If you are looking for a comforting meal that practically cooks itself while filling your kitchen with irresistible aromas, let me introduce you to the incredibly cozy and satisfying Crockpot Chicken and Noodles Recipe. This dish combines tender, juicy chicken with creamy soup, rich butter, and perfectly cooked egg noodles to create a homestyle classic that feels like a warm hug on a plate. It’s straightforward to prepare yet bursting with flavor, making it a go-to for busy weeknights or anytime you crave a bowl of pure comfort.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Crockpot Chicken and Noodles Recipe lies in its simplicity—every single ingredient plays a crucial role in layering the flavors, creating a luscious texture, and delivering that signature creamy goodness. From the hearty chicken breasts to the buttery richness and herby parsley, each component is essential to bringing this dish to life.
- 12 oz egg noodles: These soak up all the savory broth and bring the perfect tender bite to your final dish.
- 1.5–2 lb chicken breasts: The foundational protein that gets beautifully tender while cooking low and slow.
- ½ stick butter, cut into pats: Adds a velvety richness that transforms the broth into a silky sauce.
- Two 10.5-oz cans cream of chicken soup: Creamy and flavorful, lending that classic comfort food character.
- 1 tbsp garlic powder: Infuses the dish with savory warmth and a hint of aromatic depth.
- 3.5 cups chicken broth: Forms the flavorful base that keeps everything moist and tender.
- Salt and pepper, to taste: Simple seasoning essentials that balance and enhance all the other flavors.
- 1 tbsp chicken bouillon: Intensifies the chicken flavor for a richer, more robust taste.
- 2–4 tbsp dried parsley: Adds a pop of color and a fresh herbal note to brighten up the creamy noodles.
How to Make Crockpot Chicken and Noodles Recipe
Step 1: Season and Layer the Chicken
Start by placing your chicken breasts at the bottom of the crockpot, the star of the show. Season generously with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and chicken bouillon so the flavors penetrate the meat during cooking, ensuring every bite is deliciously savory.
Step 2: Add the Cream of Chicken Soup
Next, spread both cans of cream of chicken soup evenly over the seasoned chicken. This creamy layer forms the base of your sauce, making the slow-cooked chicken juicy and tender while imparting that classic comfort-food charm.
Step 3: Butter and Broth Join the Mix
Place the butter pats on top of the soup layer and pour in the chicken broth. The butter melts into the broth as it cooks, giving the sauce a luscious texture, while the broth itself keeps everything moist and flavorful throughout the slow cooking process.
Step 4: Slow Cook to Tender Perfection
Cover your crockpot and set it to cook on high for 3 to 4 hours. This gentle, steady heat is key to breaking down the chicken fibers until they are fall-apart tender, soaking up all those wonderful seasonings and creamy richness from the soup and broth.
Step 5: Shred the Chicken
Once the chicken is perfectly tender, use two forks to shred it directly in the crockpot. This step creates those juicy, bite-sized pieces of chicken that mix beautifully with the noodles and sauce, making every spoonful comforting and filling.
Step 6: Add the Egg Noodles
Now it’s time to add the egg noodles into the crockpot, making sure they are fully submerged in the liquid. The noodles will soak up the flavorful broth as they cook, becoming tender while absorbing the creamy, buttery sauce.
Step 7: Cook the Noodles
Cover the crockpot again and cook on high for about 20 to 30 minutes, or until the noodles reach your desired softness. This step finishes off the dish by marrying the creamy chicken mixture and noodles in perfect harmony.
Step 8: Finish with Parsley and Final Seasoning
To bring a fresh, herbal brightness to your dish, stir in the dried parsley. Taste and adjust the seasoning with additional salt or pepper if needed, then serve it warm for that ultimate comforting meal experience.
How to Serve Crockpot Chicken and Noodles Recipe
Garnishes
Enhance your presentation and flavor by garnishing with extra fresh parsley or a sprinkle of freshly cracked black pepper. A small drizzle of olive oil or a dash of grated Parmesan cheese can add an indulgent finishing touch that’s sure to impress.
Side Dishes
This cozy dish pairs wonderfully with crisp green vegetables like steamed broccoli or roasted Brussels sprouts to add a refreshing crunch. A simple side salad with a light vinaigrette also cuts through the creaminess, offering balance on your plate.
Creative Ways to Present
For dinner parties, serve this Crockpot Chicken and Noodles Recipe in rustic individual bowls topped with a fresh herb sprig. Or, use a warming slow cooker at the table so guests can serve themselves hearty portions straight from the pot—perfect for gathering and sharing.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Crockpot Chicken and Noodles is a dream for meal prep. Store any extras in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors only get better as they sit, making for effortless next-day lunches or dinners.
Freezing
This recipe freezes beautifully. Portion your leftovers into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating gently on the stove or in the microwave.
Reheating
Reheat your leftovers slowly over low heat on the stovetop or in the microwave to prevent the noodles from drying out. Stir occasionally and add a splash of chicken broth if needed to refresh that creamy texture and keep every bite comforting.
FAQs
Can I use other types of noodles in this recipe?
Absolutely! While egg noodles are traditional and absorb the flavors beautifully, you can substitute with wide pasta, fettuccine, or even small shells. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly to avoid overcooking.
Is it okay to use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes, boneless skinless chicken thighs work wonderfully too. They tend to be more flavorful and stay juicy. You may want to reduce the cooking time slightly, as thighs usually cook faster than breasts.
Can I add vegetables to this dish?
Definitely! Adding diced carrots, celery, or peas about halfway through the cooking process can boost nutrition and add lovely texture and color to this classic dish.
What if I want to make this recipe gluten-free?
You can swap the egg noodles for gluten-free pasta varieties. Just add them during the last phase of cooking as usual, keeping an eye on the timing so they don’t turn mushy.
Can I prepare this recipe without a crockpot?
While this recipe shines in a crockpot, you can cook it on a low simmer stovetop with a covered pot for about 1.5 to 2 hours, then add the noodles and adjust cooking time accordingly. The flavors will still be delicious but less hands-off.
Final Thoughts
Trust me, once you try this Crockpot Chicken and Noodles Recipe, it will quickly become one of your beloved comfort dishes. It’s effortless but delivers on all those cozy, creamy, and enriching flavors that make you feel right at home. So grab your crockpot and treat yourself to a bowl of pure comfort—you deserve it.
Print
Crockpot Chicken and Noodles Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 hours 30 minutes
- Total Time: 4 hours 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Description
A comforting and easy-to-make Crockpot Chicken and Noodles recipe featuring tender shredded chicken, creamy broth, and perfectly cooked egg noodles, all prepared effortlessly in a slow cooker for a hearty family meal.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 12 oz egg noodles
- 1.5–2 lb chicken breasts
- ½ stick butter, cut into pats
- Two 10.5-oz cans cream of chicken soup
- 1 tbsp garlic powder
- 3.5 cups chicken broth
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 tbsp chicken bouillon
- 2–4 tbsp dried parsley
Instructions
- Season Chicken: Place the chicken breasts in the crockpot and season evenly with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and chicken bouillon to infuse flavor throughout the meat.
- Add Soup: Spread both cans of cream of chicken soup evenly over the seasoned chicken, creating a creamy base for the dish.
- Add Butter and Broth: Place the butter pats on top and pour in the chicken broth, which will help cook and tenderize the chicken while enriching the sauce.
- Cook Chicken: Cover the crockpot and cook on high for 3 to 4 hours until the chicken breasts become tender and fully cooked.
- Shred Chicken: Once tender, remove the chicken breasts and shred them using two forks, then return the shredded chicken to the crockpot.
- Add Noodles: Add the egg noodles to the crockpot, ensuring they are completely submerged in the cooking liquid for even cooking.
- Cook Noodles: Cover again and cook for an additional 20 to 30 minutes, or until the noodles are softened and cooked through.
- Finish and Serve: Stir in the dried parsley, adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed, and serve the creamy chicken and noodles warm for a satisfying meal.
Notes
- You can substitute dried parsley with fresh parsley for a brighter flavor, adding it at the end.
- For a lower sodium version, use low-sodium chicken broth and soups, and reduce added salt and bouillon.
- Feel free to add vegetables such as carrots or celery at the start of cooking for extra nutrition and flavor.
- If you prefer thicker sauce, remove the lid during the last 30 minutes to allow some liquid to evaporate.
