Crock Pot Angel Chicken Recipe
If you’ve got a busy day and want dinner that basically cooks itself, this Crock Pot Angel Chicken Recipe is your new best friend. It’s creamy, flavorful, and so easy to throw together—perfect for those nights when you want something impressive but without the fuss. I love that the slow cooker does all the heavy lifting, letting the chicken soak up all those tangy and rich flavors over hours.
What makes this recipe really special to me is how the combination of cream cheese, butter, and Italian dressing mix turns simple chicken breasts into something silky and delicious. Whether you’re feeding family or entertaining friends, this Crock Pot Angel Chicken Recipe delivers comfort food vibes that feel a little fancy. Plus, it pairs beautifully with angel hair pasta, which soaks up the sauce just right—trust me, you’ll want more!
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients come together to create a luscious sauce that keeps the chicken juicy and flavorful. Most of them are pantry staples, making this dish a breeze to pull off even on short notice.
- Cream cheese: Use softened cream cheese so it melts smoothly into the sauce, adding that signature creamy texture.
- Unsalted butter: Softened butter helps enrich the sauce without overpowering other flavors.
- Cream of chicken soup: This adds a savory base and creamy body to the dish—classic comfort food at its best.
- Dry Italian dressing mix: Packs an herby, tangy punch; this pantry secret really wakes up the flavor.
- Chicken broth: Just enough for moisture and to keep everything tender and juicy.
- Garlic cloves: Fresh minced garlic brings a sharp, aromatic depth that complements the creamy sauce.
- Boneless skinless chicken breasts: Lean and versatile, these cook perfectly in the slow cooker and soak in all the tasty sauce.
- Angel hair pasta: The perfect delicate pasta to serve alongside, soaking up every bit of the luscious sauce.
Variations
I like to switch things up depending on what’s in season or what my family’s craving. Don’t be shy—this recipe is flexible, so make it your own!
- Variation: Swap chicken breasts for thighs if you want an even juicier, more tender dish—I’ve done this when I was in the mood for richer meat and it never disappoints.
- Variation: Add chopped spinach or mushrooms in the last hour of cooking to sneak in some veggies without extra effort.
- Variation: For a lower-carb option, serve over zoodles or cauliflower rice instead of angel hair pasta—I like this when I’m watching carbs but still want that creamy sauce.
How to Make Crock Pot Angel Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Ingredients
Start by softening your cream cheese and butter—this helps everything blend nicely without lumps. Mince your garlic cloves finely so they distribute evenly in the sauce. Having everything ready before layering into the crock pot makes the process smooth and stress-free.
Step 2: Mix the Sauce
In a bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, butter, cream of chicken soup, dry Italian dressing mix, chicken broth, and minced garlic. Stir until you have a smooth, creamy mixture. If the mixture feels too thick, adding a splash more broth helps it coat the chicken beautifully halfway through cooking.
Step 3: Layer and Cook
Place the boneless skinless chicken breasts in the bottom of your crock pot in a single layer. Pour the sauce evenly over the chicken, making sure each piece is nicely coated. Cover and cook on low for about 5-6 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours. Slow and low is my go-to to get the most tender chicken that practically melts apart.
Step 4: Serve and Enjoy
Once cooked, give the chicken a gentle stir to mix in the sauce, then serve over cooked angel hair pasta. The pasta acts like a sponge for all that savory sauce—trust me, it’s heavenly. If your crock pot is anything like mine, the kitchen will smell amazing by now!
How to Serve Crock Pot Angel Chicken Recipe
Garnishes
I love to sprinkle freshly chopped parsley or basil to add a pop of color and freshness that cuts through the richness. Sometimes a little grated Parmesan on top takes it to the next level—give it a try if you like your meals with that extra cheesy kick.
Side Dishes
Steamed green beans or a crisp Caesar salad are my favorite sides to balance out the creamy Crock Pot Angel Chicken Recipe. Roasted asparagus or even a simple garlic bread pair beautifully as well, especially if you’re serving a crowd.
Creative Ways to Present
For family gatherings, I like to present the chicken in a big ceramic dish with the pasta piled alongside, garnished with fresh herbs and lemon wedges. It makes the meal feel special—and you get extra brownie points for presentation without much extra work.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I store leftover Crock Pot Angel Chicken Recipe in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The sauce thickens a bit when chilled, so I usually add a splash of chicken broth when reheating to loosen it back up and keep everything creamy and delicious.
Freezing
This recipe freezes well, which is a lifesaver on busy weeks. Just cool the chicken and sauce completely, then package in freezer-safe containers or bags. When you’re ready, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.
Reheating
I find the stovetop reheating method best preserves the creamy texture—warming on low heat with a little extra broth prevents the sauce from drying out. If you’re in a hurry, microwave reheats work fine too; just heat in short bursts to avoid overheating.
FAQs
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Can I use frozen chicken breasts in the Crock Pot Angel Chicken Recipe?
You can use frozen chicken breasts, but cooking times will be longer—plan for an extra hour or so on low heat to ensure the chicken is fully cooked and tender. For best results and food safety, I usually thaw chicken overnight before slow cooking.
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Is there a way to make this recipe dairy-free?
It’s a bit tricky because cream cheese and butter are key to the creamy texture. However, you could try substituting dairy-free cream cheese and plant-based butter alternatives. The sauce texture might be slightly different, but it’s worth experimenting if you’re avoiding dairy!
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What kind of pasta works best with this recipe?
Angel hair pasta is my favorite because it’s delicate and soaks up the sauce beautifully, but you can use any thin pasta like spaghetti or even fettuccine. Just cook it al dente and toss with the sauce for best results.
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Can I make this in an Instant Pot instead of a crock pot?
Yes! Use the sauté function to mix your sauce, then add the chicken and cook under pressure for about 10 minutes. Be sure to allow for natural release for juicier chicken. I’ve done this when I’m short on time and it’s a great shortcut.
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How can I thicken the sauce if it’s too runny after cooking?
If your sauce is thinner than you’d like, remove the chicken and switch your crock pot to high or use a skillet on the stove to simmer the sauce uncovered for a few minutes until it thickens to your liking.
Final Thoughts
This Crock Pot Angel Chicken Recipe has become my go-to when I want warm, comforting food that practically makes itself. It’s simple, scrumptious, and satisfying, perfect for weeknights or relaxed weekends. I hope you enjoy making it as much as I do—just imagine coming home to this creamy, tender chicken waiting for you. You really can’t go wrong!
Print
Crock Pot Angel Chicken Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 to 6 hours on low or 2 to 3 hours on high
- Total Time: 4 hours 10 minutes to 6 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Crock Pot Angel Chicken is a creamy, flavorful slow-cooked chicken dish that combines tender chicken breasts with cream cheese, butter, Italian seasoning, and garlic. Served over angel hair pasta, this easy recipe is perfect for a comforting weeknight dinner with minimal effort.
Ingredients
Chicken Mixture
- 1.5 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 10.5 ounce can cream of chicken soup
- 1 ounce packet dry Italian dressing mix
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 3–4 garlic cloves, minced
To Serve
- Cooked angel hair pasta, as needed
Instructions
- Prepare the Crock Pot: Lightly grease the inside of your crock pot to prevent sticking. This will also help in even cooking and easy cleanup.
- Add Ingredients: Place the boneless skinless chicken breasts in the crock pot. Add softened cream cheese, unsalted butter, cream of chicken soup, dry Italian dressing mix, chicken broth, and minced garlic on top of the chicken evenly.
- Cook the Chicken: Cover the crock pot and cook on low for 4 to 6 hours or on high for 2 to 3 hours. The chicken should be fully cooked and tender enough to shred.
- Shred and Mix: Once cooked, shred the chicken directly in the crock pot using two forks. Stir the shredded chicken well into the creamy sauce to combine all flavors thoroughly.
- Prepare the Pasta: While the chicken is finishing cooking, prepare angel hair pasta according to package instructions. Drain and keep warm.
- Serve: Serve the creamy angel chicken mixture hot over the cooked angel hair pasta for a delicious meal.
Notes
- Use boneless, skinless chicken breasts for the best texture and flavor absorption.
- Softening the cream cheese and butter before adding helps them incorporate smoothly into the sauce.
- If you prefer a thicker sauce, you can cook the mixture uncovered for the last 30 minutes to reduce excess liquid.
- Substitute angel hair pasta with other thin noodles like spaghetti or fettuccine if desired.
- For extra flavor, add fresh herbs like parsley or basil before serving.
