Crockpot Angel Chicken is a beloved comfort food dish that brings together simplicity and rich flavors in one delightful meal. Renowned for its tender chicken drenched in a creamy sauce, this recipe quickly became a favorite among busy home cooks looking for an easy, hassle-free dinner solution. With just a handful of ingredients and minimal preparation, it’s perfect for those nights when time is short but you still want something delicious to serve.

The popularity of Crockpot Angel Chicken can be attributed to its ease of cooking, making it an ideal choice for families and busy professionals alike. Simply toss the ingredients into the crockpot, set it, and let it do the work while you focus on other tasks. The slow cooking process melds the flavors beautifully, resulting in a dish that is both satisfying and comforting.

One of the many appealing aspects of Crockpot Angel Chicken is its versatility. While the classic version features chicken, cream of chicken soup, and Italian seasoning, there are countless variations to cater to different tastes and dietary needs. From adding vibrant vegetables to experimenting with different herbs and spices, home cooks can easily customize this dish to make it their own. Whether served over rice, pasta, or a bed of greens, Crockpot Angel Chicken is sure to make mealtime a hit.

What is Crockpot Angel Chicken?

Crockpot Angel Chicken is a delightful and comforting dish that centers around chicken cooked in a slow cooker with a rich and creamy sauce. The dish is characterized by its simplicity in preparation and the melt-in-your-mouth texture of the chicken. The origins of this dish can be traced back to American home kitchens, where busy families sought out convenient and satisfying meals that required minimal effort and maximum flavor.

The cultural significance of Crockpot Angel Chicken lies in its embodiment of home-cooked comfort food. It reflects the growing trend of slow cooking, which allows for an easier dining experience without sacrificing taste. The affectionately coined term “angel chicken” may derive from the heavenly flavor and comforting essence of the dish, making it feel like a warm hug on a plate. This makes it an excellent choice for family gatherings, weeknight dinners, or anytime comfort food is needed.

Ingredients for Crockpot Angel Chicken

2.1 Essential Ingredients

Chicken: You can use boneless or bone-in chicken, depending on your preference.
Cream of chicken soup: This serves as the base of the creamy sauce.
Cream cheese: Adds richness and smooth texture to the sauce.
Italian seasoning: Contributes a blend of herbs that enhances the flavor.
Garlic: For an aromatic depth and savory touch.
Parmesan cheese: Finely grated for an extra layer of creaminess.

2.2 Optional Add-ins

To personalize your Crockpot Angel Chicken, consider incorporating some optional ingredients:

Vegetables: Broccoli, bell peppers, or carrots can brighten the dish and add nutrition.
Other herbs/spices: Experiment with paprika or onion powder for additional flavor profiles.

2.3 Cooking Essentials

When preparing Crockpot Angel Chicken, consider the following cooking essentials:

Crockpot considerations: Choose a size that fits your serving needs, usually a 4 to 6-quart crockpot works well.
Time and temperature settings: Opt for low cooking for 6-8 hours or high cooking for 3-4 hours to achieve the best results.

Section 3: Detailed Recipe for Crockpot Angel Chicken

3.1 Equipment Needed

Crockpot: A reliable slow cooker, ideally 4 to 6-quart size.
Mixing bowl: For combining the creamy sauce ingredients.
Measuring cups and spoons: To accurately measure each component.
Knife and cutting board: Essential for preparing the chicken and any vegetables.
Spoon or spatula: For mixing and spreading the sauce.

3.2 Step-by-Step Directions

Preparing the chicken: If using boneless chicken, cut it into bite-sized pieces. Season the chicken with salt and pepper to enhance the flavor.
Mixing the sauce: In a mixing bowl, combine the cream of chicken soup, cream cheese, garlic, Italian seasoning, and Parmesan cheese until smooth and well blended.
Layering ingredients in the crockpot: Place the seasoned chicken in the bottom of the crockpot. Pour the creamy sauce over the chicken, ensuring it is evenly coated.
Cooking times and temperatures: Cover the crockpot and set it to low for 6-8 hours, or high for 3-4 hours, until the chicken is fully cooked and tender.
Final touches: Before serving, give the mixture a gentle stir to combine everything. Garnish with additional Parmesan cheese or fresh herbs, if desired.

3.3 Serving Suggestions

Crockpot Angel Chicken is extremely versatile when it comes to serving:

Over rice: Serve atop fluffy white or brown rice for a filling meal.
With pasta: Toss with your favorite pasta for a creamy and comforting dish.
On a bed of greens: Pair with fresh greens or roasted vegetables for a lighter option.

3.4 Storage and Reheating Tips

To ensure your Crockpot Angel Chicken stays delicious after cooking:

How to store leftovers: Allow leftovers to cool completely before transferring them to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Best practices for reheating: Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or cream to maintain moisture.

Section 4: Nutritional Information

Understanding the nutritional profile of Crockpot Angel Chicken can help you make informed choices:

Calories: Approximately 350-400 calories per serving, depending on specific ingredient brands and quantities used.
Fats: Contains around 20-25 grams of fat, with cream cheese and Parmesan contributing significantly.
Carbohydrates: Offers about 5-10 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
Proteins: A good source of protein, providing roughly 25-30 grams per serving from chicken.

To make the dish healthier, consider using low-fat cream cheese, low-sodium cream of chicken soup, or adding more vegetables to boost fiber content.

Section 5: Tips for Perfect Crockpot Angel Chicken

To help you achieve the best results with your Crockpot Angel Chicken, consider the following tips:

Importance of timing and temperatures: Cooking on low for longer yields tender meat, while high can work in a pinch; however, avoid overcooking as it can dry out the chicken.
Avoiding common mistakes: Ensure not to skip seasoning the chicken first, as this enhances overall flavor.
Variations and substitutions: Feel free to swap out cream of chicken soup for cream of mushroom for a different flavor, or adjust herbs to suit your taste.

Section 6: Frequently Asked Questions

6.1 What can I substitute for cream of chicken soup?

You can use cream of mushroom soup, homemade white sauce, or a dairy-free alternative like coconut cream for a different flavor and consistency.

6.2 Can I cook this dish on a stovetop?

Yes, you can adapt the recipe for stovetop cooking; just simmer the ingredients in a pot over low heat until the chicken is cooked through and tender, stirring occasionally.

6.3 How long does it take to cook on low vs high?

Cooking on low usually takes 6-8 hours, while high cooking typically requires 3-4 hours for the chicken to reach the desired tenderness.

6.4 What should I serve with Crockpot Angel Chicken?

Consider serving it with rice, pasta, or a side of steamed vegetables to complement the creamy dish.

6.5 Is it possible to make this dish dairy-free?

Yes, by using dairy-free cream cheese and the appropriate soup substitute, you can enjoy a dairy-free version of Crockpot Angel Chicken.

crockpot angel chicken

This delicious and comforting Crockpot Angel Chicken is a creamy, flavorful dish made with chicken, a rich sauce, and delicious seasonings. Perfect for busy days, simply set it and forget it!

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Prep Time 15

Cook Time 6

Total Time 6 15

Course Main Course

Cuisine American

Servings 4 People

Calories 380 kcal

Equipment

1 crockpot slow cooker
1 measuring cups
1 measuring spoons
1 mixing bowl
1 wooden spoon
1 tongs

Ingredients

6 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breasts About 1.5 to 2 pounds.
1 packet ranch seasoning mix 1 ounce.
1 packet cream cheese 8 ounces, softened.
1 can cream of chicken soup 10.5 ounces.
1 cup chicken broth
1 cup sliced mushrooms Optional.
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
to taste salt
to taste pepper
for garnish fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions

Place the boneless, skinless chicken breasts into the crockpot.
In a mixing bowl, combine the ranch seasoning, cream cheese, cream of chicken soup, and chicken broth. Mix well until smooth.
Pour the cream cheese mixture over the chicken breasts in the crockpot to coat them well.
If using, add the sliced mushrooms on top of the sauce.
Cover the crockpot and cook on low for 6 hours or on high for 3 hours until the chicken is cooked through and tender.
About 15 minutes before serving, shred the chicken in the crockpot using tongs or two forks.
Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until melted and mixed into the sauce.
Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed.
Serve the Angel Chicken over rice, pasta, or with bread, and garnish with chopped fresh parsley.

Notes

This dish can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can also freeze leftovers for up to 2 months. Feel free to customize the dish by adding vegetables or using different types of cheese, depending on your preference.

Easy Crockpot Angel Chicken Recipe for Comfort Food Lovers

What is Crockpot Angel Chicken?