cream of chicken soup creates a flavor that is unique and deeply satisfying. It’s the kind of nostalgic, comforting dish that is a hit with everyone who tries it.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1/4 cup butter
- 1 packet dry Italian salad dressing mix
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 can cream of chicken soup
- 1/2 cup white wine (optional)
- Cooked rice or pasta, for serving
- Fresh parsley, for garnish
Swaps and Notes
- Chicken: While boneless, skinless chicken breasts are a great choice for this recipe, you can also use boneless, skinless chicken thighs for an even more flavorful and juicy result. The cook time will remain the same.
- Italian Dressing Mix: The Italian dressing mix is a key ingredient that provides a wonderful savory flavor. If you don’t have it on hand, you can create a similar mix using a combination of dried herbs like oregano, basil, thyme, and a little garlic and onion powder.
- Cream of Chicken Soup: You can use a low-sodium version of the cream of chicken soup if you’re watching your salt intake. You can also use cream of mushroom soup for a different flavor profile.
- White Wine: The white wine adds a layer of acidity and a sophisticated flavor to the sauce. If you prefer not to use alcohol, you can simply use an equal amount of chicken broth or even a little bit of water.
- Serving: While the recipe suggests serving over rice or pasta, you can also serve it over mashed potatoes, or with a side of steamed vegetables.
List of Steps for the Recipe
- Prep the Chicken: Place the boneless, skinless chicken breasts in the bottom of your crock pot. You don’t need to season the chicken, as the sauce will provide all the flavor.
- Make the Sauce: In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, stir in the dry Italian dressing mix, chicken broth, softened cream cheese, cream of chicken soup, and white wine (if using). Continue to stir until the sauce is well combined and smooth. It should not be lumpy.
- Pour over Chicken: Pour the prepared sauce evenly over the chicken breasts in the crock pot. Make sure the chicken is completely covered.
- Slow Cook: Cover the crock pot with the lid and set it to cook. Cook on high for 4 hours or on low for 6−8 hours. The chicken is done when it is cooked through and so tender that it falls apart with a fork.
- Shred (Optional): For a different texture, you can remove the cooked chicken breasts from the crock pot and shred them with two forks. Place the shredded chicken back into the sauce and stir to combine.
- Serve: Serve the angel chicken and sauce generously over a bed of cooked rice or pasta. Garnish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley for a final touch of color and flavor.
Tips for Success
- Soften the Cream Cheese: Ensure your cream cheese is at room temperature and softened before you add it to the sauce. This will help it melt smoothly and prevent a lumpy sauce.
- Don’t Overcook: While slow cooking is forgiving, it is possible to overcook chicken breasts, which can make them dry. For the most tender results, keep a check on the chicken toward the end of the cooking time.
- Add in Veggies: For a more complete meal, you can add some fresh vegetables to the crock pot with the chicken. Sliced mushrooms or broccoli florets would be a delicious addition.
- Serve with Carbs: The rich, creamy sauce is meant to be soaked up! Serving it over rice, pasta, or mashed potatoes is a must.
Serving Suggestions and Pairings
This rich and creamy chicken dish is a full meal in itself. To balance the richness, serve it with a light side salad tossed in a tangy vinaigrette. Some warm, crusty bread would also be a perfect addition for soaking up every last bit of that heavenly sauce.
For a drink pairing, a crisp white wine like a Sauvignon Blanc or a light-bodied Chardonnay would complement the creamy and savory flavors beautifully. For a non-alcoholic option, a simple iced tea or sparkling water with a twist of lemon would be a great choice.
Nutritional Information
(Please note that this is an estimate and will vary based on specific brands and portion sizes)
This is a hearty, indulgent meal that is higher in calories and fat due to the butter, cream cheese, and cream of chicken soup. It is also a good source of protein from the chicken. While it is a decadent dish, it’s a wonderfully satisfying meal that is perfect for a weekend treat or a cozy family dinner.
Storage and Leftover Tips
Leftovers of this Crock Pot Angel Chicken are fantastic! The flavors often deepen overnight. Store any remaining portions in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, you can place a serving in a microwave-safe dish and warm it up, or you can reheat it in a saucepan on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally. You may need to add a splash of milk or broth to loosen up the sauce.
Final Thoughts
This Crock Pot Angel Chicken recipe is a timeless classic for a reason. It’s a comforting, delicious, and easy meal that is perfect for any occasion. The combination of tender chicken and a heavenly sauce is simply irresistible. I hope you enjoy this effortless and delicious meal as much as I do!
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