If you’re craving a cozy, soul-soothing meal that feels like a warm hug in a bowl, this Crockpot Chicken and Noodles Recipe is going to become your new go-to comfort food. Imagine tender chicken breasts slowly cooked until they practically melt apart in a creamy, flavorful broth, perfectly marrying with soft egg noodles to create a luscious, satisfying dish. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a lazy weekend, this recipe delivers all the heartiness and homemade goodness you want with minimal effort. You’ll soon see why this Crockpot Chicken and Noodles Recipe earns a special spot on so many family dinner tables.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe shines because it uses simple yet essential ingredients that each bring something unique to the party, whether it’s richness, seasoning, or that classic chicken noodle comfort. Every ingredient is easy to source and works harmoniously to give this dish its irresistible flavor and texture.
- 12 oz egg noodles: Choose a classic noodle that can soak up all the creamy sauce without falling apart.
- 1.5–2 lb chicken breasts: Boneless and skinless are best for shredding easily after slow cooking.
- ½ stick butter, cut into pats: Adds a buttery richness that elevates the broth’s creaminess.
- Two 10.5-oz cans cream of chicken soup: This creates the luscious base that ties the whole dish together.
- 1 tbsp garlic powder: Infuses the dish with cozy, aromatic notes without overpowering the other flavors.
- 3.5 cups chicken broth: The flavorful liquid that slowly cooks the chicken and noodles, keeping everything moist.
- Salt and pepper, to taste: Simple seasonings that bring balance and depth.
- 1 tbsp chicken bouillon: Boosts the savory, umami undertones for that truly comforting taste.
- 2–4 tbsp dried parsley: A sprinkle of green to add a fresh, subtle herbal touch.
How to Make Crockpot Chicken and Noodles Recipe
Step 1: Season the Chicken
Start by placing your chicken breasts right into the crockpot. Sprinkle them generously with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and chicken bouillon. These simple seasonings are the foundation for the rich, savory flavor that makes this Crockpot Chicken and Noodles Recipe so amazing.
Step 2: Add the Cream of Chicken Soup
Spread both cans of cream of chicken soup evenly over the chicken. This layer creates a velvety sauce as it cooks down, melding with the chicken and broth to produce that signature creamy texture everyone loves.
Step 3: Pour in Butter and Broth
Scatter pats of butter on top of the soup, then pour in the chicken broth. The butter melts into the broth, enriching it with a silky mouthfeel, while the broth ensures the chicken stays juicy and imparts even more flavor during the slow cooking process.
Step 4: Slow Cook
Seal the crockpot with a lid and set it to high for 3 to 4 hours. During this time, the chicken will become tender enough to shred effortlessly, soaking up all those delicious flavors and creating a hearty base for your noodles.
Step 5: Shred the Chicken
Once your chicken is tender, use two forks to shred it directly in the crockpot. This step ensures the chicken distributes evenly, making every bite satisfyingly meaty and full of flavor.
Step 6: Add the Egg Noodles
Pour in the egg noodles, making sure they are fully submerged in the creamy broth mixture. This helps the noodles absorb all the richness and cook evenly without drying out.
Step 7: Cook the Noodles
Cover the crockpot again and cook for 20 to 30 minutes until the egg noodles are perfectly tender. This final cooking time allows the noodles to soak up flavors while keeping a delightful softness.
Step 8: Finish with Parsley and Seasoning
Stir in the dried parsley for a touch of color and freshness. Taste the dish and adjust the salt and pepper if needed before serving your warm, comforting Crockpot Chicken and Noodles Recipe.
How to Serve Crockpot Chicken and Noodles Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh parsley or chives on top adds a pop of color and a hint of brightness that complements the creamy, rich flavors perfectly. For a little extra indulgence, a dusting of grated Parmesan cheese works wonderfully here.
Side Dishes
This dish is substantial on its own, but if you want to round out your meal, light roasted vegetables, a crisp green salad, or even some crusty bread are fantastic companions. They add variety in texture and keep the meal balanced and satisfying.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve your Crockpot Chicken and Noodles Recipe in individual bread bowls or ramekins, garnished with a sprinkle of your favorite herbs. This makes for a charming presentation, especially when serving family or guests and wanting to impress with minimal fuss.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Transfer any leftover Crockpot Chicken and Noodles Recipe into airtight containers and store in the refrigerator. It keeps well for up to 3 to 4 days, making it a perfect option for next-day lunches or quick dinners.
Freezing
This dish freezes beautifully. Portion it into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat gently to maintain the creamy texture.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure even warming. Adding a splash of broth or water can help loosen the sauce if it thickened too much in the fridge.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs will add even more moisture and flavor due to their higher fat content, which can make the dish extra tender and rich.
Is it okay to use fresh herbs instead of dried parsley?
Yes! Fresh parsley adds a bright, lively flavor and works well as a garnish. Just add it at the end of cooking or directly on the plated dish to preserve its freshness.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
You can substitute the butter with a dairy-free alternative and look for a dairy-free cream of chicken soup. This will slightly change the texture but keep the comforting essence intact.
How do I prevent the noodles from getting mushy?
Be sure to add the noodles later in the cooking process and keep an eye on their texture during the 20 to 30 minutes to avoid overcooking.
Can I cook this on low instead of high?
Yes, you can set the crockpot to low and extend the cooking time to about 6 to 7 hours. The chicken will still become tender, but start checking around the 6-hour mark.
Final Thoughts
This Crockpot Chicken and Noodles Recipe is a shining example of how simple ingredients and a bit of patience can create a heartwarming dish that feels like a hug from the inside out. I can’t recommend it enough for those days when you want comfort without fuss. Give it a try and watch how it quickly becomes a beloved staple in your kitchen!
Print
Crockpot Chicken and Noodles Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 hours
- Total Time: 4 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Crockpot Chicken and Noodles recipe is a comforting, easy-to-make meal featuring tender chicken breasts cooked slowly with creamy soup, chicken broth, and butter, finished with soft egg noodles and a sprinkle of parsley. Perfect for busy days, this recipe delivers rich flavor and a satisfying texture with minimal effort.
Ingredients
Chicken and Broth
- 1.5–2 lb chicken breasts
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 tbsp garlic powder
- 1 tbsp chicken bouillon
- Two 10.5-oz cans cream of chicken soup
- ½ stick butter, cut into pats
- 3.5 cups chicken broth
Noodles and Seasoning
- 12 oz egg noodles
- 2–4 tbsp dried parsley
Instructions
- Season Chicken: Place the chicken breasts in the crockpot and season them evenly with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and chicken bouillon to infuse flavor throughout the dish.
- Add Cream of Chicken Soup: Spread both cans of cream of chicken soup evenly over the seasoned chicken for a rich, creamy base.
- Incorporate Butter and Broth: Add pats of butter on top and pour in the chicken broth, ensuring the chicken is covered to keep it moist during cooking.
- Cook Chicken: Cover the crockpot and cook on high for 3 to 4 hours until the chicken is tender and easily shredded.
- Shred Chicken: Once cooked, use two forks to shred the chicken directly in the crockpot, mixing it with the cooking liquid and soup.
- Add Egg Noodles: Add the egg noodles, making sure they are fully submerged in the liquid for even cooking.
- Cook Noodles: Cover again and cook for an additional 20 to 30 minutes, or until the noodles have softened and absorbed flavors.
- Season and Serve: Stir in the dried parsley, adjust salt and pepper to taste, and serve the warm, hearty chicken and noodles immediately.
Notes
- For a thicker sauce, you can reduce the amount of chicken broth slightly.
- Feel free to add vegetables like carrots or peas in step 6 for extra nutrition and color.
- Use fresh parsley instead of dried if preferred, adding it at the end of cooking to retain flavor.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated gently.
- Ensure noodles are completely submerged when cooking to avoid uneven texture.
