If you’re on the hunt for a comforting, effortlessly delicious meal that feels like a warm hug, you have to try this Crockpot Angel Chicken Recipe. It combines tender, slow-cooked chicken with a creamy, savory sauce that’s perfectly paired with delicate angel hair pasta. The magic lies in how simple ingredients come together over time to create that melt-in-your-mouth texture and rich flavor. Once you experience how this dish fills your kitchen with the most inviting aroma, you’ll want to make it your go-to comfort food for busy weeknights or special family dinners.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this Crockpot Angel Chicken Recipe plays a key role in building layers of flavor and texture, while keeping the preparation wonderfully straightforward. They are easy to find and come together to create a dish that feels luxurious without any fuss.
- 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts: The star protein that becomes tender and juicy when slow-cooked.
- 3 cloves garlic, chopped or whole: Adds a subtle aromatic depth that infuses throughout the dish.
- 10.5 ounces cream of chicken soup: A creamy base that enriches the sauce without extra effort.
- ¾ cup chicken stock: Balances the creaminess and keeps the sauce perfectly silky.
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened: Brings velvety richness and a slight tang to the sauce.
- ¼ cup butter, softened: Adds indulgent smoothness and enhances the mouthfeel.
- 0.6 ounces Italian dressing mix: Adds a blend of herbs and spices that inject lively flavor throughout.
- 1 pound angel hair pasta: Delicate strands to scoop up the luscious sauce and chicken.
How to Make Crockpot Angel Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Prep the Crockpot
Start by giving your crockpot a light spray with nonstick cooking spray. This step is crucial for easy cleanup afterwards and ensures your creamy chicken won’t stick to the sides during the long cooking process.
Step 2: Add the Chicken and Garlic
Place the boneless, skinless chicken breasts directly into the crockpot along with the garlic cloves. You can leave the garlic whole for a milder flavor or chop it up if you want it to really permeate the sauce as it cooks.
Step 3: Make the Sauce
In a separate bowl, whisk together the softened cream cheese and butter until you get a smooth, lump-free mixture. Then stir in the cream of chicken soup, chicken stock, and Italian dressing mix until everything is fully combined. This creamy sauce is the heart of the dish, providing rich, herby goodness that coats every bite.
Step 4: Pour the Sauce Over the Chicken
Pour the luscious sauce evenly over the chicken breasts in the crockpot, making sure each piece is nestled under the creamy mixture. This helps the chicken absorb all those delightful flavors while slow cooking.
Step 5: Cook Low and Slow
Cover your crockpot and cook on low for 6 to 8 hours. This gentle, slow heat works wonders to make the chicken incredibly tender and infuses the sauce with deep flavor.
Step 6: Optional Shredding
If you prefer shredded chicken, about 30 minutes before the cooking is done, use two forks to shred the chicken breasts right in the sauce. Return to cooking to allow the shredded chicken to soak up even more creamy goodness.
Step 7: Cook the Angel Hair Pasta
Just as your chicken is reaching perfection, cook the angel hair pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain it well so it’s ready to serve as the perfect base for your Crockpot Angel Chicken Recipe.
How to Serve Crockpot Angel Chicken Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or basil brightens the dish visually and adds a fresh, herbal note that complements the richness of the sauce beautifully. You can also add a little grated Parmesan cheese for an extra touch of indulgence.
Side Dishes
Light, crisp vegetables like steamed green beans or a simple arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette pair wonderfully with this creamy chicken. They add contrast and freshness, balancing the richness on your plate.
Creative Ways to Present
For a more formal presentation, serve the chicken and sauce atop twirled nests of angel hair pasta on individual plates, garnished with a sprig of herb and a dusting of cheese. Alternatively, scoop generous portions into shallow bowls for a cozy, family-style vibe that invites everyone to dig in.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover chicken and sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to 3 days, making it a perfect weekday lunch or quick dinner option.
Freezing
This Crockpot Angel Chicken Recipe freezes wonderfully. Transfer leftovers to freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty zip-top bags and freeze for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, thaw overnight in the fridge.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave, stirring occasionally to ensure the sauce remains creamy and smooth. Add a splash of chicken stock or water if needed to loosen the sauce back to its perfect consistency.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs will add a bit more fat and richness to the dish, and they stay tender and juicy even longer during slow cooking. Just adjust cooking time if needed.
Is it necessary to shred the chicken?
Not at all. Shredding is optional and depends on your texture preference. Leaving the breasts whole results in beautifully moist slices, while shredding distributes the sauce more evenly.
Can I make this recipe without the Italian dressing mix?
You can substitute a blend of dried Italian herbs and a pinch of salt and pepper if you don’t have the packet on hand. The mix adds a convenient, balanced herb flavor that complements the creamy sauce beautifully.
What pasta can I use if I don’t have angel hair?
Thin spaghetti or even linguine works well as a substitute if you can’t find angel hair. Just cook it according to package instructions and serve as usual.
Can I double this recipe for a larger crowd?
Yes! This recipe scales up nicely, just make sure your crockpot is large enough to handle the increased volume and adjust cooking time slightly if needed.
Final Thoughts
This Crockpot Angel Chicken Recipe is a total game changer when you want a dinner that’s fuss-free but still feels special and comforting. The creamy sauce, tender chicken, and delicate pasta come together in a way that’s downright addictive. I can’t wait for you to try it and see how it quickly becomes one of your all-time favorites to make and share with loved ones.
Print
Crockpot Angel Chicken Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 to 8 hours
- Total Time: 6 hours 10 minutes to 8 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Crockpot Angel Chicken recipe offers a creamy, flavorful dish featuring tender slow-cooked chicken breasts in a rich sauce made from cream cheese, cream of chicken soup, and Italian dressing mix. Served over delicate angel hair pasta, it’s an easy meal perfect for busy days with minimal prep and maximum comfort.
Ingredients
Chicken and Aromatics
- 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 3 cloves garlic, chopped or left whole
Sauce
- 10.5 ounces cream of chicken soup
- ¾ cup chicken stock
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
- ¼ cup butter, softened
- 0.6 ounces Italian dressing mix (Good Seasons recommended)
Pasta
- 1 pound angel hair pasta
Instructions
- Prep the Crockpot: Spray the inside of the crockpot with nonstick cooking spray to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
- Add Ingredients: Place the boneless, skinless chicken breasts and garlic cloves (either chopped or whole) directly into the crockpot.
- Make the Sauce: In a separate bowl, whisk together the softened cream cheese and butter until smooth. Then whisk in the cream of chicken soup, Italian dressing mix, and chicken stock until the sauce is well combined.
- Pour Sauce over Chicken: Pour the prepared sauce evenly over the chicken breasts in the crockpot, ensuring they’re well coated.
- Cook: Cover the crockpot with its lid and cook on low heat for 6 to 8 hours, allowing the flavors to meld and the chicken to become tender.
- Optional Shredding: About 30 minutes before the cooking time is finished, shred the chicken breasts with two forks directly in the crockpot, then continue cooking for the remaining time to absorb more sauce flavor.
- Cook Pasta: Just before the chicken is done, cook the angel hair pasta according to package directions until al dente, then drain.
- Serve: Plate the cooked angel hair pasta and top it with the creamy crockpot chicken and sauce for a comforting meal.
Notes
- Shredding the chicken is optional but recommended for better sauce coverage and texture.
- You can use whole garlic cloves or chopped according to personal preference.
- For a lower-fat option, reduce or substitute the butter and cream cheese with lighter alternatives.
- Leftovers keep well refrigerated for up to 3 days and can be reheated gently on the stove or microwave.
- Angel hair pasta is preferred for its delicate texture that complements the creamy sauce.
