If you’re looking for a comforting, creamy, and utterly delicious dish that feels like a warm hug on a plate, then you’re going to fall head over heels for this Crockpot Angel Chicken Recipe. With tender, juicy chicken breasts bathed in a luscious blend of ranch seasoning, Italian herbs, cream cheese, and savory soup, this recipe turns simple ingredients into a show-stopping meal that’s perfect for any day of the week. It’s effortless to make, wonderfully flavorful, and just screams cozy dinner time.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting ready to whip up this delight is easy because the ingredients list is refreshingly straightforward, yet every single component adds a special layer of flavor, texture, or richness. These staples work together to create a creamy, savory sauce that perfectly complements tender chicken.
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts: The star of the dish, providing a lean and tender protein base that soaks up all the delicious flavors.
- 1 packet ranch seasoning mix: Adds a tangy, herbaceous punch that amps up the zest of the chicken.
- 1 packet dry Italian dressing mix: Brings a blend of herbs and spices that enhance the savory Italian-inspired notes.
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup: Provides that silky, comforting base to the sauce while keeping everything moist and flavorful.
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened: Gives richness and a luscious creaminess that makes the sauce irresistibly smooth.
- 1/4 cup butter: Adds a luscious depth of flavor and helps to bring all the ingredients together into a velvety sauce.
How to Make Crockpot Angel Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Arrange the Chicken
Begin by placing your boneless, skinless chicken breasts in the bottom of your crockpot. This creates the perfect foundation for your flavorful sauce to slowly work its magic.
Step 2: Mix the Creamy Sauce
In a separate bowl, combine the ranch seasoning mix, dry Italian dressing mix, the cream of chicken soup, softened cream cheese, and butter. Stir everything together thoroughly until the mixture is well blended and creamy. This blend is what will transform simple chicken breasts into a rich, flavorful masterpiece.
Step 3: Pour and Cook
Pour your creamy sauce mixture over the chicken breasts, making sure they’re nicely coated. Cover the crockpot and cook on low heat for 6 to 7 hours. The low and slow cooking allows the chicken to become incredibly tender and soak up all those vibrant flavors.
Step 4: Shred and Stir
Once the cooking time is up, use two forks to shred the chicken directly in the crockpot. Then give everything a good stir to combine the shredded chicken fully with the creamy sauce. This step amps up the sauciness and ensures every bite is packed with flavor.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Your Crockpot Angel Chicken Recipe is now ready to be spooned over your favorite sides, making for a comforting and satisfying meal everyone will love.
How to Serve Crockpot Angel Chicken Recipe
Garnishes
Top the dish with freshly chopped parsley or chives for a bright, fresh touch that contrasts beautifully with the rich sauce. A sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese can also elevate the flavors and add a deliciously salty finish.
Side Dishes
This creamy chicken shines when paired with fluffy mashed potatoes, a bed of steamed rice, or cooked pasta, all of which soak up the delectable sauce perfectly. For a nutritious balance, add some roasted or steamed veggies like green beans, broccoli, or carrots on the side.
Creative Ways to Present
Serving this on a warm crusty bread bowl can turn it into a rustic, cozy dish perfect for casual dinners. Alternatively, spoon the chicken over a baked sweet potato for a vibrant presentation and a hint of natural sweetness that pairs wonderfully with the savory sauce.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Crockpot Angel Chicken stores beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors deepen after sitting for a bit, making your next meal just as tasty.
Freezing
This dish freezes well if you want to keep it longer. Portion it into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 3 months. Just be sure to cool it completely before sealing to preserve the creamy texture.
Reheating
To reheat, simply thaw in the refrigerator overnight if frozen, then warm gently on the stove over low heat or in the microwave. Stir occasionally to restore that luscious creaminess and avoid overcooking the chicken.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs will work wonderfully in the Crockpot Angel Chicken Recipe, offering a juicier and slightly more flavorful option, especially when slow-cooked.
Is there a way to make this recipe dairy-free?
You can substitute the cream cheese and butter with dairy-free alternatives, and use a dairy-free cream of chicken soup or a homemade substitute to enjoy a creamy, dairy-free version.
Can I prepare this recipe in advance and refrigerate before cooking?
Yes, you can assemble the ingredients in the crockpot insert, cover it, and store it in the fridge overnight. Just add extra cooking time the next day to ensure the chicken is fully cooked.
What if I don’t have ranch seasoning mix?
Mix together dried parsley, dill, garlic powder, onion powder, and salt to mimic ranch seasoning’s flavor profile. It’s a simple DIY fix that works well.
Can this be made in an Instant Pot?
Definitely! Use the sauté function to mix ingredients and then cook on high pressure for about 15 minutes with a natural release to get similar creamy, tender results quickly.
Final Thoughts
If you’re craving a dish that’s easy to prepare, full of comforting flavors, and guaranteed to become a favorite, don’t hesitate to try this Crockpot Angel Chicken Recipe. It’s the perfect mix of creamy, savory, and incredibly satisfying that will have you reaching for seconds, every time.
Print
Crockpot Angel Chicken Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours 30 minutes
- Total Time: 6 hours 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Crockpot Angel Chicken recipe offers a creamy, flavorful dish made easy by slow-cooking tender chicken breasts in a luscious mixture of ranch seasoning, Italian dressing mix, cream of chicken soup, cream cheese, and butter. Perfect for a comforting family meal, this dish pairs beautifully with rice, mashed potatoes, or pasta.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
Seasoning and Sauce
- 1 packet ranch seasoning mix (approximately 1 oz)
- 1 packet dry Italian dressing mix (approximately 1 oz)
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup butter (approximately 4 tablespoons)
Instructions
- Prepare the Crockpot: Place the 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts in the bottom of the crockpot, ensuring they are in a single layer for even cooking.
- Mix the Sauce: In a separate bowl, combine the ranch seasoning mix, dry Italian dressing mix, cream of chicken soup, softened cream cheese, and butter. Stir thoroughly until the mixture is smooth and well incorporated, creating a creamy sauce base.
- Add Sauce Over Chicken: Pour the creamy mixture evenly over the chicken breasts inside the crockpot, covering the chicken completely to infuse flavor during cooking.
- Slow Cook: Cover the crockpot with its lid and cook on the low setting for 6 to 7 hours, allowing the chicken to become tender and fully cooked through, absorbing the flavors of the sauce.
- Shred the Chicken: Once cooked, remove the lid and shred the chicken breasts directly in the crockpot using two forks, mixing it well with the creamy sauce to create a deliciously rich and creamy chicken dish.
- Serve: Spoon the creamy shredded chicken over cooked rice, mashed potatoes, or pasta as a comforting and hearty meal.
Notes
- You can substitute chicken thighs for chicken breasts for a juicier texture.
- For a lower fat option, use reduced-fat cream cheese and butter substitutes.
- Add vegetables like mushrooms or spinach during the last hour of cooking for extra nutrition.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 2 months.
- This dish pairs well with steamed green beans or a fresh salad for a balanced meal.
