🍗 Slow Cooker Angel Chicken
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Prep time: 10 minutes
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Cook time: 4–6 hours (Low) or 2–3 hours (High)
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Servings: 4–6 people
Ingredients
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Chicken: 1.5 to 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts.
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The Sauce Base: 1 stick (1/2 cup) unsalted butter, melted.
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Seasoning: 1 packet (0.7 oz) Italian Dressing mix (like Good Seasons).
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Creaminess: 1 can (10.5 oz) condensed Cream of Chicken soup.
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The Finish: 4 oz to 8 oz Cream Cheese (softened and cubed).
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Liquid: 1/2 cup dry white wine (like Pinot Grigio) OR chicken broth.
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Serving: 1 box (16 oz) angel hair pasta, cooked according to package directions.
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Garnish: Fresh chopped parsley or a sprinkle of paprika.
Instructions
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Layer the Chicken: Place the chicken breasts in a single layer at the bottom of the slow cooker.
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Mix the Sauce: In a medium bowl, whisk together the melted butter, Italian dressing mix, condensed soup, and wine (or broth) until smooth.
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Combine: Pour the mixture over the chicken. Scatter the cubed cream cheese on top.
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Slow Cook: Cover and cook on Low for 4–6 hours or High for 2–3 hours until the chicken is tender and registers 165°F.
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Shred & Stir: About 15 minutes before serving, take two forks and lightly shred the chicken (or leave it in whole breasts if preferred). Stir the sauce vigorously to incorporate the melted cream cheese into a smooth, velvety consistency.
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Serve: Spoon the chicken and plenty of sauce over hot angel hair pasta.
Nutritional Info (Per Serving)
Estimated based on 6 servings (excluding pasta): | Nutrient | Amount | | :— | :— | | Calories | 420 kcal | | Total Fat | 28g | | Protein | 32g | | Carbohydrates | 8g | | Sodium | 980mg |
Tips for Success
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Don’t Overcook: Angel hair pasta is very thin. Only cook it until al dente, as the hot sauce will soften it further.
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Wine vs. Broth: The wine adds a sophisticated acidity that cuts through the richness of the butter and cheese. If skipping alcohol, add a squeeze of lemon juice to your chicken broth for a similar effect.
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Veggies: Toss in a handful of fresh spinach or steamed broccoli at the very end for a pop of color and nutrition.
Benefits of This Dish
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Low Effort: Requires zero browning or sautéing.
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Family Friendly: The flavor profile is mild and creamy, making it a hit with kids.
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High Protein: Provides a substantial amount of protein to keep you full.
Q&A
Q: Can I use frozen chicken? A: It is generally recommended to thaw chicken first for food safety in a slow cooker, as frozen meat stays in the “danger zone” temperature range for too long.
Q: Is there a “light” version? A: You can use “Low-Fat” cream of chicken soup and Neufchâtel cheese (1/3 less fat cream cheese). It will be slightly less thick but still delicious.
Q: Can I use chicken thighs? A: Absolutely. Thighs are more forgiving and will stay incredibly juicy in the slow cooker.