Crock Pot Angel Chicken Recipe

If you are searching for a comforting, creamy, and utterly delicious meal that requires minimal effort, look no further than Crock Pot Angel Chicken. This recipe brilliantly combines tender, juicy chicken breasts with a luscious sauce made from cream cheese, butter, and the classic flavors of Italian seasoning and garlic. Perfect for busy weeknights or cozy weekends, Crock Pot Angel Chicken delivers a rich and flavorful experience that will quickly become a household favorite. With angel hair pasta to accompany the dish, it brings a beautiful balance of texture and taste that’s as simple as it is satisfying.

Crock Pot Angel Chicken Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering these simple yet essential ingredients is key to the magic of Crock Pot Angel Chicken. Each plays a vital role, from the creamy texture of the cream cheese and butter to the aromatic punch from garlic and salad dressing mix, creating a harmonious symphony of flavors in every bite.

  • Vegetable oil: Just enough to sear the chicken and lock in moisture and flavor.
  • Salt and pepper: Essential seasonings to enhance the natural taste of the chicken.
  • Boneless, skinless chicken breasts: The star protein of this dish, tender and juicy when slow-cooked.
  • Cream cheese: Adds a rich, velvety creaminess to the sauce that makes each bite irresistible.
  • Unsalted butter: Brings smoothness and depth to the sauce without overpowering it.
  • Cream of chicken soup: The comforting base for the sauce, enriching flavor and creaminess.
  • Minced garlic: Infuses a warm, aromatic boldness that complements the creamy elements.
  • Chicken broth: Balances the sauce with a savory, light brothiness.
  • Good Seasons Dry Italian Salad Dressing Mix: A convenient blend of herbs and seasoning to amplify the dish’s Italian-inspired flair.
  • Angel hair pasta: Delicate and light, perfect for soaking up the luscious sauce.
  • Optional garnishes (parsley, cracked pepper, Parmesan cheese): For an extra touch of freshness, spice, and savory finish.

How to Make Crock Pot Angel Chicken

Step 1: Sear the chicken

Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and add 1-2 tablespoons of vegetable oil to coat the pan. Season the chicken breasts generously with salt and pepper on both sides, then sear them for 2-3 minutes per side until beautifully golden. This step locks in juices and builds rich flavor that’s hard to beat.

Step 2: Prepare the creamy sauce

In a bowl, whisk together softened cream cheese and butter until silky smooth. Then add the cream of chicken soup, minced garlic, chicken broth, and the packet of Good Seasons Dry Italian Salad Dressing Mix. Stir until everything is perfectly combined and creamy; this sauce is where all your flavor dreams come true.

Step 3: Assemble in the crock pot

Spray your crock pot with non-stick cooking spray to prevent sticking. Place the seared chicken breasts at the bottom of the pot, then pour the creamy sauce mixture evenly over them. Cover and cook on low for 3 to 4 hours, or until the chicken reaches a safe internal temperature of 165°F. Cooking longer will make the chicken fall-apart tender, which is perfect if you prefer shredding.

Step 4: Cook the angel hair pasta

A few minutes before the chicken finishes, prepare the angel hair pasta according to the package directions until al dente. Drain and keep warm, ready for that delicious sauce to coat every strand.

How to Serve Crock Pot Angel Chicken

Crock Pot Angel Chicken Recipe - Recipe Image

Garnishes

Adding a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley enhances the dish with a pop of color and subtle herbaceous brightness. Cracked black pepper gives a pleasant bite, and a dusting of grated Parmesan cheese introduces a salty, nutty flavor that perfectly complements the creaminess of the sauce.

Side Dishes

Crock Pot Angel Chicken pairs beautifully with simple sides that don’t compete with its rich texture. Consider a crisp green salad for freshness, steamed vegetables for lightness, or even crusty garlic bread to soak up every last bit of sauce. These sides round out the meal wonderfully.

Creative Ways to Present

For a family dinner, toss the shredded chicken and sauce directly with the angel hair pasta to create a cozy, all-in-one dish. For a more elegant presentation, plate the whole chicken breasts atop a nest of pasta and spoon extra sauce over each serving. This approach makes an inviting centerpiece for your table that looks as impressive as it tastes.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, store any leftover Crock Pot Angel Chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to 3-4 days, making it a fantastic option for easy lunches or second dinners with minimal effort.

Freezing

This dish freezes quite well. Separate the chicken and sauce from the pasta before freezing for better texture later on. Place them in freezer-safe containers or bags, and they will keep for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers gently on the stovetop or microwave until warmed through. If reheating pasta together with the sauce and chicken, add a splash of chicken broth or water to loosen the sauce and maintain that irresistible creamy consistency.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts for Crock Pot Angel Chicken?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs will add a bit more richness and remain juicy during slow cooking. Just adjust the cooking time slightly to make sure they’re tender and reach 165°F internally.

Is it necessary to sear the chicken before putting it in the crock pot?

Searing is highly recommended because it creates a flavorful crust that enhances the overall taste, but if you’re pressed for time, you can skip this step and still get delicious results.

Can I make Crock Pot Angel Chicken without cream cheese?

Cream cheese is key to the luxurious sauce texture in this recipe. For a lighter alternative, you might try substituting with Greek yogurt or sour cream, but expect a slightly tangier taste and less creaminess.

Can I prepare this dish in advance and reheat it?

Yes, Crock Pot Angel Chicken is perfect for make-ahead meals. Prepare it fully ahead of time, store it properly in the refrigerator, and gently reheat when ready to enjoy.

What if I don’t have Good Seasons Dry Italian Salad Dressing Mix?

No worries! You can use your favorite Italian seasoning blend or make your own with dried herbs like oregano, basil, thyme, parsley, garlic powder, and onion powder for a fresh homemade touch.

Final Thoughts

Once you try Crock Pot Angel Chicken, you’ll wonder how you ever managed dinner without it. This dish invites you into a world of creamy comfort and effortless cooking that feels like a warm hug on a plate. Whether serving it for a busy weeknight or a relaxed weekend meal, it’s bound to become one of your go-to recipes. So grab your crock pot, gather the ingredients, and get ready to fall in love with Crock Pot Angel Chicken all over again!

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Crock Pot Angel Chicken Recipe

Crock Pot Angel Chicken is a creamy, comforting slow-cooked chicken dish made with a rich blend of cream cheese, cream of chicken soup, garlic, and Italian salad dressing mix. Served over delicate angel hair pasta, this easy-to-make recipe delivers tender, flavorful chicken perfect for busy weeknights or cozy dinners.

  • Author: Natalie
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 3-4 hours
  • Total Time: 3 hours 15 minutes to 4 hours 15 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x
  • Category: Main Dish
  • Method: Slow Cooking and Searing
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Low Salt

Ingredients

Scale

For the Chicken and Sauce

  • 12 Tablespoons vegetable oil
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 2 large 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 (low or no sodium recommended if sensitive)
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • ¾ cup chicken broth (low or no sodium recommended if sensitive)
  • 1 (0.7 ounce) packet Good Seasons Dry Italian Salad Dressing Mix (or your favorite mix)

For Serving

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

Instructions

  1. Prepare 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 to taste.
  2. Sear the chicken: Add the chicken breasts to the hot skillet and sear each side for 2-3 minutes until golden brown. Remove from heat and set aside.
  3. Make the sauce base: In a medium bowl, whisk together the softened cream cheese and unsalted butter until smooth and creamy.
  4. Add flavorings: To the cream cheese mixture, add the cream of chicken soup, minced garlic, chicken broth, and Italian salad dressing mix. Whisk everything together until fully combined and smooth.
  5. Prepare 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 pot.
  6. Cook the chicken: Pour the prepared sauce over the chicken breasts. Cover and cook on low for 3-4 hours, or until the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F. Cooking longer will make the chicken more tender and likely to shred easily.
  7. Cook the pasta: Shortly before serving, cook the angel hair pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain well.
  8. Serve: Serve the chicken breasts whole or shred the chicken and mix with the sauce. You can either toss the pasta directly with the sauce and chicken or spoon the sauce and chicken over the pasta on individual plates.
  9. Add optional garnishes: Top with chopped fresh parsley, cracked black pepper, and/or grated Parmesan cheese if desired for extra flavor and presentation.

Notes

  • Use low or no sodium chicken broth and cream of chicken soup if you need to control your salt intake.
  • The cooking time may vary depending on your crock pot model and the size of your chicken breasts—always check internal temperature.
  • If you prefer a thicker sauce, you can stir in a slurry of cornstarch and water near the end of cooking and cook for an additional 15 minutes on high.
  • The chicken can be shredded in the crock pot for pulled chicken-style serving or kept whole for a more formal presentation.
  • Leftovers store well in the refrigerator for 3-4 days and can be reheated gently on the stove or microwave.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving (about 1/4 of recipe with pasta)
  • Calories: 480 kcal
  • Sugar: 3 g
  • Sodium: 550 mg
  • Fat: 24 g
  • Saturated Fat: 12 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 37 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 35 g
  • Cholesterol: 95 mg

Keywords: slow cooker chicken, angel hair pasta, creamy chicken recipe, crock pot dinner, easy chicken recipe, family meal

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