Crockpot Chicken and Noodles

Oh, friends, let me tell you about the ultimate comfort food hug in a bowl! This Crockpot Chicken and Noodles recipe is one of those magical dishes that basically cooks itself while making your whole house smell absolutely divine. Imagine tender, shredded chicken swimming in a rich, creamy, savory sauce, all tangled up with soft egg noodles. It’s simple, it’s hearty, and trust me, it’s the kind of meal that just makes everything feel a little bit better. Perfect for chilly evenings, busy weeknights, or anytime you need a dose of pure, delicious comfort.

Why You’ll Love These Crockpot Chicken and Noodles

• Set It and Forget It Magic: Seriously, the crockpot does almost all the work! Just layer everything in, turn it on, and come back hours later to a nearly finished, incredibly flavorful meal. It’s a weeknight lifesaver!
• Ultimate Comfort Food: This dish is like a warm blanket for your taste buds. The creamy sauce, tender chicken, and soft noodles are pure nostalgic goodness that everyone adores.
• So Creamy & Dreamy: We’re talking luscious, rich sauce thanks to the cream of chicken soup – no watery business here! It coats every noodle and piece of chicken perfectly.
• Family Favorite Guaranteed: It’s simple enough for picky eaters but flavorful enough for everyone to rave about. Prepare for requests for seconds (and thirds!).

Ingredients

Gather ’round, because you only need a few simple things to create this bowl of happiness! Here’s what makes the magic happen:

• Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: The star protein! They cook up beautifully tender in the slow cooker, making them super easy to shred.
• Cream of Chicken Soup: This is our shortcut to creamy heaven! It creates that rich, velvety sauce base without any fuss. (Make sure not to add extra water!)
• Dried Parsley: Adds lovely little flecks of green and a fresh, herby note to balance the richness.
• Seasoned Salt: A fantastic all-in-one seasoning that brings saltiness and a blend of savory flavors.
• Poultry Seasoning: This classic blend gives the dish that unmistakable, comforting, chicken-dinner aroma and taste. Think sage, thyme, and marjoram!
• Garlic Powder: Because garlic makes everything better, adding a gentle savory depth.
• Butter: Oh yes! A little butter adds richness and flavor, melting into the sauce for extra deliciousness.
• Chicken Broth: Provides the necessary liquid for cooking everything perfectly and infuses even more chicken flavor throughout.
• Egg Noodles: The classic choice! These wide, flat noodles are perfect for soaking up that amazing creamy sauce.

(Note: The full list of ingredients with precise measurements is available in the recipe card just below this article!)

How to Make the Crockpot Chicken and Noodles

Get ready for the easiest comfort food journey ever!

Step 1: Layer the Goodness

Place your chicken breasts right into the bottom of your trusty crockpot. Spoon the cream of chicken soups directly over the chicken (remember, no extra water!). Now, sprinkle over the dried parsley, seasoned salt, poultry seasoning, and garlic powder. Dot the top with those lovely slices of butter and pour the chicken broth all around.

Step 2: Slow Cook to Perfection

Pop the lid on your crockpot. Set it to cook on LOW heat for 5-6 hours or on HIGH heat for 3-4 hours. Go live your life while your kitchen fills with the most amazing smells! You’ll know it’s ready for the next step when the chicken is cooked through and super tender.

Step 3: Shred the Chicken

Carefully remove the cooked chicken breasts from the crockpot (leave all that yummy sauce behind!). Using two forks, shred the chicken into nice, bite-sized chunks. It should shred really easily!

Step 4: Noodles In & Final Cook

Return the shredded chicken back into the crockpot. Now, pour in the uncooked egg noodles. Give everything a gentle stir to make sure the noodles get coated in that glorious sauce. Put the lid back on and continue cooking on HIGH for about 30-45 more minutes. You’re looking for those noodles to be perfectly tender and cooked through. Keep an eye on them towards the end so they don’t overcook!

Step 5: Serve and Swoon

Once the noodles are tender, give it one last stir, ladle it into bowls, and prepare to swoon. Enjoy immediately!

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

• Don’t Overcook the Noodles: Keep a close eye on the noodles during that last 30-45 minutes. Egg noodles cook relatively quickly, and mushy noodles are nobody’s friend! Start checking around the 25-30 minute mark.
• Chicken Thighs Work Too: If you prefer dark meat, boneless, skinless chicken thighs are a fantastic substitute! They stay incredibly moist.
• Sneak in Some Veggies: Want to add a little green? Stir in some frozen peas or chopped steamed broccoli during the last 15-20 minutes of cooking, just long enough to heat them through.
• Taste and Adjust: Before serving, give the sauce a taste. Need a little more salt or pepper? Now’s the time to adjust seasonings to your liking!

How to Serve

This cozy dish is pretty perfect on its own, but here are a few ideas:

• Crusty Bread: Absolutely essential for soaking up every last drop of that incredible creamy sauce! A nice baguette or some dinner rolls are perfect.
• Simple Green Salad: A light salad with a tangy vinaigrette offers a lovely fresh contrast to the richness of the chicken and noodles.
• Steamed Green Beans: A simple side of steamed green beans or broccoli adds a nice pop of color and some extra nutrients.

Make Ahead and Storage

Got leftovers? Lucky you! Here’s how to handle them:

Storing Leftovers

Allow the chicken and noodles to cool completely, then transfer to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

Freezing

Freezing dishes with cream soups and noodles can sometimes affect the texture upon reheating (noodles can get soft, sauce might separate slightly). If you do choose to freeze, let it cool completely, place in a freezer-safe airtight container, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Reheating

Gently reheat leftovers on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. You may need to add a splash of chicken broth or milk to loosen the sauce as it reheats, as the noodles will have absorbed more liquid. You can also reheat portions in the microwave.

FAQs

1. Can I use different types of noodles?
While wide egg noodles are classic, you could experiment! Medium shells or rotini could work, but cooking times might vary slightly. Keep an eye on them. Reames frozen egg noodles are also a popular choice for a more dumpling-like texture, but they require a longer cooking time, follow package directions or add them earlier.

2. My sauce seems thin, what can I do?
First, ensure you didn’t add water with the soup! If it’s still thin after the noodles cook, you can make a small slurry. Whisk 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water or broth until smooth. Stir this into the crockpot during the last 15 minutes of cooking on HIGH until it thickens slightly. Remember, the sauce will also thicken more as it cools.

3. Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! Use your favorite gluten-free cream of chicken soup substitute (or make a homemade base) and certified gluten-free noodles. Adjust noodle cooking time based on the package directions for your specific GF noodle brand.

4. Can I use low-sodium ingredients?
Absolutely! Opt for low-sodium cream of chicken soup, low-sodium chicken broth, and unsalted butter. You can then control the salt level by adjusting the seasoned salt or using regular salt and pepper to taste at the end.

So there you have it, your new go-to slow cooker chicken and noodles recipe that’s guaranteed to bring smiles around the dinner table! It’s truly one of the best easy chicken noodle recipes for busy families, delivering that incredibly creamy chicken noodles taste with minimal effort. Whether you need a reliable weeknight crockpot meal or just a comforting bowl of goodness, this dish checks all the boxes. It’s the kind of heartwarming comfort food chicken recipe that feels like a hug from the inside out. Give it a try, and you’ll see why it’s a keeper!

Happy cooking, and remember to keep this recipe!