If you’re looking for a comforting meal that’s as effortless as it is delicious, the Crockpot Chicken and Noodles Recipe is your new best friend. This dish brings together tender, juicy chicken, creamy broth, and soft noodles all slow-cooked to perfection, making every bite a cozy hug on a plate. Whether you’re after a hearty dinner for the family or a soul-soothing meal for yourself, this recipe blends simple ingredients into something truly special without demanding hours of your attention.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this Crockpot Chicken and Noodles Recipe plays a crucial role in building layers of flavor and texture. These straightforward essentials combine to create a dish that’s creamy, savory, and irresistibly satisfying. You’ll find that with just a handful of pantry staples and fresh veggies, you can make a meal that tastes like it took all day to prepare.
- 4 chicken breasts (boneless skinless): The star protein that stays tender and juicy after slow cooking.
- 1 teaspoon garlic salt: Adds a savory punch and depth to the broth.
- 1 teaspoon dried onion (minced): Brings subtle sweetness and aromatic warmth.
- 1 teaspoon black pepper: A touch of heat and complexity to balance the creaminess.
- 4 cups chicken stock: The flavorful foundation that moistens and infuses the dish.
- 2 10.5 ounce cans cream of chicken soup: Creates a rich and velvety texture for the noodles to swim in.
- 3 carrots (peeled and sliced): Adds natural sweetness and a pleasant crunch.
- 8 tablespoons butter: Elevates the creaminess and adds a luscious finish.
- 1 cup frozen peas: Pops of color and freshness in every bite.
- 1 24 ounce bag frozen noodles: Soft, tender noodles that absorb all the delicious flavors.
How to Make Crockpot Chicken and Noodles Recipe
Step 1: Add the Chicken to the Crockpot
Start by placing your boneless, skinless chicken breasts right into the slow cooker. The slow, gentle heat will work wonders on these, keeping them tender and juicy throughout the long cooking time.
Step 2: Season the Chicken
Sprinkle the garlic salt, dried minced onion, and black pepper evenly over the chicken. This simple seasoning blend infuses the meat with a base of savory flavor that will permeate the whole dish.
Step 3: Add the Broth and Vegetables
Pour in the chicken stock and add the cream of chicken soup to create that beautifully creamy sauce the recipe is famous for. Toss in your sliced carrots and butter right on top—these ingredients contribute sweetness, richness, and that melt-in-your-mouth texture.
Step 4: Slow Cook
Cover the crockpot and set it on low for about 4 hours, or on high if you’re short on time for 2 hours. This slow cooking melds the flavors and cooks everything to perfect tenderness without any fuss.
Step 5: Shred the Chicken
Once the initial cooking is done, remove the chicken breasts and shred them with two forks. This step is key because shredded chicken integrates seamlessly with the noodles and sauce, making every forkful deliciously meaty.
Step 6: Add Noodles, Chicken, and Peas
Return the shredded chicken to the crockpot and stir in the frozen noodles along with the peas. This stage helps the noodles soften and soak up all those rich flavors, while the peas provide a fresh burst of color and taste.
Step 7: Finish Cooking
Cover the crockpot again and continue cooking for another 1 ½ to 2 hours until the noodles are tender and fully cooked through. The result is a warm, creamy noodle dish with tender chicken and vegetables nestled throughout.
How to Serve Crockpot Chicken and Noodles Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or chives is a lovely way to brighten this creamy dish and add a dash of color. A light dusting of freshly grated Parmesan cheese can also bring a hint of salty richness, elevating every spoonful.
Side Dishes
This Crockpot Chicken and Noodles Recipe is hearty on its own, but pairing it with a crisp green salad or some roasted vegetables adds welcome texture contrast and freshness. If you want something bread-like, warm crusty rolls or garlic bread are perfect for soaking up all the extra sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve this meal in deep bowls for a cozy, comforting feel. For a family-style touch, place the crockpot on the table so everyone can serve themselves. You can even layer the noodles and chicken in pretty glass casserole dishes to showcase the colorful combination of veggies and creamy sauce.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftovers should be cooled to room temperature, then stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The flavors actually develop more as it rests, making for even tastier meals the next day. It will keep well for up to 3 to 4 days.
Freezing
If you want to save some for later, this recipe freezes beautifully. Transfer portions into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. To prevent freezer burn, press out all the air and label with the date. Frozen leftovers are best enjoyed within 2 months.
Reheating
When reheating, gently warm your Crockpot Chicken and Noodles Recipe on the stovetop over medium-low heat or in the microwave, stirring occasionally to heat evenly and avoid drying out. Adding a splash of chicken stock or water can help revive the creamy texture.
FAQs
Can I use frozen chicken breasts in this recipe?
Yes, you can start with frozen chicken breasts, but expect the cooking time to be a bit longer. It’s best to cook on low for at least 5 to 6 hours to ensure the chicken is tender and fully cooked through.
What type of noodles work best for this Crockpot Chicken and Noodles Recipe?
Wide egg noodles or any hearty pasta freeze and cook well in this recipe. Frozen noodles are convenient because they hold up better during the long cooking time without getting mushy.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Absolutely! Substitute the cream of chicken soup with a dairy-free version and use olive oil or a dairy-free butter alternative. Just be mindful that the texture might vary slightly but the flavors will still be comforting and delicious.
Is it possible to add more vegetables?
Definitely. Feel free to add diced celery, mushrooms, or even spinach towards the end of cooking. Just be sure to keep the overall cooking time in mind so vegetables stay tender but not overcooked.
Can this recipe be doubled or halved?
Yes, it’s very versatile. Just adjust the ingredient amounts accordingly and make sure your slow cooker is large enough to accommodate the increased volume if doubling.
Final Thoughts
This Crockpot Chicken and Noodles Recipe is truly one of those feel-good meals that you’ll keep going back to again and again. It’s simple, comforting, and perfect for busy days when you want something warm without all the fuss. I can’t wait for you to try it and enjoy every creamy, tender bite as much as I do!
Print
Crockpot Chicken and Noodles Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours
- Total Time: 6 hours 5 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Crockpot Chicken and Noodles recipe offers a comforting, hearty meal perfect for busy days. Tender chicken breasts slow-cooked with creamy soup, vegetables, and buttery noodles create a deliciously rich dish that’s easy to prepare and satisfying for the whole family.
Ingredients
Chicken and Seasoning
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 1 teaspoon garlic salt
- 1 teaspoon dried minced onion
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
Liquid and Soup
- 4 cups chicken stock
- 2 (10.5 ounce) cans cream of chicken soup
Vegetables and Add-ins
- 3 carrots, peeled and sliced
- 1 cup frozen peas
- 8 tablespoons butter
- 1 (24 ounce) bag frozen noodles
Instructions
- Place Chicken in Slow Cooker: Add the boneless skinless chicken breasts to your slow cooker, ensuring they’re spread out evenly.
- Season the Chicken: Sprinkle garlic salt, dried minced onion, and black pepper over the chicken to infuse early flavor.
- Add Liquids and Vegetables: Pour in the chicken stock and cream of chicken soup, then add the peeled and sliced carrots and butter to the slow cooker.
- Cook on Low or High: Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 4 hours or on high for 2 hours until the chicken is tender.
- Shred the Chicken: Remove the cooked chicken breasts and shred them with two forks.
- Combine Noodles, Chicken, and Peas: Add the frozen noodles, shredded chicken, and frozen peas into the slow cooker. Stir to mix everything together evenly.
- Continue Cooking: Cover and cook for an additional 1 ½ to 2 hours, or until the noodles are completely cooked through and tender.
Notes
- For best texture, avoid overcooking the noodles as they can become mushy.
- You can substitute fresh carrots if preferred but adjust cooking time accordingly.
- If you want a thicker sauce, reduce the chicken stock by a half cup.
- Adjust seasoning to taste before serving, especially salt since cream of chicken soup contains salt.
- This dish freezes well; store leftovers in airtight containers and reheat gently.
