If you are craving a dish that wraps you in warmth and nostalgia, look no further than this Comforting Chicken & Noodles Crock Pot Recipe. It’s the perfect blend of tender chicken, rich creaminess, and soft egg noodles slow-cooked to perfection, delivering a cozy meal that tastes like a hug from your favorite grandma. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a lazy weekend, this recipe promises simplicity, heartiness, and a satisfying bowl of comfort that everyone around your table will adore.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the ingredients for this Comforting Chicken & Noodles Crock Pot Recipe is a breeze. Each item is simple but plays a key role in building those classic, homey flavors and perfect textures we all love.
- 2 cans cream of chicken soup: This adds creamy richness and depth to the broth without any fuss.
- 2 cans chicken broth (15 oz each): Provides a savory base that keeps everything moist and flavorful.
- 1 stick butter or margarine: Melts into the mix for a silky finish and a touch of indulgence.
- 1 lb chicken breasts (fresh or frozen): The hearty protein that will become tender and shreddable during the slow cook.
- 1 package frozen egg noodles (24 oz), like Reames: The soft yet hearty noodles that soak up all the delicious flavors.
How to Make Comforting Chicken & Noodles Crock Pot Recipe
Step 1: Layer the Chicken
Start by placing your chicken breasts right at the bottom of the crock pot. This base layer ensures the chicken cooks evenly while soaking up all the wonderful juices from above.
Step 2: Add Broth, Soup, and Butter
Next, pour in both cans of chicken broth along with the cream of chicken soup. Then, add the stick of butter on top. As everything cooks low and slow, these ingredients create a luscious, rich liquid that bathes the chicken in flavor.
Step 3: Slow Cook to Perfection
Cover the crock pot and let the magic happen as you cook it on low for 6 to 7 hours. This slow cooking process tenderizes the chicken until you can shred it effortlessly, locking in juiciness and taste.
Step 4: Shred and Return the Chicken
Once the chicken is perfectly cooked, remove it and shred it with forks. Toss the shredded chicken back into the crock pot so it can mingle with the creamy broth and soak up even more flavor.
Step 5: Add Noodles and Finish Cooking
Stir in the frozen egg noodles straight into the crock pot. Cook uncovered for an additional 2 hours, making sure to stir every 30 minutes. This step lets the noodles soften and absorb the lovely chicken broth, tying the whole dish together.
Step 6: Serve and Savor
Once the noodles are tender and everything is heated through, your Comforting Chicken & Noodles Crock Pot Recipe is ready to serve. Ladle it warm into bowls, sit back, and enjoy the cozy goodness.
How to Serve Comforting Chicken & Noodles Crock Pot Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate this warm dish, sprinkle freshly chopped parsley or chives on top for a burst of fresh color and mild onion flavor. A dash of black pepper or a pinch of paprika can also add a lovely finishing touch without overpowering the comforting essence.
Side Dishes
This meal stands beautifully on its own but pairs well with light sides like a crisp green salad or steamed vegetables to balance the richness. For crunch and contrast, garlic bread or crusty rolls make fantastic companions.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the chicken and noodles in hollowed-out bread bowls or over a bed of sautéed greens. You can also add a sprinkle of shredded cheese on top and broil it briefly for a melted, golden crust that adds a cozy layer of texture.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Comforting Chicken & Noodles Crock Pot Recipe keeps well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. The flavors even deepen overnight, making it a great meal prep option.
Freezing
You can freeze leftovers by placing the cooled dish in a freezer-safe container or bag for up to two months. When freezing, avoid freezing the noodles alone to prevent them from becoming mushy; instead, freeze the whole dish together.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, stirring occasionally to maintain an even texture. If the mixture feels a bit thick after refrigeration, add a splash of chicken broth or water to loosen it up while warming.
FAQs
Can I use frozen chicken breasts straight from the freezer?
Absolutely! One of the beauties of this Comforting Chicken & Noodles Crock Pot Recipe is its flexibility—using frozen chicken breasts saves time and still yields tender, flavorful results.
What kind of egg noodles work best?
Frozen egg noodles, like Reames, are ideal because they cook perfectly in the crock pot without turning mushy. They also absorb the broth beautifully for that perfect creamy texture.
Can I substitute cream of chicken soup with something else?
If you prefer a homemade touch, you can substitute canned soup with a mix of heavy cream and chicken broth thickened with a little flour or cornstarch. This keeps the creamy feel while controlling ingredients.
Is it okay to add vegetables to this recipe?
Definitely! Adding carrots, celery, or peas can be a great way to sneak in some veggies. Add them at the beginning to let them cook alongside the chicken or midway when adding noodles to keep some crispness.
How do I make this recipe dairy-free?
Simply swap the butter for a dairy-free alternative and use a dairy-free cream of chicken soup or make your own nondairy creamy base. Chicken broth is typically dairy-free, so that part is already safe.
Final Thoughts
This Comforting Chicken & Noodles Crock Pot Recipe is truly a treasure for anyone who loves a meal that feels like a warm embrace after a long day. Simple to prepare yet heartwarming in every bite, it’s destined to become one of your go-to cozy dishes. Give it a try and enjoy the comfort, ease, and smiles it brings!
Print
Comforting Chicken & Noodles Crock Pot Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 to 9 hours
- Total Time: 8 hours 5 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This comforting chicken and noodles crock pot recipe offers a hearty and easy-to-make meal perfect for busy days. Tender chicken breasts simmer in a creamy mixture of chicken broth and cream of chicken soup, enhanced with butter, and finished with soft, flavorful egg noodles cooked to perfection in the slow cooker.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 cans cream of chicken soup
- 2 cans chicken broth (15 oz each)
- 1 stick butter or margarine (1/2 cup)
- 1 lb chicken breasts (fresh or frozen)
- 1 package frozen egg noodles (24 oz), like Reames
Instructions
- Place chicken in crock pot: Arrange the chicken breasts at the bottom of your crock pot to form an even layer.
- Add liquids and butter: Pour the two cans of chicken broth and the cream of chicken soup over the chicken breasts. Then add the stick of butter on top.
- Cook low and slow: Cover the crock pot and cook on the low setting for 6 to 7 hours, allowing the chicken to become tender and flavorful.
- Shred chicken: Remove the cooked chicken breasts from the crock pot and shred them using two forks, then return the shredded chicken back into the crock pot.
- Add noodles and finish cooking: Add the frozen egg noodles to the crock pot. Continue cooking for an additional 2 hours on low, stirring every 30 minutes to prevent the noodles from sticking together.
- Serve: Once the noodles are cooked through and tender, serve the chicken and noodles warm for a cozy, satisfying meal.
Notes
- Use fresh or frozen chicken breasts depending on convenience; frozen works well for this slow cooker method.
- Stirring the noodles every 30 minutes helps prevent them from clumping or sticking to the crock pot.
- You can substitute margarine with butter based on your preference.
- If you prefer a thicker sauce, cook uncovered for the last 30 minutes to reduce liquid slightly.
- This recipe can be easily doubled for larger families or meal prepping.
