Creamy Crock Pot Angel Chicken Recipe

If you’re looking for a comfort food recipe that’s effortless and utterly delicious, you’re going to adore this Creamy Crock Pot Angel Chicken Recipe. I absolutely love how this dish comes together in the slow cooker, turning simple ingredients into something rich, flavorful, and creamy with minimal hands-on time. Whether you’re a busy weeknight cook or just want to come home to a warm, inviting meal, this recipe is a total game-changer.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Hands-Off Slow Cooker Magic: Just sear the chicken, mix the sauce, and let your crock pot do the rest while you relax or tackle other things.
  • Rich, Creamy Comfort: The blend of cream cheese, butter, and cream of chicken soup makes a silky sauce that’s anything but boring.
  • Super Versatile Serving Options: You can serve the chicken whole or shredded, tossed with angel hair pasta or spooned on top – whichever you prefer.
  • Family-Friendly and Crowd-Pleasing: My family goes crazy for this one – it’s simple, flavorful, and perfect for busy weeks or special gatherings.

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients might seem familiar, but they combine to create a wonderfully creamy sauce that’s full of flavor and easy on your prep time. Here’s what to remember when shopping – quality cream cheese and fresh garlic really make a difference!

Flat lay of boneless skinless chicken breasts, a small block of cream cheese, a few tablespoons of unsalted butter, three peeled garlic cloves, a small white bowl of cream of chicken soup, a small white bowl of chicken broth, a small white bowl with Italian dry seasoning mix, a drizzle of vegetable oil in a small white bowl, a pile of uncooked angel hair pasta nest, fresh chopped parsley sprigs, cracked black peppercorns scattered artfully, and a small mound of grated Parmesan cheese all arranged symmetrically on simple white ceramic dishes and bowls, placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997 - Creamy Crock Pot Angel Chicken, slow cooker chicken recipes, easy creamy chicken dish, comfort food chicken dinner, effortless crock pot recipes
  • Vegetable oil: For searing the chicken to lock in juices and add golden color.
  • Salt and pepper: Simple seasonings that bring out the natural flavors.
  • Boneless, skinless chicken breasts: Choose plump, even pieces so they cook uniformly in the crock pot.
  • Cream cheese: Softened to room temperature for easy whisking – I always leave it out about 30 minutes before starting.
  • Unsalted butter: Also softened; imparts richness without adding extra saltiness.
  • Cream of chicken soup: A shortcut for creamy texture—opt for low- or no-sodium versions if you want to control salt.
  • Garlic: Fresh minced garlic adds a bright, savory note that canned soup can’t provide alone.
  • Chicken broth: Use low- or no-sodium broth to balance the salt from the soup and seasoning mix.
  • Italian salad dressing mix: This dry packet is a secret weapon – it infuses the sauce with herbs and a tangy depth.
  • Angel hair pasta: Perfect for soaking up that luscious sauce without overwhelming the chicken.
  • Fresh parsley, cracked pepper, Parmesan cheese (optional): These garnishes bring fresh color and flavor pops to your finished plate.
Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

This Creamy Crock Pot Angel Chicken Recipe is wonderfully flexible, and I like to tweak it depending on what I have in the pantry or who I’m cooking for. Don’t be shy about making it your own!

  • Variation: For a lower-carb option, swap angel hair pasta with zucchini noodles or spaghetti squash – I’ve done this, and it still hits that creamy comfort spot without the extra carbs.
  • Variation: If you want it cheesier, stirring in some shredded mozzarella or cheddar before serving adds a gooey twist that the family loved on game day.
  • Variation: For a little heat, I sometimes toss in crushed red pepper flakes or a splash of hot sauce to the sauce mixture; it wakes up the flavors beautifully without overpowering the creaminess.
  • Variation: Use chicken thighs instead of breasts if you prefer meat that stays juicier and a touch more tender after slow cooking.

How to Make Creamy Crock Pot Angel Chicken Recipe

Step 1: Sear the Chicken to Lock in Juices and Flavor

First things first: heating your pan until it’s hot before adding oil is key. I find using a cast iron skillet gives you that perfect sear. Once the oil shimmers, season your chicken breasts with a good sprinkle of salt and pepper on both sides. Sear each breast for about 2–3 minutes per side until they’re beautifully golden brown — this little step makes all the difference in flavor and texture later. Don’t skip this even though you’re using a crock pot!

Step 2: Whisk Together Your Dreamy Creamy Sauce

While the chicken rests, combine the cream cheese and butter in a medium bowl. I like to make sure both are softened to room temperature for a silky smooth whisk. Then, add in cream of chicken soup, freshly minced garlic, chicken broth, and the Italian salad dressing mix. Whisk it all until it’s nice and smooth – this is the heart and soul of your creamy sauce, so take your time to get it just right.

Step 3: Layer and Slow Cook to Perfection

Give your crock pot a quick spray with non-stick spray to make clean-up a breeze. Nestle the seared chicken breasts in the bottom, then pour the luscious soup mixture over the top. Set it on low and let it work its magic for 3 to 4 hours. I usually check the internal temperature around 3 hours — 165°F is where you want to be for safe, juicy chicken. Depending on your crock pot and chicken size, times can vary, so it’s worth using a digital thermometer for best results. If you’re like me and love super tender meat, feel free to cook it longer, but keep in mind the chicken might start falling apart.

Step 4: Prepare the Pasta Just Before Serving

About 10 minutes before the chicken is ready, cook your angel hair pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain it well — you want those delicate strands to soak up just the right amount of sauce without getting mushy.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

You’ve got options here: serve the chicken breasts whole with sauce spooned over the angel hair, or shred the chicken right in the crock pot and toss everything together for an easy, saucy pasta dish. Don’t forget to sprinkle fresh parsley, cracked pepper, or some grated Parmesan cheese on top — it really brightens and finishes the dish beautifully.

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Pro Tips for Making Creamy Crock Pot Angel Chicken Recipe

  • Room Temperature Cream Cheese: Taking cream cheese and butter out early makes whisking easier and ensures a silky sauce without lumps.
  • Watch Your Crock Pot Temperature: Crock pots vary widely, so always measure the chicken’s internal temp instead of going solely by time to avoid under- or overcooking.
  • Sear for Flavor: Don’t skip searing the chicken first, it adds caramelized flavor that lifts the whole dish.
  • Pour Sauce Over, Don’t Stir: Pour the sauce carefully over the chicken without stirring — this helps keep the chicken breasts intact if you want them whole.

How to Serve Creamy Crock Pot Angel Chicken Recipe

Creamy Crock Pot Angel Chicken Recipe - Serving

Garnishes

Hands down, I love topping this dish with fresh chopped parsley. It adds a fresh pop of color and light herbal brightness that balances the creamy sauce. A bit of coarsely cracked black pepper adds some delightful warmth, and a sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan gives it that classic Italian finish that always gets “oohs” at the table.

Side Dishes

This creamy dish pairs beautifully with simple sides like steamed green beans, roasted broccoli, or a crisp garden salad. I especially like serving it alongside a loaf of crusty garlic bread—perfect for soaking up any leftover sauce on the plate.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I’ve plated this recipe in shallow bowls with the shredded chicken and sauce tossed right into the pasta, then topped with a sprinkle of fresh herbs and a drizzle of high-quality olive oil. It looks effortless but feels elegant—perfect when you want to impress without a fuss!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The sauce thickens as it chills, so when you’re ready to eat, add a splash of chicken broth or milk to loosen it back up while reheating.

Freezing

This recipe freezes beautifully. After cooking, let everything cool completely, then portion into freezer-safe containers. It keeps up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating, and consider adding fresh herbs when serving since frozen herbs tend to lose potency.

Reheating

My favorite way to reheat leftover Creamy Crock Pot Angel Chicken is in a skillet over medium-low heat, stirring gently and adding a bit of broth or water to loosen the sauce. This keeps the chicken tender and prevents the sauce from drying out—for microwave fans, cover loosely and heat in short bursts, stirring in between.

FAQs

  1. Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts in this recipe?

    Absolutely! Chicken thighs tend to stay juicier and more tender when slow cooked, so they’re a great swap if you prefer darker meat. Just note that thighs might finish cooking a bit faster depending on size, so keep an eye on the internal temperature to ensure they don’t overcook.

  2. Is Creamy Crock Pot Angel Chicken Recipe suitable for meal prep?

    Yes, it’s perfect for meal prep! You can make a big batch, store it in individual containers, and heat portions throughout the week. Just keep pasta separate until serving for best texture, or add fresh pasta during reheating.

  3. What if I don’t have Italian salad dressing mix?

    If you don’t have Italian salad dressing mix, no worries! You can substitute with a blend of dried Italian herbs (like oregano, basil, thyme) plus a bit of garlic powder and onion powder to replicate those flavors. Adjust to taste.

  4. Can I skip searing the chicken?

    While you can skip searing, I really recommend it because it locks in flavor and creates a nice crust on the chicken. It also adds a lovely color and a deeper taste to the dish. If pressed for time, you can, but your results might be less rich.

  5. How do I prevent the chicken from falling apart in the crock pot?

    Cooking on low heat for the minimum recommended time (3 hours) and checking the internal temperature regularly helps prevent the chicken from shredding. Also, avoid stirring the sauce with the chicken inside. If you want shredded chicken, simply cook longer or shred after cooking.

Final Thoughts

This Creamy Crock Pot Angel Chicken Recipe has been a go-to in my house for years because it turns busy nights into cozy, comforting meals with very little fuss. I love how creamy and satisfying it is without feeling heavy, and the fact that I can mostly set it and forget it means it fits right into my hectic life. You’re going to enjoy how simple it is and how much your family will ask for seconds — definitely share this one with your friends because it’s that good!

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Creamy Crock Pot Angel Chicken Recipe

Creamy Crock Pot Angel Chicken Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.7 from 65 reviews
  • Author: Hannah
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 3 hours
  • Total Time: 3 hours 10 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Slow Cooking
  • Cuisine: American

Description

Crock Pot Angel Chicken is a creamy, comforting dish featuring tender seared chicken breasts slow-cooked in a rich cream cheese and cream of chicken soup sauce, flavored with garlic and Italian seasoning. Served over delicate angel hair pasta, this easy crock pot recipe makes a perfect weeknight dinner with minimal prep and maximum flavor.


Ingredients

Scale

Chicken and Searing

  • 12 Tablespoons vegetable oil
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 2 large chicken breasts)

Creamy Sauce

  • 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 (low or no sodium recommended if sensitive to salt)
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • ¾ cup chicken broth (low or no sodium recommended if sensitive to salt)
  • 1 (0.7 ounce) packet Good Seasons Dry Italian Salad Dressing Mix (or your favorite Italian dressing mix)

Pasta and Garnish

  • 16 ounce box angel hair pasta
  • Chopped fresh parsley (optional)
  • Cracked black pepper (optional)
  • Grated Parmesan cheese (optional)

Instructions

  1. Prepare and Sear Chicken: Heat a cast iron skillet over medium-high heat and add 1-2 tablespoons vegetable oil, swirling to coat the pan. Season chicken breasts on both sides with salt and pepper. When the pan is hot, sear the chicken breasts for 2-3 minutes on each side until golden brown. Remove from heat and set aside.
  2. Make Creamy Sauce: In a medium bowl, whisk together softened cream cheese and unsalted butter until smooth. Add cream of chicken soup, minced garlic, chicken broth, and Italian dressing mix. Whisk until fully combined to create a creamy, flavorful sauce.
  3. Assemble in Crock Pot: Spray the inside of the crock pot with non-stick cooking spray. Place the seared chicken breasts in the bottom of the crock pot and pour the creamy sauce mixture evenly over the chicken.
  4. Slow Cook: Cover and cook on low heat for 3 to 4 hours, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. Longer cooking will make the chicken more tender and may cause it to fall apart; use a meat thermometer to check doneness.
  5. Cook Pasta: Shortly before serving, prepare the angel hair pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain thoroughly.
  6. Serve: Serve the chicken whole or shredded. You can toss the cooked pasta directly in the sauce in the crock pot or spoon the chicken and sauce over individual servings of pasta. Optionally, garnish with fresh parsley, cracked pepper, and grated Parmesan cheese for added flavor and presentation.

Notes

  • Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken is cooked safely to 165°F; crock pot temperatures can vary and chicken breast sizes affect cooking time.
  • For a lower sodium version, choose low or no sodium cream of chicken soup and chicken broth.
  • If you prefer, you can shred the chicken to mix more thoroughly with the sauce and pasta.
  • Cast iron skillet searing adds flavor but can be substituted with any oven-safe or stovetop pan.
  • Non-stick spray in the crock pot helps prevent sticking and makes cleanup easier.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving (approximate)
  • Calories: 520 kcal
  • Sugar: 3 g
  • Sodium: 650 mg
  • Fat: 30 g
  • Saturated Fat: 15 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 13 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 35 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 38 g
  • Cholesterol: 110 mg

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