If you’re craving a comforting, hearty meal that feels like a warm hug on a plate, then you absolutely have to try this Crock Pot Chicken and Noodles Recipe. It’s the kind of dish that fills your kitchen with welcoming aromas and fills your soul with cozy satisfaction. Imagine tender chicken slowly cooked to perfection, nestled in a creamy, flavorful sauce alongside soft egg noodles that soak up every bit of goodness. This recipe is so simple to put together, yet it delivers on that classic, home-cooked taste that keeps everyone coming back for seconds. Get ready to make this your new favorite go-to meal!
Ingredients You’ll Need
All the ingredients for this Crock Pot Chicken and Noodles Recipe are straightforward, pantry-friendly, and perfectly balanced to create a creamy, savory, and tender dish. Each one plays a crucial role in crafting the perfect texture and flavor, from the tender chicken to the rich broth and soft noodles.
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts: Provides the meaty, protein-packed base that becomes deliciously tender after slow cooking.
- 3 Tbsp herb and garlic seasoning: Adds a wonderful savory aroma and depth of flavor that complements the chicken beautifully.
- 1 tsp onion powder: Brings a subtle sweetness and complexity without overpowering the dish.
- ½ tsp garlic powder: Enhances the overall garlic flavor for that irresistible savory punch.
- 2 (10.5-oz) cans Unsalted Cream of Chicken Soup: Creates a rich, creamy base that ties all the ingredients together seamlessly.
- 4½ cups low-sodium chicken broth: Keeps the dish moist and adds plenty of savory chicken flavor without being too salty.
- 24-oz bag frozen Reames Homestyle Egg Noodles: The star carbohydrate that soaks up all the luscious juices and balances the dish perfectly.
- Salt and black pepper (to taste): Simple finishing touches to tailor the seasoning just right for your palate.
How to Make Crock Pot Chicken and Noodles Recipe
Step 1: Season and Arrange the Chicken
Start by placing the chicken breasts right into your slow cooker, and then sprinkle them evenly with the herb and garlic seasoning. This step is where you start building that flavor foundation, giving the chicken a delightful aromatic crust even before it begins to cook. It sets the tone for the whole dish, so don’t skip it!
Step 2: Create the Creamy Soup Mixture
In a small bowl, whisk together the cream of chicken soup, garlic powder, onion powder, and chicken broth until fully combined. This creamy mixture is your sauce, and it’s full of flavor that warms up as it slowly mingles with the chicken. Pour it all over the chicken in the crock pot, letting those spices and cream create a tender, savory bath.
Step 3: Slow Cook Until Tender
Cover your crock pot and cook everything on LOW for 4-6 hours. Trust me, the longer you go in that range, the more tender and flavorful the chicken will become. The slow heat allows the chicken to soak in all those seasonings and develop a melt-in-your-mouth texture that’s just irresistible.
Step 4: Shred and Return the Chicken
Once your chicken is cooked through, remove it from the crock pot and shred it up with two forks. This shredding is the real magic moment because it helps distribute the tender chicken evenly in the creamy sauce. Toss the shredded chicken back into the slow cooker and mix it gently so every bite gets coated with that luscious sauce.
Step 5: Add Noodles and Final Cooking
Now it’s time for the egg noodles to join the party. Add your frozen noodles straight into the crock pot and stir to combine. Season with salt and black pepper to your liking. Cover everything again and turn the heat to HIGH, cooking for about one hour or until the noodles are perfectly tender. This step ensures the noodles soak up all those comforting flavors, making the dish utterly satisfying.
How to Serve Crock Pot Chicken and Noodles Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate this cozy Crock Pot Chicken and Noodles Recipe, try sprinkling fresh chopped parsley or thyme on top for a pop of color and herbaceous brightness. A light dusting of grated Parmesan cheese adds a wonderful salty richness if you’re feeling indulgent. These simple garnishes make the dish feel special and fresh.
Side Dishes
This rich, creamy dish goes beautiful alongside crisp green vegetables like steamed broccoli, roasted asparagus, or a fresh garden salad. A crusty piece of garlic bread or warm dinner rolls also complement the meal well, soaking up any extra sauce and rounding out the comfort-food experience.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving Crock Pot Chicken and Noodles Recipe in individual rustic bowls for a cozy dinner vibe. For a fun twist, top with a soft poached egg or crispy fried onions for added texture. You can also layer it in a deep casserole dish, sprinkle with cheese, and broil just until bubbly and golden for a gratin-style presentation your family will love.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Any leftovers of this Crock Pot Chicken and Noodles Recipe store wonderfully in airtight containers kept in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. The flavors actually deepen as they sit, so reheating leftovers is just as tasty, if not better. Just be sure to keep the noodles moist by adding a splash of chicken broth or water before reheating.
Freezing
This dish can be frozen, but keep in mind that egg noodles can sometimes become slightly softer after freezing and thawing. To freeze, place cooled portions in freezer-safe bags or containers and store for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating for best results.
Reheating
To reheat, warm the leftovers gently on the stove over medium-low heat or in the microwave, stirring occasionally. Add a little chicken broth or water if the noodles have absorbed too much sauce and seem dry. This will bring back the creamy texture and keep everything deliciously tender.
FAQs
Can I use frozen chicken breasts instead of fresh?
Absolutely! You can start with frozen chicken breasts, but you’ll want to increase the cooking time slightly to ensure they cook through completely. Just make sure the chicken is thoroughly cooked before shredding.
What can I substitute for cream of chicken soup?
If you prefer homemade or need a substitute, you can make a simple roux with butter, flour, milk, and chicken broth to create a creamy base. Alternatively, a can of cream of mushroom soup works in a pinch and adds a nice earthy flavor.
Can I add vegetables to this recipe?
Definitely! Adding carrots, celery, or peas during the last hour of cooking can add color, texture, and extra nutrients. Just be mindful of cooking times to avoid over-soft vegetables.
Is it okay to use dried noodles instead of frozen?
It’s best to use frozen egg noodles or fresh noodles for this recipe, since dried noodles might become mushy if cooked in the slow cooker for too long. If using dried noodles, consider cooking them separately and stirring them in at the end.
How thick should the sauce be?
The sauce should be creamy and slightly thick but still saucy enough to coat the noodles and chicken well. If it seems too runny, you can cook it uncovered for a bit to reduce it or add a slurry of flour and water to thicken gently.
Final Thoughts
This Crock Pot Chicken and Noodles Recipe is truly one of those effortless, heartwarming meals that reminds you why slow cooking is such a gift. It combines simple ingredients with a straightforward method to yield a dish bursting with deep, comforting flavors and satisfying textures. Whether you’re serving it up on a chilly weeknight or making it for a cozy weekend dinner, it’s bound to become a beloved staple in your meal rotation. Give it a try and prepare to be delighted by just how much joy a humble slow cooker can bring to your table!
Print
Crock Pot Chicken and Noodles Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 hours
- Total Time: 5 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This hearty Crock Pot Chicken and Noodles recipe offers tender, shredded chicken cooked to perfection in a creamy herb and garlic sauce, combined with soft, comforting egg noodles. Ideal for busy days, this slow-cooker dish requires minimal prep and delivers comforting, flavorful results perfect for family dinners.
Ingredients
Chicken and Seasoning
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 3 Tbsp herb and garlic seasoning
Soup Mixture
- 2 (10.5-oz) cans Unsalted Cream of Chicken Soup
- 4½ cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp garlic powder
Pasta and Seasoning
- 24 oz bag frozen Reames Homestyle Egg Noodles
- Salt and black pepper (to taste)
Instructions
- Season the Chicken: Place the boneless skinless chicken breasts into the slow cooker. Sprinkle the herb and garlic seasoning evenly over the chicken breasts to infuse flavor during cooking.
- Prepare the Soup Mixture: In a small bowl, whisk together the unsalted cream of chicken soup, onion powder, garlic powder, and low-sodium chicken broth until smooth. This mixture will create the creamy sauce for the chicken and noodles.
- Cook the Chicken: Pour the soup mixture over the seasoned chicken in the slow cooker. Cover with the lid and cook on LOW heat for 4 to 6 hours, allowing the chicken to become tender and fully cooked.
- Shred the Chicken: Remove the cooked chicken breasts from the crockpot and shred them using two forks until finely pulled apart. Return the shredded chicken back into the slow cooker and mix well with the sauce.
- Add Noodles and Final Cooking: Add the frozen egg noodles to the slow cooker and stir everything together thoroughly. Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Cover again and cook on HIGH heat for an additional 1 hour, or until the egg noodles are tender and fully cooked.
Notes
- For a thicker sauce, you can reduce the chicken broth slightly or add a slurry of cornstarch and water before adding the noodles.
- Feel free to add vegetables like peas or carrots in the last hour of cooking for extra nutrition and flavor.
- If you do not have frozen egg noodles, uncooked dry noodles can be used but monitor closely to prevent overcooking.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated gently to maintain texture.
- Ensure the chicken is cooked through to an internal temperature of 165°F for food safety.
