Crock Pot Angel Chicken Recipe
If you’re craving a comforting dinner that feels like a warm hug, let me share my favorite Crock Pot Angel Chicken Recipe with you. This recipe is downright fan-freaking-tastic because it takes simple ingredients and slow-cooks them into creamy, tender chicken served over delicate angel hair pasta. Trust me, once you try this, your weeknights just got a serious upgrade.
Why This Recipe Works
- Hands-off cooking: The crock pot does all the work while you relax or prep your sides.
- Rich, creamy sauce: Cream cheese, butter, and soup blend perfectly for comfort-food flavor.
- Tender chicken every time: Searing locks in juices and slow cooking makes it melt-in-your-mouth tender.
- Angel hair pasta pairs beautifully: Its delicate texture soaks up all that garlicky sauce, making every bite special.
Ingredients & Why They Work
This recipe’s magic comes from blending creamy and savory ingredients, plus that Great Italian seasoning mix for a hint of herby brightness. Plus, searing the chicken before it hits the crock pot actually makes a huge difference–more flavor and so much juicier!
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts: The lean protein base that benefits from slow cooking to stay tender and juicy.
- Cream cheese: Adds velvety creaminess to the sauce without being overly rich.
- Unsalted butter: Points of richness and binds the sauce flavors together smoothly.
- Cream of chicken soup: Base for the sauce with comforting, savory notes; opting for low or no sodium versions lets you control salt.
- Garlic: A little punch of freshness to balance the creamy sauce.
- Chicken broth: Keeps everything moist and adds depth; again, low sodium is a smart choice.
- Good Seasons Dry Italian Salad Dressing Mix: The secret hero seasoning providing herbs and a tiny tang.
- Angel hair pasta: Delicate and quick-cooking, perfect to scoop up the sauce without overpowering it.
- Optional garnish (parsley, cracked pepper, Parmesan): These little finishing touches brighten and personalize the dish.
Tweak to Your Taste
One of the things I love most about this Crock Pot Angel Chicken Recipe is how easy it is to tailor. Sometimes I swap in turkey breasts or toss in mushrooms for an earthier vibe. You absolutely can make this dish your own, so don’t be shy about experimenting!
- Variation: For a dairy-free spin, try using coconut milk instead of cream cheese and butter; I’ve done this and the flavor is surprisingly lush!
- Spicier kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce if you like a bit of heat.
- Herbal swap: Substitute the Italian seasoning mix with fresh herbs like thyme and basil for an aromatic twist.
- Make it gluten-free: Serve over rice noodles or zucchini noodles instead of angel hair pasta.
Step-by-Step: How I Make Crock Pot Angel Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Sear the Chicken to Lock in Juices
Start by heating your cast iron skillet over medium-high heat. I add 1-2 tablespoons of vegetable oil and swirl it to coat the pan. Season the chicken breasts well on both sides with salt and pepper — don’t be shy here because a good seasoning layer really builds flavor. Once the pan is hot and shimmering, carefully lay the chicken down and sear each side for about 2-3 minutes, until you get that beautiful golden-brown crust. This step makes a world of difference in taste and texture, so it’s worth the extra 5 minutes.
Step 2: Whisk Together the Creamy Sauce
While the chicken rests, I mix the sauce base. In a medium bowl, blend cream cheese and softened butter until totally smooth—no lumps! Next, whisk in the cream of chicken soup, minced garlic, chicken broth, and the Italian seasoning mix. I recommend using low sodium broth and soup if you want more control over salt. This combo creates a luscious, garlicky, and herby sauce that becomes the star once it cooks down.
Step 3: Assemble in the Crock Pot for Slow Cooking
Spray your crock pot insert with non-stick cooking spray (trust me, it saves cleanup headaches!). Place the seared chicken breasts at the bottom in a single layer, then gently pour the creamy sauce mixture right over them. Cover and cook on low for 3-4 hours. The magic here is slow and steady heat that penetrates and tenderizes the chicken, while thickening the sauce. Keep an instant-read thermometer handy and make sure your chicken hits 165°F internally before serving.
Step 4: Cook and Drain Angel Hair Pasta
Just before your chicken is finished, boil the angel hair pasta according to package instructions—usually just a few minutes—until it’s al dente. Drain it well, and keep it warm while you plate the dish. This delicate pasta is the perfect vehicle for the rich sauce.
Step 5: Serve and Garnish
You can either serve the chicken breasts whole alongside the pasta with sauce spooned on top, or shred the chicken right in the crock pot using two forks to mix everything together. This recipe works beautifully both ways, and I often let everyone choose their style at the table. Finish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley, cracked black pepper, and a little Parmesan if you like, for that extra pop of flavor.
Pro Tips for Making Crock Pot Angel Chicken Recipe
- Sear for Flavor: Don’t skip searing the chicken; it adds a depth of flavor and seals in the juices nicely.
- Check Temperature: Always confirm the chicken hits 165°F inside—the slow cooker’s heat can vary by model.
- Cream Cheese Prep: Soften cream cheese fully before mixing to avoid clumps in your sauce.
- Don’t Rush Cooking Time: Low and slow is best for tender chicken; cooking on high risks drying it out.
How to Serve Crock Pot Angel Chicken Recipe
Garnishes
I’m a sucker for freshly chopped parsley to add that bright, herbal note contrasting the creamy richness. A crack of fresh black pepper and a shower of grated Parmesan cheese elevate the flavors and make the dish feel a little fancy—though it’s so easy you’d never guess!
Side Dishes
Simple is best here. I love pairing this with a crisp green salad or steamed broccoli to cut through the richness. Garlic bread or a warm crusty loaf is a slam dunk too, especially for soaking up any extra sauce on the plate.
Creative Ways to Present
For a special occasion, try plating the shredded chicken mixed into the pasta in pretty nests topped with microgreens and a light drizzle of good olive oil. Or serve family style in a rustic dish straight from the crock pot, letting everyone help themselves—always a crowd-pleaser.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I usually store leftover Crock Pot Angel Chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just keep the sauce and pasta together so the flavors mingle overnight—sometimes it tastes even better the next day!
Freezing
This recipe freezes beautifully, too. I let it cool completely, then portion it out into freezer-safe containers. It stores well for up to 3 months—great for meal prep or a last-minute dinner rescue.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stove over low heat or in the microwave, stirring occasionally to avoid drying out. If the sauce has thickened too much, splash in a bit of chicken broth or milk to bring back that luscious creaminess.
FAQs
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Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts in this Crock Pot Angel Chicken Recipe?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs work great and tend to stay even more tender and juicy in slow cooking. Just keep in mind thighs might need a slightly shorter cooking time than breasts, so check for doneness with a meat thermometer.
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Is it okay to cook this on high instead of low?
You can, but I recommend sticking to low if possible. Cooking on high for 1.5-2 hours can work, but the chicken may be a little less tender and won’t have quite the same creamy texture. Always check the internal temperature for safety.
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What can I substitute if I don’t have the Italian dressing mix?
No problem! You can use a mix of dried Italian herbs like oregano, basil, thyme, plus a bit of garlic powder, onion powder, and a dash of dried parsley. Make sure to taste your sauce mix before cooking and adjust seasonings as you like.
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Can this recipe be made dairy-free?
Yes! Try coconut milk or cashew cream as a creamy base instead of cream cheese and butter. The texture and flavor will shift but still be delicious and comforting.
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Should I shred the chicken or serve it whole?
Both ways are great! Serving whole breasts is elegant and simple, while shredding the chicken into the sauce makes for a rustic, easy-to-eat dish. I usually shred if I’m serving family-style.
Final Thoughts
This Crock Pot Angel Chicken Recipe has become one of my go-to dishes whenever I want something effortless yet delicious. It feels fancy but couldn’t be easier, making it perfect for busy nights or casual dinner parties. I honestly hope you give it a try—it’s like a cozy, creamy celebration in every bite, with barely any fuss. Let me know how it turns out for you!
Print
Crock Pot Angel Chicken Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 hours
- Total Time: 4 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
This Crock Pot Angel Chicken recipe features tender chicken breasts cooked slowly in a creamy mixture of cream cheese, butter, cream of chicken soup, garlic, and Italian dressing mix. Served over angel hair pasta, it’s an easy and comforting meal perfect for busy days.
Ingredients
Chicken and Sauce
- 1-2 Tablespoons vegetable oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 2 large chicken breasts)
- 4 ounces (½ block) cream cheese, softened
- 3 Tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
- 10.5 ounce can cream of chicken soup
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- ¾ cup chicken broth
- 1 (0.7 ounce) packet Good Seasons Dry Italian Salad Dressing Mix
Pasta and Garnish
- 16 ounce box angel hair pasta
- Chopped fresh parsley (optional)
- Cracked 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. Season both sides of chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Sear chicken for 2-3 minutes per side until golden brown, then remove from heat.
- Prepare the sauce: In a medium bowl, whisk together softened cream cheese and butter until smooth. Add cream of chicken soup, minced garlic, chicken broth, and Italian dressing mix and whisk until fully combined.
- Set up the crock pot: Spray the inside of the crock pot with non-stick cooking spray. Place the seared chicken breasts on the bottom of the crock pot. Pour the prepared sauce evenly over the chicken.
- Cook the chicken: Cover and cook on low for 3-4 hours, or until chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. For more tender, falling-apart chicken, cook longer as desired.
- Cook pasta: Shortly before serving, cook angel hair pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain well.
- Serve: Serve chicken whole or shredded over pasta. You can toss pasta directly in the sauce or spoon the chicken and sauce on top. Optionally, garnish with fresh parsley, cracked pepper, and grated Parmesan cheese.
Notes
- Use low or no sodium cream of chicken soup and chicken broth if sensitive to salt, then season with salt to taste.
- Cooking on high is not recommended as it produces less tender chicken, but if necessary, cook 1.5-2 hours or until 165°F internal temperature.
- Always check internal chicken temperature for doneness instead of relying solely on time.
- You can shred the chicken for a rustic style or keep breasts whole for presentation.
- Refer to FAQs and ingredient list for additional substitutions and tips.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 9 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 35 g
- Cholesterol: 90 mg