Creamy Crockpot Angel Chicken

This creamy crockpot angel chicken has been a comforting family favorite for busy weeknights. The combination of tender chicken, rich creamy sauce, and delicate angel hair pasta makes it both satisfying and incredibly easy to prepare.

I first made this dish on a hectic weeknight, hoping for something fuss-free. The overwhelmingly positive response from my family made it a regular dinner rotation ever since.

Ingredients

• Boneless skinless chicken breasts: To provide lean protein that cooks perfectly in the crockpot.
• Cream cheese: Softened to ensure the sauce is silky smooth.
• Cream of mushroom soup: For rich umami flavor.
• Chicken broth: To thin the sauce and add extra savory depth.
• Dry white wine or additional broth: For a slight tang that enhances the creaminess.
• Italian dressing mix: A quick and easy way to pack in seasoning.
• Garlic powder: To deepen the overall flavor.
• Black pepper: For a subtle kick without overpowering the dish.
• Angel hair pasta: Cooked to match the delicate cream sauce.
• Fresh parsley: Optional but adds a bright pop of color and freshness.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Mix the Sauce:

In a large mixing bowl combine softened cream cheese, cream of mushroom soup, chicken broth, white wine, Italian dressing mix, garlic powder, and black pepper. Stir thoroughly until smooth and well-integrated.

Prepare the Crockpot Base:

Arrange the chicken breasts in the crockpot in a single layer. Evenly pour the sauce mixture over the top ensuring each piece of chicken is fully covered.

Cook the Chicken:

Set the crockpot to low and cook for 4 to 5 hours or choose high and cook for 2 to 3 hours. The chicken should be tender and fully cooked through.

Shred or Serve Whole:

When cooked you can either shred the chicken into smaller pieces or leave it whole depending on your preference.

Assemble the Dish:

Cook the angel hair pasta according to package instructions if not already done. Plate the cooked pasta, spoon the sauce generously over it, add the chicken on top and garnish with fresh parsley if desired.

Thicken the Sauce if Needed:

For a thicker sauce remove the chicken from the crockpot and let the sauce cook uncovered on high for 15 to 20 minutes until it reaches your preferred consistency.

I love the simplicity of the Italian dressing mix for building flavor without added effort. The first time I made this my daughter helped stir the sauce—now it’s a shared tradition for us.

Storage Tips

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, stirring occasionally to prevent the sauce from separating.

Ingredient Substitutions

You can substitute cream of chicken soup for the cream of mushroom if you prefer a less earthy flavor. For a dairy-free option consider using a plant-based cream cheese alternative.

Serving Suggestions

This dish is delicious paired with a crisp green salad on the side. For added texture serve with steamed broccoli or green beans.

This creamy crockpot angel chicken is a comforting, time-saving dish that your whole family will love.

Recipe FAQs

→ Can I use frozen chicken breasts for this dish?

For food safety reasons, it's best to thaw chicken completely before slow cooking. Using frozen chicken can cause the meat to remain in the temperature danger zone too long, potentially allowing bacteria to grow.

→ What can I substitute for the cream of mushroom soup?

Cream of chicken or cream of celery soup work well as substitutes. For a homemade alternative, make a roux with 2 tablespoons each of butter and flour, then add 1 cup of milk or broth and seasonings.

→ Can I use a different pasta instead of angel hair?

Absolutely! While angel hair pasta pairs beautifully with the creamy sauce, you can substitute fettuccine, linguine, or even egg noodles based on your preference.

→ How do I prevent the cream cheese from curdling in the slow cooker?

Make sure the cream cheese is fully softened and well-blended with the other sauce ingredients before adding it to the crockpot. This helps create a smooth, integrated sauce rather than a separated one.

→ Can I make this dish dairy-free?

Yes, you can use dairy-free cream cheese alternatives and condensed mushroom soup substitutes. The flavor profile will change slightly, but the dish will still be delicious.

→ How can I store leftover creamy angel chicken?

Store the chicken and sauce separately from the pasta in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or microwave, adding a splash of broth if the sauce has thickened too much.