If there’s one thing I’ve learned as a busy mom (and as someone who leans hard on her slow cooker), it’s that simple dinners can still feel like a hug at the end of a long day. And that’s exactly what CrockPot Angel Chicken delivers. Tender chicken breasts simmer all afternoon in a creamy, Italian-inspired sauce before getting spooned over a bed of delicate angel hair pasta.
It’s one of those meals that’s equal parts comforting and fancy-looking—perfect for weeknights but also good enough for when company drops by. And if you’ve got picky eaters? Don’t worry. The creamy sauce usually wins them over.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This CrockPot Angel Chicken
- Minimal prep—just 10 minutes, then let your slow cooker do the magic.
- Comfort food at its best: creamy, garlicky, and hearty without being heavy.
- Family-friendly and perfect for busy nights.
- Leftovers (if you have any!) reheat beautifully.
What Does CrockPot Angel Chicken Taste Like?
Imagine creamy garlic Parmesan meets Italian comfort. The sauce is velvety smooth with just enough tang from the Italian dressing mix to keep it interesting. The chicken stays juicy, soaking up all that rich flavor. And when you twirl it all together with angel hair pasta? Let’s just say it feels like you’re eating at your favorite cozy trattoria—without leaving your kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need for CrockPot Angel Chicken
One of the things I love most about CrockPot Angel Chicken is how it takes such simple, everyday ingredients and turns them into a dish that feels downright special. Here’s what you’ll need, plus some extra notes to help you shop and prepare:
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 pounds) – These are the heart of the recipe. I recommend using large, thick chicken breasts so they stay juicy during the long, gentle cooking process. If you prefer darker meat, boneless thighs also work beautifully.
- Vegetable oil (1–2 tablespoons) – Used for searing the chicken before it goes into the crockpot. That quick sear locks in flavor and gives the chicken a golden crust that adds depth to the finished dish.
- Salt and freshly cracked black pepper – A simple seasoning step that sets the foundation for flavor. Season both sides of the chicken before searing.
- Cream cheese (4 ounces, softened) – This is what gives the sauce its rich, silky texture. Make sure it’s softened so it blends smoothly.
- Unsalted butter (3 tablespoons, softened) – Butter adds an extra layer of creaminess and a hint of richness that balances the tangy Italian seasoning.
- Cream of chicken soup (10.5 ounce can) – A pantry staple that brings creaminess and body to the sauce. If you’re watching your sodium, go for a low-sodium variety.
- Garlic (3 cloves, minced) – Fresh garlic is a must here. It perfumes the sauce and makes the whole dish taste like you spent hours fussing over it.
- Chicken broth (¾ cup) – This helps thin the sauce so it clings beautifully to both the chicken and the pasta. Again, low-sodium is your best bet if you want to control the salt.
- Italian dressing mix (0.7 ounce packet) – This little packet is the secret flavor booster. It adds a perfect mix of herbs, spices, and tang that transforms the sauce into something irresistible.
- Angel hair pasta (16 ounces) – Light, delicate, and quick to cook, angel hair pasta is the perfect match for this creamy chicken dish. Other pasta shapes will work, but the texture of angel hair really complements the sauce.
- Optional toppings – Fresh parsley for color, cracked black pepper for a touch of spice, or grated Parmesan cheese for a salty bite.
If you’re already a fan of easy chicken dinners, you might also enjoy my Crockpot Santa Fe Chicken. It has a totally different flavor profile—Tex-Mex inspired—but it’s just as simple and family-friendly as this CrockPot Angel Chicken.
How to Make CrockPot Angel Chicken (Step by Step)
Making CrockPot Angel Chicken is surprisingly simple, but the little details are what take this dish from ordinary to extraordinary. Here’s the full process, broken down step by step so you can follow along with confidence:
Step 1: Prepare and season the chicken
Start by patting the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. This helps them sear properly instead of steaming in the pan. Sprinkle both sides generously with salt and freshly cracked black pepper. Don’t skip this—seasoning early ensures the chicken develops flavor right from the start.
Step 2: Sear the chicken for extra flavor
Heat 1–2 tablespoons of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is shimmering, carefully add the chicken breasts. Sear for 2–3 minutes per side, just until they develop a golden-brown crust. This step is optional, but it’s worth it—searing adds depth to the sauce and keeps the chicken juicy as it cooks in the crockpot.
Step 3: Mix the creamy sauce
In a medium bowl, whisk together the softened cream cheese and butter until smooth. Then add the cream of chicken soup, minced garlic, chicken broth, and the packet of Italian dressing mix. Whisk until everything is fully combined into a creamy, flavorful sauce. This mixture may look thick at first, but it will loosen and become silky as it cooks.
Step 4: Load the slow cooker
Spray the inside of your crockpot with non-stick cooking spray. Place the seared chicken breasts in the bottom of the pot in a single layer. Pour the prepared sauce evenly over the chicken, making sure every piece is covered. Cover with the lid.
Step 5: Slow cook until tender
Cook on low for 3–4 hours, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. Every slow cooker runs a little differently, so use a meat thermometer instead of relying on time alone. The longer you cook, the more the chicken will start to fall apart—perfect if you like a shredded texture.
(Note: Cooking on high isn’t recommended for this recipe. The sauce won’t develop the same silky texture, and the chicken may turn out less tender.)
Step 6: Cook the pasta
About 15 minutes before you’re ready to serve, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the angel hair pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Because the noodles are so delicate, they only take about 4 minutes. Drain well and set aside.
Step 7: Serve your CrockPot Angel Chicken
You can serve this dish a couple of ways:
- Place whole chicken breasts on top of the pasta and spoon the sauce over each serving.
- Or, shred the chicken directly in the crockpot and stir it into the sauce. Then toss the pasta with the creamy chicken mixture for a comforting one-pot style meal.
For the finishing touch, sprinkle with chopped parsley, a bit of cracked pepper, and grated Parmesan if you’d like.
If you’re a fan of creamy pasta-style dinners, you might also want to check out my Crockpot Garlic Butter Beef Bites with Potatoes. It has that same “comfort-food-meets-effortless” vibe that makes CrockPot Angel Chicken such a winner.
Tips and Tricks for Perfect CrockPot Angel Chicken
- Don’t skip the sear—it adds depth to the chicken.
- If the sauce feels too thick, stir in a splash of milk before serving.
- Want extra veggies? Stir in sautéed mushrooms or spinach at the end.
- For leftovers, shred the chicken and toss it all with the pasta—it makes reheating easier.
- Avoid cooking on high—the chicken won’t be as tender.
Storage
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or microwave with a splash of broth or milk to keep the sauce creamy. You can also freeze it (without pasta) for up to 2 months.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes! They’ll be even more tender and flavorful.
Can I make this gluten-free?
Absolutely. Just swap the pasta for a gluten-free version and check your soup mix.
What if I don’t have Italian dressing mix?
Use a teaspoon of Italian seasoning plus a pinch of garlic and onion powder instead.
Conclusion
There you have it—CrockPot Angel Chicken, the dish that feels like a warm hug after a long day. Creamy, comforting, and oh-so simple, this recipe is one you’ll keep coming back to. Next time you’re craving cozy Italian-style comfort, give it a try—you might just find it becomes your family’s new favorite weeknight dinner.
And if you do make it, I’d love to hear how it turns out! Leave a comment, share a photo, or tag me—I can’t wait to see your version.
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CrockPot Angel Chicken
- Total Time: 3 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
Crock Pot Angel Chicken is a simple dinner made with tender chicken breast in a creamy, Italian-inspired sauce served over a bed of tender angel hair pasta. A comforting, no-fuss meal perfect for any night of the week.
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
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- ¾ cup chicken broth
- 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)
Instructions
1. Heat a cast iron skillet over medium-high heat. Add 1–2 Tablespoons vegetable oil and swirl to coat the bottom. Season both sides of the chicken breasts with salt and pepper.
2. Once the pan is hot, sear the chicken for 2–3 minutes per side until golden brown. Remove from heat.
3. In a medium bowl, whisk together the softened cream cheese and butter until smooth.
4. Add the cream of chicken soup, minced garlic, chicken broth, and Italian dressing mix to the bowl. Whisk to combine into a smooth sauce.
5. Spray the inside of a crock pot with non-stick spray. Place the seared chicken breasts at the bottom.
6. Pour the prepared sauce over the chicken. Cover and cook on low for 3–4 hours, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
7. Shortly before serving, cook the angel hair pasta according to package directions. Drain.
8. Serve chicken whole or shredded over the cooked pasta. Spoon sauce over top.
9. Optionally garnish with parsley, cracked pepper, and/or grated Parmesan cheese.
Notes
If you’re sensitive to sodium, choose low- or no-sodium versions of cream of chicken soup and chicken broth, then season to taste.
Avoid cooking on high if possible; low and slow yields more tender chicken.
Always check the internal temperature of chicken (165°F) instead of relying only on cook time.
You can mix the pasta into the sauce before serving or plate individually.
Freshly grated cheese works best for smooth melting and flavor.
Add red pepper flakes for a little kick or mushrooms for extra depth.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 3 hours
- Category: Dinner, Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate
- Calories: 840
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 1833mg
- Fat: 23g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 96g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 58g
- Cholesterol: 165mg
Keywords: angel chicken, crockpot chicken pasta, creamy slow cooker chicken, italian chicken dinner
