When life gets hectic (aka every weeknight ever), there’s nothing like knowing dinner is quietly cooking itself in the background. That’s where this Creamy Crock Pot Chicken—also known as Angel Chicken—comes in to save the day. Juicy chicken slow-cooked in a velvety Italian cream sauce? Yes, please. Spoon it over pasta, rice, or even mashed potatoes, and you’ve got yourself the ultimate comfort food.
Some families call it Angel Chicken, others call it Chicken Italiano, and honestly, I just call it the dish that never fails to make me happy. The creamy sauce hugs every strand of pasta, and the chicken comes out so tender you barely need a fork. It’s like a cozy hug in food form.
And the best part? This recipe isn’t fussy. It’s one of those Crock Pot Easy Meals 3 Ingredients-style dishes at its core, but elevated with a few extra flavor boosters. In short: dump, stir, set, and let dinner cook while you do literally anything else.
The Story Behind Crock Pot Angel Chicken
This recipe has old-school roots. Back in the day, it popped up in church cookbooks and family binders under names like “Chicken Italiano” or “Creamy Angel Chicken.” Housewives weren’t writing food blogs yet, but they knew how to brand their meals!
It’s a dish that feels nostalgic while still being fresh. Some folks even include it in their Angel Food Recipes section because the creamy sauce pairs so well with light, fluffy sides. It’s versatile, timeless, and honestly one of those recipes that never goes out of style.
What Makes This Recipe So Irresistible?
- Hands-Off Cooking: Toss everything in the crock pot and walk away. It’s truly a Dinner Crock Pot classic.
- Creamy Comfort: The sauce is rich but not heavy, perfect for draping over noodles, potatoes, or rice.
- Crowd Pleaser: This falls into the category of Easy Crockpot Dinners For A Crowd—it scales beautifully.
- Flexible: Whether you want to use breasts, thighs, or even adapt it for Crockpot Recipes With Chicken Tenderloins, it works every time.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- Boneless skinless chicken breasts: Classic, but you can sub thighs if you prefer dark meat.
- Cream of chicken soup: Shortcut creamy base. You can go homemade if you’re feeling fancy.
- Cream cheese: For that luscious, tangy richness.
- Butter: Adds depth and richness. (Pro tip: use unsalted so you control the salt levels.)
- Garlic: Fresh cloves always beat the jarred stuff IMO.
- Chicken broth: Low-sodium is your best bet.
- Dry Italian Salad Dressing Mix: The little packet of magic that ties it all together.
- Salt and pepper: Adjust to taste.
- Pasta: Angel hair is traditional, but you can go rogue with penne, linguine, or even bow ties.
How To Make Creamy Crock Pot Chicken
- Season & (Optional) Sear: Sprinkle salt and pepper on the chicken. For extra flavor, sear it in a hot skillet until golden. Don’t want the hassle? Skip this step and drop it straight in the crock pot.
- Mix the Sauce: Whisk together cream cheese, butter, cream of chicken soup, garlic, broth, and Italian seasoning mix until smooth.
- Slow Cook: Place chicken in the crock pot and pour the sauce over top. Cook on low for 2.5–3 hours until juicy and tender.
- Cook Pasta: While the chicken finishes, boil your angel hair (or whatever pasta you’re into).
- Serve & Enjoy: Plate the pasta, spoon sauce over, add chicken on top, and shower it with Parmesan and parsley.
Pro Tips for the Best Outcome
- Shred or Slice? Keep the chicken breasts whole for a neat presentation, or shred them right into the sauce for extra flavor distribution.
- Short on Time? Skip the searing and just let the crock pot do all the work. (It’ll still taste amazing.)
- Scaling Down: Cooking for two? Try this in a smaller crock—yes, there are 2 Quart Crock Pot Recipes Chicken friendly versions.
- Cheese Boost: Stir in a handful of mozzarella at the end if you want extra gooeyness.
Variations to Try
- Swap the Protein: Use Crock Pot Chicken Tenders Recipes if you prefer a lighter texture.
- Veggie Power: Add mushrooms, spinach, or sun-dried tomatoes for a flavor twist.
- Summer Vibes: Serve over zucchini noodles or light rice pilaf to turn this into one of your Easy Summer Meals Crockpot style.
- Hearty Style: Pair with garlic bread and a crisp salad for those Out Of The Norm Dinner Ideas that surprise and delight.
Best Way to Serve
This dish is the definition of flexibility. You can:
- Toss the pasta directly in the crock pot sauce for extra flavor.
- Plate the pasta first, then top with chicken and drizzle that luscious sauce.
- Skip pasta altogether and serve over rice, potatoes, or even roasted veggies.
And don’t forget the Sides To Go With Dinner—a simple green salad or garlic bread balances out all the creamy richness.
Quick Tips for Storage & Leftovers
- Fridge: Store in an airtight container for 3–4 days.
- Freezer: Not my first choice (the dairy can split), but technically good for up to 3 months.
- Reheat: Low and slow on the stovetop with a splash of milk or broth.
FAQs About Crock Pot Angel Chicken
Do I have to sear the chicken first?
Nope! It adds flavor and color, but if you’re pressed for time, skip it. Just extend the cooking time to about 6 hours on low.
Can I use a different pasta?
Absolutely. Long pastas like spaghetti or linguine work, but short shapes like penne or bow ties catch the sauce beautifully.
How spicy is this?
Not at all. But if you like heat, toss in red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne.
What if I only have chicken tenderloins?
Go for it! This fits perfectly under Crockpot Recipes With Chicken Tenderloins, and they cook a little faster, so check around the 2-hour mark.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for Easy Meals For Dinner Beef, well, this isn’t it (wink). But if you’re craving chicken that’s creamy, cozy, and basically effortless, this is a recipe you’ll come back to again and again.
It’s perfect for family dinners, but also works as one of those Beef Dinner Ideas For 2—just, you know, swap the beef for chicken and enjoy a romantic pasta night without breaking a sweat.
This recipe sits right at the sweet spot of Cheesy Supper Ideas, Delallo Recipes-style comfort, and downright Super Yummy Dinner Ideas. Honestly, you’ll feel like you pulled off one of those Manly Meals Dinners—hearty, filling, and bold—but without the kitchen chaos.
So grab that crock pot, toss in your ingredients, and let it do the heavy lifting. Dinner’s ready, and it’s about to become your new weeknight BFF.
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Creamy Crock Pot Chicken | Easy Crockpot Dinners For A Crowd & Family Favorites
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 3 hours
- Total Time: 3 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Dinner
Description
This Crock Pot Angel Chicken is pure comfort in a bowl. Juicy chicken breasts simmer slowly in a velvety, Italian-inspired cream sauce, then get piled high over tender angel hair pasta. It’s a dish that tastes like you fussed for hours, but your slow cooker does almost all the work.
Ingredients
- 1–2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1 ½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 2 large pieces)
- 4 ounces (½ block) cream cheese, softened
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
- 1 (10.5 oz) can cream of chicken soup (use low- or no-sodium if needed)
- 3 cloves garlic, finely minced
- ¾ cup chicken broth (low- or no-sodium recommended)
- 1 (0.7 oz) packet Good Seasons Italian Salad Dressing Mix (or your favorite brand)
- 16 oz box of angel hair pasta
- Optional garnishes: chopped fresh parsley, cracked pepper, grated Parmesan
Instructions
- Prep and Sear the Chicken
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high and drizzle in the vegetable oil. Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper on both sides. Once the pan is hot, add the chicken and sear for 2–3 minutes per side, just until golden brown. Remove from the pan.
- Make the Sauce
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together the softened cream cheese and butter until smooth. Stir in the cream of chicken soup, minced garlic, chicken broth, and Italian seasoning mix until fully blended.
- Slow Cook
- Lightly coat the inside of your crock pot with cooking spray. Lay the seared chicken breasts in the bottom, then pour the creamy sauce mixture on top. Cover and cook on low for 3–4 hours, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. For ultra-tender results, longer is fine—just note the chicken may start to fall apart.
- Pro tip: Always check for doneness with a thermometer, not just by time. Crock pots vary widely in heat, and chicken breast size makes a big difference too.
- Cook the Pasta
- Near the end of the cook time, prepare the angel hair pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain well.
- Serve It Up, Decide how you want to present your dish:
- Leave the chicken breasts whole and serve them over pasta with sauce spooned on top.
- Shred the chicken into the sauce, then toss with the pasta before plating.
- Finish with parsley, Parmesan, or a sprinkle of black pepper if you’d like.
Notes
- If you’re watching sodium, opt for no-salt-added cream of chicken soup and broth, then season to taste later.
- Cooking on high isn’t recommended because the chicken won’t be as tender. If you need to speed things up, cook on high for 1.5–2 hours, checking internal temperature for doneness. Just know it may not have that “fall-apart” texture.
- Leftovers can be stored in the fridge in an airtight container for 3–4 days.
Nutrition
- Calories: 840 kcal
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 1833 mg
- Fat: 23 g
- Carbohydrates: 96 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 58 g