Description
This Crock Pot Angel Chicken recipe offers a creamy, comforting meal that’s easy to prepare and perfect for busy days. Tender chicken breasts are seared and slow-cooked in a rich sauce made from cream cheese, butter, chicken broth, cream of chicken soup, garlic, and Italian seasoning mix. Served over delicate angel hair pasta and optionally garnished with fresh parsley and Parmesan, this dish blends convenience with indulgent flavors.
Ingredients
Chicken and Seasoning
- 1-2 Tablespoons vegetable oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 2 large chicken breasts)
Sauce
- 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 (recommend low or no sodium if sensitive to salt)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- ¾ cup chicken broth (recommend low or no sodium if sensitive to salt)
- 1 (0.7 ounce) packet Good Seasons Dry Italian Salad Dressing Mix (or your favorite mix)
Pasta and Garnish
- 16 ounce box angel hair pasta
- Chopped fresh parsley, cracked pepper, and/or grated Parmesan cheese (optional for serving)
Instructions
- Prepare the chicken: Heat a cast iron skillet over medium-high heat and add 1-2 tablespoons of vegetable oil, swirling to coat the pan. Season both sides of the chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Once the pan is hot, sear the chicken breasts for 2-3 minutes on each side until golden brown, then remove from heat.
- Make the sauce mixture: 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 dressing mix. Whisk all ingredients until fully combined into a creamy sauce.
- Prepare the crock pot: Spray the inside of the crock pot with non-stick cooking spray and place the seared chicken breasts in the bottom of the pot. Pour the prepared sauce mixture evenly over the chicken breasts.
- Slow cook the chicken: Cover and cook on low for 3-4 hours, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. Cooking longer makes the chicken more tender and may cause it to fall apart, which is acceptable depending on your preference. Always rely on the internal temperature rather than time alone.
- Cook the pasta: Shortly before serving, cook the angel hair pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain well to avoid excess water when serving with the sauce.
- Serve the dish: Serve the chicken breasts whole or shred the chicken. You can toss the pasta with the sauce directly or spoon the chicken and sauce over individual plates of pasta. Optionally, garnish with fresh parsley, cracked pepper, and grated Parmesan cheese for added flavor and presentation.
Notes
- Use low or no sodium chicken broth and cream of chicken soup if managing salt intake.
- Slow cooker temperatures vary; always confirm chicken doneness with a meat thermometer to reach 165°F internal temperature.
- If cooking longer than recommended, expect the chicken to shred easily and the sauce to thicken slightly.
- To reduce fat, substitute butter with a light margarine and use reduced-fat cream cheese.
- Leftover chicken and sauce make great sandwiches or can be added to casseroles.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 3 hours 10 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
