Introduction

Crock Pot Angel Chicken is a creamy, comforting dish that’s perfect for busy days when you want a delicious meal with minimal effort. Tender chicken breasts simmered in a flavorful sauce pair beautifully with delicate angel hair pasta. This recipe is simple to prepare and offers a satisfying homemade dinner.

The image shows a close-up of a creamy pasta dish with three main layers: the bottom layer is light yellow spaghetti noodles, tangled and soft; on top of that is a thick, smooth, pale cream sauce spread evenly across the noodles; the third layer is a golden-brown cooked chicken breast, partially covered with the cream sauce and sprinkled with small green parsley leaves and black pepper flakes. A silver fork lifts a small twisted nest of pasta coated in the creamy sauce near the bottom right, and the whole dish rests on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

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 (recommend low or no sodium if sensitive to salt)
3 cloves garlic, minced
¾ cup chicken broth (recommend low or no sodium if sensitive to salt)
1 (0.7 ounce) packet Good Seasons Dry Italian Salad Dressing Mix (or your favorite mix)
16 ounce box angel hair pasta
Chopped fresh parsley, cracked pepper, and/or grated Parmesan cheese (optional for serving)

Instructions

Step 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.
Step 2: When the pan is hot, add the chicken breasts and sear each side for 2-3 minutes until golden brown. Remove from heat.
Step 3: In a medium bowl, whisk together the softened cream cheese and unsalted butter until smooth.
Step 4: Add the cream of chicken soup, minced garlic, chicken broth, and Italian dressing mix to the bowl. Whisk until fully combined.
Step 5: Spray the inside of a crock pot with non-stick cooking spray. Place the seared chicken breasts in the bottom of the pot.
Step 6: Pour the soup mixture over the chicken. Cover and cook on low for 3-4 hours or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F. For more tender, shreddable chicken, cook longer but monitor closely.
Step 7: Shortly before serving, cook the angel hair pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain well.
Step 8: Serve the chicken whole or shredded. You can toss the pasta in the sauce or spoon the chicken and sauce over the pasta for each serving.
Step 9: Optionally, top with chopped fresh parsley, cracked pepper, and/or grated Parmesan cheese.

Tips & Variations

For a lower sodium version, use low or no sodium cream of chicken soup and chicken broth.
If you prefer a thicker sauce, remove the chicken breasts and cook the sauce on high in the crock pot for 15-20 minutes with the lid off before serving.
Substitute the Italian dressing mix for your favorite seasoning blend to customize the flavor.
Try adding a handful of spinach or sun-dried tomatoes to the slow cooker for extra color and nutrition.

Storage

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave until warmed through. The chicken may become more tender after storage, and the sauce can be thinned with a little chicken broth if it thickens too much.

How to Serve

A white plate filled with thin yellow spaghetti noodles forming a loose nest shape as the first layer. The second layer is creamy white sauce coated generously over chicken pieces that are light beige with a slightly browned texture. Small green parsley flakes are sprinkled on top, along with a dusting of black pepper. A silver fork is poking into the right side of the noodles, lifting some strands covered with sauce. The scene is set on a white marbled surface with a metal grater and small yellow chunks of cheese in the background. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?

Yes, boneless skinless chicken thighs can be used. They may require slightly longer cooking time and will yield a richer flavor due to higher fat content.

Is it necessary to sear the chicken before slow cooking?

Searing is not strictly necessary, but it adds a wonderful depth of flavor and appealing color to the chicken. If you’re short on time, you can skip this step, though the dish may be less rich.