If you’re searching for a dish that feels like a warm, comforting hug and requires almost no fuss, then this Crockpot Angel Chicken – Creamy, Easy, and Addictive Recipe is about to become your new best friend. Imagine tender, juicy chicken breasts slow-cooked to perfection in a rich, creamy sauce with hints of garlic and Italian seasoning, served over delicate angel hair pasta that soaks up every last bit of that luscious sauce. It’s one of those meals that looks fancy but feels like pure comfort, perfect for busy weeknights or cozy family dinners where everyone asks for seconds.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe is all about simplicity and flavor, so the ingredients are straightforward yet each plays a vital role in making your Crockpot Angel Chicken truly irresistible. From the creamy textures to the savory seasonings, every item is essential to achieve that dreamy finish.
- 1.5 pounds chicken breast, boneless and skinless: The tender protein base that soaks up all the incredible flavors.
- 3 cloves garlic, chopped or left whole: Adds a fragrant, savory punch that elevates the creaminess.
- 10.5 ounces cream of chicken soup: The creamy backbone of the sauce, bringing comfort and richness.
- 3/4 cup chicken stock: Adds a subtle depth and keeps the sauce light yet flavorful.
- 4 ounces cream cheese: For velvety smoothness that makes the sauce irresistibly rich.
- 1/4 cup butter: Adds a luscious finish and helps meld all the flavors beautifully.
- 0.6 ounces Italian dressing mix (dry powdered mix): Gives a zesty, herbaceous kick that livens up the dish.
- 1 pound angel hair pasta: The delicate pasta that soaks up the creamy sauce perfectly for each bite.
How to Make Crockpot Angel Chicken – Creamy, Easy, and Addictive Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Crockpot
The first thing you’ll want to do is spray the inside of your crockpot with nonstick cooking spray. This simple step ensures none of that divine sauce or juicy chicken will stick to the sides, making cleanup a breeze and keeping every bite intact.
Step 2: Add the Chicken and Garlic
Place your boneless, skinless chicken breasts right in the crockpot, then tuck in the garlic cloves. Whether you leave the garlic whole or chopped, it will infuse the dish with that unmistakable savory aroma that makes your kitchen smell like heaven.
Step 3: Make the Creamy Sauce
Now for the magic: soften the butter and cream cheese together by warming them gently in the microwave. When they’re soft and easy to whisk, blend them until smooth and creamy. Next, stir in the cream of chicken soup without diluting it, followed by the Italian dressing mix and chicken stock. Whisk everything until perfectly combined, forming a luscious sauce that will infuse the chicken with irresistible flavor.
Step 4: Combine and Cook
Pour this silky sauce over the chicken breasts in the crockpot, spreading it evenly to cover every piece. Cover the crockpot and cook on low heat for 6 to 8 hours. Patience here pays off, as the slow cooking makes the chicken tender, juicy, and full of flavor.
Step 5: Shred the Chicken (Optional, but Recommended)
About 30 minutes before the cooking time finishes, grab two forks and shred the chicken right in the crockpot. This step isn’t necessary but highly recommended because it allows the chicken to soak up even more sauce, creating that melt-in-your-mouth texture everyone craves.
Step 6: Cook the Angel Hair Pasta
Just before your chicken is done, cook the angel hair pasta according to package instructions. Drain well so it’s ready to serve alongside your creamy, delectable chicken.
How to Serve Crockpot Angel Chicken – Creamy, Easy, and Addictive Recipe
Garnishes
To add a fresh pop to your dish, sprinkle some freshly chopped parsley or basil over the top just before serving. A grating of Parmesan cheese also works wonders, bringing nutty, salty notes that complement the creamy sauce beautifully.
Side Dishes
This Crockpot Angel Chicken pairs wonderfully with a crisp, bright green salad or some roasted seasonal vegetables. A side of steamed broccoli or a medley of sautéed mushrooms will also add texture and balance out the richness of the creamy chicken and pasta.
Creative Ways to Present
For a special occasion or family gathering, serve the chicken shredded over the pasta in individual bowls, topped with your garnishes and a drizzle of extra chicken stock or sauce from the crockpot. Alternatively, layer the creamy shredded chicken on a platter alongside the pasta for a family-style meal that invites everyone to dig in.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Crockpot Angel Chicken keeps beautifully in the refrigerator for up to four days when stored in an airtight container. The creamy sauce may thicken up when chilled, but it will loosen right back up when reheated, tasting just as luscious as when freshly made.
Freezing
This recipe freezes well if you want to save some for later. Let it cool completely, then transfer the chicken and sauce (separately from the pasta) into freezer-safe containers. It will keep in the freezer for up to three months. Avoid freezing the pasta as it can become mushy when thawed.
Reheating
Rewarm your Crockpot Angel Chicken gently on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally until heated through. Adding a splash of chicken stock or water will help loosen the sauce. Reheat pasta separately in boiling water or microwave, then combine just before serving for best texture.
FAQs
Can I use thighs instead of chicken breasts?
Absolutely! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs will give you a slightly richer flavor and stay moist during the slow cooking process. Just adjust cooking time if needed and shred the thighs the same way.
Is it okay to use fresh Italian herbs instead of the dressing mix?
Yes, you can swap the dry Italian dressing mix for a fresh blend of oregano, basil, parsley, and thyme, but you may need to add a bit more salt and a pinch of garlic powder to compensate.
Can I make this in an Instant Pot?
While this recipe is designed for a slow cooker’s gentle and prolonged cooking, you can adapt it for an Instant Pot using the slow cook function or pressure cook on high for about 15 minutes, followed by natural pressure release.
What can I substitute for cream of chicken soup?
If you prefer to avoid canned soup, try a homemade equivalent by combining chicken broth, cream, and a little flour or cornstarch to thicken. This keeps the sauce creamy and flavorful without preservatives.
Is angel hair pasta necessary?
Angel hair pasta is ideal because its delicate strands absorb the creamy sauce perfectly, but you can substitute other thin pasta like vermicelli or even small shells if preferred. Just cook according to package directions.
Final Thoughts
I can confidently say this Crockpot Angel Chicken – Creamy, Easy, and Addictive Recipe has earned its spot in my regular rotation because it delivers unmatched comfort with minimal effort. Whether you’re feeding a family or craving a no-fuss dinner that feels special, this recipe checks all the boxes. Give it a try, and prepare to welcome a new favorite that’ll have you coming back for seconds every time.
Print
Crockpot Angel Chicken – Creamy, Easy, and Addictive Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 to 8 hours
- Total Time: 6 hours 5 minutes to 8 hours 5 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Crockpot Angel Chicken recipe is a creamy, easy, and addictive slow-cooked dish featuring tender boneless skinless chicken breasts cooked in a rich sauce of cream cheese, cream of chicken soup, garlic, and Italian dressing mix. Served over angel hair pasta, it’s a comforting meal perfect for busy days when you want a delicious home-cooked dinner with minimal effort.
Ingredients
Chicken and Sauce
- 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breast
- 3 cloves garlic, chopped or left whole
- 10.5 ounces cream of chicken soup
- 3/4 cup chicken stock
- 4 ounces cream cheese
- 1/4 cup butter
- 0.6 ounces Italian dressing mix (dry powdered mix, such as Good Seasons)
Pasta
- 1 pound angel hair pasta
Instructions
- Prepare the Crockpot: Spray the inside of the crockpot with nonstick cooking spray to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
- Add Chicken: Place the boneless skinless chicken breasts into the bottom of the crockpot.
- Add Garlic: Scatter the chopped or whole garlic cloves over the chicken for a fragrant flavor infusion.
- Soften Dairy: Soften the butter and cream cheese together in the microwave until they are easy to whisk.
- Mix Dairy Base: Whisk the softened butter and cream cheese until smooth to create a creamy base for the sauce.
- Add Soup: Whisk in the undiluted cream of chicken soup, incorporating it fully into the creamy mixture.
- Season Sauce: Add the dry Italian dressing mix and chicken stock, whisking until everything is well combined and smooth.
- Pour Sauce: Pour the prepared sauce evenly over the chicken breasts in the crockpot.
- Cook Low and Slow: Cover the crockpot and cook on low heat for 6 to 8 hours, allowing flavors to meld and chicken to become tender.
- Shred Chicken (Optional): About 30 minutes before the end of cooking, shred the chicken breasts using two forks to better absorb the sauce; then continue slow cooking.
- Cook Pasta: Just before the chicken is done, cook the angel hair pasta according to package instructions, then drain.
- Serve: Plate the shredded or whole chicken with its creamy sauce over the cooked angel hair pasta and enjoy.
Notes
- For a tangier twist, stir in a splash of lemon juice or a pinch of red pepper flakes before serving.
- Use chicken thighs instead of breasts for a juicier, richer flavor.
- Leftover sauce can be stored in the refrigerator and reheated gently for another meal.
- If you don’t have Italian dressing mix, substitute with your favorite Italian seasoning blend plus a pinch of garlic powder and onion powder.
- Angel hair pasta cooks quickly, so watch closely to avoid overcooking.
