Slow Cooker Angel Chicken
A Creamy, Comforting Dinner Classic
If you’re on the hunt for an easy, creamy chicken recipe that the whole family will love, this Slow Cooker Angel Chicken is your answer. Made with simple pantry staples like cream cheese, butter, and dry Italian dressing mix, it’s the kind of set-it-and-forget-it dinner that delivers big on flavor with minimal effort.
Whether you’re feeding a crowd, meal prepping for the week, or just looking for a cozy slow cooker dinner that practically cooks itself, this creamy chicken dish checks all the boxes. It’s one of those recipes you’ll find yourself returning to over and over again—because it’s just that good.
What Is Angel Chicken?
Angel Chicken is a classic vintage-inspired dish that originally became popular thanks to its creamy, tangy sauce served over delicate angel hair pasta. The name “angel chicken” comes from the angel hair pasta it’s often paired with, but the dish itself is heavenly in taste and texture. Traditionally baked in the oven, this version simplifies the process by using a slow cooker, making it even more convenient for busy weeknights.
Why You’ll Love This Slow Cooker Angel Chicken Recipe
- Ridiculously easy – Just a few minutes of prep time.
- Incredibly flavorful – The sauce is rich, creamy, and tangy.
- Versatile – Serve it over pasta, rice, mashed potatoes, or biscuits.
- Family-approved – Even picky eaters love this comforting chicken dish.
- Perfect for meal prep – Leftovers reheat beautifully.
Slow Cooker Angel Chicken
Looking for an easy, no-fuss dinner that’s guaranteed to satisfy? This Slow Cooker Angel Chicken is rich, creamy, and packed with flavor—all with just a few minutes of prep. Toss everything into your crockpot, and by dinnertime, you’ll have a warm, comforting meal ready to serve over pasta, rice, mashed potatoes, or even biscuits.
Course: Dinner Cuisine: American, vintage
Keyword: Slow Cooker Angel Chicken Prep Time: 5minutes minutes
Cook Time: 8hours hours Total Time: 8hours hours 5minutes minutes Servings: 6
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s what you’ll need to make this creamy crockpot angel chicken:
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts – You can also use boneless chicken thighs for a juicier texture.
- 3 garlic cloves – Chopped for bold flavor, or left whole for something milder.
- 1 (10.5 oz) can cream of chicken soup – The base of that velvety sauce.
- ¾ cup chicken stock – To thin the sauce slightly and add savory depth.
- 4 oz cream cheese – For tangy creaminess that melts right in.
- ¼ cup butter – Adds richness and smoothness to the sauce.
- 1 packet (0.6 oz) dry Italian dressing mix – Use it straight from the packet; don’t prepare it.
- 1 lb angel hair pasta – Cooked fresh right before serving.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1 – Prep the slow cooker
Spray the inside with non-stick spray or use a slow cooker liner for easier cleanup.
Step 2 – Add the chicken
Place the chicken breasts at the bottom of the slow cooker. Add garlic on top.
Step 3 – Make the sauce
In a microwave-safe bowl, soften the cream cheese and butter. Stir until smooth. Add the cream of chicken soup, chicken stock, and dry Italian dressing mix. Whisk until fully combined.
Step 4 – Pour and cook
Pour the sauce over the chicken. Cover and cook on LOW for 6–8 hours or HIGH for 4–5 hours.
Step 5 – Shred and stir
Optional but recommended: About 30 minutes before serving, shred the chicken with two forks and stir it back into the sauce.
Step 6 – Cook pasta and serve
While the chicken finishes, cook the angel hair pasta according to package directions. Drain and spoon the creamy chicken mixture over the pasta.
Helpful Tips for Success
- Don’t use frozen chicken directly in the slow cooker—it can cook unevenly and pose food safety risks.
- Cream cheese and butter should be softened first so they incorporate smoothly into the sauce.
- Do not prepare the Italian dressing mix as directed on the packet—just use it dry.
- The sauce may seem thin at first, but it thickens as it cooks and especially as it cools slightly before serving.
Serving Suggestions
While this dish is most commonly served over angel hair pasta, it’s also delicious on:
- Mashed potatoes
- Egg noodles
- Rice or cauliflower rice
- Buttery biscuits
- Toasted garlic bread
Pro tip: Add steamed broccoli, peas, or sautéed mushrooms on the side to make it a complete meal.
Storage and Reheating
To store:
Transfer leftovers to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
To reheat:
- Microwave in 1-minute intervals, stirring in between.
- Stovetop over medium heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or milk to loosen the sauce if needed.
Freezing:
Not recommended. The creamy sauce can separate when thawed and reheated, resulting in a grainy texture.
Nutrition Information (Per Serving)
| Calories | Carbs | Protein | Fat | Sodium |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 608 kcal | 64g | 37g | 21g | 945 mg |
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes! Chicken thighs add even more flavor and stay juicy after long cooking times.
What if my sauce is too thin or too thick?
- Too thin? Cook uncovered for the last 30 minutes or add a cornstarch slurry (1 tsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tsp water).
- Too thick? Stir in a bit of warm chicken broth, milk, or reserved pasta water.
Is it okay to skip the cream cheese?
Cream cheese is what gives the sauce its signature tang and creaminess. If needed, you can substitute with sour cream or full-fat plain Greek yogurt, but the flavor will change slightly.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Absolutely! Make the full recipe, then store it in the fridge for easy meals later in the week. The sauce thickens in the fridge, so add a splash of broth when reheating.
Can I double this recipe?
Yes, this recipe doubles well if you have a large (6- to 7-quart) slow cooker. Just make sure not to overfill beyond ¾ of the insert.
Final Thoughts
There’s a reason this Slow Cooker Angel Chicken has been a beloved recipe in kitchens for years. It’s creamy, comforting, and incredibly simple to make. With tender shredded chicken coated in a buttery garlic-cream sauce, every bite tastes like something you’d get at a cozy country diner—but it only takes a few ingredients and minimal hands-on time.
Whether you’re cooking for a busy family or just craving something rich and satisfying, this recipe is sure to become a new favorite in your home too.
