Need an easy but filling weeknight meal? This Ultimate Crock Pot Chicken Spaghetti is the perfect, simple, delicious slow cooker meal for those busy evenings!
Chicken Spaghetti is one of my ultimate comfort foods. It’s gooey, cheesy, and just plain delicious, so it makes perfect sense that my original Ultimate Chicken Spaghetti is the most popular recipe on the blog. But I got to wondering, “How do we improve upon it?”
Well, I happen to think it’s pretty dang close to perfection, but I knew there had to be something I could do. So I adapted it into a slow cooker recipe. Oh yes I did. Slow. Cooker. Perfection.
This Crock Pot Chicken Spaghetti recipe makes putting this delicious dish on the table even easier – especially on those busy weeknights! I’m super impressed with how well this works in the slow cooker.
Can you cook dry pasta in a slow cooker?
While you absolutely can cook dry pasta in a slow cooker, I really don’t recommend it. When you cook pasta in a slow cooker, you run the risk of it getting mushy. That is why I suggest that for the best results, cook the spaghetti noodles in this recipe separately by simply boiling it per the package direction. It will only add a few minutes to the overall cook time, and that way you are guaranteed yummy and not mushy pasta!
Can I put frozen chicken in the slow cooker?
I’m sure we have all come across recipes online that recommend throwing frozen chicken in a slow cooker to save time and work. However, the USDA is pretty clear about their warning against cooking chicken from frozen in the slow cooker. They advise you first thaw the meat and then place it in the slow cooker, like I suggest in this recipe.
Overall, I believe the USDA’s concerns derive from not being able to guarantee the chicken is cooked through because most recipes don’t account for the added cook time needed to get the chick from frozen to done.
The other issue is that the chicken ends up in that danger zone of 40° to 140°F for too long as it goes from frozen to cooked.
The best rule of thumb is always to use a meat thermometer to guarantee that the chicken exceeds 165°F. You want your chicken to reach this temperature in order to avoid bacteria that may grow rapidly in undercooked chicken.
Therefore, USDA guidelines truly minimize the risk of food-borne illness, but if you really want to start cooking your chicken from frozen be sure to add extra cook time and use a meat thermometer to guarantee safely edible chicken!
Or, simply do as I like to do and take your boneless skinless chicken breasts out of the freezer the night before and allow them to thaw in the fridge before cooking them the next day.
Can I use rotisserie chicken or canned chicken?
My quick answer is “yes.” But since the chicken is already cooked, we don’t want to run the risk of it getting overcooked by adding in the beginning with the rotel, Velveeta, and soups. I’d suggest adding it in about 30 minutes before you cook your pasta. This will give the chicken time to heat through while not overcooking it. Keep in mind though, rotisserie chicken is often seasoned. Therefore, this can greatly affect the overall flavor of this cheesy chicken spaghetti.
I also want to add that in my humble opinion, the canned chicken, while allowed, does not receive my biggest stamp of approval. Canned chicken can be mushy and soaked in lots of salt. If you are in a bind, then by all means use canned chicken. But if you can avoid it, I recommend just making the chicken as I detail out in this recipe.
Tips for Crockpot Chicken Spaghetti
Stick with my 4 hour sweet spot! I’ve found that many recipes call for you to cook chicken in the slow cooker for 8 to 10 hours, but this often results in tough, mealy, dry chicken. Four hours is the sweet spot and the total time you need to get the chicken cooked through and still juicy. Also, cooking for much longer might result in scorched cheese… and nobody wants that. While 4 hours isn’t terribly convenient, neither is dry chicken and scorched cheese.
Use any slow cooker! Yes, a slow cooker and a crock pot are the same thing. Sorry for the confusion. Crock-Pot is just a brand name of slow cooker. So any brand slow cooker will do the trick for this crockpot chicken spaghetti recipe.
Use a mixer for shredding chicken! If you’re super impatient like me, you can use a mixer to shred the chicken, and you don’t have to wait until it cools enough to handle. My buddy Christy Jordan shows you how. You can also get shredded chicken in a jiffy with a hand mixer.
Great for leftovers! Simply store your leftover cooked spaghetti in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The next day reheat your leftovers in the microwave for a delicious second meal!
Substitutions are welcome! If you can’t find cream of mushroom soup or just don’t like it, you can easily swap in cream of chicken soup in its place. You could also use other pastas in place of the spaghetti, like penne pasta or macaroni.
Recipe Card
Ultimate Crock Pot Chicken Spaghetti
Ingredients
- 2 (10.5-ounce) cans cream of mushroom soup
- 1 (10-ounce) can Ro*Tel Tomatoes
- 4 ounces cream cheese, cubed
- 1 (16-ounce) package Velveeta cheese, cubed
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 (16-ounce) package spaghetti
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
Instructions
- Spray the crock of a 6-quart slow cooker with nonstick cooking spray. Add the undiluted soup, undrained tomates, cream cheese, Velveeta, garlic powder, and onion powder and mix well. Add the chicken breasts and cover with the lid. Cook on low for about 4 hours or until the chicken is just cooked through. Cooking much longer than 4 hours may result in tough chicken and scorched sauce, so be cautious.
- Once the chicken is cooked through, remove it from the slow cooker using tongs and allow it to cool slightly. Stir the sauce remaining in the slow cooker well. Once the chicken is cooled enough to handle, shred it and and return it to the slow cooker and mix with the sauce. Cover.
- Cook the pasta according to the package instructions. Drain well and add the pasta to the slow cooker. Mix well. Sprinkle the cheddar cheese over the top and replace the lid. Allow the cheese to melt then serve.
Nutrition
* If nutritional values are provided, they are an estimate and will vary depending on the brands used. The values do not include optional ingredients or when ingredients are added to taste. If calorie count and other nutritional values are important to you, I recommend grabbing your favorite brands and plugging those ingredients into an online nutritional calculator.
This recipe was linked up to Weekend Potluck!
Cynthia Baker
My husband’s favorite (mine too, because it is easy and so good)! Have made this many times over the last few years. It never fails. I add a little pickled jalapeno to ours because we like “spicy” here. Thank you Stacey.
I’m so glad to hear ya’ll enjoyed it. Adding pickled jalapeños sounds like a delicious twist—! Thanks for sharing!
Cari
Amazing! First time trying it and my husband and boys loved it! Thank you!
I’m so glad to hear that y’all enjoyed it!
Phyllis S.
I’ll probably try the stovetop version
after the holidays.
I’ll be sure to let you know how it went.
Thanks again for all your help, Stacey.
Merry Christmas to you and yours and
a safe, healthy, prosperous and VERY
Happy New Year to follow.
Best regards,
Thanks, Phyllis! Happy New Year!
Phyllis S.
Hi, Stacey.
I did reply earlier, but I don’r see the post so I’m sending this.
I saw in your post from Rob Keesee ( Oct. 27/20 ) that Velveeta is a brand name for ” processed, pasteurised cheese product “.
I checked in my fridge and found that my Cheez Whiz spread is the same product !!
Many thanks to both you and Mr. Keesee for the rescue.
Can I just use the Cheez Whiz and omit the cream cheese ?
Thank you again.
It’s not quite the same as the consistencies are a little different. You could certainly try it. I’ve not tested it anyway other than it is written, so I can’t say for sure.
Phyllis S.
Thanks, stacey. I appreciate the suggestions and will surely let you know how the dish turns out.
Phyllis S.
Hi Stacey.
My husband doesn’t like Velveeta cheese, feta cheese or cream cheese in any form.
I want to try this recipe, but I can’t use these ingredients. Can you suggest any
substitutes, please ?
Hi Phyllis! Honestly, I’m just not sure how to make this one work having eliminated both Velveeta and cream cheese. You can possibly create a quick homemade cheese sauce to hold everything together. Just melt a bit of butter, whisk in some flour to make a roux, then slowly add milk and cook until it thickens. Stir in shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack until it’s nice and smooth.
It’ll give you that creamy, cheesy texture without the ingredients your husband isn’t a fan of. Let me know how it turns out if you give it a try!
Adison Davis
Could I cook this on low for 8 hours? My crockpot has specific times on it and 4 hours would be the highest
I wouldn’t recommend it. Low for 4 hours will keep the chicken nice and tender. Cooking it for much longer will make it chewy and dry.
Mary Lacy
Terrific! I can’t tell you how many times that I have shared this recipe!
Thank so much, Mary!
shannon sutton
I make this all the time!! BUT I only have cream of celery. Will that change the taste?
It will change the flavor, but I’m sure it will still be delicious.
Andrea De Graff
Can you use canned chicken and if so what is the cooking times ?
I’ve not tried it, I don’t see why not. Since it’s all cooked, all you’d really need to do is to get it all heated through well. I would think and hour or two on low would be plenty for that.
RobbieGA
Do you cut the slow cooker off after the chicken cooks for 4 hours? If so do you leave it off when you add the shredded chicken back in and later the cheese and pasta to it?
Thank you for your help.
No, I typically just allow the slow cooker to switch to warm.
Nathaniel
Was hesitant with how simple and easy the recipe was but was very delicious and extremely easy to cook. I could do without the cheese on top but rather on the side but still great either way!
Looks great! So glad you enjoyed it. Nathaniel!
Michelle
I got your recipe from a friend who loves it! I’m doubling the recipe so I can make dinner for two families in my neighborhood tonight. My crock pot is old school so I left out two cans of chicken soup until the 4 lbs of chicken gets cooked. Just wondering if it will take longer than four hours with a double recipe. I did the first hour on high to try to get all the ingredients warmed through and the cooking started. I will test the temp at the end of four hours but just thought I would see if you have any experience with doubling.
How thoughtful, Michelle! I sure hope they’ll all enjoy it! I’ve not tested this recipe doubled. The cook time should be roughly the same, but testing the temp is the best method to ensure it’s cooked through. Would you come back and let us know about how long it takes? Others might find that info helpful in the future.
Jenna
Could have done without the rotel, but overall good! Next time I’ll certainly be making a 1/2 batch!
For me, Rotel is what makes chicken spaghetti, chicken spaghetti. Glad you enjoyed it!
Frances Morrison
I made this in a crock pot instead of the oven, and it turned out perfectly. The only problem is getting it out of a crock pot with the cheddar cheese topping intact. Next time I’ll bake it in the oven so the topping is visible. I had to substitute diced tomatoes seasoned with garlic, onion, and oregano for Ro-Tel tomatoes, but the taste was cheesy and delicious! This would make a great potluck dish as well as a family dinner. Thanks for the recipe!
So glad you enjoyed it!
Carol A CHRISTIE
Can I use rotisserie chicken? How long would I cook it
Sure! Probably just long enough to get everything melted through.
Devunta
Is it possible to follow this recipe and pop it in the oven to get a nice crispy melted cheese top?
Sure! If you’re crock is oven safe, you can slide it right under a low broiler to get it crisped up – just watch it VERY closely!
Britt Earnheart
I tried, a long time ago, to make another crock pot chicken spaghetti, and it was a flop. Today I tried your recipe and it was fantastic!!! Easy and so tasty and filling on a cool day. I will definitely be adding this into my regular recipes! Thank you for sharing this one!!! I used one can of cream of mushroom and one can of cream of chicken and a second can of Rotel, drained.
Awesome! So glad this one turned out great for you, Britt!!
Karen Denham
I had to refrigerate the mix(without the chicken) last night after combining since my husband was stuck at work. Today, I let it stand at room temp 30 minutes before I added the chicken & started the crockpot on low. Only about 1 1/2 hours in & haven’t removed the lid, but chicken is still pink. Do I need to turn the breasts? I don’t cook, so this is unfamiliar territory. Thanks for guidance- hope refrigerating the cheeses/cream of mushroom didn’t cause an issue.
No, there’s no need to turn the chicken – it’s just going to take longer to cook. 4 to 5 hours total should be about right before the chicken is cooked through.
Mary Lacy
If I only have canned chicken breast, will the cooking time remain the same?
Since the chicken is cooked, you can reduce the cook time to simply get everything heated through before adding the pasta.
Mary Lacy
Thank you for clearing that up for me. It sounds like a really yummy recipe!
Happy to help! Enjoy!
Donna Rutledge-Goulden
Can the cream cheese be replaced?
I wouldn’t, but you could certainly just leave it out.
Ronda Norman
This recipe is a keeper!! Didn’t have Rotel so I used a can of diced tomatoes that I had and I used an off brand instead of Velveeta and mild cheddar!!
So glad you were able to make it work with what you had! Glad you enjoyed it!
Christina
I hate mushrooms. What can I substitute the cream of mushroom soup with?
You can use cream of chicken.
Patricia Barrett
Craveable!
Thanks!
Toni
It was good but the cream cheese didn’t seem to melt and it looked like sour milk. It tasted good but looked a little weird. But that won’t stop me from trying some of your other recipes. What did I do wrong?
That’s super weird. I actually had a batch of cream cheese a few months ago that had obviously been frozen and had a curdled sort of texture. I wonder if that might have been the issue. The heat should have certainly melted it.
Edanna
Amazing! So easy and delicious. I took it to a luncheon at church and everyone asked for the recipe. Thanks!
Thanks! Love hearing that!
Jackie Jones
This looks amazing. Do you have stove top directions for this?
I have an oven and stovetop version!
Jackie Jones
Awesome. Thank you
James Lyon
Gonna try
Hope you enjoy it!
Theresa Staggs
Very good, entire family loved it.
Thank you so much!
Nichole Simmons
Delicious Recipe 👍
Thanks so much!
Cori
I want to make this today. Can I use frozen chicken breast? How much longer for cooking in crockpot?
From a food safety perspective, it’s not a great idea to put frozen food in a crock pot. The slow cook allows too much opportunity for the food to live in the danger temp zone that allows it to develop bacteria. {Takes off the official food safety hat} All that being said, folks have been doing it forever without much issue. I’d recommend an extra hour or so if you start with frozen… but I didn’t suggest that. 🙂
Christopher McQuate
Stacey,
Made this tonight and it was easy and tasted fantastic! This is the first of your recipes I have tried, but based on this it will not be the last. Thank you!
Awesome! So glad to hear it turned out great for you!
Lynn Vining
Awesome recipe Stacey! I’ve been out of commission for a while with back and leg pain. My hubby can even follow this and made us a great meal! He is rather proud of himself! <3
Oh no! Hope you’re feeling better! So glad to hear that he found it easy to follow!
Ashley Juneau
Making this tomorrow! My husband will not eat chunks of Rotel, can I just use the juice?
Sure! Hope y’all enjoy!
Kaye
Hi Ashley! I have a suggestion that might help with the Ro-tel chunks issue. Empty the can of Ro-tel in the blender or food processor. You’ll get all the flavor but none of the chunks! I had a very picky eater when my son was younger, and I resorted to disguising ingredients that he didn’t like into smaller invisible forms that he couldn’t see. Sometimes it’s not the taste they object to, it’s the texture or appearance that gets them! LOL
Great tip! Thanks for sharing!
Suzqt
We puree our Rotel, stewed tomatoes, cottage cheese, and all things that give us cringe-worthy textures in certain recipes. Try it, it will change your life. Cottage cheese becomes the much more expensive “ricotta cheese” with a whir of the food processor. Lol. Give it a try, pulse those tomatoes down a little, or a lot.
Great tip!
Josh
Suggestion: add crushed up tortilla chips on top after cooking/reheating! Adds a nice crunchy texture with the soft and hearty. I used Tostitos brand original. I liked ours pretty finely crushed (just make a ziplock bag of crushed chips, seal and reuse for other recipes, like soups!).
This was the first time we made it. It’s not quite a “set it and forget it”, but it’s still easy to make with the extra steps. Reheats incredibly well. I do wonder just out of curiosity how it would taste with cream of chicken instead of mushroom. I’m not a big mushroom fan, but it didn’t taste mushroomy at all.
I shared it on FB and Twitter afterwards. A meal worth sharing around!
Thanks so much, Josh – both for the kind words and the suggestions! The tortilla chips should like a great addition. I have made it with the cream of chicken before and it does lack some of the savoriness that the mushroom gives it, but it was still delicious.
Cynthia Baker
This is one of my favorites of yours! Easy too. I add a small can of diced jalapenos because we love things spicy here. Thank you for all of your great recipes.
Yum! Thanks so much, Cynthia!! You are too kind.
Beverly Jones
Stacey, if I use rotisserie chicken, how much do you think I will need?
3 to 4 cups should work just fine. Enjoy!
Marlita
So my plan is to make this tomorrow for my 5 children and I was trying to make things easier for myself(single mom work 50+ hours a week) and purchased precooked shredded rotisserie chicken, will using that cooked shredded chicken ruin the recipe? It seems like the uncooked chicken juices is what makes the sauce🤦🏽♀️ Please help-Hopeless in Connecticut lol =)
Hi Marlita! I might recommend using the standard version of the recipe if you want to use the precooked, shredded chicken: https://southernbite.com/ultimate-chicken-spaghetti/ Otherwise, you can cook the sauce in the slow cooker without the chicken and then just add the chicken to the slow cooker while you cook the pasta.
Marlita
Stacey- Thank you so much. You’re a life saver! Please keep the recipes and the stories coming. There are lots of people who really appreciate them and you, I know I do. Thanks again!
You are so welcome, Marlita! I’m happy to help!
Ericka
Hi Stacey! I recently discovered your recipe and my whole family loves it!!!! I was wondering, since I am horrible with math, do you happen to know the nutritional values per serving? Particularly carbohydrates?
Hi Ericka! I’m so glad that y’all have enjoyed it! When it comes to nutritional content, that’s not something I calculate. Many of my recipes use ingredients whose nutritional content will vary by brand, so I encourage my readers to pick their favorite brands and then plug them into a nutritional calculator like the one over at myfitnesspal.com. Hope that helps!
Amy
Just a few questions and comments: 1. You can use a Rotisserie Chicken instead of the raw chicken adds seasoning to the mix. 2. I use cream of chicken AND mushroom soup as well as Fiesta Cheese soup. 3. You can play with the seasonings. Use your favorites, be creative. A recipe is a suggestion. 4. How do you prevent the mixture from burning, that’s where I struggle. Cleaning the crock after the fact is difficult for me, yes I have crock liners when I can find them!! I’m making this tonight, I’m going to add velvetta and cream cheese, but I’m cooking it in the oven to freeze for future meals. I live alone.
Hi Amy! Yes, you can certainly use a rotisserie chicken! I usually don’t have much trouble with it burning. I always spray the crock with nonstick cooking spray and then make sure not to cook it longer than the recipe states. Hope you enjoy!
Patti Moss
Stacey, I’m not a great cook, but there are a few things that I cook very well and this recipe of yours is one of them! My husband and I are surrogate grandparents to a family of FIVE sisters that we love and adore. They adopted us when the youngest was 2 and she’s just turned 12. The oldest is 17. The middle one always requests this dish. I love it because my grandmother made it!!! I was the pickiest child, but I did love her Chicken Spaghetti and it’s no wonder!!! Thank you for this recipe. I actually shed tears when I realized it tasted just like I remember hers tasting!
Oh my, Patti! This comment put a huge smile on my face! It’s the ultimate compliment for me when one of my recipes is reminiscent of a beloved family members. I love that I can, in some little way, bring a little bit of her back to you!
Stephanie
Is it supposed to be 4 hours on high instead of low?
No, it’s 4 hours on low. Chicken cooks very quickly compared to other proteins in the slow cooker and can get tough and mealy if it’s overcooked.
Lisa
I’ve not found a great substitute for this stuff because nothing really melts quite like it. I’ve not tried it, but did find this recipe for a substitute…
You found a recipe to a copycat Velveeta?
Debbie Glasscock
Hi Stacey! I have made this recipe SO many times and my family absolutely loves it! It’s so easy to put together and comes out perfect every single time. I have a question….I have a busy day tomorrow and would love to put this in the crockpot in the morning but just realized I only have cream of celery soup. I know I can substitute that for the cream of mushroom, but I’m wondering how much it would change the flavor. Wondering your opinion? Thank you for a wonderful recipe!
I think ti will change the flavor, but I think it will still be delicious! I’m so glad to hear you’ve enjoyed this one!
Debbie Glasscock
Thank you! I ended up doing something else that day, but plan to make it tomorrow! And now I have cream of mushroom soup, so I’m all set!
Hope it turns out great for you!
Judy Ruff
I don’t have any cream cheese. Can I use sour cream instead?
I’ve not tried that, but it should work.
Lola
I’d like to use chicken thighs instead of breasts. Would this change the cook time?
It could. Just depends on thick they are and whether they’re bone in or not.
Maureen Ballard
I have not tried this as I can’t stand Velveta cheese. Is there another way to make this without the Velveta? I can’t stand this cheese. I love Chicken Spaghetti but I can’t find any that doesn’t use this cheese. Please help me if you can.
Thank you,
Maureen Ballard
maureenballard1@gmail.com
Hi Maureen! I just heard from another reader last week who said she replaced the Velveeta with an additional block of cream cheese and that it turned out great. I’ve not tried it, so I can’t say for sure, but that’s certainly an idea. Enjoy!
Andrea
I’ve made this several times and it always turns out great. I’ve used the mild and Fire Roasted Ro*Tel. I use chicken tenderloins instead of whole breast. Allows for easier shredding in the slow cooker. Thanks for the recipe!
That sounds perfect! Glad to hear you’ve enjoyed it!
Rob Keesee
I haven’t made this yet but I plan to. I gave it five stars already because the recipe just sounds so good. I do, however, have one question about the spaghetti noodles. As I recall, in your regular recipe NOT for the slow cooker I seem to recall that the spaghetti did not need to be cooked separately before adding to the chicken and soup mixture. So why can’t the same thing be done in the slow cooker, where the spaghetti is just added to the cooker as a final step in the cooking process? Seems to me it would work just as well as it does in your stovetop/oven method plus the additional time in the soup would give it additional flavor? Please let me know your thoughts.
As far as two other questions I noticed that were asked. When it comes to boneless, skinless chicken breasts in recipes, I frequently substitute boneless, skinless chicken thighs because the meat is so much jucier and holds up to cooking times better. (I have found if you watch for sales, you can find the thighs just as reasonably priced as the breasts.
As for a substitute for Velveeta, though the quality may not be quite the same, “Velveeta’ is just basically ‘pasteurized, processed cheese spread’ which can be found in almost every grocery store.
I am glad I stumbled across your web pages and your recipes, and I will be looking forward to hearing your comments.
Hi Rob! Thanks for the note! Actually, in both recipes, the pasta has to be cooked in advance. It’s just the best way to maintain the texture of the pasta to keep it from getting overcooked and mushy.
Chicken thighs will work perfectly in this recipe, I just happen to not love the flavor of the thigh meat. But that’s just a matter of personal preference.
And yes, Velveeta is just a brand name for pasteurized cheese spread, so a generic version will work just fine.
Laura
Do you think this could be made ahead, frozen and then reheated in the microwave? I’m looking for some freezer meals for an elderly relative that can be reheated without using the oven.
We love your recipes! Everything I’ve made so far has been delicious!
Thanks, Laura! Yes, it can be done. The pasta will get a bit soft, but it still tastes great.
Tracy
I made this recipe today for the first time. I loved it and husband loved it. I did however cut the chicken up in smaller but agreeable pieces. Turned out great. Had a little bite to it, but other than that was awesome delicious good. Husband says I am making again.
Sweet! So glad it turned out great and everyone enjoyed it!
Michelle
I’m having trouble getting my chicken to cook. I have 2 hrs left in the crockpot
Are you sure that your crockpot is heating correctly? Also, how are you judging whether it’s cooked or not?
Tiffany
What if I don’t have enough time to wait 4 hours? Can I cook it on high for two and low for one?
I’ve not tried it, but I would guess that might work.
Tiffany
I only had three hours, so I used my crockpot probe and set it to temp of 160 at high. When the temp of the probe got to 108, I bumped it down to low and left it there until it got to 160. I took the probe out and just left it on low while I mashed the chicken (used the five pronged tool for mashing meat…can’t think of the proper term) while in the crockpot (worked wonderfully). I left it there on low while making the noodles, added it together, and it’s perfect!
Great idea! So glad to hear it turned out perfectly for you!!
Connie Huffman
Yum!
I have made this recipe dozens of times since 8/17/19, love it!!!!
Going camping and want to take to share with friends, at what point would you suggest freezing it?
Before Baking or Baked and bring frozen? Don’t want to lose any flavor of this great dish!!
Thanks in advance!
Connie H.
I’m so excited to hear that, Connie! I think you can freeze it before or after baking.
Arch
Tried it, and it was a HIT!
Everyone LOVED it!
Easy to follow, clear and concise directions!
Good Job!
It’s on the rotation now…
Awesome! So glad y’all enjoyed it!!
Ms.Hawk
Hi, wouldn’t we cook the chicken on high for 4 hours or is it low because of the cream cheese?
No, cooking the chicken on high for four hours will over cook it and make it dry. 4 hours on low is plenty of time to cook the chicken through.
Tracey M Stubbs
I’ve made this several times and my kids just love it! Thanks!!!
Awesome! So glad it’s been a hit with your crew!
Ms Let
After 4 hours I still had lumps of cream cheese in my sauce. Is this normal or should I cook sauce for longer?
I’ve not heard of anyone with that problem. I would remove the chicken and stir it really well to see if it mixes up.
Carol Neighbors
I made this recipe yesterday. The only difference is I halved the recipe, otherwise, I did not change a thing. Perfection on a plate. So delicious. I Definitely will be making this again…for company, too!
Wonderful, Carol! I’m so glad you enjoyed it!!
Johnnie Mc
What other cheese could I use instead of Velvetta? Thank you!
I’m just not sure that there is a good replacement.
Robin
Making this now- a friend brought my family a chicken spaghetti dish when I had surgery and my husband, two sons all loved it!
Hope you love this one just as much!
Shirley
Can you substitute the cream of mushroom
Sure! Cream of chicken should work.
Ruth
It sounds amazing. However, I am allergic to tomatoes. Can I replace them with something else for the sauce? Will the sauce be too stiff if I just leave them out?
Hmmm… I’m not sure what you might swap them out for. You really need the acid from the tomatoes to cut through all that cheese.
Katy
Would thin spaghetti noodles be okay? Have you tried it with a crockpot liner or would it end up cutting through with the shredding?
The think spaghetti should be just fine. When it comes to the liners, they are super convenient. Since we take the chicken out of the crock pot to shred it, I’d imagine everything would be just fine.
Katy
Great recipe! This will be a new addition to our favorites, thanks so much!
So glad you enjoyed it, Katy!!
Tastefulbliss
Does the chicken breast have to be thawed before placing in Crock-Pot or can I cook while frozen.
I don’t really ever recommend slow cooking anything from frozen. It allows meats to be in the danger temp zone for a bit too long.
Lisa
We don’t have valveeta cheese in Ontario and wondered what substitute I could use? I can not WAIT to try this * mouth watering 🙂
I’ve not found a great substitute for this stuff because nothing really melts quite like it. I’ve not tried it, but did find this recipe for a substitute… https://www.thespruceeats.com/homemade-velveeta-cheese-and-cheez-whiz-substitute-recipe-4136304
Sandy
You can get velveta cheese in almost any grocery store. Usually not chilled like other cheeses.
Brenda
I increase cream cheese to 8 ounces and use 8 ounces Monterey Jack (softer cheese) and 4 ounces cheddar instead of velveeta…and still use 1 cup cheddar on top at end…it works great and we love it…never used velveeta so not sure how it compares
Laurrl
Turned out perfect and my family loved it!
Thanks Stacey!
Awesome! So glad it turned out great for you!!
Anthony Collins
Thank kim collins for the chicken spaghetti recipe on crocker pot. It is first time it new version for crockery pot. I will try to cook it if I have chance. I love chicken spaghetti n my favorite food.
Hope you’ll love this version!
Tammy
Thank you for specifying things like “undiluted” or “undrained” in your recipes! (PS I was in show choir and band as well and I loved every minute of it).
Of course! I want things to be as clear as possible! Glad to know I’m in good company! 🙂
Sandra Batterman
I made this today as a gift for someone who is going to have surgery. I have made many dishes for their family when surgery is in the future. This was easy to do and tastes fantastic. I am allergic to peppers so would use crushed tomatoes instead. My other friends love heat and they would use a spicier Ro*Tel tomatoes. Very adaptable recipe for any family.
How sweet of you! I sure hope they enjoy it!
sandra muster
I have seen generic brands of rotel, usually called tomatoes with green chili’s in the canned tomato section.
Yep!
jenna
Hello! I am unable to find Ro Tel tomatoes where I am and I am curious what substitute would be instead…crushed tomatoes? diced tomatoes? . Thanks!
Allison
Jenna, they are usually with the canned tomatoes, at least in the grocery stores I shop at. Have you asked a store employee? Maybe your store keeps it in the section that has the hispanic food? It’s a popular item, I’d be surprised your store does not cover it.
Q
Question…why couldn’t you just cube the raw chicken and not go through that shredding step. Knowing me, I’m missing something that I need to be reminded of, and I’m ok with that. In my mom’s version she used the whole chicken, so maybe using thighs would keep it from getting too dry. Can you tell I don’t like to shred (or eat) shredded chicken? I don’t want to ruin it.
Cathy
I hope to do this too!
also – how spicy is this? I had chicken spaghetti at a friend’s house and it was very spicy…can’t do that!
If you use the mild Rotel, it’s not spicy at all.
I’ve not tried it, but I think that would work. The cook time will be shorter for sure. Shredded chicken is the most common way this dish is made so that’s why I developed the recipe this way.
Angela
You could use rotisserie chicken and added at the end shredded with the shredded cheese on top.
I don’t see why not.
Deb R.
I thought chicken spaghetti was something my friend made up! Can’t wait to try this crockpot recipe. Everyone tells me to use my pressure cooker but honestly, I’m afraid of it. Childhood memory of dad’s canner blowing up and me being the one to clean up the green beans from floor to ceiling has me reluctant to trust the new ones.
I totally understand the concern, but modern appliances are much safer. Regardless, I hope you’ll enjoy this slow cooker version!
eliza
Hmm yummy! this crock pot spaghetti looking owsome. Will try it.
Hope you’ll enjoy it!
Sabrina
No Rotel can I use salsa and still be tasty
I’ve not thought about that, but I assume it would work.
Margie
I’m using American cheese with extra cream cheese. I have done this with other recipes and it worked out well. I’ll let you know if it works out.
Caro
Could you use pepper jack cheese instead of Velveeta?
Perhaps! I’ve not tested it, so I can’t say for sure.
Jenna
I love chicken spaghetti, can’t wait to try your crock pot version!
I sure hope you’ll love this one!