If you’re craving a comforting, creamy, and utterly delicious meal that feels like a warm hug from the inside, the Crockpot Angel Chicken Recipe is about to become your new best friend. This dish combines tender chicken breasts slow-cooked to perfection in a luscious blend of cream cheese, Italian seasoning, and chicken broth, then tossed with delicate angel hair pasta. It’s so simple, yet bursting with flavor, making it a foolproof option for busy weeknights or cozy family dinners that everyone will rave about.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are incredibly straightforward but come together to create the irresistible creamy sauce and tender chicken that make this dish shine. Each element is essential, lending texture, richness, or a punch of flavor that makes the Crockpot Angel Chicken Recipe truly special.
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts: The star protein that becomes succulent and shreddable after slow cooking.
- 2 tablespoons butter: Adds depth and a velvety texture to the sauce.
- 1 (10.5-ounce) can cream of chicken soup: Creates the hearty base for the creamy sauce.
- 1 (8-ounce) package cream cheese (softened): Infuses the dish with tangy richness and smoothness.
- ½ cup chicken broth: Keeps the sauce perfectly moist and adds savory flavor.
- 1 (0.7-ounce) Italian dressing seasoning packet: Brings a zesty blend of herbs that elevate the dish’s Italian-inspired profile.
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder: For just the right hint of aromatic garlicky goodness.
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper: Adds a subtle kick to balance the creaminess.
- 12 ounces angel hair pasta: Delicate pasta that soaks up the creamy sauce beautifully.
- 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese (for serving): Finishing touch that adds nuttiness and sharpness.
- Fresh parsley (chopped, for garnish): A pop of color and fresh flavor to brighten every bite.
How to Make Crockpot Angel Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Creamy Sauce
Start by melting the butter in a medium saucepan over low heat; this gentle start helps build the base flavor. Once melted, whisk in the cream of chicken soup, softened cream cheese, chicken broth, Italian dressing seasoning, garlic powder, and black pepper. Stir continuously until the mixture is smooth, creamy, and well combined. This sauce is the magical element that turns simple chicken into a luscious dish.
Step 2: Place the Chicken and Pour the Sauce
Arrange the chicken breasts in your slow cooker in a single layer for even cooking. Pour the creamy sauce over the top, making sure each piece of chicken is thoroughly coated. This ensures every bite will soak up that comforting flavor you just made.
Step 3: Slow Cook to Perfection
Cover the crockpot and cook on low for 5 to 6 hours or on high for 3 to 4 hours. The chicken will become wonderfully tender, making it easy to shred with two forks. This slow cook method is the secret to achieving the perfect melt-in-your-mouth texture.
Step 4: Cook the Angel Hair Pasta
About 20 minutes before you’re ready to serve, bring a pot of salted water to a boil and cook the angel hair pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Quick and delicate, this pasta complements the creamy sauce beautifully without overpowering it.
Step 5: Combine Chicken and Pasta
Carefully remove the chicken from the slow cooker and shred or slice it as you prefer. Return the chicken to the creamy sauce, then stir in the cooked pasta until everything is evenly coated and irresistibly creamy.
Step 6: Serve and Garnish
Serve your Crockpot Angel Chicken right away, topped with a generous sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese and a handful of freshly chopped parsley for a burst of color and freshness.
How to Serve Crockpot Angel Chicken Recipe
Garnishes
Simple yet impactful, fresh chopped parsley brightens the rich creaminess of this recipe, adding a lively pop of green and a mild herbaceous note. Grated Parmesan cheese perfectly balances the dish with its sharp savory quality, adding a little extra wow factor to every mouthful.
Side Dishes
This Crockpot Angel Chicken pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad or some roasted vegetables for a balanced meal. Consider garlic bread or a crusty baguette to soak up any leftover sauce—you won’t want to waste a drop!
Creative Ways to Present
For a more elegant presentation, serve the Crockpot Angel Chicken in shallow bowls with a sprinkle of parsley and Parmesan, alongside a wedge of lemon for a bright squeeze of acidity. You can also plate it on a bed of steamed greens or alongside a colorful medley of roasted bell peppers to make the meal visually stunning.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Crockpot Angel Chicken stores beautifully in the refrigerator for up to 4 days if kept in an airtight container. The creamy sauce even deepens in flavor over time, making for a delicious next-day meal.
Freezing
You can freeze this dish for up to 2 months. It’s best to freeze the chicken and sauce separately from the pasta if possible, to prevent the pasta from becoming mushy upon thawing. When ready, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave, stirring occasionally to ensure the sauce heats evenly and stays creamy. Add a splash of chicken broth if the sauce thickens too much during reheating.
FAQs
Can I use other types of pasta instead of angel hair?
Absolutely! While angel hair pasta is delicate and perfect for soaking up the sauce, you can substitute it with fettuccine, penne, or even rotini for a heartier texture. Just adjust cooking times accordingly.
Is it possible to make this recipe without cream cheese?
Cream cheese is key to achieving the silky texture and tangy flavor of the sauce, but you could try substituting with sour cream or Greek yogurt. Keep in mind the texture and flavor will slightly differ, so adjust seasoning to taste.
How can I make the dish spicier?
If you love a little heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce or a dash of hot sauce before cooking. You can also toss in some chopped jalapeños for an extra kick without overwhelming the creamy base.
Can I use frozen chicken breasts?
Yes, but it’s best to thaw frozen chicken breasts before placing them in the crockpot so they cook evenly. Cooking from frozen could extend the slow cooker time and affect the overall texture.
What if I want to add vegetables to the dish?
Feel free to toss in some baby spinach, mushrooms, or sun-dried tomatoes during the last hour of cooking to boost nutrients and add layers of flavor. Just be mindful of moisture levels if adding watery vegetables.
Final Thoughts
This Crockpot Angel Chicken Recipe is the kind of dish that turns simple ingredients into a comforting masterpiece with minimal fuss. Its creamy sauce, tender chicken, and delicate pasta come together beautifully, making it an absolute joy to prepare and serve. I encourage you to try it out—you might just find your new family favorite that’s as easy to make as it is delicious to eat!
Print
Crockpot Angel Chicken Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 hours
- Total Time: 5 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Crockpot Angel Chicken recipe features tender, shredded chicken breasts cooked in a creamy, flavorful sauce made with cream cheese, cream of chicken soup, and Italian seasonings. Served over angel hair pasta and topped with Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley, it’s an easy and comforting slow cooker meal perfect for busy weeknights.
Ingredients
Chicken and Sauce
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 (10.5-ounce) can cream of chicken soup
- 1 (8-ounce) package cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup chicken broth
- 1 (0.7-ounce) Italian dressing seasoning packet
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Pasta and Garnish
- 12 ounces angel hair pasta
- 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese (for serving)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare the sauce: In a medium saucepan over low heat, melt the butter, then whisk in the cream of chicken soup, softened cream cheese, chicken broth, Italian dressing seasoning packet, garlic powder, and black pepper. Stir continuously until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
- Cook the chicken: Place the boneless skinless chicken breasts into the slow cooker. Pour the prepared creamy sauce evenly over the chicken to coat. Cover and cook on low for 5 to 6 hours, or on high for 3 to 4 hours, until the chicken is tender and can be easily shredded with a fork.
- Cook the pasta: Approximately 20 minutes before serving, cook the angel hair pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain the pasta thoroughly to remove excess water.
- Combine and finish: Remove the cooked chicken from the slow cooker and shred or slice it as desired. Return the shredded chicken to the crockpot and stir in the cooked angel hair pasta until it is fully coated in the creamy sauce.
- Serve: Plate the creamy chicken and pasta mixture, then garnish each serving with grated Parmesan cheese and chopped fresh parsley. Serve warm for a comforting meal.
Notes
- For enhanced flavor, try using garlic and herb cream cheese instead of plain cream cheese.
- You can substitute the cream of chicken soup with cream of mushroom soup for a richer taste.
- This dish reheats very well, making it ideal for meal prep or busy weeknights.
