If you have a soft spot for creamy, comforting dishes that practically make themselves, then the Crockpot Angel Chicken Recipe will become your new best friend in the kitchen. This dish marries tender, juicy chicken breasts with a rich, flavorful sauce made from cream cheese, butter, and savory seasonings, all slow-cooked to perfection. The beauty of this recipe is in its simplicity and the delightful way the flavors meld together, delivering a luscious sauce that perfectly coats delicate angel hair pasta. Trust me, once you try this Crockpot Angel Chicken Recipe, it’s going to be one of those meals you crave again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of the Crockpot Angel Chicken Recipe lies in using simple, everyday ingredients that come together to create a luscious, crowd-pleasing dish. Each one plays a vital role—from the creamy texture of the cream cheese to the herbal brightness of the Italian dressing mix—making this recipe straightforward yet incredibly satisfying.
- Cream cheese, 4 ounces, softened: Adds richness and creaminess to the sauce for that velvety texture.
- Unsalted butter, ¼ cup, softened: Boosts flavor and gives a silky mouthfeel.
- Canned cream of chicken soup, 10.5 ounces: The base that provides a hearty, comforting depth.
- Dry Italian dressing mix, 1-ounce packet: Brings a blend of herbs and spices that brighten the sauce and infuse the chicken.
- Chicken broth, ½ cup: Makes the sauce saucy without overwhelming the delicate flavors.
- Garlic cloves, 3–4, minced: Adds an aromatic punch and subtle heat to brighten the dish.
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts, 1.5 pounds: The star protein that becomes wonderfully tender after slow cooking.
- Cooked angel hair pasta: The perfect light, delicate pasta to soak up all the creamy goodness.
How to Make Crockpot Angel Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Creamy Sauce
Start by combining the softened cream cheese and butter in a mixing bowl. Then add the cream of chicken soup, dry Italian dressing mix, chicken broth, and minced garlic. Stir everything until you have a smooth, well-blended sauce that’s bursting with flavor and ready to tenderize the chicken.
Step 2: Layer the Chicken in the Crockpot
Place the chicken breasts at the bottom of your slow cooker. Pour the creamy sauce mixture evenly over the top, making sure each piece of chicken is generously coated. This ensures the meat will soak up all the delicious seasonings during cooking.
Step 3: Slow Cook to Perfection
Cover the crockpot and cook on low for 6 to 7 hours, giving the chicken enough time to become incredibly tender and infused with flavors. If you’re pressed for time, cooking on high for 3 to 4 hours works just as well, though the slow, low method really lets the sauce develop its richness.
Step 4: Shred or Slice the Chicken
Once the chicken is cooked through, remove the breasts from the slow cooker. You can shred the chicken for a rustic feel or slice it for a more elegant presentation, whichever you prefer. Don’t forget to stir the sauce in the crockpot to mix any extra juices with the creamy base before serving.
Step 5: Serve with Angel Hair Pasta
Serve the tender chicken and luscious sauce over a bed of cooked angel hair pasta. This pasta is thin and light, so it perfectly balances the richness of the sauce and showcases the flavors beautifully.
How to Serve Crockpot Angel Chicken Recipe
Garnishes
To add a fresh and vibrant touch, sprinkle freshly chopped parsley or basil over the dish right before serving. A little grated Parmesan cheese on top also adds a wonderful salty finish that complements the creamy sauce.
Side Dishes
This meal pairs beautifully with simple steamed or roasted vegetables like broccoli, green beans, or asparagus. A crisp side salad with a light vinaigrette creates a lovely contrast to the richness of the chicken and pasta.
Creative Ways to Present
For a special occasion, serve the shredded chicken and sauce in individual ramekins topped with a sprinkle of toasted breadcrumbs for an appealing crunch. Alternatively, use the chicken as a filling for stuffed bell peppers or even pile it onto garlic bread for a fun twist.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Crockpot Angel Chicken Recipe keeps well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making it a perfect dish to prepare ahead for busy weeknights.
Freezing
If you want to save some for later, freeze the cooked chicken and sauce in a sealed freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating to maintain the creamy texture and flavor integrity.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave, stirring occasionally to evenly warm the sauce without breaking it. Adding a splash of chicken broth or water can help loosen the sauce if it thickens too much in storage.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs will stay even juicier and have a bit more flavor, but the cooking times remain the same. It’s a great variation if you prefer dark meat.
Is it necessary to use cream cheese and butter together?
Yes, the combination creates an extra creamy, rich sauce that’s smooth and indulgent. Butter enhances the mouthfeel, while cream cheese gives body and tang.
Can I make this recipe without Italian dressing mix?
You can substitute homemade Italian seasoning, combining dried herbs like oregano, basil, thyme, and garlic powder. It won’t be quite the same but still delicious and customizable.
What’s the best way to cook the pasta to serve with this dish?
Cook the angel hair pasta just until al dente according to package instructions. Drain and toss with a little olive oil to prevent sticking before plating the chicken and sauce on top.
Can I double this recipe for a larger group?
Definitely! Just use a larger slow cooker or cook in two batches if needed. Adjust the seasoning slightly if you do, and make sure chicken pieces have enough space for even cooking.
Final Thoughts
This Crockpot Angel Chicken Recipe is a winner for anyone who loves effortless comfort food with creamy, dreamy flavors. It’s the kind of dish that warms the heart and fills the home with inviting aromas while you relax and wait for the magic to happen. Give this recipe a try soon—you’ll see why it quickly becomes a beloved staple in your recipe collection!
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Crockpot Angel Chicken Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours
- Total Time: 6 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Crockpot Angel Chicken is a creamy, flavorful slow-cooked chicken dish made with cream cheese, butter, cream of chicken soup, Italian dressing mix, and garlic. The tender chicken is cooked to perfection in a slow cooker and served over delicate angel hair pasta, making it a comforting and easy meal perfect for busy days.
Ingredients
Chicken and Sauce
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 10.5-ounce can cream of chicken soup
- 1-ounce packet dry Italian dressing mix
- ½ cup chicken broth
- 3–4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1.5 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts
For Serving
- Cooked angel hair pasta, for serving
Instructions
- Prepare the sauce mixture: In a mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, butter, cream of chicken soup, dry Italian dressing mix, chicken broth, and minced garlic. Stir thoroughly until the mixture is smooth and all ingredients are well blended.
- Arrange chicken in the crockpot: Place the boneless skinless chicken breasts evenly in the bottom of the slow cooker, ensuring they lie flat for even cooking.
- Add the sauce: Pour the prepared creamy sauce mixture over the chicken breasts, making sure each piece is well coated with the sauce for maximum flavor.
- Slow cook the chicken: Cover the crockpot and cook on low heat for 6 to 7 hours or on high heat for 3 to 4 hours until the chicken is fully cooked through, tender, and easy to shred or slice.
- Shred or slice the chicken: Carefully remove the cooked chicken from the slow cooker. Shred the chicken using forks or slice it as preferred, then return it to the sauce in the crockpot to soak in the flavors.
- Serve: Serve the tender angel chicken and its delicious creamy sauce over a bed of cooked angel hair pasta for a delightful, hearty meal.
Notes
- For extra flavor, you may add a handful of chopped fresh parsley or basil on top before serving.
- Chicken breasts can be substituted with boneless skinless chicken thighs for a juicier dish.
- This dish can be made ahead and refrigerated; reheat gently before serving.
- Make sure to use softened cream cheese and butter for easier mixing and better sauce consistency.
- If you prefer a thicker sauce, remove the chicken after cooking and simmer the sauce on the stovetop until it reduces to the desired thickness before mixing the chicken back in.
