Introduction

Discover the ultimate weeknight hero: Crock Pot Angel Chicken. This incredibly easy recipe combines tender chicken with a rich, creamy sauce, all made effortlessly in your slow cooker. Say goodbye to complicated cooking and hello to a comforting meal that practically cooks itself. It’s perfect for busy parents and beginners, promising a delicious, family-friendly dinner with minimal prep.

Why You’ll Love This Crock Pot Angel Chicken

This recipe makes mealtime simple and satisfying. Here’s why it will become a family favorite:

Effortless cooking: Simply set it and forget it in your slow cooker. This method saves you time and stress, especially on hectic days.
Incredibly tender chicken: The slow cooking process ensures your chicken comes out perfectly moist and tender every time.
Rich, savory, creamy sauce: You will savor the delicious, flavorful sauce, which is the heart of this dish. It’s truly irresistible.
Versatile serving options: This dish pairs wonderfully with various sides, from pasta to mashed potatoes.
Ideal for busy weeknights: Get a hearty, homemade meal on the table without constant hovering.
Classic comfort food: This satisfying recipe brings warmth and joy to any dinner table.

Slow cookers offer numerous benefits, including energy efficiency and the ability to cook tougher cuts of meat to tender perfection. Learn more about the advantages of slow cooker cooking.

Ingredients

Gather these simple ingredients to create your delicious Crock Pot Angel Chicken:

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 (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 mix)
16 ounce box angel hair pasta
Chopped fresh parsley, cracked pepper, and/or grated Parmesan cheese (optional for serving)

Notes & Substitutions

Feel free to customize your slow cooker chicken to fit your pantry and preferences.

Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken thighs work just as well for this recipe if you prefer dark meat.
Cream soups: Choose low-sodium cream of chicken soup to better control the overall salt content in your dish.
Cream cheese/butter: Speed up softening by cutting them into cubes and letting them sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes, or microwave briefly on low power.
Garlic: Freshly minced garlic provides the best flavor, but you can use ½ teaspoon of garlic powder if needed.
Broth: Low-sodium chicken broth helps manage the saltiness of the sauce.
Italian mix: If you do not have a packet, substitute with 1-2 tablespoons of Italian seasoning.
Pasta: While angel hair is traditional, other pasta shapes like fettuccine, penne, or spaghetti are also delicious with this creamy sauce.
Salt: Always taste your sauce before adding extra salt, especially if using regular broth and soup.

Equipment

Making this easy Crock Pot Angel Chicken requires just a few basic kitchen tools.

6-quart slow cooker
Large skillet (optional for searing chicken)
Whisk
Mixing bowl
Meat thermometer

Instructions

Here are the step-by-step instructions for creating your delicious Crock Pot Angel Chicken recipe. Follow these simple steps for a perfect meal.

Heat a cast iron skillet over medium-high heat. Add 1-2 Tablespoons vegetable oil and swirl to coat the bottom of the pan. Sprinkle salt and pepper, to taste, over both sides of 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts.
Once the pan is hot, add the chicken breasts to the pan and sear each side for 2-3 minutes or until golden brown. Remove the seared chicken from the heat.
In a medium bowl, combine 4 ounces (½ block) cream cheese, softened to room temperature, and 3 Tablespoons unsalted butter, softened to room temperature. Whisk until the mixture is smooth.
Add the 10.5 ounce can cream of chicken soup, 3 cloves garlic, minced, ¾ cup chicken broth, and 1 (0.7 ounce) packet Good Seasons Dry Italian Salad Dressing Mix to the same bowl. Whisk to fully combine all the ingredients.
Spray the inside of your crock pot with non-stick cooking spray. Place the seared chicken breasts evenly in the bottom of the pot.
Pour the creamy soup mixture over the top of the chicken breasts, ensuring they are well coated. Cover the slow cooker with its lid.
Cook on LOW for 3-4 hours or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F degrees. The longer you cook it, the more tender the chicken breasts become; they might even start to fall apart, which is perfectly fine. Always use an internal temperature of the meat to determine when it is done, especially with slow cooker meals. Do not rely solely on time, as crock pots vary in cooking temperature based on age and brand. The size of your chicken breasts also affects cooking time.

The USDA recommends cooking all poultry to a safe minimum internal temperature of 165°F (73.9°C) to ensure food safety.

Shortly before serving your Crock Pot Angel Chicken, cook a 16 ounce box of angel hair pasta according to the package instructions until it is al dente. Drain the pasta when cooked.
Ways to serve: You can serve the chicken breasts whole, or you can easily shred the chicken right in the pot. You can toss the cooked pasta directly into the rich sauce in the crockpot, or you can spoon the chicken and sauce onto individual servings of pasta.
Optional: Serve your finished dish topped with chopped fresh parsley, a sprinkle of cracked pepper, and/or a generous amount of grated Parmesan cheese for extra flavor.

Pro Tips & Troubleshooting

Master your Crock Pot Angel Chicken with these helpful tips for the best results every time.

Searing Chicken: Browning the chicken before slow cooking adds an incredible depth of flavor and a beautiful golden color. While optional, this step is highly recommended for an extra delicious dish.
Prevent Dry Chicken: Chicken can become dry if overcooked. Monitor the internal temperature closely and remove the chicken once it reaches 165°F.
Internal Temperature: Always use a reliable meat thermometer to ensure chicken is cooked through and safe to eat. This is the most accurate way to know when your chicken is done.
Sauce Consistency: If your sauce is too thin, create a cornstarch slurry (1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons cold water) and stir it into the hot sauce during the last 30 minutes of cooking. If it’s too thick, add a splash more chicken broth.
Flavor Boosts: Elevate the taste by stirring in some fresh chopped chives, a dash of onion powder, or extra Parmesan cheese just before serving.
Salt Control: Use low-sodium cream of chicken soup and broth. Taste the sauce before adding any additional salt to avoid an overly salty dish.
Cook Time: Be aware that older slow cookers might cook at a slightly different temperature than newer models. Adjust your cooking time accordingly, always checking for the proper internal temperature.

Serving, Storage & Variations

Serving Suggestions

This creamy slow cooker chicken pairs wonderfully with many sides.

Serve the flavorful Crock Pot Angel Chicken over various pasta types like fettuccine, penne, or spaghetti for a hearty meal.
It is great with creamy mashed potatoes or fluffy white rice, soaking up all the delicious sauce.
Pair it with warm garlic bread or soft breadsticks to sop up every last drop of the rich sauce.
Complement the richness with a crisp, fresh green salad for a balanced meal.
Garnish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley, cracked black pepper, or grated Parmesan cheese for extra flavor and presentation.

Storage & Reheating

Planning ahead makes weeknights even easier.

Refrigerate any leftover Crock Pot Angel Chicken in an airtight container within two hours of cooking.
Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
For longer storage, freeze the sauce and chicken only (without the pasta) in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight.
Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of broth if the sauce has thickened, or warm in the microwave until heated through.

Flavor Variations

Get creative with your Crock Pot Angel Chicken to suit different tastes.

Add sliced fresh mushrooms or a handful of fresh spinach during the last hour of cooking for added vegetables and flavor.
Stir in a few tablespoons of sun-dried tomatoes (oil-packed, drained and chopped) for a burst of tangy sweetness.
Include a pinch of red pepper flakes with the other seasonings for a subtle kick.
Swap out the dry Italian dressing mix for a packet of ranch seasoning for a different, zesty flavor profile.

Nutrition Information

Here is an estimated nutritional breakdown for one serving of this delicious Crock Pot Angel Chicken.

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	840 kcal
Carbohydrates	96 g
Protein	58 g
Fat	23 g
Sodium	1833 mg
Fiber	4 g
Sugar	5 g
Serving Size	1 serving

Please note: Nutritional information is an estimate and can vary based on specific ingredients, portion sizes, and preparation methods. This calculation does not include optional toppings.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

How to serve Crock Pot Angel Chicken? You can serve the chicken breasts whole or easily shred them directly in the pot. Toss the pasta directly in the sauce or spoon the chicken and sauce onto individual servings of pasta.
What to serve with Angel Chicken? Garlic bread, breadsticks, or a simple green salad make excellent companions. Roasted vegetables are also a great choice.
Can I make this with different pasta? Yes, absolutely! Any pasta works well; fettuccine, penne, or spaghetti are great options. It’s also delicious over mashed potatoes or rice.
How much is a serving size? Approximately 4 ounces of cooked chicken with about 1 cup of pasta makes a satisfying serving for this creamy chicken dish.
Can I skip searing the chicken to save time? Yes, you can omit the searing step entirely. If you skip searing, cook the chicken on low for approximately 6 hours, or until it reaches 165°F.
How to store leftovers? Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days. For longer storage, freeze the chicken and sauce separately for up to 3 months.

Conclusion

This Crock Pot Angel Chicken recipe truly embodies simplicity and deliciousness, making weeknight dinners a breeze. With minimal prep and the magic of your slow cooker, you can enjoy tender chicken in a rich, creamy sauce that the whole family will adore. We encourage you to try this incredibly easy and comforting meal soon. Enjoy your stress-free comfort food, and feel free to share your feedback or favorite variations with us!