If you’re looking for a fuss-free dinner that’s bursting with comforting, rich flavors, the Crock Pot Angel Chicken Recipe is your new best friend. This dish combines tender chicken breasts with a creamy, cheesy Italian dressing-infused sauce that slowly melds together in the crock pot, making your kitchen smell heavenly and your dinner table instantly inviting. Perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings, this recipe is as effortless as it is delicious, transforming simple ingredients into a sensational meal your family will adore.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this Crock Pot Angel Chicken Recipe is simple yet essential, each bringing its own special touch to the final dish. From the creamy texture of the soup to the sharp zing of Italian seasoning, these ingredients work harmoniously to create that perfect melt-in-your-mouth experience.
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts (3-4, about 1.5 lbs): Use quality chicken breasts that will become wonderfully tender as they slow-cook.
- Fresh garlic cloves (3, minced): Garlic adds that aromatic kick that genuinely elevates this creamy dish.
- Italian dressing mix packet (1 oz): This seasoning blend infuses the chicken with buttery, herbaceous notes.
- Cream of chicken soup (1 can, 10.5 oz): Acts as a rich, creamy base that keeps the dish moist and luscious.
- Shredded cheddar cheese (1 cup): Cheddar creates a gorgeous cheesy crust atop the chicken when cooked.
- Butter (2 tablespoons, melted): Adds extra richness and helps marry the flavors beautifully.
How to Make Crock Pot Angel Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Crock Pot
Start by cleaning your crock pot thoroughly to ensure everything stays clean and the flavors are fresh. A clean base helps the chicken cook evenly and prevents any leftover odors from previous meals.
Step 2: Arrange the Chicken
Place the boneless, skinless chicken breasts evenly at the bottom of the crock pot. Spacing them out ensures each piece cooks uniformly and absorbs the seasoning perfectly.
Step 3: Season with Italian Dressing Mix
Sprinkle the entire packet of Italian dressing mix generously over the chicken. This seasoning is the flavor powerhouse behind this Crock Pot Angel Chicken Recipe, bringing in herb, garlic, and tangy notes.
Step 4: Make the Creamy Mixture
In a separate bowl, combine the cream of chicken soup, minced fresh garlic, and melted butter. Stir until smooth and creamy, then pour this luscious mixture over the chicken breasts, coating them evenly.
Step 5: Add the Cheese
Top everything with shredded cheddar cheese, which melts into a sumptuous layer of cheesy goodness during cooking. This final touch adds texture and flavor contrast.
Step 6: Cook Low and Slow
Cover the crock pot and cook on low for 6 to 8 hours or on high for 3 to 4 hours. Slow cooking ensures the chicken becomes incredibly tender and infused with the creamy, savory sauce.
Step 7: Shred and Serve
Once the chicken is cooked through, shred it in the crock pot using two forks. Stir everything together so that the shredded chicken mixes with the sauce and cheese, creating a mouthwatering, creamy dish ready to enjoy.
How to Serve Crock Pot Angel Chicken Recipe
Garnishes
A simple sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or green onions adds a pop of color and a fresh, bright note to balance the rich, creamy flavors. A dash of black pepper or red chili flakes can add a little extra warmth if you like things with a kick.
Side Dishes
This Crock Pot Angel Chicken Recipe pairs beautifully with fluffy white rice, buttery mashed potatoes, or warm crusty bread to soak up all the delectable sauce. For a veggie side, steamed broccoli or roasted asparagus offer a nice contrast in texture and freshness.
Creative Ways to Present
Try served this creamy chicken over a bed of buttery egg noodles or stuffed inside warm pita pockets for a fun twist. For a low-carb option, spoon it over cauliflower rice or spiralized zucchini. It also makes a fantastic filling for wraps or quesadillas!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors develop even more after sitting for a bit, so next-day lunches are a real treat!
Freezing
This recipe freezes perfectly for up to 2 months. Just cool the dish completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container or bag. Thaw overnight in the fridge for easy reheating.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently in the microwave or on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally to keep the creamy texture smooth and prevent the chicken from drying out.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs will add a bit more richness and tenderness, making this Crock Pot Angel Chicken Recipe even more flavorful.
Is it possible to make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes, swapping the cheddar cheese for a dairy-free alternative and using a dairy-free cream of chicken soup substitute makes this recipe suitable for those avoiding dairy.
How thick should I make the creamy sauce?
The sauce should be creamy but pourable before cooking. Mixing the soup, butter, and garlic until smooth gets the perfect consistency that thickens deliciously in the crock pot.
Can I double the recipe for a larger crowd?
Definitely! Just make sure your crock pot is large enough to hold the increased quantity so the chicken cooks evenly through.
What can I substitute for the Italian dressing mix?
If you don’t have the dressing mix on hand, a blend of dried Italian herbs, garlic powder, onion powder, and a pinch of salt and pepper works well to mimic the flavor profile.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend trying this Crock Pot Angel Chicken Recipe enough. It’s one of those dishes that feels like a warm hug after a long day—a simple assembly of everyday ingredients that transforms into something extraordinary when slow-cooked. Whether you’re feeding family or impressing guests, this creamy, cheesy chicken will win hearts every time.
Print
Crock Pot Angel Chicken Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 6-8 hours on low or 3-4 hours on high
- Total Time: 6 hours 10 minutes to 8 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Crock Pot Angel Chicken is a delicious and easy slow-cooker recipe featuring tender chicken breasts cooked in a creamy blend of Italian dressing, garlic, and cream of chicken soup, topped with melted cheddar cheese. This comforting dish requires minimal prep and delivers flavorful, juicy chicken that can be shredded and mixed for serving, perfect for a hassle-free weeknight meal.
Ingredients
Chicken and Seasoning
- 3–4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs)
- 3 cloves fresh garlic, minced
- 1 packet Italian dressing mix (1 oz)
Sauce and Topping
- 1 can cream of chicken soup (10.5 oz)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 tablespoons butter, melted
Instructions
- Prepare the Crock Pot: Clean your crock pot thoroughly to ensure it is ready for cooking.
- Place Chicken: Arrange the boneless, skinless chicken breasts evenly at the bottom of the crock pot.
- Add Italian Dressing Mix: Generously sprinkle the Italian dressing mix over the chicken breasts to infuse flavor.
- Prepare and Pour Sauce: In a bowl, combine the cream of chicken soup, minced garlic, and melted butter, mixing until smooth. Pour this mixture evenly over the chicken in the crock pot.
- Add Cheese: Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese on top of the chicken and sauce layer for a rich, melted topping.
- Cook: Cover the crock pot and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until the chicken is tender and fully cooked.
- Shred and Stir: Once cooked, shred the chicken directly in the crock pot using two forks and stir the mixture well to combine all the flavors.
Notes
- Shredding the chicken in the crock pot helps it absorb all the creamy sauce thoroughly.
- You can serve this chicken over rice, pasta, or alongside vegetables for a complete meal.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for longer storage.
- Use mild or sharp cheddar cheese depending on your preference for cheesiness.
- For a lower-fat version, use reduced-fat cream of chicken soup and cheese.
