Hearty & Creamy Crockpot Chicken and Noodles: The Ultimate Slow Cooker Comfort Food
There are few dishes as universally beloved and comforting as a warm bowl of chicken and noodles. This Crockpot Chicken and Noodles recipe takes that classic, nostalgic flavor and transforms it into an incredibly easy, hands-off meal perfect for any day of the week. Imagine tender, shredded chicken mingling with perfectly cooked, creamy egg noodles, all coated in a rich, savory sauce, made effortlessly in your slow cooker. It’s the quintessential comfort food, simplified.
Whether you’re battling a busy schedule, a chilly evening, or simply craving a taste of home, this slow cooker chicken and noodles recipe delivers. It requires minimal prep and lets your crockpot do all the heavy lifting, infusing every ingredient with deep, heartwarming flavors. Just set it, forget it, and return to a deliciously homemade dinner that feels like a warm hug in a bowl, ready to satisfy the whole family.
One of the true beauties of this dish is its adaptability. It serves as a fantastic base for customization, allowing you to tailor it to your family’s preferences. Want to sneak in some extra nutrition? Add your favorite vegetables directly to the pot. Dealing with picky eaters? Serve the chicken and noodles as-is and offer a side of their preferred greens or roasted veggies. It’s a versatile canvas for a delicious, stress-free meal.
Why You’ll Love This Crockpot Chicken and Noodles Recipe
This recipe isn’t just easy; it’s a game-changer for weeknight dinners. Here’s why it’s bound to become a staple in your kitchen:
- Effortless Preparation: With minimal chopping and simple layering, this recipe is designed for maximum flavor with minimum fuss.
- “Set It and Forget It” Convenience: The slow cooker handles all the cooking, freeing up your time for other activities until dinner is ready.
- Ultimate Comfort Food: Creamy, hearty, and deeply satisfying, it’s the perfect meal to warm you up from the inside out.
- Family-Friendly: The mild, savory flavors appeal to both adults and children, making it a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
- Versatile & Customizable: Easily adjust ingredients, add vegetables, or change seasonings to suit your taste and what you have on hand.
- Minimal Cleanup: Everything cooks in one pot, significantly reducing the amount of dishes you’ll have to wash.
Essential Ingredients for Crockpot Chicken and Noodles
Be sure to scroll to the bottom of the post for the FULL PRINTABLE recipe card with exact measurements.
- Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are ideal for shredding, offering lean protein. For a richer flavor and even more tender results, you can easily substitute boneless, skinless chicken thighs. They hold up beautifully in the slow cooker.
- Cream of Chicken Soup: This is the secret to our incredibly creamy and flavorful sauce. While canned cream of chicken soup is wonderfully convenient, you’re welcome to use any other cream soup you prefer, like cream of mushroom or cream of celery, to change the flavor profile slightly. If you prefer to avoid canned ingredients, making your own homemade Cream of Chicken Soup from scratch is a fantastic option for a fresher taste.
- Dried Parsley: Adds a subtle freshness and a hint of color to the dish. Fresh parsley can also be stirred in at the very end for a brighter flavor.
- Garlic Powder: A staple in comfort food, garlic powder provides a foundational savory aroma that enhances the entire dish.
- Dried Thyme: Earthy and aromatic, thyme pairs exceptionally well with chicken, contributing to that classic, hearty flavor.
- Onion Powder: Offers a mellow onion flavor without the texture of chopped onions, perfect for a smooth sauce and picky eaters.
- Black Pepper: A simple seasoning that adds a touch of warmth and gentle spice, balancing the richness of the soup. Adjust to your taste.
- Butter: Pats of butter placed over the chicken and seasonings slowly melt into the sauce, adding a luxurious richness and depth of flavor that makes the dish incredibly satisfying.
- Chicken Broth: Provides the necessary liquid for cooking the chicken and, later, the noodles, while also layering in more chicken flavor. You can use low-sodium or no-sodium chicken broth if you’re mindful of salt intake, especially since canned soup can be quite salty.
- Egg Noodles: I typically use dried extra-wide egg noodles for their substantial texture and ability to absorb the creamy sauce beautifully. However, you can experiment with other types. Thicker, frozen egg noodles can also be used, but be aware they might require a slightly longer cooking time to reach al dente perfection.
Step-by-Step Guide: How To Make Crockpot Chicken and Noodles
Making this incredible Crockpot Chicken and Noodles is truly a breeze. Follow these simple steps for a delicious, hands-off meal:
- Prepare the Crockpot: Begin by placing your chicken breasts (or thighs) evenly across the bottom of your slow cooker. This ensures even cooking and forms the flavorful base for our dish.
- Layer the Flavor: Pour the cream of chicken soup directly over the chicken. Then, generously sprinkle all the dried seasonings – parsley, garlic powder, dried thyme, onion powder, and black pepper – over the soup. This creates a wonderful aromatic layer that will infuse the chicken as it cooks.
- Add Butter and Broth: Distribute the pats of butter over the seasoned soup layer. The butter will slowly melt, adding richness and a silky texture to the sauce. Carefully pour the chicken broth around the edges of the crockpot, ensuring it covers the chicken and mixes with the soup base.
- Slow Cook to Perfection: Cover your crockpot with the lid and let the magic happen. Cook on low for 3-4 hours or on high for 2-3 hours. The cooking time may vary slightly depending on your slow cooker model, so aim for chicken that is easily shredded.
- Noodle Time: Once the chicken is cooked through and tender, carefully remove it from the crockpot and set it aside. Stir the uncooked egg noodles directly into the creamy sauce in the slow cooker. Re-cover the pot and allow the noodles to cook. This usually takes about 20-25 minutes, depending on the noodle type. While the noodles are simmering, shred the cooked chicken using two forks or even a hand mixer for super-fast shredding.
- Combine and Serve: Once the noodles are tender and have absorbed some of that delicious sauce, add the shredded chicken back into the pot. Stir everything together gently to combine. Serve your Crockpot Chicken and Noodles immediately while warm and creamy. The noodles will continue to absorb liquid as it sits, so it’s best enjoyed fresh!
Expert Tips & Recipe Variations for the Best Crockpot Chicken and Noodles
- No Canned Soup? No Problem! If you’re not a fan of canned soup or simply prefer a homemade touch, you can easily make your own Cream of Chicken Soup. This allows you to control the ingredients and sodium content, resulting in a fresher, richer flavor. Many homemade versions use a simple roux with milk and broth.
- Choosing Your Noodles: While extra-wide dried egg noodles are my go-to for their hearty texture, feel free to experiment. Thicker, frozen egg noodles will give a denser, chewier result but may require an additional 5-10 minutes of cooking. Avoid very thin or quick-cook pasta, as they can become mushy quickly in the slow cooker. Add noodles only in the last 20-25 minutes of cooking to prevent them from becoming overcooked.
- Amp Up the Veggies: This dish is fantastic for incorporating extra vegetables. Classic additions include frozen peas and carrots, which can be stirred in at the same time as the noodles. For a different texture, try adding broccoli florets; I usually add them when I stir in the noodles so they retain a slight bite. Spinach wilts beautifully when stirred in at the very end, right before serving. For heartier vegetables like diced celery or bell peppers, add them at the beginning with the chicken.
- Seasoning Enhancements: The basic spices provide a great foundation, but you can definitely elevate the flavor profile. Consider swapping some of the individual spices for a pre-made blend like Ranch Dressing Mix for a zesty kick, or Italian Seasoning for an herbaceous aroma. A pinch of red pepper flakes can add a subtle warmth, and a dash of Worcestershire sauce or Dijon mustard can deepen the savory notes. Fresh herbs like rosemary or sage can also be added at the end for brightness.
- Achieving the Perfect Creaminess: If your sauce seems too thin after the noodles are cooked, you can easily thicken it. Mix a tablespoon of cornstarch with an equal amount of cold water to create a slurry, then stir it into the hot mixture. Cook for another 10-15 minutes until thickened. For extra richness, stir in a splash of heavy cream or a dollop of cream cheese during the last few minutes of cooking.
- Using Frozen Chicken: If using frozen chicken breasts, you can still make this recipe work. Simply add about an hour to the low cooking time or 30-45 minutes to the high cooking time. Ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) before shredding.
Serving Suggestions for Crockpot Chicken and Noodles
While Crockpot Chicken and Noodles is a wonderfully hearty and filling meal on its own, pairing it with complementary sides can elevate your dining experience. If you haven’t added vegetables directly to the pot, consider serving it alongside a vibrant green side to balance the richness. Options like perfectly Roasted Asparagus or tender Roasted Zucchini & Squash are excellent choices. A crisp, classic Side Salad with a light vinaigrette also provides a refreshing contrast.
For those who love to lean into comfort, serving this dish with warm, crusty bread is an absolute must. Think along the lines of copycat Olive Garden Breadsticks or fluffy Buttermilk Biscuits, perfect for soaking up every last drop of the creamy sauce. Cornbread or a simple garlic bread can also round out this delicious meal, making it truly satisfying.
Storage and Reheating Tips
This Crockpot Chicken and Noodles recipe makes fantastic leftovers! To store, transfer any cooled portions to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days. It makes for a quick and easy lunch or a second dinner on a busy night.
Reheating: For best results, reheat individual portions in the microwave until warmed through, stirring occasionally. If the dish has thickened significantly or the noodles have absorbed a lot of liquid, you may want to add a splash of chicken broth or milk to loosen the sauce and restore its creamy consistency. Reheating on the stovetop over low heat, stirring frequently and adding a little liquid as needed, also works well.
Freezing: While technically possible, freezing chicken and noodles can sometimes alter the texture of the noodles, making them a bit softer or mushier upon reheating. If you choose to freeze, store in an airtight, freezer-safe container for up to 2-3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating. You might find adding extra broth or milk beneficial after thawing and reheating to bring back the desired creaminess.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Here are some common questions about making Crockpot Chicken and Noodles:
Can I use a different type of pasta instead of egg noodles?
While egg noodles are traditional for their comforting texture, you can experiment. Medium-sized pasta shapes like rotini, penne, or even small shells could work. Just be mindful of their cooking times. Generally, you’ll want to add them in the last 20-30 minutes of slow cooking, as they tend to cook faster than egg noodles and can become mushy if overcooked.
How can I make this dish healthier?
To lighten this recipe, you can use low-sodium cream of chicken soup, skim milk instead of cream (if adding extra liquid at the end), and low-sodium chicken broth. Increase the amount of vegetables like spinach, peas, or carrots. You can also use whole wheat egg noodles for added fiber, though their texture might be slightly different.
Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time?
You can do some prep ahead! Chop any vegetables you plan to add and measure out your spices. You can even combine the chicken, soup, spices, butter, and broth in the slow cooker insert and refrigerate it overnight. Then, in the morning, just pull it out and start cooking. Remember to add the noodles only in the last 20-25 minutes of cooking.
My sauce is too thin/thick. How can I fix it?
If the sauce is too thin, create a cornstarch slurry by mixing 1-2 tablespoons of cornstarch with an equal amount of cold water. Stir this mixture into the hot chicken and noodles, and cook for another 15-20 minutes on high or until thickened to your liking. If the sauce is too thick, simply stir in an additional splash of chicken broth or milk until it reaches your desired consistency.
What if I don’t have a slow cooker?
You can adapt this recipe for the stovetop or oven! For the stovetop, cook the chicken, soup, seasonings, butter, and broth in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-low heat until the chicken is tender (about 30-45 minutes). Remove and shred the chicken, then add the noodles to the pot and cook until tender. Return chicken to the pot and serve. For the oven, combine ingredients (except noodles) in an oven-safe Dutch oven, cover, and bake at 325°F (160°C) for 1.5-2 hours, then add noodles and cook for another 20-25 minutes.
More Delicious Slow Cooker Recipes
If you love the ease and comfort of slow cooker meals, be sure to explore more of our fantastic Crockpot Recipes:
- Slow Cooker Red Beans & Rice
- Crockpot Chicken Alfredo
- Crockpot Ranch Chicken
- Slow Cooker Steak Bites
- Crockpot Cajun Chicken
Crockpot Chicken and Noodles
Ingredients
- 1 ½ pounds chicken breasts
- 20 oz cream of chicken soup
- 2 teaspoons dried parsley
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 4 Tablespoons butter, cut into slices
- 3 ½ cups chicken broth
- 8 oz egg noodles, uncooked
Instructions
- Arrange chicken in the bottom of your crockpot.1 ½ pounds chicken breasts
- Pour the cream of chicken soup over the top. Sprinkle the seasonings over the soup.20 oz cream of chicken soup, 2 teaspoons dried parsley, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon dried thyme, ½ teaspoon onion powder, ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- Arrange the pats of butter over the spices. Pour the chicken broth around the edge to cover.4 Tablespoons butter, 3 ½ cups chicken broth
- Cover and cook on low for 3-4 hours or high for 2-3 hours.
- Remove the chicken and stir in the uncooked noodles. Cover and let the noodles cook while you shred the chicken. Once the chicken is shredded add it back to the pot and stir. The noodles will take about 20-25 minutes to cook.8 oz egg noodles
- Once the noodles are tender, serve immediately.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Additional Info
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