If you’re on the lookout for a dinner that feels like the ultimate comfort food hug, Crockpot Angel Chicken fits the bill in every way. It brings together tender chicken breasts, a dreamy creamy sauce, and silky angel hair pasta, all coming together effortlessly in your slow cooker. This dish not only makes your home smell heavenly, it’s the kind of weeknight (or weekend!) dinner that everyone will race to the table for and request again and again. Trust me, Crockpot Angel Chicken is about to become a new staple in your kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient for this Crockpot Angel Chicken recipe is both purposeful and simple, building layers of flavor and tenderness without complication. Gather these pantry and fridge staples, and you’re well on your way to creamy, dreamy chicken perfection.
- Chicken breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are lean, tender, and absorb the creamy sauce beautifully while cooking.
- Butter: Just a touch adds richness and helps create a velvety sauce base.
- Dry Italian salad dressing mix: This pantry packet delivers herby, punchy flavor with zero fuss.
- Cream of chicken soup: The shortcut to thick, comforting sauce—use your favorite brand, or try a reduced-sodium version for a lighter option.
- Cream cheese: Softened cream cheese brings a luxurious creaminess and mild tang. Be sure to let it come to room temp for easy melting.
- Chicken broth: Adds savory depth and helps thin out the sauce for that perfect pour-over consistency.
- Garlic powder: A sprinkle brings mellow garlic flavor without any prep work.
- Black pepper: Just enough to balance the richness; freshly cracked is best for a little extra pop.
- Angel hair pasta: The classic pairing for Crockpot Angel Chicken, angel hair’s delicate texture perfectly soaks up all that luscious sauce.
How to Make Crockpot Angel Chicken
Step 1: Layer the Chicken
Start by greasing your slow cooker to prevent any sticking. Place the boneless, skinless chicken breasts in a single, even layer on the bottom. This step ensures the chicken cooks evenly and will be easy to shred or slice later on.
Step 2: Make the Creamy Sauce
In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the tablespoon of butter. Add the dry Italian dressing mix, cream of chicken soup, softened cream cheese, chicken broth, garlic powder, and black pepper. Stir constantly until everything is smoothly combined and just heated through—the cream cheese should blend right in, creating a silky and aromatic sauce.
Step 3: Combine and Slow Cook
Pour the warm, creamy sauce over your chicken in the slow cooker, making sure it covers every piece. Pop the lid on and set your slow cooker for low. Let it work its magic for 4 to 5 hours, until the chicken is ultra-tender and easily pulls apart with a fork.
Step 4: Shred and Stir
Once fully cooked, take out the chicken, shred or slice it (however you prefer), and return it to the sauce in the slow cooker. Give everything a gentle mix so every morsel of chicken is coated in the creamy goodness. Let it soak for a few more minutes on warm—this is where the flavors really meld!
Step 5: Serve Over Angel Hair Pasta
To finish off your Crockpot Angel Chicken masterpiece, divide cooked and drained angel hair pasta among plates, and lavish each serving with a generous spoonful of chicken and sauce right on top. If you want the pasta even creamier, toss it directly into the slow cooker with the chicken before serving.
How to Serve Crockpot Angel Chicken
Garnishes
Bring a little freshness and color to your Crockpot Angel Chicken with simple garnishes. Try a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley for a pop of green, or even a dusting of grated Parmesan cheese that melts into the creamy sauce for extra savoriness. Cracked black pepper or a small drizzle of olive oil never goes amiss either!
Side Dishes
This creamy main begs for something fresh and crisp alongside it. I love serving Crockpot Angel Chicken with a bright green salad or roasted vegetables. Garlic bread makes for a swoon-worthy side if you want to mop up every last drop of that incredible sauce. Steamed broccoli or green beans are also classic, no-fuss partners.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to mix things up, try serving the creamy chicken over buttery egg noodles, fluffy white rice, or even creamy mashed potatoes for ultra comfort. For a fun twist, spoon Crockpot Angel Chicken into baked puff pastry shells as hearty appetizers. Or serve in individual bowls with the sauce swirled throughout for a bowl-to-fork experience your guests will love.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Crockpot Angel Chicken holds up beautifully in the fridge! Store chicken and sauce together in an airtight container for up to 3 days. If possible, keep extra pasta separate so it doesn’t get too soft from the creamy sauce—simply reheat and combine when serving.
Freezing
This dish is freezer-friendly! Let the chicken and sauce cool completely, then transfer to a freezer-safe container. Label, date, and freeze for up to two months. For best texture, freeze the sauce and chicken without the pasta, and make a fresh batch of angel hair when ready to serve.
Reheating
Reheat Crockpot Angel Chicken gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of chicken broth or milk to revive the creamy consistency if needed. Stir well and heat until hot throughout, then serve over fresh or reheated pasta for best results.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs are a bit more forgiving and stay extra juicy. Just trim any excess fat, and cook as directed. The flavor will be every bit as delicious (if not more!) with Crockpot Angel Chicken.
Is it okay to use low-fat cream cheese or soup?
Yes! For a lighter version, use reduced-fat cream cheese and low-sodium cream of chicken soup. The sauce will still come out creamy and flavorful with Crockpot Angel Chicken, just a bit less rich.
Can I cook this on high instead of low?
You can, but keep a careful watch. Set your slow cooker to high, and check for doneness after about 2 to 2.5 hours. The chicken should be tender and cooked through, but cooking low and slow is ideal for the most succulent Crockpot Angel Chicken.
How can I make this gluten-free?
Easy! Use gluten-free cream of chicken soup (many brands offer this), gluten-free Italian dressing mix, and your favorite gluten-free pasta. All other ingredients in Crockpot Angel Chicken are naturally gluten-free.
Can I add vegetables to the Crockpot Angel Chicken?
Definitely. Try adding fresh spinach or mushrooms during the last 30 minutes of cooking for a heartier meal. Feel free to customize with peas, sun-dried tomatoes, or even diced bell peppers for added color and nutrition!
Final Thoughts
I hope you’ll make Crockpot Angel Chicken the next time you need a cozy, crowd-pleasing meal that just happens to be easy as can be. With its creamy sauce and tender chicken, this is a dish bound to win hearts (and requests for seconds) every single time it hits the table. Give it a try—you just might find your newest family favorite!
Print
Crockpot Angel Chicken Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 hours
- Total Time: 5 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the creamy and flavorful Crockpot Angel Chicken for a hassle-free meal that’s sure to satisfy your cravings. Tender chicken cooked to perfection in a savory sauce, served over a bed of angel hair pasta.
Ingredients
Chicken:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
Sauce:
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 packet dry Italian salad dressing mix
- 1 can condensed cream of chicken soup
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
To Serve:
- 8 oz angel hair pasta, cooked and drained
Instructions
- Prepare Chicken: Place chicken breasts in the slow cooker.
- Make Sauce: Melt butter in a saucepan. Add Italian dressing mix, cream of chicken soup, cream cheese, chicken broth, garlic powder, and black pepper. Stir until smooth.
- Cook: Pour sauce over chicken. Cover and cook on low for 4-5 hours until chicken is tender.
- Finish: Shred or slice chicken, return to sauce, and stir to combine.
- Serve: Serve chicken and sauce over cooked angel hair pasta.
Notes
- For a lighter version, use reduced-fat cream cheese and low-sodium soup.
- You can substitute angel hair pasta with egg noodles or rice if preferred.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 780 mg
- Fat: 27 g
- Saturated Fat: 14 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 32 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 38 g
- Cholesterol: 130 mg
