If you’re looking for a cozy, creamy, and incredibly satisfying dinner, I have to share this Angel Chicken in Crock Pot Recipe that quickly became a staple in my household. Trust me, this isn’t just any slow cooker dish—it’s like a warm hug on a plate with tender chicken smothered in a dreamy sauce, all effortless while you get to focus on other things. You’ll love how easy it is, how the flavors develop, and once you try it, it might just become your new go-to weeknight meal.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Hands-Off Cooking: Throw everything in the crock pot and let it do its magic while you relax or get stuff done.
- Creamy, Tender Chicken Every Time: The slow cooking combined with cream cheese and butter gives such a rich, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
- Simple Ingredients, Big Flavor: No fancy grocery run needed; pantry staples come together for delicious comfort food.
- Perfect for Busy Nights: You get a satisfying homemade meal without the stress or last-minute hassle.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The ingredients in this Angel Chicken in Crock Pot Recipe blend richness and savory flavors that balance beautifully. Plus, the kitchen staples involved make shopping a breeze—my kind of recipe!
- Vegetable oil: Great for searing the chicken to lock in juices and get a lovely golden crust.
- Salt and pepper: Essential for seasoning the chicken just right before searing.
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts: Choose about 1.5 pounds, roughly two large breasts for even cooking and shredding.
- Cream cheese: Softened to room temperature for easy whisking into a smooth sauce base.
- Unsalted butter: Adds buttery richness without adding extra salt, so you control the seasoning perfectly.
- Cream of chicken soup: The classic comfort food secret that ties the sauce together; go for low or no sodium versions if you’re watching salt.
- Garlic cloves: Minced fresh garlic packs a punch in flavor and aroma.
- Chicken broth: Adds just the right amount of savory liquid; low or no sodium works best to keep flavors balanced.
- Dry Italian salad dressing mix: This ingredient surprised me the first time I tried it—it’s like a flavor booster with herbs that jazz up the sauce.
- Angel hair pasta: Its delicate strands soak up the sauce beautifully without overpowering the chicken.
- Optional toppings: Fresh parsley, cracked pepper, and grated Parmesan cheese add freshness and a little zing.
Variations
One of the reasons I adore this Angel Chicken in Crock Pot Recipe is how easy it is to tweak. I’ve played around with it depending on what’s in my pantry or my mood, and it never disappoints.
- Use different seasoning mixes: I once swapped the Italian dressing mix for a ranch seasoning packet, and it added a gorgeous tangy twist that my family went nuts over.
- Add veggies: Toss some sliced mushrooms or baby spinach into the crock pot for extra nutrients and color—I find they soften nicely and complement the creamy sauce.
- Swap pasta types: If you’re not a fan of angel hair, penne or rotini work well too, especially if you want a bit more bite.
- Make it lighter: Using Greek yogurt instead of cream cheese can lighten the dish without losing creaminess, great for a healthier spin.
How to Make Angel Chicken in Crock Pot Recipe
Step 1: Perfectly Sear the Chicken
Start by heating your cast iron skillet over medium-high heat and adding 1 to 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil. Season the chicken breasts liberally with salt and pepper—don’t be shy here; seasoning is key to flavor. Once your pan is hot, lay the chicken breasts in and sear for 2 to 3 minutes per side until they develop a beautiful golden crust. This little step adds a ton of flavor and helps the chicken stay juicy. Remove the chicken and set it aside.
Step 2: Whisk Together the Creamy Sauce
Grab a medium bowl and add your softened cream cheese and butter. Whisk these until smooth and creamy—this is your rich sauce foundation. Next, mix in the cream of chicken soup, minced garlic, chicken broth, and dry Italian salad dressing mix. Give everything a good whisk so that all the flavors blend seamlessly and the sauce is velvety and smooth.
Step 3: Assemble and Slow Cook
Spray your crock pot with non-stick spray—trust me, it makes cleanup so much easier! Place the seared chicken breasts at the bottom, then pour your dreamy sauce over the top. Cover and cook on low for 3 to 4 hours. You want to watch for the chicken’s internal temp hitting 165°F to ensure it’s safely cooked. If you have time and don’t mind shredding the chicken a bit, you can go longer—the chicken becomes ultra-tender and falls apart beautifully.
Step 4: Cook the Angel Hair Pasta
About 10 minutes before you’re ready to eat, cook the angel hair pasta according to package instructions, until just al dente. Drain well, because you want the sauce to cling nicely to the pasta without it getting too watery.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
You can serve the chicken breasts whole with the sauce spooned over, or shred the chicken right in the crock pot and give everything a gentle stir to marry the flavors. Then plate it over your angel hair pasta. I love sprinkling fresh parsley, cracked black pepper, and a generous grating of Parmesan on top—it makes the meal feel extra special.
Pro Tips for Making Angel Chicken in Crock Pot Recipe
- Always Sear Your Chicken: I used to skip this step, but searing locks in juices and adds so much flavor—well worth the few extra minutes.
- Check Internal Temperature: Every crock pot cooks a little differently, so rely on a meat thermometer to know when the chicken’s done, not just the clock.
- Use Room Temperature Dairy: Softening cream cheese and butter before mixing avoids lumps and makes the sauce silky smooth.
- Don’t Overcook Pasta: Cook angel hair pasta just until al dente so it won’t turn mushy when mixed with the rich sauce.
How to Serve Angel Chicken in Crock Pot Recipe
Garnishes
I’m a sucker for adding that fresh green pop with chopped parsley—it brightens the plate and balances the richness. Freshly cracked black pepper adds a subtle heat, and a generous sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese finishes it all off with a cheesy, nutty flavor that makes this dish feel restaurant-worthy.
Side Dishes
My favorite sides with Angel Chicken in Crock Pot Recipe are simple and fresh—steamed green beans or roasted asparagus help cut through the creamy sauce. Sometimes I add a crisp garden salad with a light vinaigrette to brighten things up and add texture contrast.
Creative Ways to Present
For special occasions, I’ve served this dish in hollowed-out bell peppers, stuffing the chicken and sauce mixture for a pretty presentation and extra flavor. Alternatively, plating the shredded chicken over a bed of linguine and garnishing with edible flowers wowed my dinner guests one time—it’s an easy way to elevate a humble dish!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Angel Chicken stores wonderfully in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. I like to keep the chicken and sauce together separate from the pasta to avoid sogginess—reheat the chicken gently, and cook or reheat the pasta right before serving.
Freezing
If you want to prep ahead, this recipe freezes well without the pasta. Just cool the chicken and sauce completely, then freeze in a sealed container or freezer bag for up to 3 months. When you thaw, reheat gently on the stove or crock pot, then prepare fresh pasta to go with it.
Reheating
I like reheating leftover Angel Chicken gently in a saucepan over low heat to avoid breaking the sauce, stirring occasionally. Adding a splash of chicken broth or water helps loosen it up if it thickens too much. Reheat the pasta separately and combine just before serving.
FAQs
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Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts in this Angel Chicken in Crock Pot Recipe?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs will work great and tend to stay juicy without drying out. Since thighs have more fat, the sauce will be even richer. Just keep an eye on cooking times—they may need a little less time to reach the perfect tenderness.
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Do I have to sear the chicken before placing it in the crock pot?
While it’s not mandatory, I highly recommend searing the chicken first. It adds extra flavor and helps seal in moisture so the chicken doesn’t turn out bland or dry. Plus, that golden crust is just irresistible.
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Can I make this recipe without cream cheese or substitute it?
You can swap cream cheese for Greek yogurt or sour cream as a lighter alternative, but keep in mind it will change the final texture and tanginess slightly. Just make sure to add it towards the end of cooking to avoid curdling.
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How do I prevent the angel hair pasta from getting mushy with the sauce?
I recommend cooking the angel hair pasta just until al dente, then draining it very well right before serving. Toss the pasta with the sauce at the last minute to keep the perfect texture without sogginess.
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Is this Angel Chicken in Crock Pot Recipe gluten-free?
The chicken and sauce itself are gluten-free if you use gluten-free cream of chicken soup and Italian dressing mix. However, the angel hair pasta contains gluten unless you swap it for a gluten-free pasta alternative.
Final Thoughts
I can’t tell you how many times this Angel Chicken in Crock Pot Recipe has saved me on busy days—it’s just so comforting and effortless. The creamy sauce, tender chicken, and easy prep make it a no-brainer for dinners that feel special without the stress. If you’re looking for a new family-favorite that’s genuinely simple, I hope you give this a try—I’m confident you’ll love it just like we do.
Print
Angel Chicken in Crock Pot Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 3 hours
- Total Time: 3 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Crock Pot Angel Chicken is a creamy, comforting slow-cooked chicken dish featuring tender seared chicken breasts simmered in a rich mixture of cream cheese, butter, cream of chicken soup, garlic, chicken broth, and Italian dressing mix. Served over angel hair pasta and optionally garnished with fresh parsley and Parmesan, this meal is perfect for an easy, flavorful weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Chicken and Seasoning
- 1–2 Tablespoons vegetable oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 2 large chicken breasts)
Sauce
- 4 ounces (½ block) cream cheese, softened to room temperature
- 3 Tablespoons unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
- 10.5 ounce can cream of chicken soup (low or no sodium recommended if sensitive to salt)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- ¾ cup chicken broth (low or no sodium recommended if sensitive to salt)
- 1 (0.7 ounce) packet Good Seasons Dry Italian Salad Dressing Mix (or your favorite Italian seasoning mix)
Pasta and Garnish
- 16 ounce box angel hair pasta
- Chopped fresh parsley (optional)
- Cracked black pepper (optional)
- Grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
Instructions
- Sear the chicken: Heat a cast iron skillet over medium-high heat. Add 1-2 tablespoons vegetable oil and swirl to coat the bottom evenly. Sprinkle salt and pepper over both sides of the chicken breasts. When the pan is hot, add the chicken breasts and sear each side for 2-3 minutes or until they turn golden brown. Remove from heat.
- Prepare the sauce: In a medium bowl, whisk together the softened cream cheese and unsalted butter until smooth. Add the cream of chicken soup, minced garlic, chicken broth, and Italian salad dressing mix. Whisk everything until fully combined into a creamy sauce.
- Set up the crock pot: Spray the inside of a crock pot with non-stick cooking spray to prevent sticking. Place the seared chicken breasts at the bottom of the crock pot. Pour the prepared sauce evenly over the chicken.
- Cook the chicken: Cover and cook on low heat for 3 to 4 hours or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. For more tender chicken that may start falling apart, cook longer if desired. Always rely on temperature rather than just time for doneness.
- Cook the pasta: Shortly before the chicken is done, cook the angel hair pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain well.
- Serve the dish: Serve the chicken whole or shred it as preferred. Toss the pasta with the creamy sauce or spoon the chicken and sauce on top of the pasta per serving. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley, cracked pepper, and grated Parmesan cheese if desired for added flavor and presentation.
Notes
- If sensitive to sodium, use low or no sodium cream of chicken soup and chicken broth.
- Always use a meat thermometer to confirm the chicken reaches 165°F for safe consumption.
- Cooking times may vary depending on crock pot brand and chicken size; adjust accordingly.
- You can shred the chicken after cooking if preferred, or serve it whole.
- Using a cast iron skillet helps achieve a nice sear but any skillet will work.
- Feel free to use your favorite Italian seasoning blend in place of the salad dressing mix.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (approx. 1/4 of recipe with pasta)
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 29g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 34g
- Cholesterol: 105mg
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