There’s something magical about a big bowl of creamy, hearty chicken and noodles. It’s the kind of meal that wraps you in a warm hug, reminding you of home, family dinners, and the joy of simple, delicious comfort food. When life gets busy, nothing beats a Crock Pot Chicken & Noodles recipe that does the work for you, leaving you with a satisfying, homestyle meal that requires minimal effort.
In this post, we’ll go over everything you need to know to make the most delicious Comforting Chicken & Noodles right in your slow cooker. We’ll cover the best ingredients to use, tips for the perfect consistency, variations for dietary preferences, and how to store leftovers. By the end of this, you’ll have the perfect foolproof recipe to add to your meal rotation!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
There are so many reasons to love this Crock Pot Chicken & Noodles recipe! Here are a few:
✔️ Easy & Hands-Off Cooking: Just dump the ingredients in the slow cooker and let it do the work. Perfect for busy weeknights!
✔️ Rich & Creamy Comfort Food: The creamy broth, tender chicken, and hearty noodles make it a meal the whole family will love.
✔️ Perfect for Cold Days: Nothing warms you up better than a steaming bowl of homemade chicken and noodles.
✔️ Kid-Friendly & Crowd-Pleasing: A simple and mild dish that even picky eaters will devour.
✔️ Budget-Friendly & Made with Pantry Staples: You don’t need fancy ingredients—just basic staples that you likely already have on hand.
Ingredients You’ll Need
To make this comforting Crock Pot Chicken & Noodles, you only need a few simple ingredients:
Main Ingredients:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or substitute with boneless chicken thighs for extra tenderness)
- 4 cups chicken broth (low sodium recommended)
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup (for extra creaminess)
- 1/2 cup diced onion (adds flavor depth)
- 1/2 cup diced celery (optional, but adds extra flavor)
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder (enhances the taste)
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder (adds extra richness)
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme (optional, but adds warmth)
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper (adjust to taste)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (adjust depending on your broth’s sodium level)
- 1 bag (12 oz) frozen egg noodles (like Reames) or 8 oz dry egg noodles
- 1 cup frozen peas and carrots (optional, for added color and nutrients)
- 1/2 cup heavy cream or milk (optional, for extra creaminess)
Optional Toppings:
- Fresh parsley
- Crushed crackers or crispy fried onions for crunch
- Parmesan cheese for a salty, umami boost
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prep the Base
Start by placing the chicken breasts (or thighs) in the bottom of your crock pot. Add the chicken broth, cream of chicken soup, diced onion, celery, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, black pepper, and salt. Give everything a good stir to combine the flavors.
Step 2: Slow Cook the Chicken
Cover the crockpot and cook on low for 6-7 hours or high for 3-4 hours. This allows the chicken to become incredibly tender and juicy.
Step 3: Shred the Chicken
Once the chicken is fully cooked, remove it from the slow cooker and shred it using two forks. Then, return the shredded chicken to the pot.
Step 4: Add the Noodles
Now, stir in the frozen egg noodles (or dry egg noodles). If using frozen noodles, cook for 30-45 minutes on high until they are soft and tender. If using dry egg noodles, they may take slightly less time—about 20-30 minutes.
Step 5: Final Touches
If using frozen peas and carrots, add them in during the last 15 minutes of cooking. For extra creaminess, stir in heavy cream or milk before serving.
Step 6: Serve & Enjoy!
Ladle your delicious, creamy chicken and noodles into bowls, garnish with fresh parsley or Parmesan cheese, and enjoy!
Tips for the Best Chicken & Noodles
- Use chicken thighs for extra tenderness. They have more fat than chicken breasts, which makes the dish even juicier and more flavorful.
- Frozen egg noodles give the best texture. If you can find Reames brand frozen egg noodles, they work perfectly in this dish.
- Add extra broth if needed. Noodles tend to absorb liquid as they cook, so if your dish gets too thick, just add a splash of broth.
- Stir occasionally once you add the noodles. This helps prevent them from sticking together.
- Use a slow cooker liner for easy cleanup. This prevents food from sticking to the pot, making cleanup a breeze.
Recipe Variations
✅ Make It Healthier: Use low-sodium broth and swap heavy cream for Greek yogurt. Add extra veggies like mushrooms or bell peppers.
✅ Make It Extra Creamy: Stir in 4 oz of cream cheese before serving for a rich, indulgent version.
✅ Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free noodles and swap cream of chicken soup for a homemade gluten-free version.
✅ Spicy Twist: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a few dashes of hot sauce for some heat.
✅ Slow Cooker vs. Instant Pot: You can make this in an Instant Pot by using the “Pressure Cook” function for 15 minutes, then following the same steps to add the noodles.
Storage & Reheating
Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Reheat on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of broth or milk to thin it out if needed.
Freezer: This dish can be frozen for up to 3 months. However, note that noodles may become slightly softer after freezing. To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge and warm it on the stove.
What to Serve with Chicken & Noodles
This dish is hearty on its own, but if you want to round out your meal, here are some great side dishes:
- Buttery Biscuits or Dinner Rolls – Perfect for soaking up the creamy broth.
- Side Salad – A fresh, crisp salad balances out the richness.
- Roasted Vegetables – Green beans, carrots, or Brussels sprouts add a nice contrast.
- Mashed Potatoes – Serve chicken and noodles over mashed potatoes for the ultimate comfort meal!
Final Thoughts
This Comforting Chicken & Noodles Crock Pot Recipe is truly one of those meals that brings warmth and joy to the table. It’s easy, delicious, and perfect for any time you need a little comfort food in your life. Whether you’re cooking for a busy family, meal-prepping for the week, or just craving something cozy, this recipe is sure to become a favorite.
Give it a try and let me know how it turns out! Happy cooking! 😊