If you’re searching for the ultimate family-friendly dinner, look no further than Comforting Chicken & Noodles Crock Pot. Every bite of this slow-cooked classic oozes nostalgia—tender chicken, soft egg noodles, and the creamiest broth imaginable. With only a handful of pantry staples and a trusty slow cooker, you can create a dish that delivers all the cozy feels of home with zero fuss. It’s the kind of meal you crave on chilly nights, rainy Sundays, or any day that needs a little extra comfort.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s the beauty of Comforting Chicken & Noodles Crock Pot: simple, honest ingredients take center stage. Each one brings texture, taste, or color, turning everyday staples into pure comfort in a bowl.
- Chicken breasts or thighs (2 pounds): Thighs bring richer flavor, but breasts result in chunkier, leaner shreds—choose your favorite!
- Low-sodium chicken broth (6 cups): The base for our luscious broth—using low-sodium gives you total control over saltiness.
- Cream of chicken soup (1 can, 10.5 oz): This classic shortcut brings decadent creaminess in seconds.
- Medium onion, chopped: Sweetness and savoriness meld right into the broth, building a craveable backbone of flavor.
- Garlic cloves, minced (2): Even a little fresh garlic adds a warm, home-cooked vibe.
- Onion powder (1 tsp): Enhances savory notes and amps up the onion’s presence.
- Garlic powder (½ tsp): Cozy, mellow garlic depth that’s never overpowering.
- Dried thyme (1 tsp): Earthy and aromatic, thyme is the not-so-secret herb that makes this dish sing.
- Salt and pepper, to taste: Fine-tune flavors for your perfect savory-salty balance.
- Egg noodles (12 oz): Their softness soaks up rich broth, making every twirl irresistible.
- Heavy cream (½ cup, optional): Stir in for an ultra silky finish; skip for a lighter version.
- Chopped parsley, for garnish (optional): Brightens up the final look and adds a pop of freshness with each bite.
How to Make Comforting Chicken & Noodles Crock Pot
Step 1: Layer Everything in the Crock Pot
Start by placing the chicken, chicken broth, cream of chicken soup, chopped onion, minced garlic, onion and garlic powders, thyme, salt, and pepper into your crock pot. Give everything a snug stir so the soup blends into the broth. At this stage, the magic is about to begin—the slow cooker will transform these basics into something unforgettable.
Step 2: Cook Low and Slow
Cover the crock pot and set it on low for 6 to 7 hours—or on high if you’re in a hurry (about 3 to 4 hours works beautifully). This gentle cook is where the Comforting Chicken & Noodles Crock Pot lives up to its name: the chicken becomes so meltingly tender, it’ll practically shred itself, and the flavors meld into the ultimate golden broth.
Step 3: Shred the Chicken
When the chicken is tender and fully cooked, lift it out and shred it with two forks. Don’t rush this step—shredded chicken makes every bite juicy and tender, while also distributing all that slow-cooked flavor throughout the dish. Return the shreds to the crock pot and stir them gently through the broth base.
Step 4: Add the Egg Noodles
Toss in your uncooked egg noodles and give everything a stir. Pop the lid back on and switch the crock pot to high (if it’s not already). In about 20 to 30 minutes, the noodles will soak up the broth and become soft and pillowy—keep an eye on them so they don’t get overly mushy!
Step 5: Finish and Serve
If you want extra creaminess, stir in the heavy cream now, letting it warm through for a few minutes. Taste for salt and pepper and tweak if needed. Just before serving, sprinkle with chopped parsley for brightness, or your favorite fresh herb. That’s it—Comforting Chicken & Noodles Crock Pot is ready to ladle up!
How to Serve Comforting Chicken & Noodles Crock Pot
Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley works wonders to lift up the color, while cracked black pepper gives a cozy, just-ground aroma. If you like a bit of richness, add a pat of butter right before serving, or a dusting of grated Parmesan for a savory nudge.
Side Dishes
While Comforting Chicken & Noodles Crock Pot is a star on its own, pairing it with buttery rolls or crusty bread is always a good idea—perfect for mopping up extra broth. A crisp side salad with tangy vinaigrette complements the creamy main, and steamed green beans or peas add a pop of color and crunch.
Creative Ways to Present
Consider serving this comfort classic in wide, shallow bowls for a homestyle vibe. For gatherings, offer it in oversized mugs (so everyone can cozy up on the couch), or top with extra parsley, sliced green onions, or crumbled crackers for texture.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Comforting Chicken & Noodles Crock Pot in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavors deepen overnight, so a next-day bowl is even more delicious!
Freezing
If you plan to freeze, let the dish cool completely first. Note that noodles tend to get extra soft after thawing, so for best results, freeze the soup without the noodles and add fresh ones when reheating. Store in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months.
Reheating
To reheat, warm the leftovers gently in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring now and then, until hot. If it thickens too much, add a splash of chicken broth or cream to loosen it up. Microwave reheating works too—stir halfway through for even warming.
FAQs
Can I use rotisserie or pre-cooked chicken?
Yes! Add shredded rotisserie chicken during the last hour of cooking, just before the egg noodles, so it absorbs all the slow-cooked flavors but doesn’t dry out.
How can I make Comforting Chicken & Noodles Crock Pot dairy free?
It’s easy—just skip the heavy cream or use your favorite dairy-free alternative. Most cream of chicken soups have dairy, but you can find (or make) dairy-free versions in specialty stores or online.
Can I add extra vegetables?
Absolutely! Stir in frozen peas, carrots, corn, or even spinach during the last hour of cooking for additional color and nutrition. Customize it based on what you love or have on hand.
What kind of noodles work best?
Hearty egg noodles are traditional for Comforting Chicken & Noodles Crock Pot, but you can substitute rotini, fusilli, or even small shells if that’s what you have. Just keep an eye on them, as cooking times can vary.
Will the noodles get mushy if I leave them in the slow cooker?
The noodles will soften the longer they sit in the broth. For best results, add noodles about 20 minutes before serving, or cook them separately and add just before eating to keep them perfectly toothsome.
Final Thoughts
I hope you’ll love making and sharing this Comforting Chicken & Noodles Crock Pot as much as my family does! There’s simply nothing like a warming bowl on a chilly day, and knowing it cooked itself all day long just makes it even sweeter. Let this recipe be your new go-to for everything from easy weeknight dinners to laid-back Sundays—you’re in for pure comfort, every time.
Print
Comforting Chicken & Noodles Crock Pot Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 7 hours
- Total Time: 7 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This comforting chicken and noodles crock pot recipe is the perfect hearty meal for any day of the week. Tender shredded chicken, flavorful broth, and egg noodles come together with a touch of cream for a creamy texture. Easy to prepare in the slow cooker, it’s a delicious and satisfying dish.
Ingredients
Chicken and Broth:
- 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- 6 cups low-sodium chicken broth
Soup Mixture:
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
Additional Ingredients:
- 12 oz egg noodles
- 1/2 cup heavy cream (optional)
- Chopped parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Crock Pot: Combine chicken, broth, cream of chicken soup, onion, garlic, seasonings in the crock pot.
- Cook the Chicken: Cover and cook on low for 6-7 hours or high for 3-4 hours until tender.
- Shred and Add Noodles: Shred chicken, return to pot, add noodles, and cook for 20-30 minutes until noodles are soft.
- Final Touches: Stir in heavy cream if desired, adjust seasoning, and garnish with parsley.
Notes
- You can add frozen peas or carrots for extra veggies.
- For extra richness, stir in butter with the cream.
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