Creamy Crock Pot Angel Chicken Recipe
If you’re looking for a comforting, hands-off dinner that tastes like it took way more effort than it actually did, you’re going to love this Creamy Crock Pot Angel Chicken Recipe. It’s everything you want from a slow cooker meal—rich, creamy, tender chicken paired with delicate angel hair pasta. Trust me, this dish has become a weeknight hero in my house because it’s foolproof and seriously delicious. Stick with me, and I’ll walk you through how to nail it every time.
Why This Recipe Works
- Creamy and Tender: Slow cooking with cream cheese and butter makes the chicken incredibly soft and the sauce silky smooth.
- Simple Ingredients: You can find everything at your local grocery store, and no fancy cooking skills required.
- Hands-Off Cooking: Just sear and throw it into the crock pot, then let time do the magic while you relax or prep sides.
- Versatile Serving: Shred, slice, or serve whole – and toss that pasta right in the sauce for a one-pot feeling.
Ingredients & Why They Work
The beauty of this Creamy Crock Pot Angel Chicken Recipe is in how well these simple ingredients blend together to create big flavor. I always opt for room temperature cream cheese and butter so the sauce comes out smooth and velvety, and the Italian dressing mix adds the perfect herb punch without any extra chopping.
- Vegetable oil: Great for searing the chicken to lock in juices and add a beautiful golden crust.
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts: I like using larger breasts for shredding ease, but just keep an eye on cooking time to avoid dryness.
- Cream cheese: Adds rich creaminess that elevates the sauce beyond a typical crock pot meal.
- Butter: Works with the cream cheese for a luscious, silky texture in the sauce.
- Cream of chicken soup: The classic binder that delivers that comforting, creamy base. I personally choose low sodium to control salt levels.
- Garlic: Fresh minced garlic fills the kitchen with irresistible aroma and layers in savory depth.
- Chicken broth: Thins out the sauce just enough while adding concentrated chicken flavor.
- Good Seasons Dry Italian Salad Dressing Mix: A secret weapon for a burst of herbs and spices without extra effort—makes the whole dish pop.
- Angel hair pasta: Delicate and quick cooking, it’s perfect for soaking up all that delicious sauce.
- Chopped parsley, cracked pepper, Parmesan cheese: Optional finishes that bring freshness and a little extra zing to the plate.
Tweak to Your Taste
One of the great things about this Creamy Crock Pot Angel Chicken Recipe is how adaptable it is. I often tweak the herb mix or swap the chicken breasts for thighs when I want juicier meat with a bit more flavor. The recipe really invites you to make it your own, so don’t hesitate to get creative!
- Variation: I’ve made this recipe with chicken thighs instead of breasts for a richer taste and, honestly, it was amazingly tender and flavorful.
- Low Sodium Adjustment: Using no-salt-added broth and cream of chicken soup helps if you or your family are watching salt intake—just season to taste at the end.
- Garlic Boost: If you love garlic like I do, adding an extra clove or even a pinch of garlic powder can intensify the flavor without overpowering.
- Spice it Up: Toss in a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes if you want a little mild kick.
Step-by-Step: How I Make Creamy Crock Pot Angel Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Sear Your Chicken to Lock in Juices
Heat your cast iron skillet over medium-high heat—this is key for a good sear. Add 1 to 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil and swirl to coat the pan. Lightly salt and pepper both sides of your boneless chicken breasts. Place them in the hot pan and sear for about 2 to 3 minutes per side, until they’re golden brown. This little step amps up the flavor and keeps your chicken juicy, so don’t skip it. Once seared, set them aside for the crock pot.
Step 2: Whisk Together the Creamy Sauce Mix
In a medium bowl, whisk together the softened cream cheese and butter until smooth—no lumps, please! Then, stir in your cream of chicken soup, minced garlic, chicken broth, and the dry Italian dressing mix. Whisk until everything is fully combined and creamy. I like to taste the sauce here and adjust the garlic or seasoning before it hits the slow cooker.
Step 3: Slow Cook until Perfectly Tender
Spray the inside of your crock pot well with non-stick spray to make cleanup a breeze. Lay your seared chicken breasts at the bottom, then pour that creamy sauce over the top. Cover and cook on low for 3 to 4 hours—this slow and steady heat is what makes the chicken so tender. Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature has reached 165°F; that’s your safe, juicy finish line. If you like the chicken more fall-apart tender, you can cook slightly longer, but watch closely so it doesn’t dry out.
Step 4: Cook the Angel Hair Pasta Just Right
About 10 minutes before serving, cook the angel hair pasta according to package directions until al dente. The timing matters here because angel hair cooks quickly, and you want it to hold up when tossed in that luscious sauce. Drain and set aside while the chicken finishes up.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy Your Creamy Crock Pot Angel Chicken
You can serve this recipe a few ways that I find all work beautifully. Either keep the chicken breasts whole for a hearty presentation or use two forks to shred them right in the crock pot, mixing with the sauce. Toss the angel hair pasta directly into the crock pot to soak up any extra sauce or spoon the chicken and sauce over the pasta for individual plates. Don’t forget to add a sprinkle of chopped parsley, cracked pepper, and a little Parmesan cheese if you’re feeling fancy!
Pro Tips for Making Creamy Crock Pot Angel Chicken Recipe
- Don’t Skip Searing: It really locks in flavor and keeps the chicken juicy, even after slow cooking.
- Watch Cooking Time Carefully: Crock pots vary—always check chicken temperature rather than cooking time alone for best results.
- Use Room Temperature Dairy: Softened cream cheese and butter blend better, giving you a silky smooth sauce without lumps.
- Customize Seasonings: Feel free to tweak the garlic and herbs to match your taste—I’ve found this makes the dish feel really personal and flavorful.
How to Serve Creamy Crock Pot Angel Chicken Recipe
Garnishes
My go-to garnishes are fresh chopped parsley to bring a bright, fresh color and cracked black pepper to add just a bit of bite. If you’re a Parmesan fan like me, a sprinkle of freshly grated cheese elevates the creaminess and adds salty richness. These simple touches turn it from everyday dinner to something special.
Side Dishes
I love pairing this creamy chicken with a crisp green salad or roasted vegetables to balance out the richness. Steamed broccoli, sautéed green beans, or even garlic bread all make fantastic companions. Sometimes I keep it simple with just the pasta and chicken, especially when time is tight.
Creative Ways to Present
For a dinner party, I like serving the shredded chicken and sauce over angel hair pasta in pretty bowls with plenty of fresh herbs on top and a twist of lemon to brighten the dish. You can also plate whole chicken breasts next to a neat nest of pasta with a drizzle of sauce—looks super elegant but costs zero extra effort!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I store leftovers in airtight containers in the fridge and usually eat them within 3 days. The chicken and sauce keep wonderfully, and the flavors even deepen overnight. Just keep the pasta separate if you want to avoid it becoming mushy.
Freezing
Yes, you can freeze this dish! I recommend freezing the cooked chicken and sauce separately from the pasta. Portion into freezer-safe containers, and it’ll keep for up to 3 months. When defrosted, it still tastes creamy and delicious—it’s a lifesaver to have ready on busy days.
Reheating
Reheat the chicken and sauce gently on the stove or in the microwave, stirring occasionally to keep the sauce smooth. If needed, add a splash of chicken broth or water to loosen it up. Reheat the pasta separately and toss them together just before serving so your pasta stays perfectly al dente.
FAQs
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Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts in this recipe?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs tend to be juicier and more flavorful. Just adjust the cooking time slightly and always check for an internal temperature of 165°F to ensure doneness.
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Can I make this recipe on high in the crock pot?
While you can cook this on high for about 1.5 to 2 hours, the chicken tends to be less tender than on low. I recommend the low setting for best texture and flavor.
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What if I’m sensitive to salt in canned soups and broth?
Great question! I suggest using low- or no-sodium versions of cream of chicken soup and chicken broth, then adjusting salt to taste after cooking. This helps you control the saltiness perfectly.
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Can I use a different type of pasta?
You can! Angel hair works best because of its delicate texture and fast cooking, but thin spaghetti, fettuccine, or even penne can work well if you prefer. Just adjust cooking times accordingly.
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How do I prevent the sauce from separating?
Using room temperature cream cheese and butter helps keep the sauce smooth. Also, avoid overheating when reheating leftovers—gentle warming and stirring do the trick.
Final Thoughts
This Creamy Crock Pot Angel Chicken Recipe has a special place in my cooking rotation because it’s cozy, comforting, and surprisingly easy to make. It’s one of those meals that feels like a big hug after a long day. I really hope you’ll give it a go and make it your own—once you try it, it might just become your new favorite slow cooker dinner, too!
Print
Creamy Crock Pot Angel Chicken Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 hours
- Total Time: 4 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Description
A comforting Crock Pot Angel Chicken recipe featuring tender chicken breasts slow-cooked in a creamy garlic and Italian dressing sauce, served over delicate angel hair pasta. Perfect for an easy, flavorful dinner with minimal prep and maximum taste.
Ingredients
Chicken and Sauce
- 1-2 Tablespoons vegetable oil
- salt and pepper, to taste
- 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 2 large chicken breasts)
- 4 ounces (½ block) cream cheese, softened to room temperature
- 3 Tablespoons unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
- 10.5 ounce can cream of chicken soup (low or no sodium recommended if sensitive to salt)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- ¾ cup chicken broth (low or no sodium recommended if sensitive to salt)
- 1 (0.7 ounce) packet Good Seasons Dry Italian Salad Dressing Mix (or your favorite mix)
Pasta and Garnish
- 16 ounce box angel hair pasta
- chopped fresh parsley (optional for serving)
- cracked pepper (optional for serving)
- grated Parmesan cheese (optional for serving)
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Heat a cast iron skillet over medium-high heat. Add 1-2 Tablespoons vegetable oil and swirl to coat the pan. Season both sides of 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Once hot, sear chicken breasts for 2-3 minutes per side until golden brown. Remove from heat.
- Make the Sauce: In a medium bowl, whisk together 4 ounces softened cream cheese and 3 Tablespoons softened unsalted butter until smooth. Add 10.5 ounce can cream of chicken soup, 3 minced garlic cloves, ¾ cup chicken broth, and 1 packet of Dry Italian Salad Dressing Mix. Whisk until fully combined.
- Slow Cook the Chicken: Spray the inside of a crock pot with non-stick cooking spray. Place seared chicken breasts at the bottom. Pour the prepared sauce over the chicken. Cover and cook on low for 4 hours until chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. For extra tenderness, you may cook longer allowing the chicken to fall apart.
- Cook the Pasta: Shortly before serving, cook 16 ounces angel hair pasta according to package instructions to al dente. Drain well.
- Serve: Serve chicken breasts whole or shredded. You can toss the pasta in the sauce or spoon the chicken and sauce over the pasta individually. Optionally top with chopped fresh parsley, cracked pepper, and grated Parmesan cheese.
Notes
- For sodium-sensitive diets, use no sodium cream of chicken soup and chicken broth, then adjust salt to taste.
- Cooking on high is not recommended as chicken might not be as tender; if necessary, cook on high for 1.5-2 hours until internal temp reaches 165°F.
- Always check chicken doneness with a meat thermometer rather than relying solely on time due to varying crock pot heats and chicken breast sizes.
- You can shred chicken for easier serving and mixing with pasta.
- Non-stick spray helps prevent sticking and burning inside the crock pot.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 520 kcal
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 650 mg
- Fat: 27 g
- Saturated Fat: 14 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 40 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 35 g
- Cholesterol: 110 mg
