If you’re craving a wholesome, comforting meal that practically cooks itself, you’ve got to try this Crockpot Chicken and Noodles Recipe. It’s the perfect blend of tender chicken, velvety cream of chicken soup, and soft egg noodles that soak up all those marvelous flavors. Whether it’s a busy weekday or a cozy weekend dinner, this dish fills your kitchen with warmth and invites everyone around the table for seconds. The magic lies in how simple ingredients come together in the slow cooker, transforming into a heartwarming bowl of pure happiness.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this Crockpot Chicken and Noodles Recipe plays a starring role, combining simplicity with deliciousness. From the creamy soup base to the tender chicken breasts and delicate egg noodles, each component adds texture, flavor, and balance to the dish.
- 12 oz egg noodles: These are the comforting backbone, soaking up the sauce and providing tender bite.
- 1.5–2 lb chicken breasts: Lean and juicy protein that will shred beautifully after slow cooking.
- ½ stick butter, cut into pats: Adds richness and buttery depth to the sauce.
- Two 10.5-oz cans cream of chicken soup: The creamy base that makes this dish irresistibly smooth.
- 1 tbsp garlic powder: Infuses savory warmth and a gentle punch of flavor throughout.
- 3.5 cups chicken broth: Keeps everything moist and flavorful, allowing noodles to cook perfectly.
- Salt and pepper, to taste: Essential for seasoning and bringing all the flavors to life.
- 1 tbsp chicken bouillon: Boosts the savory notes, enhancing the dish’s depth.
- 2–4 tbsp dried parsley: Adds a touch of color and fresh, mild herbiness at the end.
How to Make Crockpot Chicken and Noodles Recipe
Step 1: Season the Chicken
Place the chicken breasts directly into the crockpot and generously season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and chicken bouillon. This step ensures your chicken gets infused with that essential savory foundation, setting the tone for the entire dish.
Step 2: Layer the Cream of Chicken Soup
Spread both cans of cream of chicken soup evenly over the seasoned chicken. This creamy layer will meld with the other ingredients during cooking, creating a luscious sauce that the noodles will later absorb.
Step 3: Add Butter and Broth
Scatter the butter pats over the soup and pour in the chicken broth. The butter melts into the liquid, boosting richness, while the broth helps everything cook slowly into a flavorful, velvety base.
Step 4: Slow Cook the Chicken
Cover the crockpot and cook on high for 3 to 4 hours. This slow, steady heat makes the chicken incredibly tender, allowing it to easily fall apart when shredded.
Step 5: Shred the Chicken
Once the chicken is tender, carefully shred it using two forks right in the crockpot. This keeps the meat juicy and ready to mingle with the creamy broth and noodles for perfect bite-sized pieces.
Step 6: Add the Egg Noodles
Add the egg noodles to the crockpot, making sure they are fully submerged in the liquid. This ensures every noodle cooks evenly and soaks up the delicious sauce.
Step 7: Cook the Noodles
Cover again and cook for 20 to 30 minutes, or until the noodles are perfectly soft but not mushy. Stir occasionally if you can, to prevent sticking and promote even cooking.
Step 8: Finish with Parsley and Seasoning
Stir in the dried parsley for a pop of color and fresh flavor. Taste the dish and adjust seasoning with more salt or pepper if needed, then serve warm and enjoy.
How to Serve Crockpot Chicken and Noodles Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh garnishes elevate this humble dish beautifully. Consider sprinkling freshly chopped parsley, a pinch of cracked black pepper, or even a sprinkle of grated Parmesan to add a touch of color and flavor complexity.
Side Dishes
This Crockpot Chicken and Noodles Recipe pairs wonderfully with crisp green salads, steamed vegetables like broccoli or green beans, and crusty bread to mop up the sauce. These sides balance the creamy richness and add freshness to your meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For a cozy dinner party, serve the noodles in individual bowls topped with fresh herbs and a drizzle of good olive oil or a squeeze of lemon to brighten the flavors. You can also layer it in a casserole dish and bake briefly for a golden topping or add a handful of roasted nuts for an unexpected crunch.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The noodles will continue soaking up sauce, so the texture may thicken, which is easy to fix by gently reheating with a splash of broth or water.
Freezing
This recipe freezes well, although noodles can soften upon thawing. Freeze in portion-sized containers for up to 2 months. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat gently to preserve flavors and texture.
Reheating
For reheating, warm the Crockpot Chicken and Noodles Recipe slowly on the stove over medium-low heat or in the microwave in short bursts, stirring occasionally. Add extra broth or water if it seems too thick to bring back that creamy, comforting consistency.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs will add a bit more flavor and tenderness due to their higher fat content, and they work beautifully in this recipe.
Do I have to use egg noodles?
Egg noodles are traditional and absorb the sauce wonderfully, but you can substitute with other pasta types like rotini or even wide lasagna noodles cut into pieces.
Can I make this recipe on low instead of high?
Yes, you can cook on low for about 6 to 7 hours. Just keep an eye on the noodles to avoid overcooking once added.
Is this recipe suitable for freezing after cooking?
It is! Just be aware that the noodles may become softer when thawed. Adding fresh noodles when reheating is another great option.
How can I make this recipe creamier?
For extra creaminess, consider stirring in a splash of heavy cream or some cream cheese when you add the noodles.
Final Thoughts
This Crockpot Chicken and Noodles Recipe is one of those all-time favorites that feels like a warm hug on a plate. It’s straightforward, uses pantry staples, and rewards you with a rich, comforting meal that’s perfect any day of the week. I can’t wait for you to try it and make it a new go-to for busy nights and relaxed weekends alike.
Print
Crockpot Chicken and Noodles Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 3 hours 30 minutes
- Total Time: 3 hours 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This hearty Crockpot Chicken and Noodles recipe combines tender chicken breasts cooked to perfection in a creamy, flavorful broth with egg noodles. The low-effort slow cooking method ensures juicy, shredded chicken infused with garlic and chicken bouillon, while the addition of parsley adds a fresh finish. Ideal for a comforting family dinner, this dish yields six generous servings of delicious, creamy chicken and noodles.
Ingredients
Chicken and Soup Base
- 1.5–2 lb chicken breasts
- 2 (10.5 oz) cans cream of chicken soup
- ½ stick butter, cut into pats
- 3.5 cups chicken broth
- 1 tbsp garlic powder
- 1 tbsp chicken bouillon
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Noodles and Seasoning
- 12 oz egg noodles
- 2–4 tbsp dried parsley
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Place the chicken breasts into the crockpot and season evenly with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and chicken bouillon, ensuring the flavors penetrate the meat.
- Add the Soup: Spread both cans of cream of chicken soup evenly over the chicken breasts to create a creamy layer that will cook down to a rich sauce.
- Incorporate Butter and Broth: Scatter the pats of butter over the soup, then pour in the chicken broth to add moisture and depth to the dish.
- Cook on High: Cover the crockpot and cook on the high setting for 3 to 4 hours, allowing the chicken to become tender and infused with flavor.
- Shred the Chicken: Once the chicken is tender, use two forks to shred it directly within the crockpot, mixing it into the broth and soup base.
- Add Egg Noodles: Add the egg noodles to the crockpot, making sure they are fully submerged in the liquid to cook evenly.
- Cook Noodles: Cover again and cook for an additional 20 to 30 minutes, or until the noodles are tender and have absorbed the savory broth.
- Finish and Serve: Stir in the dried parsley, taste, and adjust seasoning if necessary, then serve warm for a comforting meal.
Notes
- You can substitute egg noodles with other pasta varieties, but cooking time may vary.
- For a thicker sauce, reduce the amount of chicken broth slightly.
- Adding fresh parsley at the end can enhance flavor and color.
- Leftovers keep well and can be reheated gently on the stovetop or microwave.
- Ensure noodles are fully submerged to cook evenly and prevent sticking.
