Description
Angel Chicken is a creamy, comforting slow-cooked dish featuring tender chicken breasts simmered in a luscious cream cheese and Italian seasoning sauce, served over delicate angel hair pasta and garnished with fresh Italian parsley and Parmesan cheese. This recipe combines simple ingredients with a long, slow cook to yield a rich and satisfying meal perfect for family dinners.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Chicken and Sauce:
- 2 Tablespoons olive oil
- 3 chicken breasts (about 1 ½ pounds)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 4 ounces cream cheese (softened)
- 2 Tablespoons butter (softened)
- ½ cup chicken broth
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 0.6 ounce Italian dressing seasoning packet (about 2 tablespoons)
- ½ cup heavy cream
- 2 teaspoons cornstarch
For the Pasta and Garnish:
- 16 ounces angel hair pasta
- Fresh Italian parsley (chopped, for garnish)
- Grated Parmesan cheese (for garnish)
Instructions
- Season and Sear Chicken: Season both sides of the chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat and sear the chicken for 2-3 minutes per side until golden brown but not fully cooked. Remove from heat and set aside.
- Prepare Cream Cheese Mixture: In a medium bowl, whisk together the softened cream cheese, butter, chicken broth, minced garlic, and Italian dressing seasoning packet until smooth and well combined.
- Place Chicken in Slow Cooker: Lay the seared chicken breasts at the bottom of the slow cooker. Pour the prepared cream cheese mixture evenly over the chicken.
- Slow Cook Chicken: Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 4-5 hours or on high for 2-3 hours, until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C), indicating it is fully cooked.
- Remove Chicken: Once cooked, carefully remove the chicken breasts from the slow cooker and set aside on a plate.
- Thicken the Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the heavy cream and cornstarch until smooth and fully combined. Stir this mixture into the slow cooker with the cooking liquid to thicken the sauce.
- Cook Sauce and Return Chicken: Place the chicken breasts back into the slow cooker, cover, and cook on high for an additional 15-20 minutes to allow the sauce to thicken and the flavors to meld.
- Cook Pasta: While the sauce thickens, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the angel hair pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain well.
- Serve: Plate the angel hair pasta, place the chicken breasts on top, and generously spoon the creamy sauce over the chicken and pasta. Garnish with freshly chopped Italian parsley and grated Parmesan cheese. Serve warm and enjoy!
Notes
- For best flavor, sear the chicken just until golden to lock in juices before slow cooking.
- Use a food thermometer to ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for safety.
- If the sauce is too thick, stir in a little additional chicken broth or cream to reach desired consistency.
- Leftover chicken and sauce can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- You can substitute Italian dressing seasoning with a mix of dried Italian herbs if needed.
- Angel hair pasta cooks quickly; watch carefully to avoid overcooking.
