Crockpot Angel Chicken is one of those simple, hands-off recipes that feels like a little gift from the kitchen. Tender chicken cooked slowly with creamy angel hair pasta and a mix of flavorful seasonings—it’s soothing and super comforting. The best part is how the chicken just melts apart, soaking up all the cozy flavors as it cooks.
I love making this on busy days when I want a home-cooked meal without standing over the stove. Just toss everything in the crockpot, set it, and forget it until dinner time. The smell that fills the house is enough to make you excited to eat, and the leftovers taste even better the next day!
For serving, I like to scoop it over a bed of fresh greens or add a sprinkle of parmesan cheese on top. It’s easy, delicious, and perfect for chilly evenings when you just want something warm and satisfying. Honestly, it quickly became one of my go-to comfort meals that my family always asks for again.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts work best for tender, easy-to-shred meat. You can swap with chicken thighs for juicier, more flavorful results.
Angel hair pasta: This thin pasta cooks quickly and pairs well with creamy sauce. Use thin spaghetti or linguine if you don’t have angel hair.
Cream of chicken soup: It adds creaminess and flavor. If you prefer homemade, mix milk, flour, butter, and chicken broth to make a quick white sauce.
Mayonnaise: This ingredient helps keep the sauce rich and smooth. You can substitute with Greek yogurt or sour cream for a tangier flavor.
Parmesan cheese: Brings a sharp, salty note. Pecorino Romano or Asiago can be great alternatives, depending on what you prefer.
How Can I Get the Best Flavor from Crockpot Angel Chicken?
To make the flavors pop and keep the texture great, follow these tips:
- Searing the chicken: Browning the chicken before slow cooking adds color and deeper flavor. It’s optional but worth the little extra time.
- Mix sauce well: Blend the soup, broth, mayo, cheese, and spices well to ensure every bite tastes balanced.
- Don’t overcook pasta: Cook angel hair pasta al dente just before serving. It softens more when mixed in the crockpot, so avoid overcooking.
- Gentle mixing: When adding cooked pasta back to the crockpot, stir gently to prevent the pasta from breaking apart.
- Fresh garnish: Chopped parsley adds a fresh, bright contrast to the creamy dish and makes it look inviting.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Skillet – I like using a skillet to brown the chicken first; it adds flavor and gives a nice color.
- Crockpot – This is your main tool for slow cooking the chicken and sauce without fuss.
- Medium pot – Handy for cooking the pasta quickly while the chicken cooks.
- Stirring spoon or spatula – To mix everything together smoothly and gently when assembling.
- Serving dish or plates – For presenting the finished meal beautifully.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap chicken for cooked shrimp or turkey for different proteins that soak up the sauce nicely.
- Add sautéed mushrooms or spinach into the sauce for extra veggies and earthy flavor.
- Sprinkle with shredded mozzarella or mozzarella for a melty, cheesy topping.
- Season with a dash of crushed red pepper flakes or paprika to add a bit of heat or smoky depth.
How to Make Crockpot Angel Chicken
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 8 oz angel hair pasta (or thin spaghetti)
- 1 (10.5 oz) can cream of chicken soup
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (for searing)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Time Needed:
This meal takes about 10 minutes to prep and then 4 to 6 hours cooking time in your crockpot on low. The pasta is cooked just before serving and takes about 10 minutes. Overall, plan for roughly 5 to 6 hours from start to finish, most of which is hands-off slow cooking.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Brown the Chicken
Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Lightly brown each chicken breast for 2 to 3 minutes on each side. This step adds flavor but can be skipped if you’re short on time.
2. Mix the Sauce
In a medium bowl, combine cream of chicken soup, chicken broth, mayonnaise, Parmesan cheese, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Stir until everything is well mixed.
3. Slow Cook the Chicken
Place the browned chicken breasts into your crockpot. Pour the sauce mixture evenly over the chicken so each piece is coated. Cover and cook on low for 4 to 6 hours, or on high for 2 to 3 hours, until the chicken is cooked through and tender.
4. Prepare the Pasta
About 20 minutes before serving, cook the angel hair pasta according to package instructions, usually about 7-9 minutes, until al dente. Drain well.
5. Combine and Serve
Remove the chicken from the crockpot and set aside. Stir the sauce in the crockpot, then gently return the chicken to the sauce. Add the cooked pasta into the crockpot and stir gently to coat it with the sauce. Let it warm together on low for 5 to 10 minutes.
Serve the chicken and pasta on plates and spoon extra sauce over the top. Sprinkle with fresh chopped parsley to add a bright finish.
Enjoy a warm, creamy, and delicious Crockpot Angel Chicken that’s perfect for cozy dinners!
Can I Use Frozen Chicken in This Recipe?
Yes, but be sure to thaw the chicken breasts completely before starting. Thaw them overnight in the fridge or use the quick-thaw method by sealing in a bag and submerging in cold water. This ensures even cooking in the crockpot.
Can I Substitute the Mayonnaise?
Absolutely! You can replace mayonnaise with Greek yogurt or sour cream for a tangier twist. Both keep the sauce creamy and delicious without changing the texture much.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover Crockpot Angel Chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When reheating, warm gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, stirring occasionally to keep the sauce smooth.
Can I Add Vegetables to This Dish?
Yes! Adding sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or peas about halfway through cooking is a great way to incorporate veggies. Just be mindful of cook times so they don’t get too mushy.