Slow Cooker Angel Chicken
Creamy, Comforting, and Effortlessly Delicious
Imagine walking into your home after a long day and being greeted by the irresistible aroma of Slow Cooker Angel Chicken. This dish is the ultimate comfort food—tender chicken simmered in a rich, velvety sauce infused with Italian herbs and subtle garlic notes. It’s a recipe that turns simple ingredients into something truly special, without spending hours in the kitchen.
In my home, this dish has become a go-to for busy weeknights and casual gatherings alike. The slow cooker does all the heavy lifting, leaving you with a creamy, flavorful meal that feels like a warm hug on a plate. Whether served over angel hair pasta, mashed potatoes, or rice, this recipe is guaranteed to become a family favorite.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Rich, Flavorful Sauce: Cream cheese and Italian seasonings combine to create a luxurious sauce that transforms basic chicken into something extraordinary.
- Effortless Cooking: The slow cooker takes care of everything, making this a perfect set-it-and-forget-it meal.
- Versatile Serving Options: Pair it with pasta, rice, or even biscuits for a customizable dinner that everyone will love.
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 3 cloves garlic, chopped or left whole
- 10.5 ounces cream of chicken soup (undiluted)
- ¾ cup chicken stock
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
- ¼ cup butter, softened
- 0.6 ounces dry Italian dressing mix (Good Seasons recommended)
For Serving:
- 1 pound angel hair pasta, cooked according to package directions
How to Make Slow Cooker Angel Chicken
Step 1: Prep the Slow Cooker
Spray the inside of your slow cooker with non-stick cooking spray or use a slow cooker liner for easy cleanup. Place the chicken breasts in the bottom of the slow cooker and add the garlic.
Step 2: Make the Sauce
In a microwave-safe bowl, soften the butter and cream cheese until smooth. Whisk together until fully combined. Add the cream of chicken soup, dry Italian dressing mix, and chicken stock, whisking until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
Step 3: Combine Everything
Pour the sauce mixture over the chicken breasts, ensuring they are fully coated. Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours, or until the chicken is tender and cooked through.
Step 4: Shred the Chicken
About 30 minutes before the cooking time is finished, shred the chicken directly in the sauce using two forks. Stir the shredded chicken into the sauce to distribute the flavors evenly.
Step 5: Prepare the Pasta
While the chicken finishes cooking, prepare the angel hair pasta according to package directions. Drain well and set aside.
Step 6: Serve and Garnish
Spoon the creamy chicken and sauce over the cooked pasta. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley or a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese for added flavor and presentation.
Tips for Success
- Thicken the Sauce: If the sauce seems too thin, mix 1 tablespoon cornstarch with 1 tablespoon cold water and stir it into the slow cooker. Let it cook for an additional 10 minutes to thicken.
- Adjust Consistency: If the sauce is too thick, whisk in additional warm chicken stock, 2 tablespoons at a time, until you reach your desired consistency.
- Enhance Flavor: Shredding the chicken directly in the sauce helps distribute the flavors and creates a cohesive dish.
Variations
- Add Vegetables: Stir in mushrooms, spinach, or frozen peas during the last 30 minutes of cooking for added nutrition and color.
- Mediterranean Twist: Add sun-dried tomatoes and Kalamata olives for a fresh, bold flavor.
- Rich Flavor Boost: Replace the chicken stock with dry white wine for a deeper, more complex sauce.
Serving Suggestions
While this dish is heavenly over angel hair pasta, it’s equally delicious served over:
- Mashed Potatoes
- Rice
- Egg Noodles
- Biscuits
For leftovers, repurpose the chicken and sauce into baked potatoes, rice bowls, or even as a filling for pot pies.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
- Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Freezing: Freeze the chicken and sauce in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
- Make-Ahead Sauce: Prepare the sauce up to 2 days in advance and store it in the refrigerator until ready to use.
Pro Tips
- Browning the Chicken: For added depth of flavor, sear the chicken breasts in a skillet before adding them to the slow cooker.
- Room Temperature Cream Cheese: Allow the cream cheese to soften at room temperature for a smoother sauce.
- Boost Nutrition: Stir in fresh baby spinach during the last 5 minutes of cooking for a pop of color and added nutrients.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs are an excellent substitute and stay even more tender during the long cooking process.
2. What can I serve instead of angel hair pasta?
This dish pairs beautifully with mashed potatoes, rice, egg noodles, or even fluffy biscuits.
3. Can I add vegetables to this recipe?
Absolutely! Mushrooms can be added at the beginning, while frozen peas or spinach can be stirred in during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
4. Why shouldn’t I substitute liquid Italian dressing?
The dry Italian dressing mix contains seasonings and thickeners that create the signature flavor and texture of the sauce. Liquid dressing would alter the consistency and taste.
5. Can I make this recipe in an Instant Pot?
Yes! Cook on high pressure for 10-12 minutes with a natural release for 5 minutes, then shred the chicken and stir it back into the sauce.
Final Thoughts
Slow Cooker Angel Chicken is the epitome of comforting home cooking. With its creamy sauce, tender chicken, and effortless preparation, it’s a dish that brings everyone to the table with excitement. Whether you’re serving it for a busy weeknight dinner or a casual gathering, this recipe is guaranteed to impress.
The versatility of this dish means you can adapt it to suit your preferences, from adding vegetables to experimenting with different serving bases. It’s not just a meal—it’s a reminder that even the simplest ingredients can create something truly magical.
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 480 minutes
Total Time: 485 minutes
Servings: 6
So grab your slow cooker, gather your ingredients, and let this Angel Chicken bring a little joy and comfort to your dinner table tonight!
