If you’re craving an effortless, comforting meal that feels like a warm hug on a plate, the Crock Pot Angel Chicken Recipe is your new best friend. This dish combines tender, slow-cooked chicken bathed in a luxuriously creamy sauce with the delicate texture of angel hair pasta. Each bite bursts with flavor from the Italian dressing mix and the rich blend of cream soups and cream cheese, making it an easy favorite for both busy weeknights and relaxed weekend dinners. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to get a hearty, satisfying meal on the table with minimal fuss and maximum yum.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are straightforward and pantry-friendly, yet each one plays a crucial role in building the incredible flavor and creamy texture that make this dish so special. From the savory soups to the Italian dressing mix, every component comes together to create a comforting and inviting meal.
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts: These provide the lean, tender protein that takes on the flavors of the sauce beautifully.
- 1 packet (0.7 oz) Italian dressing mix: This blend infuses the chicken with a zesty, herb-packed kick that brightens the creamy base.
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup: Offers a rich, savory foundation and smooth texture for the sauce.
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup: Adds depth and earthiness to the creamy sauce without overpowering it.
- 1 package (8 oz) cream cheese (softened): Creates that irresistible velvety creaminess that coats the chicken and pasta.
- ½ cup chicken broth: Thins the sauce slightly while boosting the overall chicken flavor.
- 1 tablespoon butter: Enriches the sauce with a golden, silky finish.
- 1 pound angel hair pasta (cooked): Its delicate strands provide the perfect canvas to soak up the flavorful sauce.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential for balancing and enhancing the flavors.
- Chopped parsley for garnish (optional): Adds a fresh, colorful touch that brightens the 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 the mixture is smooth, creamy, and fully combined. This slow stirring is the secret to a silky, luscious sauce that will coat your chicken beautifully.
Step 2: Layer the Chicken and Sauce in the Crock Pot
Next, grease the bottom of your crock pot and place the chicken breasts in a single layer. Pour the prepared creamy sauce evenly over the chicken, ensuring it’s fully covered. This allows the chicken to soak in all those herbs and rich flavors as it cooks.
Step 3: Slow Cook the Chicken to Perfection
Cover and cook on low for 5 to 6 hours or on high for 3 to 4 hours until the chicken is completely cooked through and tender enough to shred easily. The slow cooker does the magic here, turning simple chicken breasts into melt-in-your-mouth goodness.
Step 4: Finish and Serve
When the chicken is done, shred it right in the crock pot for an even distribution of flavor, or leave the breasts whole if you prefer. Give the sauce a good stir to make sure everything is coated in that dreamy creaminess. Serve it piled over freshly cooked angel hair pasta, and don’t forget a sprinkle of chopped parsley for that perfect final touch.
How to Serve Crock Pot Angel Chicken Recipe
Garnishes
Simple garnishes like chopped parsley or freshly cracked black pepper bring a burst of color and a hint of freshness that really lifts the dish. For a bit more flavor, you can add a light sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese or even a few red pepper flakes for a gentle kick.
Side Dishes
This creamy chicken pairs wonderfully with crisp, green vegetables to balance the richness. Think steamed broccoli, roasted asparagus, or a light kale salad tossed with lemon vinaigrette. Garlic bread or a crusty baguette also make fantastic companions for soaking up any leftover sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, try serving the Crock Pot Angel Chicken Recipe inside hollowed-out bell peppers or over a bed of sautéed spinach for added greens. You can even turn it into a creamy chicken lasagna by layering it with noodles and cheese. Presentation can be as simple or inventive as you like, but the comforting flavor remains the star.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Crock Pot Angel Chicken keeps wonderfully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making the next day’s meal just as delightful, if not better. Just be sure to cool it completely before refrigerating.
Freezing
You can freeze this dish for up to 2 months. Place the chicken and sauce in a freezer-safe container, but store the cooked pasta separately if possible to avoid mushiness. When thawed, it reheats beautifully and still tastes like a freshly made comfort classic.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently in the microwave or on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or water if the sauce has thickened too much. Keep stirring to restore that creamy consistency. Avoid overheating to keep the chicken moist and tender.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Using boneless skinless chicken thighs will add even more tenderness and flavor to the dish. Just keep an eye on the cooking time, as thighs can cook a bit faster depending on their size.
Is there a lighter version of this recipe?
Yes, you can use reduced-fat cream cheese and low-sodium or light cream soups to cut down on fat and sodium without sacrificing too much flavor. Using chicken broth with less salt also helps in controlling the dish’s overall saltiness.
Can I make this dish vegetarian?
While the traditional Crock Pot Angel Chicken Recipe centers on chicken, you could experiment by substituting with hearty vegetables like mushrooms, cauliflower, or tofu, and using vegetable broth. Just keep in mind that the cooking time and flavor profile will differ.
What type of pasta works best?
Angel hair pasta is ideal due to its delicate texture that absorbs the sauce perfectly, but you can also use thin spaghetti or fettuccine if you prefer a slightly heartier noodle.
Can I prepare parts of the recipe ahead of time?
Definitely! You can mix the sauce ingredients ahead and refrigerate them separately. In the morning, just place the chicken in the crock pot, pour over the sauce, and start cooking. This makes it even more convenient for busy days.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly comforting about the Crock Pot Angel Chicken Recipe that makes it feel like a home-cooked hug served up in every bite. Its creamy, flavorful sauce paired with tender chicken and delicate pasta will quickly become a go-to in your dinner rotation. Give it a try, and I promise it will bring warmth and joy to your table, making weeknight dinners something to look forward to!
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 creamy, comforting dish featuring tender chicken breasts slow-cooked in a rich blend of Italian dressing, cream soups, and cream cheese, served over delicate angel hair pasta. This easy-to-make meal is perfect for busy families seeking a flavorful, hearty dinner with minimal prep.
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 to form a creamy sauce.
- Arrange chicken in crock pot: Grease the bottom of your crock pot and place the chicken breasts in a single layer inside it.
- Pour sauce over chicken: Evenly pour the prepared creamy sauce over the chicken breasts, ensuring they are well coated for maximal flavor infusion.
- Cook the chicken: Cover the crock pot and cook on low for 5–6 hours, or on high for 3–4 hours, until the chicken is fully cooked through and tender.
- Shred or leave chicken whole: Once cooked, shred the chicken directly in the crock pot using forks if desired, or leave the breasts whole for serving.
- Mix sauce and chicken: Stir the sauce thoroughly to fully coat the shredded or whole chicken, distributing the flavors evenly.
- Serve: Plate the cooked angel hair pasta and top it with the creamy chicken mixture. Garnish with chopped parsley if desired for added color and freshness.
Notes
- Chicken thighs can be used instead of breasts for extra flavor and tenderness.
- Use reduced-fat cream cheese and low-sodium soups for a lighter version of this dish.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stovetop or microwave.
- To thicken the sauce, cook uncovered for the last 30 minutes to allow some liquid to evaporate.
