Crockpot Angel Chicken is a simple, comforting dish that fills your home with a gentle, inviting aroma while cooking. It’s made with tender chicken breasts slowly cooked until they’re juicy and falling-apart soft, often paired with a light and creamy sauce that feels like a warm hug on a plate. The slow cooker does all the work, making it perfect for busy days or lazy weekends.
I love how easy it is to throw everything into the crockpot in the morning and come home to a delicious meal waiting for me. The chicken soaks up all the flavors, becoming perfectly tender, and the sauce is just the right amount of creamy without being heavy. I like to add a little lemon zest or fresh herbs to brighten things up and give it a fresh twist.
My favorite way to serve Crockpot Angel Chicken is over a bed of fluffy rice or alongside some steamed veggies, so you get a full, comforting meal with very little effort. It’s one of those recipes that feels special but is really low-key and simple enough for any night. Whenever I make it, everyone in the family asks for seconds, and I always have a couple of extra containers ready for easy leftovers the next day.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: I like using boneless, skinless chicken breasts because they cook evenly and stay tender. You can swap these for thighs if you prefer juicier meat – just keep an eye on cooking time.
Spaghetti or Angel Hair Pasta: These thin pastas cook nicely in the crockpot, soaking up flavors well. If you don’t have them, you can use linguine or fettuccine broken into smaller pieces. Avoid thicker pasta as they may need longer cooking.
Cream of Chicken Soup: This is what makes the sauce creamy and rich. If you want a lighter option, try homemade chicken broth with a bit of cream cheese or Greek yogurt for creaminess.
Sour Cream: It adds tang and smooth texture. You can swap sour cream for plain Greek yogurt or crème fraîche if you want a slightly different flavor.
Parmesan Cheese: Parmesan gives a gentle salty kick and depth. If it’s not available, Pecorino Romano or Asiago are good alternatives.
How Can You Prevent Overcooked Chicken and Mushy Pasta in the Crockpot?
Getting perfectly cooked chicken and pasta in the crockpot can be tricky, but here are some tips to help:
- Use the low heat setting for 3 to 4 hours to gently cook the chicken without drying it out.
- Break the pasta into smaller pieces to ensure it cooks evenly and doesn’t stick together.
- Make sure the pasta is covered by the sauce and liquid to avoid it drying on top.
- Stir gently at the end to mix the pasta with sauce, but avoid stirring too much during cooking; this can make the pasta mushy.
- Check the chicken’s internal temperature (to at least 165°F / 75°C) before removing for safety.
With these steps, you’ll have tender, juicy chicken and creamy, perfectly cooked pasta every time.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Slow cooker – I prefer using a 6-quart size so there’s plenty of room for the chicken and pasta to cook evenly.
- Whisk – makes it easy to mix the soup, sour cream, and seasonings smoothly.
- Measuring cups and spoons – to ensure accurate ingredients and spices.
- Sharp knife & cutting board – for chopping garlic and parsley fresh for garnish.
- Serving spoon – for easy plating and mixing before serving.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Use cooked shrimp or lightly sautéed mushrooms instead of chicken for a seafood twist.
- Add a splash of white wine or lemon juice to brighten the sauce if you like a tangy flavor.
- Mix in spinach or kale just before serving for extra greens.
- Sprinkle with shredded mozzarella or your favorite cheese for a richer, cheesier topping.
Crockpot Angel Chicken
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Main Ingredients:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 8 oz spaghetti or angel hair pasta, broken in half
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic (about 3-4 cloves)
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Olive oil or cooking spray (to grease the crockpot)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This Crockpot Angel Chicken recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare and 3 to 4 hours to cook on low in the slow cooker. It’s a great hands-off meal that fills your home with inviting aromas while you go about your day.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare Your Crockpot:
Lightly grease the inside of your crockpot with olive oil or cooking spray to prevent sticking.
2. Mix the Creamy Sauce:
In a bowl, whisk together the cream of chicken soup, sour cream, chicken broth, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, pepper, and grated Parmesan cheese until smooth.
3. Assemble the Ingredients:
Place the chicken breasts at the bottom of the crockpot. Pour half of the creamy sauce over the chicken. Spread the broken pasta evenly on top, then pour the remaining sauce over the pasta, making sure it’s submerged.
4. Cook Slowly:
Cover and cook on low for 3 to 4 hours, or until the chicken is cooked through and the pasta is tender.
5. Finish and Serve:
Once cooked, gently stir everything to coat the pasta in the creamy sauce. Serve the chicken breasts over the pasta and sprinkle with fresh chopped parsley for a bright, fresh finish. Enjoy!
Can I Use Frozen Chicken Breasts for This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts, but be sure to thaw them completely before cooking to ensure even cooking and food safety. Thaw in the fridge overnight or use the cold water method for faster thawing.
Can I Substitute the Cream of Chicken Soup?
Absolutely! If you prefer a homemade option, use a mixture of chicken broth thickened with a little flour or cornstarch, and add a splash of cream or milk for richness. This keeps the sauce creamy without canned soup.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Gently reheat in the microwave or on the stove, adding a splash of chicken broth or water if the sauce has thickened too much.
Can I Add Vegetables to the Crockpot Angel Chicken?
Yes! Feel free to add veggies like spinach, mushrooms, or peas during the last 30 minutes of cooking so they stay tender and fresh without overcooking.
