Creamy Crock Pot Angel Chicken Recipe
If you’ve been searching for a dish that’s comfort food at its finest, look no further — this Creamy Crock Pot Angel Chicken Recipe is absolutely delicious and foolproof. From the first time I made it, I knew I had to share it because it hits such a cozy, fragrant note with creamy sauce and tender chicken that just melts on your tongue. Whether you’re making a weeknight dinner or feeding a crowd, this recipe is a total winner you’ll want to keep in your repertoire.
Why This Recipe Works
- Hands-Off Cooking: Once you set it in the crock pot, it practically cooks itself — freeing up your time.
- Creamy & Flavorful Sauce: The combo of cream cheese, butter, and cream of chicken soup makes a rich, dreamy sauce that hugs every bite.
- Tender, Juicy Chicken: Searing the chicken first locks in flavor and keeps it juicy while slow cooking makes it impossibly tender.
- Simple Ingredients, Big Impact: Pantry staples come together for a cozy, gourmet-feeling dinner without the fuss.
Ingredients & Why They Work
Every ingredient in this Creamy Crock Pot Angel Chicken Recipe plays a part in building a comforting, flavorful dish. The creamy base blends beautifully with the garlic and Italian seasoning, while the angel hair pasta soaks up all the goodness. When possible, I recommend choosing fresh, quality ingredients — it makes a noticeable difference!

- Vegetable oil: For searing, you want a neutral oil with a high smoke point to get that golden crust on the chicken.
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts: I prefer breasts for their lean tenderness; just be mindful not to overcook them in the crock pot.
- Cream cheese: Adds that luscious, velvety texture to the sauce — soften it first for easy mixing.
- Unsalted butter: Deepens the richness without overpowering the flavors.
- Cream of chicken soup: The classic binder of this dish, bringing savory depth and creaminess.
- Garlic: Fresh minced garlic wakes up the sauce and gives it a wonderful aroma.
- Chicken broth: Thins the sauce just enough and pumps up the chicken flavor — low sodium versions keep salt in check.
- Dry Italian salad dressing mix: This is the secret flavor bomb; its blend of herbs and spices adds instant Italian flair.
- Angel hair pasta: Light and delicate, it’s perfect for soaking up the creamy sauce without overpowering the chicken.
- Fresh parsley, cracked pepper, Parmesan cheese (optional): These finishing touches brighten and elevate the dish just before serving.
Tweak to Your Taste
What I love about this recipe is how adaptable it is! I often switch up the seasoning or add extra veggies, and it always comes out great. Don’t hesitate to make it your own — that’s how you’ll love it the most.
- Adding vegetables: I sometimes toss in sliced mushrooms or spinach 30 minutes before the end for extra color and nutrition.
- Variety of seasoning mixes: If you don’t have Italian dressing mix, try using ranch or even taco seasoning for a different spin — it’s surprisingly tasty!
- Dairy alternatives: Cream cheese and butter can be swapped out for cream cheese alternatives or plant-based butter if you’re dairy-free — just check the taste and texture when you do.
Step-by-Step: How I Make Creamy Crock Pot Angel Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Sear the chicken for extra flavor
I heat a cast iron skillet over medium-high heat with a splash of vegetable oil. Once it’s hot, I sprinkle salt and pepper on both sides of my chicken breasts, then sear them for 2-3 minutes each side until they get that gorgeous golden crust. This step locks in moisture and adds a beautiful flavor layer you don’t get with just slow cooking.
Step 2: Whip up the creamy sauce
Next, I mix softened cream cheese and butter together in a bowl until really smooth — no lumps here! Then I whisk in the cream of chicken soup, minced garlic, chicken broth, and that magic Italian salad dressing mix. This combo creates a rich, herby sauce that’s going to make the chicken shine.
Step 3: Slow cook to perfection
I spray my crock pot with cooking spray to prevent sticking, nestle the seared chicken breasts inside, and pour that creamy mixture right over the top. I cover it and set it to cook on low for 3-4 hours. I always check with a meat thermometer to make sure the chicken hits 165°F. If you like your chicken falling apart tender, feel free to cook a bit longer — it still tastes heavenly!
Step 4: Cook the pasta at the last minute
About 10 minutes before serving, I boil the angel hair pasta until al dente (follow the package instructions here). I drain it and then either toss the pasta in the pot to soak up the sauce or plate the pasta and spoon the chicken and sauce on top, depending on the mood.
Pro Tips for Making Creamy Crock Pot Angel Chicken Recipe
- Don’t Skip Searing: It might feel like an extra step, but searing adds incredible flavor and keeps the chicken juicy inside the crock pot.
- Use a Meat Thermometer: Crock pots vary, so rely on internal temperature (165°F) to avoid overcooking or undercooking.
- Choose Low Sodium Ingredients: Using low or no sodium cream of chicken soup and broth gives you control over salt and keeps flavors balanced.
- Adjust Cooking Time to Texture Preference: For shreddable chicken, cook a little longer; for whole breasts, stick to 3-4 hours on low.
How to Serve Creamy Crock Pot Angel Chicken Recipe

Garnishes
Fresh parsley is my go-to—it adds a pop of color and fresh herbal brightness that cuts through the rich sauce nicely. I also love a generous sprinkle of cracked black pepper and freshly grated Parmesan cheese to finish. These little touches take the dish from cozy to restaurant-worthy in seconds.
Side Dishes
I often pair this with a crisp green salad dressed simply with lemon and olive oil or roasted seasonal veggies like asparagus or green beans. The freshness balances the creamy richness perfectly. If you want something heartier, garlic bread always hits the spot.
Creative Ways to Present
For a special dinner, try layering shredded chicken and sauce over a bed of creamy polenta instead of pasta — it’s unexpected and elegant. Or serve it family-style in a pretty casserole dish with fresh herbs scattered on top. A sprinkle of toasted pine nuts adds a lovely crunch and subtle nuttiness that guests rave about.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I keep leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days—this dish reheats beautifully and the flavors only deepen overnight. Just make sure to store the chicken and pasta together with enough sauce so it doesn’t dry out.
Freezing
This recipe freezes really well too—just cool completely, then pack into freezer-safe containers. When I freeze it, I tend to keep the pasta separate in case it gets too soft after thawing and reheating. Freeze for up to 3 months for best quality.
Reheating
I reheat leftovers gently on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally and adding a splash of broth or water if the sauce looks too thick. You can also microwave it covered, just pause to stir and check halfway through to keep it creamy and smooth.
FAQs
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Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts in this Creamy Crock Pot Angel Chicken Recipe?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs work really well because they stay juicy and tender, and they might even be more forgiving if you tend to overcook. Just keep the cooking time similar and check for the same internal temperature (165°F) to ensure they’re done.
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Is it okay to skip searing the chicken?
Yes, you can skip searing if you’re short on time, but I highly recommend it. Searing develops flavor and texture that slow cooking alone can’t achieve. Without it, your chicken might be perfectly cooked but lack that golden color and depth of taste.
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Can I make this recipe in an Instant Pot or other pressure cooker?
You sure can! I would suggest using the sauté function to sear the chicken, then pressure cook on high for about 10 minutes with a natural release. The sauce should be thickened after cooking, but you might want to simmer it a bit with the lid off if it seems too thin.
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What if I am sensitive to sodium?
Great question! I recommend using low or no sodium cream of chicken soup and broth so you can control the salt level yourself. Add salt gradually to taste at the end if needed. This keeps the dish flavorful without being overly salty.
Final Thoughts
This Creamy Crock Pot Angel Chicken Recipe is one of my absolute favorites when I want something that feels homemade and special without any stress. There’s something so comforting about that creamy sauce and tender chicken that just makes the whole kitchen smell like a hug. I hope you love this recipe as much as I do — give it a try, and I bet it’ll become a go-to for you and your family too!
Print
Creamy Crock Pot Angel Chicken Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 hours
- Total Time: 4 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Crock Pot Angel Chicken recipe features tender, juicy chicken breasts cooked slowly in a creamy garlic and Italian dressing sauce. Served over angel hair pasta, this comforting and flavorful dish is simple to prepare and perfect for an easy dinner.
Ingredients
Chicken and Sauce
- 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 (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 mix)
Pasta and Garnishes
- 16 ounce box angel hair pasta
- Chopped fresh parsley, cracked pepper and/or grated Parmesan cheese (optional for serving)
Instructions
- Sear Chicken: Heat a cast iron skillet over medium-high heat. Add 1-2 tablespoons vegetable oil and swirl to coat the bottom of the pan. Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper on both sides. Once hot, add the chicken breasts and sear each side for 2-3 minutes until golden brown. Remove from heat.
- Prepare Sauce: In a medium bowl, whisk together the softened cream cheese and butter until smooth. Add the cream of chicken soup, minced garlic, chicken broth, and Italian salad dressing mix. Whisk thoroughly to combine.
- Cook in Crock Pot: Spray the inside of a crock pot with non-stick cooking spray. Place the seared chicken breasts in the bottom of the crock pot. Pour the prepared sauce over the chicken. Cover and cook on low for 4 hours or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. Longer cooking will make the chicken more tender but may cause it to fall apart.
- Cook Pasta: Shortly before serving, cook the angel hair pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain well.
- Serve: Serve the chicken breasts whole or shredded. You may toss the pasta directly with some sauce or spoon the chicken and sauce over servings of pasta. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley, cracked pepper, and/or grated Parmesan cheese if desired.
Notes
- If sensitive to sodium, use no sodium canned cream of chicken soup and chicken broth and add salt to taste.
- Cooking on high is not recommended for tenderness but can be done for 1.5-2 hours if necessary; always check internal temperature for doneness.
- Cooking times may vary depending on crock pot brand and chicken breast size; rely on internal temperature to ensure safety.
- Optional garnishes like fresh parsley and Parmesan cheese add flavor and visual appeal.
- Shredding the chicken after cooking allows for easier mixing with the sauce and pasta.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 28 g
- Saturated Fat: 13 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 100 mg


