If you’re on the lookout for a comforting, effortlessly delicious meal that practically cooks itself, the Crock Pot Angel Chicken Recipe is your new best friend. This creamy, flavorful dish combines tender chicken breasts with a luscious sauce made from cream cheese, golden mushroom soup, and Italian dressing mix, all slow-cooked to perfection. The addition of angel hair pasta makes it a complete meal that’s as elegant as it is simple. Whether you’re feeding a busy family or preparing for a cozy night in, this recipe promises to deliver warmth, flavor, and smiles with every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
As with many slow-cooker dishes, this recipe relies on a handful of straightforward ingredients that work in harmony to create deep flavors and comforting textures. Each component brings something special — from the rich cream cheese that adds creaminess to the Italian dressing mix that spices things up just right.
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts: The hearty protein base for a tender, juicy finish.
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened: Creates a rich, velvety sauce that clings to every bite.
- 1 packet (0.7 oz) dry Italian dressing mix: Adds a vibrant blend of herbs and spices, enhancing the overall flavor.
- 1 can (10.5 oz) golden mushroom soup: Offers earthy mushroom notes and creamy body to the sauce.
- 1/2 cup chicken broth: Keeps the sauce light and helps thin the cream cheese for smoothness.
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter: Adds a touch of richness and helps meld the sauce ingredients together perfectly.
- 8 oz angel hair pasta: Delicate pasta that soaks up all the savory sauce beautifully.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential seasoning to balance and brighten the dish.
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional): A fresh, colorful garnish that adds a delighted pop of green.
- 1/4 cup white wine (optional): Elevates the sauce with a subtle tang and depth, but can be skipped without losing the magic.
How to Make Crock Pot Angel Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Begin by placing the chicken breasts evenly in the bottom of your crock pot. This creates a sturdy foundation for the rich sauce to infuse the meat with incredible flavor as it cooks low and slow.
Step 2: Make the Creamy Sauce
In a small saucepan set over low heat, gently melt the butter. Once melted, stir in the softened cream cheese until smooth. Add in the dry Italian dressing mix, golden mushroom soup, chicken broth, and white wine if using. Stir continuously until the mixture is well combined and silky.
Step 3: Combine and Cook
Pour the creamy sauce over the chicken, making sure every piece is generously coated. Cover the crock pot and cook on low for 5 to 6 hours or on high for 3 to 4 hours. The chicken will come out tender and infused with the luscious flavors of the sauce.
Step 4: Prepare the Pasta
About 15 minutes before the chicken is ready, cook the angel hair pasta according to the package instructions. Drain it well and set aside, ready to serve as the perfect bed for your chicken and sauce.
Step 5: Final Touches
When the chicken is fully cooked, you can choose to shred it for a more casual, rustic feel or leave the breasts whole for a presentation that’s a little more refined. Stir the sauce gently to bring everything together.
How to Serve Crock Pot Angel Chicken Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh parsley adds a burst of color and a lovely fresh aroma that brightens the dish visually and taste-wise. It’s a simple step that makes your home-cooked meal look restaurant-worthy.
Side Dishes
This creamy chicken pairs beautifully with crisp steamed vegetables or a fresh green salad to balance out the richness. Roasted asparagus or a tangy coleslaw can also add wonderful texture contrasts and flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
For an extra special touch, try serving the chicken and sauce over sautéed mushrooms or creamy mashed potatoes instead of pasta. You could also layer the chicken and sauce inside a warm pita or over a bed of spinach for a lighter twist. The Crock Pot Angel Chicken Recipe is versatile, so let your imagination play!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, pack leftover chicken and sauce into airtight containers and refrigerate. They’ll stay fresh for up to 3 to 4 days, making it easy to enjoy this dish again without any extra cooking.
Freezing
You can freeze the cooked chicken and sauce for up to 2 months. Store in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags, and be sure to label with the date. When ready to eat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight for best results.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently in a saucepan over low heat or in the microwave, stirring occasionally until warmed through. Adding a splash of chicken broth or water can help loosen the sauce if it has thickened during storage.
FAQs
Can I use other types of pasta instead of angel hair?
Absolutely! While angel hair is perfect for soaking up the sauce, feel free to swap in fettuccine, penne, or even rice noodles depending on what you have on hand or your personal preference.
Is it necessary to use white wine in the recipe?
The white wine adds a lovely depth and subtle acidity, but it’s completely optional. If you prefer to skip it, just add a little extra chicken broth instead—you won’t lose the creamy, comforting essence of this dish.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! Just be sure to use gluten-free pasta and check that the dry Italian dressing mix and golden mushroom soup don’t contain gluten. Many brands offer gluten-free options that work perfectly.
Can I double the recipe for a larger crowd?
Definitely! Just keep your crock pot size in mind. You might need to cook for a bit longer on low to ensure the chicken cooks through evenly if you increase the quantity.
What if I don’t have a crock pot?
You can simmer the sauce and chicken gently on the stovetop over low heat, covered, until the chicken is cooked through (about 45 minutes to 1 hour). Just watch to make sure the sauce doesn’t scorch and add more broth if it gets too thick.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly magical about coming home to a slow-cooked meal that’s bursting with creamy, savory goodness, and the Crock Pot Angel Chicken Recipe is one of those gems. It’s comforting yet elegant, simple to prepare yet impressive to serve. Give it a try—you might just find yourself making it again and again for those days when you want a hug on a plate.
Print
Crock Pot Angel Chicken Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours
- Total Time: 6 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Crock Pot Angel Chicken recipe combines tender, slow-cooked chicken breasts with a creamy, flavorful sauce made from cream cheese, Italian dressing mix, golden mushroom soup, and a splash of white wine. Served over delicate angel hair pasta and garnished with fresh parsley, it’s a comforting and effortless meal perfect for busy days.
Ingredients
Chicken and Sauce
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 packet (0.7 oz) dry Italian dressing mix
- 1 can (10.5 oz) golden mushroom soup
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup white wine (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Pasta
- 8 oz angel hair pasta
Garnish
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Place the boneless, skinless chicken breasts in the bottom of the crock pot, ensuring they are evenly spread out for even cooking.
- Make the Creamy Sauce: In a saucepan over low heat, melt the unsalted butter. Stir in the softened cream cheese until smooth, then add the dry Italian dressing mix, golden mushroom soup, chicken broth, and optional white wine. Stir continuously until the mixture is well combined and creamy.
- Combine Sauce and Chicken: Pour the creamy sauce over the chicken breasts in the crock pot, ensuring all pieces are thoroughly coated with the sauce.
- Cook the Chicken: Cover the crock pot and cook on low for 5 to 6 hours or on high for 3 to 4 hours, until the chicken is tender and fully cooked through.
- Cook the Angel Hair Pasta: About 15 minutes before the chicken is done, cook the angel hair pasta according to the package directions. Once cooked, drain and set aside.
- Finish the Dish: When the chicken is fully cooked, either shred it or leave the breasts whole according to your preference. Stir the sauce in the crock pot to combine all flavors.
- Serve: Plate the angel hair pasta and top it with the cooked chicken and sauce from the crock pot. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley if desired, and season with additional salt and pepper to taste.
Notes
- If you prefer a thicker sauce, you can remove the chicken once cooked and simmer the sauce on the stovetop to reduce it slightly.
- White wine is optional but adds depth of flavor; substitute with extra chicken broth if preferred.
- Leftover chicken and sauce can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- For a low-fat version, use reduced-fat cream cheese and low-sodium soup and broth options.
- Adding a side of steamed vegetables makes this meal more balanced and nutritious.
