Crockpot Angel Chicken is a true weeknight hero — creamy, savory, and impossibly easy, it’s the kind of dish you’ll find yourself making again and again. The combination of tender chicken, luscious cream cheese sauce, and delicate angel hair pasta feels downright magical, and the slow cooker does all the heavy lifting. One bite and you’ll see why this comfort classic is beloved by home cooks everywhere!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Just a handful of everyday staples are all it takes to bring Crockpot Angel Chicken to life. Each ingredient is thoughtfully chosen for the flavor and texture it adds, coming together for pure dinnertime bliss.
- Chicken breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts become fall-apart tender in the slow cooker and soak up all the creamy flavor.
- Cream cheese: Softened cream cheese gives the sauce a velvet-smooth texture and rich, tangy taste—don’t skip it!
- Cream of chicken soup: This classic shortcut creates an ultra-creamy, savory base that binds the sauce together.
- Chicken broth: Adds just enough liquid for perfect consistency and a little savory boost.
- Italian dressing mix: A packet of this herb-filled seasoning blend brings tons of zesty, aromatic flavor without fuss.
- Unsalted butter: Melts into the sauce for an extra layer of richness and a glossy finish.
- Angel hair pasta: Delicate, quick-cooking angel hair is the perfect foundation to catch every drop of that dreamy sauce.
How to Make Crockpot Angel Chicken
Step 1: Prep the Chicken
Start by lightly greasing your slow cooker so cleanup is a breeze later. Arrange the chicken breasts in a single layer on the bottom. This ensures each piece is surrounded by sauce for even, gentle cooking, and ultimate tenderness once it’s done.
Step 2: Mix Up the Creamy Sauce
In a medium bowl, combine the cream of chicken soup, softened cream cheese, chicken broth, and the packet of Italian dressing mix. Whisk until mostly smooth; don’t worry if there are a few small lumps, as they’ll melt away during cooking. This sauce instantly smells incredible and is the secret to what makes Crockpot Angel Chicken so crave-worthy.
Step 3: Assemble Everything in the Crockpot
Pour the creamy sauce mixture right over your chicken breasts, covering them fully. Dot the top with pieces of unsalted butter—these will melt down as everything cooks, infusing even more flavor and richness into every bite.
Step 4: Slow Cook to Perfection
Pop the lid on your slow cooker and set it to low for 5–6 hours (or high for 3–4 hours, if you’re short on time). As the hours pass, the chicken becomes ultra-tender and the flavors meld together for that signature Crockpot Angel Chicken magic.
Step 5: Shred and Stir
Once cooked, the chicken should practically fall apart. Use two forks to shred (or simply slice) the chicken right in the crockpot, then stir everything together so each piece soaks up the creamy sauce. At this point, it smells absolutely irresistible!
Step 6: Cook and Serve Over Angel Hair Pasta
Prepare the angel hair pasta according to package directions—this only takes a few minutes! Spoon the creamy chicken mixture generously over the drained pasta. Now comes the best part: grab a fork and dig in to enjoy!
How to Serve Crockpot Angel Chicken
Garnishes
For a fresh pop of color and flavor, sprinkle chopped parsley, chives, or even sliced green onions on top before serving. A little extra cracked black pepper or a dusting of parmesan cheese also takes this dish from comforting to totally company-worthy!
Side Dishes
Crockpot Angel Chicken is rich and satisfying, so it loves simple sides. Try a crisp green salad tossed in a lemony vinaigrette, or a medley of steamed veggies like broccoli or green beans to add some crunch and brightness to your plate.
Creative Ways to Present
Embrace a family-style approach and serve the creamy chicken straight from the crockpot onto a big platter of pasta, garnished with herbs for a festive look. Or, for a cozy twist, ladle the saucy chicken onto toasted garlic bread or fluffy mashed potatoes—trust me, it’s hard to pick a favorite version!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you end up with leftovers (lucky you!), let the Crockpot Angel Chicken cool to room temperature. Store the creamy chicken and pasta separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days. The flavors just keep getting better!
Freezing
This dish freezes quite well. For best results, freeze the chicken and sauce (without the pasta) in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Defrost overnight in the fridge before reheating. Cook fresh angel hair pasta when you’re ready to serve for the best texture.
Reheating
Gently reheat Crockpot Angel Chicken on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of chicken broth or milk if needed to loosen the sauce. Stir frequently so the sauce stays silky, and enjoy over freshly cooked pasta for a just-made feel.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs stay extra juicy in the slow cooker and infuse the sauce with even more flavor. Just use the same weight as called for with breasts, and follow the recipe as written.
How can I make Crockpot Angel Chicken lighter?
To lighten things up a bit, use reduced-fat cream cheese and a low-sodium cream of chicken soup. You can also substitute whole wheat pasta for extra fiber, and toss in some sautéed spinach at the end for a boost of greens.
Is there a dairy-free version of this recipe?
If you’re avoiding dairy, look for a plant-based cream cheese and use a dairy-free condensed soup alternative. Keep in mind the sauce won’t be quite as rich, but the Italian seasoning and tender chicken will still make this Crockpot Angel Chicken shine!
Can I prep Crockpot Angel Chicken ahead of time?
Definitely! You can assemble everything in the slow cooker insert (except the pasta), cover, and refrigerate overnight. In the morning, simply put the insert in the slow cooker and start cooking as directed.
What can I add for extra flavor?
Feel free to get creative—stir in sautéed mushrooms, baby spinach, or even a handful of sun-dried tomatoes during the last hour of cooking. These little extras bring extra flavor and color to your Crockpot Angel Chicken and make it unique to your kitchen!
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a comforting meal that never fails to wow, you can’t go wrong with Crockpot Angel Chicken. It’s easy enough for busy weeknights but feels special enough for guests, so I hope you’ll give it a try soon—once you taste that creamy, dreamy sauce, I know you’ll be hooked!
PrintCrockpot Angel Chicken Recipe
Creamy and flavorful, Crockpot Angel Chicken is a simple yet delicious dish that is perfect for busy weeknights. Tender chicken cooked in a rich cream sauce, served over angel hair pasta, this recipe is sure to become a family favorite.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 hours
- Total Time: 5 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Ingredients
Chicken:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
Cream Sauce:
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened and cubed
- 1 (10.5 oz) can cream of chicken soup
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1 packet Italian dressing mix (about 1 ounce)
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, cut into pieces
To Serve:
- 12 ounces angel hair pasta, cooked according to package directions
Instructions
- Prepare Chicken: Place chicken breasts in the bottom of a greased slow cooker.
- Make Cream Sauce: In a medium bowl, whisk together cream of chicken soup, chicken broth, Italian dressing mix, and cubed cream cheese until smooth. Pour over the chicken.
- Cook: Dot the top with butter. Cover and cook on low for 5–6 hours or on high for 3–4 hours until chicken is tender.
- Shred Chicken: Shred or slice the chicken and combine with the sauce.
- Serve: Serve the creamy chicken over cooked angel hair pasta.
Notes
- You can substitute chicken thighs for a juicier texture.
- Add sautéed mushrooms or spinach during the last hour of cooking for extra flavor.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: about 1 cup chicken with pasta
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 740mg
- Fat: 26g
- Saturated Fat: 13g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 33g
- Cholesterol: 115mg