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.

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