If you are searching for a comforting, creamy, and effortlessly delightful meal, this Crock Pot Angel Chicken Recipe is about to become your new best friend in the kitchen. The magic happens when tender chicken breasts slowly cook in a luscious blend of cream cheese, savory soups, and zesty Italian dressing mix, creating a rich sauce that beautifully coats delicate angel hair pasta. It’s a perfect dish for those busy days when you crave something homemade but don’t want to spend hours by the stove. Trust me, once you try this, it will earn a permanent spot in your weekly dinner rotation.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is key to creating this mouthwatering Crock Pot Angel Chicken Recipe. Each component plays an essential role, from the creamy soups adding richness to the Italian dressing mix infusing bright flavors, all culminating in a truly irresistible dinner.
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts: The lean protein base that cooks up tender and juicy in the slow cooker.
- 1 packet (0.7 oz) Italian dressing mix: This seasoning blend brings a burst of herbs and tang, enhancing the sauce’s flavor.
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup: Adds smooth, savory depth and creaminess to the sauce.
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup: Contributes earthiness and complements the chicken perfectly.
- 1 package (8 oz) cream cheese (softened): For that luscious, velvety texture that makes the sauce so dreamy.
- ½ cup chicken broth: Helps blend the sauce ingredients smoothly while keeping everything moist.
- 1 tablespoon butter: Adds richness and a subtle creamy finish to the sauce.
- 1 pound angel hair pasta (cooked according to package directions): The delicate noodles provide a beautiful, light base to soak up the sauce.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Simple seasonings to balance and enhance all the flavors.
- Chopped parsley for garnish (optional): Fresh herbiness and a pop of color for an inviting presentation.
How to Make Crock Pot Angel Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the creamy sauce
Start by combining the cream of chicken soup, cream of mushroom soup, softened cream cheese, chicken broth, butter, and Italian dressing mix in a medium saucepan over low heat. Stir continuously until everything melts together into a smooth, rich sauce. This slow melding of flavors is what makes the Crock Pot Angel Chicken Recipe so wonderfully comforting.
Step 2: Set up the crock pot
Lightly grease the bottom of your slow cooker to prevent sticking, then place the chicken breasts in a single layer. Pour the luscious sauce evenly over the chicken, making sure every piece is lovingly coated. Cover the crock pot with the lid, allowing the magic to unfold.
Step 3: Slow cooking for tenderness
Cook on low heat for 5 to 6 hours or on high for 3 to 4 hours. This slow, gentle heat transforms the chicken into tender, juicy perfection. The sauce thickens and melds beautifully with the meat, creating that creamy texture you crave.
Step 4: Shred or serve whole
Once cooked, you can shred the chicken right in the crock pot, mixing it well to absorb more sauce, or serve the breasts whole if you prefer. Either way, the dish looks and tastes amazing.
Step 5: Serve over angel hair pasta
Serve your creamy chicken atop a bed of perfectly cooked angel hair pasta. The noodles soak up the sauce marvelously, making every bite a dreamy combination of flavors and textures.
How to Serve Crock Pot Angel Chicken Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley adds just the right touch of color and fresh aroma to the creamy dish, making it visually inviting and brightening the flavors. For a little extra, you could also add grated Parmesan cheese or a dash of crushed red pepper for subtle heat.
Side Dishes
This Crock Pot Angel Chicken Recipe pairs wonderfully with simple steamed vegetables like broccoli or green beans, which provide a fresh, crisp contrast to the creamy richness. A light side salad with a lemon vinaigrette also balances the meal, rounding out your plate with brightness and texture.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving the chicken pasta in individual shallow bowls with a small herb garnish perched on top. For a family-style feast, present it in a large serving dish with extra parsley sprinkled generously. If you want to jazz up dinner, bake the dish briefly with mozzarella on top for a bubbly, golden crust right before serving.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Crock Pot Angel Chicken Recipe keeps beautifully in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Store it in airtight containers to maintain moisture and flavor, so that when you reheat it, the sauce is still creamy and the chicken tender.
Freezing
If you want to prepare this meal in advance, freeze the cooked chicken and sauce separately from the pasta for best results. The sauce and chicken freeze well for up to 2 months. When ready, thaw overnight in the fridge and combine with freshly cooked angel hair pasta.
Reheating
To reheat, warm the chicken and sauce gently on the stovetop or in the microwave until steaming hot, stirring occasionally to prevent separation. Add a splash of chicken broth if needed to loosen the sauce. Then, mix with warmed pasta and enjoy a comforting, just-made meal all over again.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
Absolutely! Using boneless skinless chicken thighs can add extra flavor and tenderness to this Crock Pot Angel Chicken Recipe. Just adjust the cooking time slightly if needed, as thighs may cook a bit quicker or slower depending on size.
Is there a lighter version of this recipe?
Yes, you can lighten this dish by using reduced-fat cream cheese and low-sodium or reduced-fat cream of chicken and mushroom soups. This way, you keep the creamy texture while cutting down on fat and sodium.
Can I prepare this recipe without a crock pot?
While the slow cooker is perfect for melding flavors and ensuring tender chicken, you can bake the chicken and sauce together in a covered casserole dish at 350°F for about 45-60 minutes. Just keep an eye on it to avoid drying out the chicken.
What can I substitute for angel hair pasta?
Feel free to swap angel hair for any pasta you love, such as fettuccine, linguine, or even penne. Just cook it according to the package instructions and serve with the chicken and sauce for a satisfying meal.
How do I make sure the sauce doesn’t separate when reheating?
Stir the sauce gently and reheat on low heat, adding a little extra chicken broth if it looks too thick. Avoid boiling rapidly, which can cause the dairy-based sauce to separate. Slow, gentle warming keeps it creamy and smooth.
Final Thoughts
This Crock Pot Angel Chicken Recipe is pure comfort food at its finest, combining ease, flavor, and creamy indulgence in one pot. It’s perfect for busy weeknights or when you want to impress with minimal fuss. Give it a try—you’ll soon find it’s one of those dishes you want to make again and again, sharing with family and friends because good food is meant to be enjoyed together.
Print
Crock Pot Angel Chicken Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 hours
- Total Time: 5 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Kid-Friendly
Description
Crock Pot Angel Chicken is a comforting and creamy slow cooker recipe featuring tender chicken breasts simmered in a rich sauce made with cream of chicken soup, cream of mushroom soup, cream cheese, and Italian dressing mix. Served over delicate angel hair pasta, this family-friendly dish is easy to prepare and perfect for busy weeknights.
Ingredients
Chicken and Sauce
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 1 packet (0.7 oz) Italian dressing mix
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
- 1 package (8 oz) cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon butter
- Salt and pepper to taste
Pasta and Garnish
- 1 pound angel hair pasta, cooked according to package directions
- Chopped parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the sauce: In a medium saucepan over low heat, combine the cream of chicken soup, cream of mushroom soup, softened cream cheese, chicken broth, butter, and Italian dressing mix. Stir continuously until the mixture is smooth and fully combined without lumps.
- Set up the crock pot: Lightly grease the bottom of the crock pot and place the chicken breasts evenly at the base. Pour the prepared sauce evenly over the chicken, ensuring all pieces are well coated.
- Cook the chicken: Cover the crock pot with its lid and cook on low for 5 to 6 hours or on high for 3 to 4 hours. The chicken should be cooked through, tender, and easily shreddable.
- Finish the dish: Once cooked, shred the chicken directly in the crock pot for a saucier consistency or leave the breasts whole if preferred. Stir the sauce to coat the chicken thoroughly.
- Serve: Spoon the creamy chicken mixture over cooked angel hair pasta. Garnish with chopped parsley if desired and serve warm for a comforting meal.
Notes
- You can substitute chicken thighs for extra flavor and added tenderness.
- For a lighter version, use reduced-fat cream cheese and low-sodium soups.
- Shredding the chicken in the crock pot will help the sauce coat every bite evenly.
- Angel hair pasta cooks quickly and pairs perfectly with the rich sauce, but other pasta types can be used if preferred.
- This recipe is perfect for meal prep as leftovers reheat well.
