Heavenly Dinner: Just 5 ingredients. The sauce is so rich and creamy, my family licks their plates clean every time.

 

Angel chicken is one of those gentle little suppers that quietly earned its place at every church potluck and family reunion across the Midwest. It’s creamy, comforting, and feels like something your favorite aunt would slide in front of you on a chilly evening. This slow cooker version keeps the spirit of the old oven-baked recipe, but it’s pared down to just five ingredients and a plug-in crock on the counter. You still get that cozy blend of tender chicken, tangy Italian seasoning, and a velvety sauce that soaks right into a bed of pasta or rice. It’s the kind of meal you can throw together in the morning, then go about your day—whether that’s tending a garden, running errands in town, or just taking it easy—and come back to a house that smells like someone’s been cooking for you all afternoon.

This angel chicken is lovely spooned over a nest of hot buttered egg noodles, but it’s just as good over mashed potatoes or plain white rice if that’s what you have in the pantry. A simple side of green beans—canned or fresh—fits right in with its Midwestern roots, and a crisp lettuce salad with a light vinaigrette helps balance the richness of the sauce. Warm dinner rolls or a slice of soft white bread are perfect for soaking up every last bit from the plate. If you’re feeding a crowd, set the slow cooker on warm, put out a big bowl of noodles and a platter of steamed vegetables or corn, and let folks serve themselves, just like a church basement supper.

5-Ingredient Slow Cooker Angel Chicken with Italian Dressing Mix

Ingredients

2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
1 (0.7–1 ounce) packet dry Italian dressing mix
1 (10.5 ounce) can cream of chicken soup
1 (8 ounce) package cream cheese, softened and cut into cubes
1/2 cup chicken broth or water

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Directions

Place the chicken in the bottom of a 4- to 6-quart slow cooker in an even layer.

In a medium bowl, whisk together the dry Italian dressing mix, cream of chicken soup, and chicken broth (or water) until fairly smooth.

Scatter the cream cheese cubes over the chicken, then pour the soup mixture evenly over the top.

Cover and cook on LOW for 4–6 hours, or on HIGH for about 2–3 hours, until the chicken is very tender and easily shreds with a fork.

Using two forks, shred or chunk the chicken right in the slow cooker and stir well to blend it with the creamy sauce. Cover and let it sit on WARM for 5–10 minutes so the flavors mingle and the sauce thickens slightly.

Taste and adjust seasoning if needed, then serve the angel chicken hot over cooked egg noodles, rice, or mashed potatoes.

Variations & Tips

For a richer, old-fashioned flavor, you can swap half of the broth for dry white wine, much like the ladies used to do for special-occasion casseroles. If you prefer thighs over breasts, they stay especially moist and are very forgiving in the slow cooker. To lighten things up a bit, use reduced-fat cream cheese and a healthy-style cream of chicken soup; the sauce will be slightly thinner but still comforting. You can also stir in a handful of sliced mushrooms or a cup of frozen peas during the last 30 minutes of cooking for a little color and texture. If your family likes a bit of kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a spoonful of prepared Italian dressing along with the dry mix. Leftovers keep well in the refrigerator for several days and reheat nicely on the stovetop with a splash of milk or broth to loosen the sauce. For a potluck, double the recipe and use a larger slow cooker, then set it to WARM and let everyone help themselves throughout the evening.