Comforting Chicken & Noodles Crockpot Recipe πŸ—πŸœβœ¨

Table of Contents

  1. Introduction
  2. Why You’ll Love This Recipe
  3. Ingredients Needed
  4. Step-by-Step Instructions
  5. Tips for the Best Chicken & Noodles
  6. Variations & Add-Ons
  7. Serving Suggestions
  8. Storing & Reheating Instructions
  9. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Introduction

There’s nothing quite as comforting as a warm, creamy bowl of Chicken & Noodles, and making it in the crockpot makes it even easier! This dish is packed with tender shredded chicken, rich and creamy broth, and hearty egg noodles, making it the perfect meal for chilly nights, sick days, or anytime you need a cozy, homemade dinner.

With minimal prep and a hands-off cooking process, this recipe is great for busy days when you want a hearty meal ready when you walk through the door!

2. Why You’ll Love This Recipe

βœ”οΈ Super Easy – Set it and forget it!
βœ”οΈ Creamy & Comforting – Like a warm hug in a bowl.
βœ”οΈ Perfect for Busy Days – Just toss everything in the crockpot.
βœ”οΈ Kid-Friendly – Simple flavors that everyone loves.
βœ”οΈ Make-Ahead Friendly – Great for meal prep and leftovers.

3. Ingredients Needed

For the Chicken & Broth:

  • 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs for extra tenderness)
  • 6 cups chicken broth (low sodium)
  • 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • Β½ teaspoon black pepper
  • Β½ teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
  • Β½ teaspoon dried thyme (optional)

For the Noodles & Finish:

  • 3 cups egg noodles (or frozen homestyle noodles)
  • Β½ cup heavy cream (for extra creaminess)
  • 2 tablespoons butter (optional, for richness)
  • Β½ cup frozen peas or carrots (optional, for extra flavor)
  • Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

4. Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Add Ingredients to the Crockpot

  1. Place chicken breasts in the bottom of your slow cooker.
  2. Pour in chicken broth and add cream of chicken soup, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, salt, and thyme.
  3. Stir slightly to combine the seasonings, then cover with the lid.

Step 2: Slow Cook the Chicken

  • Cook on LOW for 6-7 hours or HIGH for 3-4 hours until the chicken is tender and easy to shred.

Step 3: Shred the Chicken

  1. Remove the cooked chicken and shred it with two forks.
  2. Return the shredded chicken to the crockpot and stir to mix.

Step 4: Add Noodles & Cream

  1. Add egg noodles to the crockpot and stir gently.
  2. Pour in heavy cream and add butter for extra richness.
  3. If using, stir in frozen peas or carrots.

Step 5: Finish Cooking

  • Cover and cook on LOW for 20-30 minutes until the noodles are tender. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.

Step 6: Serve & Enjoy!

  • Garnish with fresh parsley and serve warm!

5. Tips for the Best Chicken & Noodles

βœ… Use chicken thighs for extra tender, flavorful meat.
βœ… For a richer broth, use a mix of chicken broth and a little half & half or milk.
βœ… Stir occasionally after adding the noodles to prevent them from clumping.
βœ… Use frozen homestyle noodles (like Reames brand) for a thicker, more homemade texture.
βœ… Want it thicker? Stir in a cornstarch slurry (1 tablespoon cornstarch + 2 tablespoons water) before adding the noodles.

6. Variations & Add-Ons

πŸ”₯ Spicy Kick – Add ΒΌ teaspoon cayenne pepper for a little heat.
πŸ§„ Extra Garlic Flavor – Add fresh minced garlic instead of garlic powder.
πŸ₯• Vegetable Boost – Add diced carrots, celery, mushrooms, or spinach.
πŸ„ Mushroom Lovers – Use cream of mushroom soup instead of cream of chicken.
πŸ₯” Creamy & Hearty – Add diced potatoes at the start for extra thickness.

7. Serving Suggestions

This Chicken & Noodles Crockpot dish is already a complete meal, but you can serve it with:
πŸ₯– Crusty bread or dinner rolls for dipping
πŸ₯— A light garden salad to balance the richness
πŸ₯¦ Steamed or roasted vegetables for extra nutrition
🍷 A glass of white wine (like Chardonnay) for an elegant touch

8. Storing & Reheating Instructions

Storing:

  • Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
  • For longer storage, freeze for up to 3 months (but leave out the noodles, as they don’t freeze well).

Reheating:

  • Stovetop: Heat over medium heat, adding a splash of broth or milk to loosen up the sauce.
  • Microwave: Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring in between.
  • Frozen leftovers: Thaw overnight in the fridge, then reheat as above.

9. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I use pre-cooked rotisserie chicken?

Yes! Add shredded rotisserie chicken during the last 30 minutes of cooking (when you add the noodles).

2. Can I make this dairy-free?

Yes! Use coconut milk or almond milk instead of cream and swap the cream of chicken soup for a dairy-free alternative.

3. Can I use a different type of noodles?

Yes! You can use wide egg noodles, rotini, or even spaghetti, but adjust cooking time accordingly.

4. How do I make this dish thicker?

  • Reduce broth by Β½ cup.
  • Add a cornstarch slurry (1 tablespoon cornstarch + 2 tablespoons water) before adding the noodles.

5. Can I make this in an Instant Pot?

Yes! Follow these steps:

  • Add chicken, broth, soup, and seasonings to the Instant Pot.
  • Pressure cook on HIGH for 10 minutes, then do a quick release.
  • Shred the chicken, add noodles, and sautΓ© for 5 minutes until noodles are tender.

Final Thoughts

This Comforting Chicken & Noodles Crockpot recipe is the ultimate easy, hearty, and delicious meal for busy weeknights or cozy weekends. It’s warm, creamy, and packed with flavor, making it a family favorite that never disappoints!

πŸ”₯ Try this recipe today and let us know how it turned out! πŸ—πŸœβœ¨

πŸ‘‰ Loved this recipe? Share it with your friends & family! πŸ’›πŸš€

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