The crock pot, or slow cooker, is a kitchen staple for its ability to produce incredibly tender and flavorful meals with minimal effort. This recipe for Angel Chicken, cooked to perfection in your crock pot, is no exception. It’s incredibly simple, yet yields unbelievably juicy and flavorful chicken that's perfect for a weeknight dinner or a casual weekend meal. This recipe focuses on simplicity, allowing the natural flavors of the chicken and seasonings to shine.
What is Angel Chicken?
Angel Chicken isn't a specifically named dish like Chicken Parmesan or Chicken Tikka Masala. Instead, it's a descriptive name referring to the light, fluffy, and incredibly tender texture of the chicken achieved through slow cooking. The name evokes the delicate and almost ethereal quality of the finished product. This recipe uses a simple combination of ingredients to achieve that "angel" texture.
Ingredients for Crock Pot Angel Chicken
- 1.5-2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 (10.75 ounce) can condensed cream of chicken soup
- 1/2 cup milk (whole milk recommended for richness)
- 1 packet ranch seasoning mix (or 1 tablespoon homemade ranch seasoning)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions: Making Your Crock Pot Angel Chicken
- Place Chicken in Crock Pot: Add the chicken breasts to the bottom of your slow cooker.
- Combine Sauce Ingredients: In a bowl, whisk together the cream of chicken soup, milk, ranch seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
- Pour Sauce Over Chicken: Pour the sauce evenly over the chicken breasts, ensuring they are mostly submerged.
- Cook on Low: Cook on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours, or until the chicken is cooked through and easily shreds with a fork. Internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).
- Shred and Serve: Once cooked, remove the chicken from the crock pot and shred it with two forks. You can either return the shredded chicken to the sauce in the crock pot to keep it warm or serve it immediately.
Serving Suggestions for Your Angel Chicken
This versatile chicken is perfect for a variety of dishes. Here are a few ideas:
- Serve over rice or mashed potatoes: A classic comfort food combination.
- Use in tacos or wraps: Shredded chicken makes for delicious and easy fillings.
- Make chicken salad sandwiches: Mix the shredded chicken with mayonnaise, celery, and onion for a quick and tasty lunch.
- Create a creamy chicken pasta dish: Toss the chicken with your favorite pasta and a creamy sauce.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I use bone-in chicken breasts?
Yes, you can use bone-in chicken breasts, but you'll need to increase the cooking time. Check the internal temperature to ensure the chicken is fully cooked. Expect the cooking time to increase by a couple of hours on low.
What if I don't have cream of chicken soup?
You can substitute with other creamy soups, such as cream of mushroom or cream of celery. You can also create your own creamy sauce using chicken broth, heavy cream, and seasonings.
Can I make this recipe in the oven?
Yes, you can adapt this recipe for the oven. Place the chicken and sauce in a baking dish, cover with foil, and bake at 350°F (175°C) for approximately 45-60 minutes, or until cooked through.
How do I store leftovers?
Store leftover Angel Chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
This Crock Pot Angel Chicken recipe is a simple yet elegant way to enjoy tender and flavorful chicken. Its ease of preparation and versatility make it a perfect addition to your weeknight meal rotation. Enjoy!
