Crockpot Angel Chicken – 5 Ways (Including the Southern Classic)
If you’ve ever searched for a Crockpot Angel Chicken recipe, you know it’s one of the most beloved Southern slow cooker meals.
Creamy. Comforting. Easy enough for Sunday morning before church. And traditionally served over angel hair pasta.
Today, I’m sharing Crockpot Angel Chicken five different ways — including the original church cookbook classic — plus four updated variations for the intentional kitchen.
Whether you prefer the traditional version with cream of chicken soup or a crockpot angel chicken without canned soup, you’ll find your version here.
What Is Crockpot Angel Chicken?
Crockpot Angel Chicken is a slow cooker chicken recipe made with cream cheese, seasonings, and a creamy sauce, traditionally thickened with cream of chicken soup and Italian dressing mix. It’s typically served over angel hair pasta — which is where it gets its name.
It’s been a Southern staple for decades.
1. The Southern Classic Crockpot Angel Chicken
This is the original angel chicken recipe many of us grew up eating.
Ingredients:
2–3 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 (10.5 oz) can cream of chicken soup
1 packet Italian dressing mix
8 oz cream cheese
4 tbsp butter
Instructions:
Place chicken in crockpot.
Mix soup and dressing packet together and pour over chicken.
Top with cream cheese and butter.
Cook on LOW for 4–5 hours.
Serve over angel hair pasta.
2. Crockpot Angel Chicken Without Cream of Chicken Soup
This version keeps the creamy comfort but uses real ingredients instead of canned soup.
Ingredients:
2–3 chicken breasts
8 oz cream cheese, cubed
1 cup full-fat coconut milk or heavy cream
½ cup chicken broth
½ tsp oregano
½ tsp thyme
½ tsp garlic powder
½ tsp salt
¼ cup grated parmesan
Instructions:
Add everything to crockpot.
Cook on LOW 4–5 hours.
Shred chicken and stir until sauce is smooth.
This crockpot angel chicken without cream of chicken soup has the same creamy texture with a cleaner ingredient list.
3. Tuscan Crockpot Angel Chicken
Add to the no-soup base:
2 cloves garlic
1 cup fresh spinach (add last 20 minutes)
½ tsp dried basil
Pinch red pepper flakes
Squeeze of lemon before serving
This version tastes like a Tuscan cream chicken but cooks just as easily in the slow cooker.
4. Mushroom & White Wine Angel Chicken
Add to the no-soup base:
1 cup sliced mushrooms
2 tbsp white wine
½ tsp thyme
Extra ¼ cup parmesan
Cook LOW 4–5 hours and stir well before serving.
5. Mediterranean Angel Chicken
Add to the no-soup base:
½ cup chopped sun-dried tomatoes
½ cup artichoke hearts
½ tsp oregano
Lemon zest
Crumbled feta before serving
Bright and fresh while still creamy.
What To Serve With Crockpot Angel Chicken
Angel hair pasta
White rice
Mashed potatoes
Roasted broccoli
Simple green salad
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave. Add a splash of broth or milk to loosen the sauce if needed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I cook angel chicken on HIGH?
Yes, but LOW for 4–5 hours gives the best texture and prevents sauce separation.
Can I freeze crockpot angel chicken?
Yes, though cream-based sauces may slightly change texture when reheated. Stir well after thawing.
Can I use chicken thighs?
Absolutely. Boneless, skinless thighs work beautifully in this recipe.
A Note From My Kitchen
Angel Chicken has been part of Southern kitchens for decades. I believe you can honor tradition while also cooking intentionally. Whether you choose the classic version or the no-canned-soup upgrade, this Crockpot Angel Chicken recipe still does what it’s always done:
It feeds people well.
And that’s the heart of hospitality.
