Experience the ultimate in comfort food with Crock Pot Angel Chicken, a deceptively simple yet profoundly flavorful dinner featuring succulent chicken breast enveloped in a rich, creamy, Italian-inspired sauce, all served over a bed of delicate angel hair pasta. This dish is designed to warm your soul and simplify your busy weeknights.

Crock Pot Angel Chicken: Your Easy Creamy Italian Dinner Solution

There’s nothing quite like a meal that feels both gourmet and effortless, and Crock Pot Angel Chicken perfectly embodies this culinary sweet spot. Known by many names, from “Chicken Italiano” in cherished family cookbooks to simply “Slow Cooker Creamy Chicken,” this recipe has stood the test of time for its irresistible flavor and unparalleled convenience. Imagine tender, juicy chicken slow-cooked to perfection, swimming in a velvety sauce infused with classic Italian herbs. It’s a dish that demands minimal effort but delivers maximum satisfaction, making it an ideal choice for bustling weeknights when time is a luxury, or a cozy weekend gathering where comfort is key.

This beloved recipe allows you to set it and forget it, transforming simple ingredients into a deeply flavorful, belly-warming masterpiece. Its versatility is another major draw – while traditionally served over angel hair pasta, the rich sauce is equally divine spooned over rice, mashed potatoes, or even crusty bread. Get ready to add this no-fuss, intensely flavorful chicken dish to your regular meal rotation!

The Magic of Slow Cooking: Why Your Crock Pot Is Your Best Friend

The beauty of Crock Pot Angel Chicken lies in its slow-cooking method. Utilizing your crock pot not only makes dinner incredibly simple but also enhances the dish in several ways. The low and slow heat breaks down the chicken fibers, resulting in exceptionally tender, fall-apart chicken that practically melts in your mouth. This cooking method also allows the flavors of the creamy sauce to meld and deepen over several hours, creating a more complex and satisfying taste profile that you just can’t achieve with faster cooking methods. Furthermore, a slow cooker frees up your time, letting you tackle other tasks, run errands, or simply relax while dinner cooks itself. It’s the ultimate hands-off cooking experience, making it a staple for busy families and anyone who appreciates hearty, homemade meals without the constant kitchen commitment.

Frequently Asked Questions About This Creamy Chicken Dish

Key Ingredients for Your Creamy Angel Chicken

Crafting the perfect Crock Pot Angel Chicken begins with selecting the right ingredients. Here’s a closer look at what you’ll need, along with tips and potential substitutions to ensure your dish is nothing short of spectacular:

• Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: The star of our dish! Approximately 1.5 pounds (about 2 large breasts) will provide ample servings. For a more economical option or if you prefer dark meat, boneless, skinless chicken thighs can be used, though cooking times might vary slightly. Ensure breasts are uniform in thickness for even cooking.
• Cream of Chicken Soup: This forms the rich, savory base of our sauce. A standard 10.5-ounce can works perfectly. If you’re mindful of sodium intake, I highly recommend opting for low or no-sodium versions. You can also make your own Homemade Cream of Chicken Soup for an even fresher flavor and better control over ingredients. Remember, it’s always easier to add salt later than to remove it!
• Cream Cheese: Essential for that signature velvety texture and tangy richness. You’ll need about 4 ounces (half a block), softened to room temperature for easy whisking. If you forget to set it out in advance, check out these helpful Tips for Softening Cream Cheese Quickly.
• Butter: Adds a layer of richness and helps create that luxurious mouthfeel. Three tablespoons of unsalted butter, softened, are ideal. Using unsalted butter allows you to control the overall saltiness of the dish, preventing it from becoming overly salty, especially if you’re also using canned soup and broth. Need to soften butter fast? These Tips to Soften Butter Faster can help.
• Garlic: Fresh garlic offers an unparalleled aromatic depth. Three cloves, minced, will infuse the sauce with its pungent, savory notes. While jarred minced garlic is a convenient alternative, fresh garlic truly elevates the flavor profile. Use what you have, but prioritize fresh if possible.
• Chicken Broth: Thins out the sauce to a perfect consistency while adding more chicken flavor. ¾ cup of your favorite brand is needed. Similar to the soup, I highly recommend low or no-sodium chicken broth, especially if you are sensitive to salt. For an even more homemade touch, consider using Homemade Chicken Broth.
• Good Seasons Dry Italian Salad Dressing Mix: This packet is a secret weapon, providing a complex blend of Italian herbs and spices that perfectly seasons the creamy sauce without needing a dozen individual spices. Any brand of dry Italian salad dressing mix will work, so feel free to use your favorite. Many brands also offer low-sodium versions, which is a great option for health-conscious cooks. If you prefer to avoid mixes, a couple of teaspoons of good quality Italian seasoning with a pinch of garlic powder and onion powder can be a suitable substitute.
• Salt and Pepper: To taste. Always start with a small amount and adjust after tasting the finished sauce. It’s much easier to add more seasoning than to correct an overly salty dish.
• Angel Hair Pasta: The traditional and ideal companion for this dish due to its delicate strands that readily absorb the rich, creamy sauce. One 16-ounce box is typically sufficient. As mentioned in the FAQ section, feel free to explore other pasta types like fettuccine, spaghetti, penne, or even rigatoni if you prefer.

Step-by-Step Guide to Making Crock Pot Angel Chicken

Follow these simple steps to create a delicious and tender Crock Pot Angel Chicken that your family will adore. Remember, attention to detail in slow cooking ensures the most tender chicken and flavorful sauce!

1. Prepare and Sear the Chicken:

   Begin by heating a cast iron skillet or any heavy-bottomed pan over medium-high heat. Add 1-2 tablespoons of vegetable oil, allowing it to shimmer and coat the bottom of the pan. Lightly sprinkle salt and pepper over both sides of your 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts. If you’re salt-sensitive, feel free to season primarily with pepper at this stage. Once the pan is hot, carefully place the seasoned chicken breasts in the skillet and sear each side for 2-3 minutes, or until they achieve a beautiful golden-brown color. This step adds a wonderful depth of flavor and appealing caramelization. Remove the seared chicken from the heat and set aside.

   

2. Prepare the Creamy Sauce Base:

   In a medium-sized mixing bowl, combine the 4 ounces of softened cream cheese and 3 tablespoons of softened unsalted butter. Using a whisk, beat these two ingredients together until the mixture is completely smooth and creamy, with no lumps remaining. This forms the essential rich foundation for your sauce.

   

3. Combine All Sauce Ingredients:

   To the bowl containing the cream cheese and butter mixture, add the 10.5-ounce can of cream of chicken soup, the 3 minced cloves of garlic, ¾ cup of chicken broth, and the 1 (0.7-ounce) packet of Good Seasons Dry Italian Salad Dressing Mix. Continue to whisk vigorously until all the ingredients are thoroughly combined, creating a homogeneous, smooth, and aromatic sauce. Ensure there are no dry pockets of seasoning mix.

   

4. Assemble in the Slow Cooker:

   Lightly spray the inside of your crock pot with non-stick cooking spray to prevent sticking and aid in cleanup. Carefully arrange the seared chicken breasts in a single layer at the bottom of the prepared pot. Pour the entire creamy soup mixture evenly over the top of the chicken breasts, ensuring they are well-covered by the flavorful sauce.

5. Slow Cook to Perfection:

   Cover the crock pot with its lid. Cook the chicken on the LOW setting for 3-4 hours, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Cooking on low is highly recommended as it results in the most tender and juicy chicken. The longer you cook it on low, the more tender the chicken becomes, often reaching a delightful fall-apart consistency. While you can cook on HIGH for 2.5-3 hours, this method may yield slightly less tender chicken. It is crucial to always use a meat thermometer to verify the internal temperature of the chicken for doneness, as slow cooker temperatures and cooking times can vary widely based on the appliance’s age and brand, as well as the size of the chicken breasts.

6. Cook the Pasta and Serve:

   Approximately 15-20 minutes before you plan to serve dinner, bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the 16-ounce box of angel hair pasta and cook according to package instructions until it is al dente (firm to the bite). Drain the pasta thoroughly. You now have options: either remove the cooked chicken breasts and shred them, then toss the pasta directly into the slow cooker with the sauce, or simply serve the chicken and generous spoonfuls of sauce over individual portions of pasta on plates. Garnish your Crock Pot Angel Chicken with fresh chopped parsley, cracked black pepper, and/or grated Parmesan cheese for an extra layer of flavor and visual appeal. Enjoy this heartwarming and satisfying meal!

   

Video Guide for Crock Pot Angel Chicken

For a visual guide to preparing this comforting meal, watch our step-by-step video:

Crock Pot Angel Chicken Recipe Card

Recipe Summary

Crock Pot Angel Chicken is a simple, yet profoundly satisfying dinner featuring tender chicken breast bathed in a rich, Italian-inspired cream sauce, traditionally served over delicate angel hair pasta. It’s the ideal comfort food for any occasion, offering incredible flavor with minimal effort.

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 3-4 hours (on LOW)

Total Time: Approximately 3 hours 10 minutes

Servings: 4

Author: Brandie Skibinski

Ingredients

• 1-2 Tablespoons vegetable oil (for searing chicken)
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 2 large 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 (low or no sodium recommended)
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• ¾ cup chicken broth (low or no sodium recommended)
• 1 (0.7 ounce) packet Good Seasons Dry Italian Salad Dressing Mix (or your favorite brand)
• 16 ounce box angel hair pasta
• Optional garnishes: chopped fresh parsley, cracked black pepper, grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions

1. Sear the Chicken: Heat a cast iron skillet over medium-high heat. Add 1-2 Tablespoons vegetable oil. Season both sides of the 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Sear each side for 2-3 minutes until golden brown. Remove from heat.

   
   

2. Prepare Creamy Base: In a medium bowl, combine 4 ounces softened cream cheese and 3 Tablespoons softened unsalted butter. Whisk until smooth.

   
   

3. Combine Sauce: Add 10.5 ounce can cream of chicken soup, 3 minced garlic cloves, ¾ cup chicken broth, and 1 (0.7 ounce) packet Good Seasons Dry Italian Salad Dressing Mix to the same bowl. Whisk to fully combine.

   
   

4. Assemble in Slow Cooker: Spray the inside of a crock pot with non-stick cooking spray. Place the seared chicken breasts in the bottom of the pot.

   
   

5. Cook Chicken: Pour the soup mixture over the chicken breasts. Cover and cook on LOW for 3-4 hours or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). The chicken will become increasingly tender with longer cooking. Always use a meat thermometer for accurate doneness.

   
   

6. Cook Pasta & Serve: Shortly before serving, cook 16 ounce box angel hair pasta according to package instructions to al dente. Drain well. Serve the chicken and sauce over pasta, either by tossing it directly in the crock pot or spooning individually. Garnish as desired.

   
   

Serving Suggestions for Angel Chicken:

• You can serve the chicken breasts whole or shredded, tossing the pasta directly in the sauce or spooning chicken and sauce onto individual pasta portions.
• Optional garnishes include chopped fresh parsley, cracked black pepper, and/or grated Parmesan cheese.

Recipe Notes

• Sodium Awareness: If you are sensitive to sodium, it is strongly recommended to use low or no-sodium varieties of cream of chicken soup and chicken broth. This allows you to control the salt content precisely by adding salt to taste at the end.
• Optimal Tenderness: For the most tender, fall-apart chicken, cooking on the LOW setting for 3-4 hours is preferred. While a HIGH setting for 1.5-2 hours is possible, the chicken may not achieve the same level of tenderness. Always confirm doneness using a meat thermometer, ensuring the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C) internal temperature, as crock pot cooking times can vary.
• Customization Tips: Refer to the “Key Ingredients” and “Frequently Asked Questions” sections above for ideas on ingredient substitutions and answers to common queries, helping you tailor this recipe to your family’s preferences.

Nutritional Information (Estimated per serving)

Please note that this nutritional information is an estimate based on the ingredients listed. Values can vary significantly depending on specific brands and exact quantities used.

• Calories: 840 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 96g
• Protein: 58g
• Fat: 23g
• Sodium: 1833mg
• Fiber: 4g
• Sugar: 5g

Nutritional Disclaimer: “The Country Cook” is not a certified dietician or nutritionist. All nutritional information provided is an estimate and should be used for general guidance only. For accurate dietary calculations specific to your needs, we advise consulting a registered professional or utilizing a trusted online nutritional calculator with the precise ingredients you use.

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