There’s nothing quite like a comforting, creamy, and flavorful meal waiting for you at the end of a busy day. This Crockpot Angel Chicken is the ultimate weeknight dinner solution, combining tender chicken, savory seasonings, and a velvety sauce served over angel hair pasta. It’s simple to prepare, yet tastes like something you’d find in a fancy restaurant.
Perfect for family dinners or meal prep, this dish will quickly become a favorite in your household. The crockpot does all the hard work, leaving you with juicy, flavorful chicken and a creamy sauce that pairs beautifully with pasta.
Why You’ll Love Crockpot Angel Chicken
Cooking this dish in a crockpot allows the flavors to meld together beautifully, creating a rich and savory sauce. The chicken is incredibly tender and practically melts in your mouth. Plus, the creamy sauce coats the angel hair pasta perfectly for a dish that’s both hearty and satisfying.
This recipe is also wonderfully versatile. Serve it for a casual family meal, a dinner party, or even a potluck. It’s guaranteed to impress without requiring hours in the kitchen!
Ingredients for Crockpot Angel Chicken
To make this comforting and delicious Crockpot Angel Chicken, you’ll need a mix of pantry staples and fresh ingredients. Each one adds a layer of flavor and texture to create the perfect meal.
- Chicken Breasts – Use boneless, skinless chicken breasts for the best results. They cook tender and juicy in the crockpot, absorbing the creamy sauce flavors.
- Cream Cheese – This forms the base of the creamy sauce, adding richness and tang. Softened cream cheese blends easily into the sauce.
- Cream of Chicken Soup – This adds depth and creaminess to the sauce. You can use a low-sodium version if desired.
- Italian Dressing Mix – A packet of Italian dressing seasoning brings a savory, herby flavor to the dish.
- Butter – Just a few tablespoons add silkiness to the sauce and enhance the overall richness.
- Chicken Broth – Helps thin out the sauce while keeping it flavorful. Use a low-sodium broth for better control of the dish’s saltiness.
- Angel Hair Pasta – This light, delicate pasta is perfect for soaking up the creamy sauce and pairs wonderfully with the tender chicken.
- Fresh Parsley (optional) – A sprinkle of chopped parsley adds a pop of freshness and color to the dish.
How to Make Crockpot Angel Chicken
Creating Crockpot Angel Chicken is as simple as layering ingredients and letting the crockpot work its magic. Follow these easy steps to prepare a meal your family will love:
Step 1: Prepare the Crockpot
Spray the inside of your crockpot with non-stick cooking spray or use a crockpot liner for easy cleanup.
Step 2: Layer the Ingredients
Place the chicken breasts in a single layer at the bottom of the crockpot. In a separate bowl, whisk together the cream cheese, cream of chicken soup, Italian dressing mix, butter, and chicken broth until smooth. Pour this mixture over the chicken, ensuring each piece is well-coated.
Step 3: Cook Low and Slow
Cover the crockpot and cook on low for 4-6 hours or high for 2-3 hours. The chicken should be tender and fully cooked, reaching an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
Step 4: Cook the Pasta
About 15 minutes before the chicken is done, cook the angel hair pasta according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
Step 5: Shred or Serve the Chicken
Once the chicken is cooked, you can leave it whole or shred it into smaller pieces for easier mixing. Stir the sauce well to ensure it’s smooth and creamy.
Step 6: Combine and Serve
Toss the cooked angel hair pasta with the creamy chicken sauce in the crockpot or plate the pasta first and spoon the chicken and sauce over the top. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired, and serve warm.
How Long to Cook Crockpot Angel Chicken
The crockpot makes this dish so convenient, but timing is key to ensuring tender chicken and a rich, creamy sauce. Here’s a breakdown of the cooking times based on your settings:
- Low Setting: Cook for 4-6 hours. This slower cooking method allows the flavors to fully meld together and keeps the chicken juicy.
- High Setting: Cook for 2-3 hours if you’re short on time but still want a delicious result.
Make sure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) before serving. Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness, especially when cooking on high.
How to Store Leftovers
This Crockpot Angel Chicken stores wonderfully, making it perfect for meal prep or next-day leftovers. Follow these tips for storing and reheating:
- Refrigerator: Place any leftover chicken and sauce in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Keep the pasta separate for the best texture.
- Freezer: The chicken and sauce can be frozen for up to 3 months in a freezer-safe container. When reheating, allow it to thaw overnight in the refrigerator for best results.
Tips for Reheating
- On the Stovetop: Warm the chicken and sauce gently in a saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally. If needed, add a splash of chicken broth or milk to loosen the sauce.
- In the Microwave: Reheat individual portions in a microwave-safe dish, covering with a damp paper towel to prevent the sauce from drying out. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring in between.
Tips for Perfect Crockpot Angel Chicken
Here are a few helpful tips to ensure your Crockpot Angel Chicken is perfect every time:
- Use Even-Sized Chicken Breasts: This ensures they cook evenly and stay juicy.
- Soften the Cream Cheese: Let your cream cheese come to room temperature before mixing it into the sauce for a smoother consistency.
- Don’t Overcook: While crockpots are forgiving, leaving chicken in too long can make it dry. Keep an eye on the time and temperature.
- Customize the Seasoning: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little heat or toss in some minced garlic for extra flavor.
- Serve Immediately: For the best flavor and texture, serve the dish right after combining the pasta with the creamy sauce.
Crockpot Angel Chicken
- Total Time: 6 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
This Crockpot Angel Chicken is a creamy, flavorful, and comforting dish that’s perfect for busy weeknights or cozy family dinners. Juicy chicken breasts are slow-cooked in a rich, savory sauce and served over delicate angel hair pasta for a meal that’s both satisfying and simple to prepare.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 8 oz cream cheese (softened)
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
- 1 packet Italian dressing mix
- 3 tbsp butter
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 12 oz angel hair pasta
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Spray the crockpot with non-stick cooking spray or use a liner for easy cleanup.
- Place the chicken breasts in a single layer at the bottom of the crockpot.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the cream cheese, cream of chicken soup, Italian dressing mix, butter, and chicken broth until smooth. Pour the mixture over the chicken, ensuring each piece is coated.
- Cover and cook on low for 4-6 hours or high for 2-3 hours, until the chicken is fully cooked and tender (internal temperature should reach 165°F).
- About 15 minutes before the chicken is done, cook the angel hair pasta according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- Once the chicken is cooked, leave it whole or shred it into smaller pieces. Stir the sauce in the crockpot until smooth.
- Toss the pasta with the sauce and chicken in the crockpot or serve the pasta first and spoon the creamy chicken sauce over the top.
- Garnish with fresh parsley if desired, and serve warm.
Notes
- For extra flavor, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or minced garlic to the sauce mixture.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or freeze the chicken and sauce for up to 3 months.
- Reheat gently on the stovetop or microwave, adding a splash of chicken broth or milk to loosen the sauce if needed.
- If desired, substitute angel hair pasta with fettuccine, spaghetti, or your favorite pasta variety.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours