Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This dish is a lifesaver for busy families and anyone who loves hearty, flavorful meals with minimal effort. It's made with simple pantry ingredients, requires almost no prep, and simmers to perfection while you go about your day. The creamy sauce, seasoned with Italian dressing mix and garlic, clings to the chicken and pasta beautifully, making every bite a cozy treat.
Ingredients
(Tip: You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
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1.5 pounds chicken breast, boneless and skinless
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3 cloves garlic, chopped or left whole
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10.5 ounces cream of chicken soup
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¾ cup chicken stock
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4 ounces cream cheese
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¼ cup butter
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0.6 ounces Italian dressing mix (dry powder)
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1 pound angel hair pasta
Directions
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Spray the inside of your crockpot with nonstick cooking spray.
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Place the chicken breasts and garlic into the crockpot.
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Soften the butter and cream cheese in the microwave and whisk until smooth.
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Add the cream of chicken soup, Italian dressing mix, and chicken stock to the mixture. Whisk until well combined.
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Pour the sauce over the chicken breasts in the crockpot.
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Cover and cook on low for 6 to 8 hours.
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(Optional) About 30 minutes before cooking is complete, shred the chicken with two forks and stir it back into the sauce.
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Just before the chicken is done, cook the angel hair pasta according to package instructions. Drain well.
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Serve the creamy chicken mixture over the pasta and enjoy.
Servings and timing
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Servings: 6
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Prep Time: 5 minutes
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Cook Time: 8 hours
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Total Time: 8 hours 5 minutes
Variations
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Spicy Kick: Add red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the sauce for a bit of heat.
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Veggie Boost: Stir in spinach or steamed broccoli before serving for added nutrition and color.
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Mushroom Twist: Mix in sautéed mushrooms for an earthy flavor that pairs beautifully with the creamy sauce.
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Cheesy Upgrade: Sprinkle shredded mozzarella or Parmesan cheese over the chicken just before serving.
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Low-Carb Option: Serve over zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice instead of pasta.
Storage/Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. This dish does not freeze well due to the dairy content, which can separate when thawed.
To reheat, warm on the stovetop over low heat or microwave in short bursts, stirring often. Add a splash of chicken broth if the sauce becomes too thick.
FAQs
What can I substitute for cream of chicken soup?
You can use homemade cream of chicken soup or substitute with cream of mushroom or cream of celery soup for a different flavor.
Can I use frozen chicken breasts?
Yes, but it’s recommended to thaw them first for even cooking and food safety.
Is it okay to cook this on high for a shorter time?
You can cook on high for 3–4 hours, but low and slow yields more tender, flavorful chicken.
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Absolutely. Fettuccine, spaghetti, or egg noodles work well too—just cook according to package instructions.
Can I add vegetables to the crockpot?
Yes, but add softer vegetables like spinach near the end. Harder veggies like carrots can go in at the beginning.
What’s the purpose of the Italian dressing mix?
It adds a tangy, herbaceous flavor that enhances the creamy sauce and gives the dish its signature taste.
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes, boneless, skinless chicken thighs work great and may even be more flavorful and tender.
How can I make this recipe lighter?
Use low-fat cream cheese, reduced-sodium chicken soup, and serve over whole wheat or veggie noodles.
Why is it called "Angel Chicken"?
It’s traditionally served over angel hair pasta, and its creamy, comforting nature gives it a heavenly reputation.
What if my sauce is too thick?
Add a bit of chicken broth or milk to thin it out to your desired consistency when reheating or serving.
Conclusion
Crock Pot Angel Chicken is proof that a rich, comforting meal doesn't have to take hours of active cooking. With just a handful of ingredients and a few minutes of prep, you can serve up a creamy, satisfying dinner that your family will request again and again. Whether it's a busy weeknight or a cozy weekend, this recipe brings warmth and ease to your table.
Crock Pot Angel Chicken
Crock Pot Angel Chicken is a creamy, comforting slow-cooked meal made with tender chicken, a rich cheesy sauce, and served over angel hair pasta. It's an easy, vintage-inspired recipe perfect for busy weeknights.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 hours
- Total Time: 8 hours 5 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Salt
Ingredients
1.5 pounds chicken breast, boneless and skinless
3 cloves garlic, chopped or left whole
10.5 ounces cream of chicken soup
¾ cup chicken stock
4 ounces cream cheese
¼ cup butter
0.6 ounces Italian dressing mix (dry powder)
1 pound angel hair pasta
Instructions
- Spray the inside of your crockpot with nonstick cooking spray.
- Place the chicken breasts and garlic into the crockpot.
- Soften the butter and cream cheese in the microwave and whisk until smooth.
- Add the cream of chicken soup, Italian dressing mix, and chicken stock to the mixture. Whisk until well combined.
- Pour the sauce over the chicken breasts in the crockpot.
- Cover and cook on low for 6 to 8 hours.
- About 30 minutes before cooking is complete, shred the chicken with two forks and stir it back into the sauce (optional).
- Just before the chicken is done, cook the angel hair pasta according to package instructions. Drain well.
- Serve the creamy chicken mixture over the pasta and enjoy.
Notes
- Add red pepper flakes or cayenne for a spicy kick.
- Stir in spinach or steamed broccoli for added veggies.
- Include sautéed mushrooms for an earthy flavor.
- Top with shredded mozzarella or Parmesan cheese for a cheesy upgrade.
- Swap pasta for zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice for a low-carb option.
- Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Reheat gently with a splash of chicken broth if needed.
- Not suitable for freezing due to dairy separation.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: ⅙ of recipe
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 720mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 11g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 43g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 34g
- Cholesterol: 110mg
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