Name: Crock Pot Angel Chicken Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 3 h
Total time: 3 h 15 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 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 – see notes below)); 3 cloves garlic, minced; ¾ cup chicken broth ((recommend low or no sodium if sensitive to salt – see notes below))); 1 (0.7 ounce) packet Good Seasons Dry Italian Salad Dressing Mix; 16 ounce box angel hair pasta; Chopped fresh parsley, cracked pepper and/or grated Parmesan cheese (optional for serving)

Jump to Recipe

If you’re looking for the ultimate comfort food the whole family will rave about, Crock Pot Angel Chicken absolutely deserves a spot on your weekly menu. This creamy, dreamy chicken dish is blanketed in a savory, garlicky sauce with hints of tangy Italian herbs and all poured over a bed of delicate angel hair pasta. Every bite is pure bliss, with melt-in-your-mouth chicken that’s been slow-cooked to perfection and a sauce that feels downright luxurious. Whether you’re serving it for a cozy weeknight dinner or entertaining guests who love a “wow” factor, Crock Pot Angel Chicken is guaranteed to impress and satisfy—no babysitting the stove required!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Crock Pot Angel Chicken Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

One of the best parts of Crock Pot Angel Chicken is just how approachable (and unbeatable!) the ingredients are. Each one brings a special touch, whether that’s richness, tenderness, or a pop of flavor. Here’s what you’ll need and why you’ll want to use every single item:

Vegetable oil: Perfect for getting a golden sear on the chicken, locking in all that juicy flavor from the very beginning.
Salt and pepper: Essentials for seasoning the chicken breasts and pulling out every layer of taste.
Boneless, skinless chicken breasts: These become incredibly tender and soak up every bit of the creamy sauce as they slow cook.
Cream cheese (softened): Adds a luscious, rich texture and a tangy smoothness to the sauce.
Unsalted butter (softened): Gives the sauce extra silkiness and depth—never skip the butter!
Cream of chicken soup: Forms the backbone of the sauce, making it creamy and comforting with every spoonful.
Garlic (minced): Fresh garlic brings aromatic warmth and just the right punch of savoriness.
Chicken broth: Thins out the sauce to the perfect consistency and adds a savory, well-rounded flavor.
Good Seasons Dry Italian Salad Dressing Mix: Delivers a gentle tang and a bold herby punch that sets this dish apart.
Angel hair pasta: Delicate, light pasta that’s ready in minutes and is the perfect base for soaking up all that creamy goodness.
Chopped fresh parsley, cracked pepper, and/or grated Parmesan cheese (optional): These finishing touches make your Crock Pot Angel Chicken look beautiful and taste even better.

How to Make Crock Pot Angel Chicken

Step 1: Sear the Chicken

Start by grabbing your favorite cast iron skillet and placing it over medium-high heat. Swirl vegetable oil around until the pan is nicely coated, then season both sides of your chicken breasts generously with salt and pepper. Once the oil is shimmering, add the chicken to the hot pan and sear for about 2-3 minutes per side. This will give your Crock Pot Angel Chicken a beautiful, golden crust that locks in all the juiciness. Don’t worry if it’s not cooked through—you’ll finish it off in the crock pot.

Step 2: Whisk Together Creamy Sauce Ingredients

In a medium bowl, add your softened cream cheese and butter. Whisk these together until smooth—no lumps! Then, whisk in the cream of chicken soup, minced garlic, chicken broth, and the dry Italian salad dressing mix. You’ll end up with a creamy, fragrant sauce that’s bursting with flavor and ready to work its magic as the Crock Pot Angel Chicken cooks.

Step 3: Layer Chicken and Sauce in the Crock Pot

Spray the inside of your crock pot with a little non-stick spray to avoid any sticking. Nestle the seared chicken breasts in the bottom, then pour that luscious sauce mixture right over the top. Make sure the chicken is completely coated—this helps every bite soak up the deliciousness!

Step 4: Cook Low and Slow

Place the lid on your crock pot and set it to low for 2.5 to 3 hours. The Crock Pot Angel Chicken is ready when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F, so use a thermometer to double-check (since every slow cooker is a bit different). As it cooks, the chicken becomes fall-apart tender, and the flavors meld into a creamy, soul-soothing sauce.

Step 5: Prepare the Pasta

About 15 minutes before your Crock Pot Angel Chicken finishes cooking, bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the angel hair pasta according to package instructions until just al dente—that delicate bite is key! Drain and set aside, ready for serving.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

When the Crock Pot Angel Chicken is done, you can either serve the chicken breasts whole atop the pasta or shred them into the sauce for a more “mixed” effect. Spoon plenty of that incredible sauce over each serving. Feel free to toss the pasta right into the sauce if you’re serving family style, or keep things a bit fancier by plating each dish individually. Don’t forget those optional garnishes for the prettiest plate!

How to Serve Crock Pot Angel Chicken

Garnishes

Brighten up each plate of Crock Pot Angel Chicken with a shower of chopped fresh parsley, a grind of cracked black pepper, or a generous sprinkle of Parmesan cheese. Not only do these garnishes add color and a “cheffy” finishing touch, but they also bring a pop of fresh flavor that complements the creamy sauce perfectly.

Side Dishes

Crock Pot Angel Chicken is the star of the show, but it absolutely loves a good supporting cast. Pair it with a crisp green salad or some simply roasted veggies for an easy weeknight win. For something extra cozy, crusty garlic bread is practically required to mop up all that irresistible sauce!

Creative Ways to Present

Turn Crock Pot Angel Chicken into a true dinner party centerpiece by serving the shredded chicken and sauce in a large platter, nestled around twirls of angel hair. For a fun family twist, let everyone build their own bowls—with their choice of garnishes and mix-ins like roasted tomatoes or wilted spinach. You can also spoon the creamy chicken sauce over spiralized veggies or zoodles for a lower-carb option.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Crock Pot Angel Chicken keeps exceptionally well in the fridge, making it an ideal meal-prep superstar. Store any cooled chicken and sauce in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. If you’ve mixed the pasta in, try to keep it separate, as it can absorb extra sauce and become overly soft.

Freezing

Crock Pot Angel Chicken is freezer-friendly! Allow everything to cool, then portion into freezer safe containers or bags. Freeze for up to two months. For best quality, freeze the chicken and sauce separately from the pasta, then make a fresh batch of angel hair when you’re ready to serve.

Reheating

To reheat, gently warm the Crock Pot Angel Chicken and sauce in a saucepan over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth if needed to loosen up the sauce. If microwaving, cover partially and heat in 1-minute bursts, stirring occasionally. For best texture, cook fresh pasta and add the reheated sauce and chicken on top just before serving.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs work beautifully in Crock Pot Angel Chicken. They stay extra juicy and soak up the sauce just as well. You may need to trim extra fat and possibly add a little more cooking time since thighs are naturally a bit thicker.

What’s the best way to shred the chicken?

After the chicken is cooked and tender, simply use two forks right inside the crock pot to shred it. If you like larger pieces, shred roughly; for a smoother, saucier dish, shred finely and mix it thoroughly into the sauce before serving over angel hair pasta.

Can I make Crock Pot Angel Chicken without the dry Italian salad dressing mix?

If you don’t have the Good Seasons mix on hand, try mixing together a blend of Italian herbs (like dried basil, oregano, parsley, and a pinch of garlic powder) along with a small splash of vinegar to mimic the tang and herbiness. The dish will still be delicious!

What if I don’t have a crock pot?

You can absolutely improvise! Sear the chicken in a skillet, make the sauce as directed, then combine everything in a covered oven-safe dish and bake at 325°F for about 45 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and tender. You get all the essence of Crock Pot Angel Chicken in a fraction of the time.

How can I make the sauce thicker or thinner?

If your sauce ends up a bit too thick after cooking, just add a splash more chicken broth until you reach your desired consistency. If it’s too thin, remove the crock pot lid for the last 20-30 minutes of cooking, or stir in a bit more softened cream cheese to thicken everything up.

Final Thoughts

Life is busy, but delicious, soul-warming meals don’t have to be complicated. Give Crock Pot Angel Chicken a try and it just might become one of your favorite dinnertime traditions. It’s the kind of recipe you’ll proudly share with friends—and sneak in for seconds yourself!