Step-by-step instructions
- Prepare the chicken. Place the boneless, skinless chicken breasts in the bottom of your crockpot.
- Season it up. Sprinkle the Italian dressing mix, chicken gravy mix, garlic powder, and black pepper evenly over the chicken.
- Mix the sauce. In a separate bowl, whisk together the cream of chicken soup and chicken broth until the mixture is smooth. Pour this over the chicken.
- Add richness. Cut the butter and cream cheese into chunks and scatter them on top of the chicken and sauce.
- Cook it right. Cover the crockpot and cook on LOW for 4–5 hours or on HIGH for 2–3 hours, until the chicken is very tender.
- Finish and serve. Shred or slice the chicken and stir everything together until the sauce is creamy and smooth.
- Garnish and enjoy. Serve hot over cooked pasta, adding chopped parsley for that fresh touch. For extra richness, consider stirring in a splash of heavy cream before serving.
Best ways to enjoy it
Crockpot Angel Chicken shines when served over a bed of fluffy cooked angel hair pasta or spaghetti. For a well-rounded meal, pair it with a side salad drizzled with balsamic vinaigrette or steamed seasonal vegetables. You could also serve it alongside garlic bread to soak up every last drop of that incredible sauce.
Storage and reheating tips
To keep your leftovers fresh, allow the Crockpot Angel Chicken to cool and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It’ll stay good for about 3 to 4 days. For longer storage, you can freeze it for up to 3 months. When reheating, ensure that the chicken is warmed through to 165°F, either in the microwave or on the stovetop.
Helpful cooking tips
- Invest in a good quality crockpot: The best slow cookers provide even heat distribution and a reliable cooking time.
- Mix it up: If you’re feeling adventurous, consider adding sautéed mushrooms or spinach to the sauce for extra flavor and nutrients.
- Potatoes: For a twist, try adding chopped potatoes at the bottom of the crockpot for some hearty chunks that cook alongside the chicken.
Creative twists
The beauty of this recipe lies in its versatility. For a zesty kick, try incorporating a splash of lemon juice or some chopped sun-dried tomatoes. You can also switch up the flavor profile by using a different type of cream soup, like cream of mushroom or cream of celery. For a healthier option, consider using Greek yogurt in place of cream cheese, or you could even make it gluten-free by sourcing appropriate pasta and soups.
FAQs
How long does it take to prepare this dish?
It takes about 15 minutes to prep, and then you let the crockpot do the work! Cooking time is 4–5 hours on LOW or 2–3 hours on HIGH.
Can I use frozen chicken breasts?
Yes, you can, but be sure to increase the cooking time by an hour or so to ensure they are fully cooked through.
What can I substitute for cream of chicken soup?
You can use a homemade version by blending cooked chicken, broth, and seasonings. Alternatively, cream of celery or cream of mushroom can work well for this recipe.
With simple preparation and rich flavors, Crockpot Angel Chicken is bound to become one of your new favorite meals. Enjoy cooking and indulging in its creamy goodness!
