If you’re craving a soul-warming, creamy pasta dish with minimal effort, look no further than Crockpot Angel Chicken. This crowd-pleasing recipe is all about tender chicken breasts slow-cooked in a luscious, velvety sauce that’s bursting with flavor from Italian herbs and a touch of wine, then served over delicate angel hair pasta. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or want to impress friends with comforting homemade food, this dish is the ultimate answer for fuss-free, deliciously memorable dinners.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of Crockpot Angel Chicken is in its simplicity—each ingredient brings something special to the table, creating a dish that’s more than the sum of its parts. Here’s what you’ll need and why each item matters:
- Chicken breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts become meltingly tender as they simmer in the slow cooker.
- Dry Italian dressing mix: This seasoning packet is the secret to that zesty, herby flavor that makes the sauce sing.
- Cream of chicken soup: It forms the creamy backbone of the sauce and adds a savory, comforting note.
- Cream cheese: Softened and cubed, it melts into the sauce for richness and an irresistibly silky texture.
- Chicken broth: Adds depth and helps thin the sauce to the perfect consistency for coating pasta.
- Dry white wine (optional): A splash of wine brings brightness and a subtle complexity; feel free to skip if you prefer.
- Butter: Just a tablespoon gives the sauce a glossy finish and rounds out the flavors.
- Salt and black pepper: Essential for seasoning the chicken and balancing all the creamy elements.
- Angel hair pasta: Its delicate strands are perfect for soaking up every drop of that dreamy sauce.
- Chopped parsley (optional): A sprinkle of fresh parsley at the end adds color and a fresh pop that wakes up the dish.
How to Make Crockpot Angel Chicken
Step 1: Create the Creamy Sauce Base
Start by combining the cream of chicken soup, cream cheese, chicken broth, white wine (if using), and butter in a microwave-safe bowl or saucepan. Gently heat this mixture—either in the microwave in short bursts, stirring frequently, or over low heat on the stovetop—until everything melts together into a smooth, creamy sauce. This luscious base is the heart of your Crockpot Angel Chicken, coating every bite with flavor.
Step 2: Layer the Chicken in the Slow Cooker
Lay the boneless, skinless chicken breasts in a single layer at the bottom of your crockpot. Give them a light sprinkle of salt and black pepper to season. This simple step ensures every piece of chicken is perfectly seasoned from the inside out.
Step 3: Add the Signature Seasoning
Grab your dry Italian dressing mix and sprinkle it evenly over the chicken breasts. This seasoning packet is where the magic happens, infusing the chicken with aromatic herbs and a gentle tang that makes Crockpot Angel Chicken so craveable.
Step 4: Pour on the Creamy Mixture
Carefully pour your warm, creamy sauce over the seasoned chicken, making sure each piece is cozily nestled under a blanket of goodness. This ensures your chicken cooks up juicy and full of flavor as it slowly simmers away.
Step 5: Slow Cook to Tender Perfection
Pop on the lid and set your crockpot to low for 4–5 hours or high for 2–3 hours. By the time you lift the lid, the chicken will be fork-tender and the sauce will be irresistible. There’s no need to fuss—just let the slow cooker do its thing!
Step 6: Shred, Stir, and Serve
Once the chicken is cooked through, use two forks to shred it right in the crockpot (or slice it if you prefer bigger pieces). Give everything a good stir so the chicken gets fully coated in that creamy sauce. Serve generous spoonfuls over freshly cooked angel hair pasta, then finish with a sprinkle of chopped parsley for a pop of color and freshness.
How to Serve Crockpot Angel Chicken
Garnishes
A little garnish goes a long way with Crockpot Angel Chicken. Try a sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley for color and brightness, or add a touch of freshly cracked black pepper for a hint of spice. For extra richness, a dusting of grated Parmesan can be absolutely divine.
Side Dishes
This dish is a meal in itself, but it pairs beautifully with simple sides. Think buttery garlic bread to mop up the sauce or a crisp green salad dressed with lemon and olive oil for a refreshing contrast. Roasted vegetables like asparagus or broccoli are also perfect for rounding out your plate.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, try serving Crockpot Angel Chicken family-style on a big platter, twirling the pasta and topping it with generous spoonfuls of sauce and chicken. Or, for a cozy individual presentation, use shallow pasta bowls and top each serving with extra sauce and a sprig of parsley. If you’re feeling fancy, add a wedge of lemon on the side for squeezing!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Crockpot Angel Chicken keeps beautifully in the fridge. Store the chicken and sauce together in an airtight container for up to 3 days. For the best texture, keep the cooked angel hair pasta separate and add it just before reheating.
Freezing
This dish is freezer-friendly, making it ideal for meal prep! Cool the chicken and sauce completely, then transfer to a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating. (It’s best to freeze the sauce and chicken separately from the pasta.)
Reheating
Gently reheat Crockpot Angel Chicken in a saucepan over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or milk to loosen the sauce if needed. Alternatively, microwave in short bursts, stirring occasionally. Warm the pasta separately, then combine just before serving for the freshest taste and texture.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs work wonderfully in Crockpot Angel Chicken, adding even more flavor and a slightly richer texture. Just be sure to use boneless, skinless thighs and adjust the cooking time if needed, as thighs may cook a bit faster.
What if I don’t have dry white wine?
No worries! You can simply omit the wine or substitute with extra chicken broth. The dish will still be creamy and delicious, though the wine does add a subtle depth that’s lovely if you have it on hand.
Is there a gluten-free version of this recipe?
Definitely! Swap in your favorite gluten-free pasta and use a gluten-free cream of chicken soup and Italian dressing mix. Double-check all labels to ensure everything is certified gluten-free and you’ll have a safe, satisfying meal.
Can I make Crockpot Angel Chicken ahead of time?
Yes, this recipe is perfect for prepping in advance. You can assemble everything in the crockpot insert the night before, store it covered in the fridge, then pop it into the slow cooker and start cooking the next day. Just add a little extra time if starting from cold.
What’s the best way to thicken or thin the sauce?
If you want a thicker sauce, let the lid sit slightly ajar for the last 20–30 minutes of cooking to allow some liquid to evaporate. For a thinner consistency, stir in a splash more chicken broth or milk until it’s just right for you.
Final Thoughts
If you’re ready for a creamy, dreamy comfort meal that’s as easy as it is satisfying, you owe it to yourself to try Crockpot Angel Chicken. It’s a true family favorite in my kitchen, and I’m confident it’ll become one in yours, too. Give it a spot in your dinner rotation and watch it disappear—enjoy every bite!
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Crockpot Angel Chicken Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 hours
- Total Time: 4 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Crockpot Angel Chicken recipe features tender chicken breasts cooked slowly in a creamy, flavorful Italian-inspired sauce. Combined with soft cream cheese, cream of chicken soup, and a hint of white wine, this dish is served over delicate angel hair pasta for a comforting and easy family dinner perfect for busy days.
Ingredients
Chicken and Sauce
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 packet (0.7 ounces) dry Italian dressing mix
- 1 can (10.5 ounces) cream of chicken soup
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened and cubed
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/4 cup dry white wine (optional)
- 1 tablespoon butter
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Pasta and Garnish
- 12 ounces angel hair pasta, cooked according to package directions
- Chopped parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the creamy sauce: In a microwave-safe bowl or saucepan over low heat, combine the cream of chicken soup, softened cream cheese, chicken broth, dry white wine (if using), and butter. Stir continuously until the mixture is smooth and well combined, ensuring the cream cheese melts thoroughly without lumps.
- Season and layer chicken: Place the boneless, skinless chicken breasts in the bottom of the crockpot. Lightly season the chicken with salt and black pepper. Evenly sprinkle the dry Italian dressing mix over the chicken, coating the pieces well.
- Add the sauce and cook: Pour the prepared cream cheese mixture evenly over the chicken breasts in the crockpot. Cover with the lid and cook on low for 4 to 5 hours, or on high for 2 to 3 hours, until the chicken is fully cooked and tender enough to shred easily.
- Shred and coat chicken: Once cooked, shred or slice the chicken directly in the crockpot. Stir well to coat the shredded chicken evenly with the creamy sauce, allowing the flavors to meld.
- Prepare pasta and serve: Cook the angel hair pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Serve the creamy shredded chicken over the cooked angel hair pasta. Garnish with chopped parsley if desired for a fresh, colorful touch.
Notes
- You can substitute cream of mushroom or cream of celery soup for a different flavor profile.
- For a richer, creamier dish, replace the chicken broth with half-and-half.
- If you prefer, omit the white wine for a milder flavor or to keep it alcohol-free.
- Make sure to cook the pasta just before serving to avoid it becoming soggy.
- Leftovers store well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 780mg
- Fat: 26g
- Saturated Fat: 13g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 110mg
