Best Chicken & Noodles Crock Pot Recipe

Nothing beats the comfort of a warm bowl of chicken and noodles, especially when it’s made effortlessly in a slow cooker. This Chicken & Noodles Crock Pot recipe combines tender chicken, egg noodles, and a rich, savory broth for a simple yet hearty meal. Perfect for busy days or when you need a comforting dinner without the fuss, this dish is sure to become a household staple.

Ingredients You’ll Need:

• 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or chicken thighs)
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon dried parsley
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• 8 oz egg noodles (uncooked)
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• ½ cup heavy cream (optional, for extra creaminess)

Optional Additions:

• 1 cup sliced carrots
• 1 cup diced celery
• ½ cup frozen peas

Equipment:

• Slow cooker (Crock Pot)
• Mixing spoon
• Tongs

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Assemble the Base Ingredients

1. Place the chicken breasts in the slow cooker.
2. Add the diced onion, minced garlic, dried thyme, dried parsley, and season with salt and black pepper.
3. Pour the chicken broth over the ingredients, ensuring the chicken is mostly submerged.

Step 2: Cook the Chicken

1. Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours until the chicken is cooked through and tender.
2. After cooking, use tongs or two forks to shred the chicken directly in the slow cooker.

Step 3: Add the Creamy Base and Noodles

1. Stir in the cream of chicken soup and unsalted butter.
2. Add the egg noodles, pushing them down so they are mostly submerged in the broth.
3. Cover and cook for an additional 30-45 minutes on high, or until the noodles are tender, stirring occasionally to ensure even cooking.

Step 4: Finish with Creaminess (Optional)

1. If you prefer a creamier texture, stir in the heavy cream in the last 10 minutes of cooking.
2. Add any optional vegetables like frozen peas at this stage and cook until heated through.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

1. Ladle the chicken and noodles into bowls and garnish with a sprinkle of parsley.
2. Serve hot with crusty bread or a light side salad for a complete meal.

Serving and Storage Tips

• Serving: Serve with a side of biscuits or buttered rolls for a heartier experience.
• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a splash of chicken broth if needed.
• Freezing: Freeze the chicken (without the noodles) for up to 3 months. When ready to serve, thaw, heat, and add freshly cooked noodles.

Helpful Notes

• Noodle Choice: Egg noodles are classic, but you can substitute with rotini, fusilli, or even broken spaghetti if needed.
• Flavor Boost: Add a splash of white wine or a teaspoon of poultry seasoning for more depth of flavor.
• Herb Swap: Fresh thyme or rosemary sprigs can be used for a more robust flavor. Remove before serving.

Tips from Well-Known Chefs

• Ina Garten: “Quality chicken stock can make all the difference. Use homemade or a high-quality store-bought broth for the best flavor.”
• Ree Drummond (The Pioneer Woman): “Adding a dash of hot sauce at the end can really brighten the flavors without making the dish spicy.”
• Emeril Lagasse: “Don’t be afraid to season generously. The slow-cooking process mellows out the flavors, so taste and adjust before serving.”

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use frozen chicken breasts? Yes, but adjust the cooking time to ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). It’s best to thaw them beforehand for more even cooking.

2. Can I make this gluten-free? Absolutely. Use gluten-free noodles and check that your cream of chicken soup is gluten-free or make your own.

3. What if my noodles absorb too much liquid? Add more chicken broth or water if the noodles absorb too much liquid during cooking.

4. Can I use leftover cooked chicken? Yes, simply add the cooked, shredded chicken when you add the cream of chicken soup and noodles. Reduce the overall cooking time accordingly.

5. Can I skip the cream of chicken soup? You can make a roux with 2 tablespoons butter and 2 tablespoons flour cooked and whisked into the broth as a substitute.

6. Can I make this dish dairy-free? Use a non-dairy butter and omit the cream, or replace with a dairy-free cream alternative.

7. How do I prevent the noodles from getting mushy? Add the noodles closer to the end of cooking (30-45 minutes before serving) and stir occasionally.

8. Can I add other vegetables? Definitely! Carrots and celery are classic additions, but you can also include diced potatoes for more substance.

9. How do I make this spicier? Add crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne pepper for a hint of heat.

10. Can I use dark meat chicken? Yes, boneless, skinless chicken thighs work well and add a richer flavor.

Enjoy this comforting Chicken & Noodles Crock Pot dish for a warm, easy dinner that’s full of flavor and loved by all ages.