If you’re seeking a dish that delivers creamy comfort with an Italian-inspired flair, look no further than this Crock Pot Angel Chicken Recipe. This hearty yet simple dinner features tender, juicy chicken breasts bathed in a luscious sauce of cream cheese, butter, and garlic, all slow-cooked to perfection before being poured generously over delicate angel hair pasta. It’s a meal that feels special but comes together with ease, making it one of those cozy favorites you’ll want to make again and again.

Ingredients You’ll Need

In the image, there is a black cast iron pan placed on a white marbled surface. Inside the pan, two cooked pieces of chicken are positioned side by side. Each piece is lightly browned with some golden sear marks and has a slightly textured white inside showing through. The chicken pieces have a sprinkled layer of black pepper, adding small dark specks to the surface. The pan’s handle extends out to the bottom right corner, showing the rough black texture typical of cast iron. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

This Crock Pot Angel Chicken Recipe calls for straightforward, classic ingredients that blend beautifully to create a rich, flavorful sauce and tender chicken. Each component has its part to play—from the creamy texture of the cream cheese and butter to the Italian herbs that add that irresistible kick.

  • Vegetable oil: Helps sear the chicken to lock in juices and build a golden crust.
  • Salt and pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance the natural flavors of the chicken.
  • Boneless, skinless chicken breasts (1.5 pounds): The star protein that becomes silky tender during slow cooking.
  • Cream cheese (4 ounces, softened): Adds velvety richness to the sauce.
  • Unsalted butter (3 tablespoons, softened): Adds depth and luscious mouthfeel to the creamy sauce.
  • Cream of chicken soup (10.5 ounces): Provides the comforting base for the sauce while keeping it moist.
  • Garlic cloves (3, minced): Infuses the dish with fragrant, savory notes.
  • Chicken broth (¾ cup): Balances the creaminess and keeps the sauce from being too thick.
  • Good Seasons Dry Italian Salad Dressing Mix (1 packet, 0.7 ounces): Brings that classic Italian herb and spice blend that makes this recipe shine.
  • Angel hair pasta (16 ounces): The delicate pasta acts as the perfect bed to soak up the creamy sauce.
  • Chopped fresh parsley, cracked pepper, and/or grated Parmesan cheese (optional): Ideal finishing touches for added freshness and flavor.

How to Make Crock Pot Angel Chicken Recipe

Step 1: Sear the Chicken

Start by heating a cast iron skillet over medium-high heat and adding 1 to 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil. Season your chicken breasts generously with salt and pepper. Once the oil shimmers hot, sear the chicken for about 2 to 3 minutes on each side until a beautiful golden crust forms. This step locks in the juices and adds an extra depth of flavor that’s worth the little effort. Remove the chicken and set it aside—your crock pot cooking magic is about to begin.

Step 2: Prepare the Creamy Sauce

In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together softened cream cheese and butter until smooth and creamy. Then stir in the cream of chicken soup, minced garlic, chicken broth, and the packet of Italian dressing mix. This luscious mixture creates the soul of your Crock Pot Angel Chicken Recipe by merging creamy richness with herbaceous flavors that’ll soak into the chicken as it slow cooks.

Step 3: Combine and Slow Cook

Spray the inside of your crock pot with non-stick cooking spray to ensure easy cleanup and prevent sticking. Place the seared chicken breasts right at the bottom. Pour the cream sauce over them, making sure each piece is nicely coated. Cover the crock pot and set it to low for 3 to 4 hours. The gentle heat will tenderize the chicken while infusing it with all those wonderful flavors. For even more tender, falling-apart chicken, feel free to extend the cook time beyond 4 hours as desired.

How to Serve Crock Pot Angel Chicken Recipe

Inside a black slow cooker, two pieces of golden brown cooked chicken sit in a thick, creamy white sauce dotted with flecks of black pepper and green parsley. The sauce covers the bottom and surrounds the chicken evenly, with some small pools of yellow oil on top. The slow cooker is placed on a dark wooden surface with a handful of fresh parsley leaves, a piece of cheese, garlic, and small white bowls of grated cheese and chopped herbs arranged nearby. To the right, a glass bowl filled with yellow cooked pasta noodles rests on a gray cloth. The scene is set against a white marbled texture photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Once your chicken is cooked and ready, sprinkle with fresh chopped parsley for a pop of color and brightness. Adding freshly cracked black pepper can add a subtle bite, while a generous dusting of grated Parmesan cheese brings an extra layer of savory goodness. These simple touches elevate the dish and make it feel restaurant-worthy.

Side Dishes

This Crock Pot Angel Chicken Recipe shines on its own over angel hair pasta, but pairing it with a crisp green salad or sautéed vegetables like asparagus or green beans complements the creamy sauce beautifully. Garlic bread or warm dinner rolls are fantastic options as well, perfect for mopping up every delicious drop of sauce.

Creative Ways to Present

For a special dinner, twirl the angel hair pasta into nests on each plate, then delicately place a chicken breast atop. Spoon extra sauce over both for a gorgeous finish. Alternatively, serve this dish in shallow bowls for a comforting, rustic presentation that invites hearty spoonfuls of creamy chicken and pasta together. You can also garnish with edible flowers or lemon zest for a fresh, eye-catching twist.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, transfer any leftover Crock Pot Angel Chicken to airtight containers and refrigerate for up to 3 days. The creamy sauce thickens as it chills, so give it a good stir when reheating to bring back that smooth consistency.

Freezing

If you want to stash some away for later, freeze the chicken and sauce in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. It’s best to freeze separately from the angel hair pasta since pasta can become mushy after freezing and reheating.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through. Add a splash of chicken broth or cream to loosen the sauce if it’s thickened too much. The creamy goodness will come right back to life, making it just as comforting the second time around.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs will become even more tender and juicy with slow cooking. Just adjust the cooking time slightly to ensure they’re fully cooked through.

Is there a way to make this recipe lower in sodium?

Yes, opt for low-sodium or no-sodium versions of the cream of chicken soup and chicken broth. You can also choose a salt-free Italian dressing mix or make your own blend to keep control over salt levels.

Can this recipe be made in an Instant Pot instead of a crock pot?

Yes! Use the sauté function for searing the chicken, then add all ingredients and cook on high pressure for about 10 minutes with a natural release for tender results.

What can I use if I don’t have angel hair pasta?

Spaghetti, thin fettuccine, or any delicate pasta shape will work beautifully. You want something that soaks sauce nicely without overpowering the tender chicken.

How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?

The chicken is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). It should be tender but still hold together unless you prefer it fall-apart soft, in which case cooking longer works perfectly.

Final Thoughts

I can’t recommend this Crock Pot Angel Chicken Recipe enough if you’re searching for a meal that’s easy to prepare yet delivers on flavor, texture, and heartwarming satisfaction. It’s a dish that transforms simple ingredients into an unforgettable dinner experience, perfect for weeknights or weekend gatherings. Give it a try—you might just add a new favorite to your recipe rotation!

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Crock Pot Angel Chicken Recipe

Crock Pot Angel Chicken Recipe


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3.8 from 51 reviews

  • Author: Ezabella
  • Total Time: 3 hours 10 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings

Description

Crock Pot Angel Chicken is a comforting and creamy Italian-inspired dinner featuring tender boneless chicken breasts cooked in a rich sauce made from cream cheese, butter, cream of chicken soup, chicken broth, garlic, and Italian seasoning, served over a delicate bed of angel hair pasta. This easy slow-cooker recipe is perfect for a hassle-free weeknight meal with minimal prep and maximum flavor.


Ingredients

Chicken and Seasoning

  • 12 Tablespoons vegetable oil
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 2 large chicken breasts)

Sauce

  • 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 (recommend low or no sodium if sensitive to salt)
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • ¾ cup chicken broth (recommend low or no sodium if sensitive to salt)
  • 1 (0.7 ounce) packet Good Seasons Dry Italian Salad Dressing Mix or your favorite Italian dressing mix

Pasta and Garnish

  • 16 ounce box angel hair pasta
  • Chopped fresh parsley (optional)
  • Cracked pepper (optional)
  • Grated Parmesan cheese (optional for serving)


Instructions

  1. Sear the chicken: Heat a cast iron skillet over medium-high heat. Add 1-2 tablespoons of vegetable oil and swirl to coat the pan. Season both sides of the chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Once the skillet is hot, add the chicken and sear each side for 2-3 minutes or until golden brown. Remove from heat.
  2. Prepare the creamy sauce: In a medium bowl, whisk together the softened cream cheese and unsalted butter until smooth. Add the cream of chicken soup, minced garlic, chicken broth, and the Italian dressing mix. Whisk thoroughly until all ingredients are fully combined into a creamy mixture.
  3. Set up the crock pot: Spray the inside of the crock pot with non-stick cooking spray. Place the seared chicken breasts in the bottom of the crock pot.
  4. Cook in the crock pot: Pour the prepared creamy sauce mixture evenly over the chicken breasts. Cover and cook on low for 3-4 hours or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). The chicken will become more tender the longer it cooks; it may start to fall apart if cooked longer, which is acceptable if preferred.
  5. Prepare the angel hair pasta: During the last 15 minutes of the chicken cooking time, cook the angel hair pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta and keep warm.
  6. Serve: Once the chicken is cooked, serve it over a bed of the cooked angel hair pasta. Optionally, garnish with chopped fresh parsley, cracked black pepper, and grated Parmesan cheese for added flavor and presentation.

Notes

  • Using low or no sodium cream of chicken soup and chicken broth will help manage salt levels if sensitive to sodium.
  • If you prefer thicker sauce, you can remove the chicken and reduce the sauce slightly on the stovetop before serving.
  • The chicken breasts can be cooked a bit longer for extra tenderness, but note they may shred easily.
  • Vegetable oil can be substituted with olive oil for a healthier fat option.
  • Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
  • To reheat, warm gently on the stovetop or microwave until heated through.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 3 hours
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Slow Cooking
  • Cuisine: Italian-American

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