If you’re searching for the ultimate in cozy, family-style dinners, look no further than Comforting Chicken & Noodles Crock Pot. This is one of those life-saver recipes that brings together everything you crave when the weather cools down: tender chicken, buttery noodles, and a creamy homemade sauce that tastes like a warm hug. The best part? The slow cooker does almost all the work, so you can sit back as your house fills with mouthwatering aromas and your heart (and belly) await a meal that satisfies on every level.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The ingredients for Comforting Chicken & Noodles Crock Pot are refreshingly straightforward, yet each one plays a vital role in building up those layers of flavor and irresistible creaminess. This is a recipe where every element shines — from the richness of the soups to the brightness of the herbs. Here’s everything you’ll need (and why!):
- Boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs (1.5 to 2 pounds): Choose either cut; both become meltingly tender after slow cooking and make a protein-packed base.
- Medium onion, chopped: Adds sweetness and depth, transforming the sauce as it simmers.
- Garlic, minced (3 cloves): Brings savoriness that soaks right into both the chicken and the noodles.
- Low-sodium chicken broth (2 cups): Gives body and moisture, and using low-sodium helps you control the saltiness.
- Cream of chicken soup (10.5 oz can): Lends creamy texture and classic comfort food flavor.
- Cream of celery soup (10.5 oz can): Boosts the creaminess and adds subtle vegetal notes that round out the dish.
- Dried parsley (1 teaspoon): For color and that unmistakable herby freshness.
- Black pepper (1/2 teaspoon): For a gentle kick and warmth that balances the creaminess.
- Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Essential to enhance all the flavors without overpowering them.
- Onion powder (1/2 teaspoon): Reinforces the savory richness of the sauce.
- Garlic powder (1/2 teaspoon): Adds another hit of garlic to deepen the flavor base.
- Milk (1 cup): Makes the sauce even creamier at the end — like a luxurious finishing touch.
- Egg noodles (12 ounces, uncooked): Classic wide egg noodles soak up every bit of the luscious sauce as they cook.
- Unsalted butter (2 tablespoons): Melts in for an extra dose of richness and that glossy finish.
- Optional chopped fresh parsley for garnish: Adds a pop of green and a burst of fresh flavor right before serving.
How to Make Comforting Chicken & Noodles Crock Pot
Step 1: Build the Flavor Base
Start your Comforting Chicken & Noodles Crock Pot adventure by laying the chicken breasts or thighs evenly in the bottom of your slow cooker. Scatter the chopped onion and minced garlic over the top; these aromatics will nestle into the chicken as it slowly simmers, creating a deliciously fragrant foundation for your meal.
Step 2: Prepare and Pour the Creamy Sauce
In a medium-sized mixing bowl, whisk together the chicken broth, cream of chicken soup, cream of celery soup, dried parsley, black pepper, salt, onion powder, and garlic powder. Make sure the mixture is smooth and well-combined so you get a perfectly creamy sauce. Pour this over the chicken and aromatics in your crock pot, letting it seep into every nook and cranny.
Step 3: Slow Cook Until Heavenly and Tender
Pop the lid on and cook everything on LOW for 6 to 7 hours, or on HIGH for 3 to 4 hours. During this cozy stretch, the chicken will turn wonderfully tender, gently soaking up all the flavors of the creamy sauce. Your kitchen will smell fantastic, teasing everyone in the house!
Step 4: Shred the Chicken
Once finished, carefully lift out the chicken and place it on a plate or cutting board. Use two forks to shred it into juicy pieces — it practically falls apart at this point! Return all that shredded goodness right back into the slow cooker, stirring to make sure each bite is nestled in sauce.
Step 5: Add Noodles and Final Touches
Stir in the milk, uncooked egg noodles, and butter. These go in at the end so the noodles turn out perfectly tender without overcooking. Put the lid back on and cook on HIGH for another 25 to 35 minutes, giving the noodles just enough time to absorb the creamy sauce and soften. Stir gently before serving — the aroma and texture at this point are pure bliss!
How to Serve Comforting Chicken & Noodles Crock Pot
Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley transforms each bowl of Comforting Chicken & Noodles Crock Pot from homey to restaurant-worthy. The fresh green flecks not only brighten up the creamy color, but also add just a touch of herbaceous flavor that complements the richness.
Side Dishes
This dish truly shines on its own, but if you want to round out the meal, try serving it with a crisp green salad tossed in a light vinaigrette, garlicky roasted vegetables, or classic dinner rolls perfect for dipping. These simple sides make this comfort food supper even more memorable.
Creative Ways to Present
For a playful twist, serve Comforting Chicken & Noodles Crock Pot in large mugs for a casual, cozy evening. You can also try ladling it over creamy mashed potatoes for an ultra-comforting mash-up, or even spoon it into a bread bowl for a fun, edible serving vessel that soaks up every last drop of sauce.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Any leftovers of Comforting Chicken & Noodles Crock Pot can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors keep developing, so don’t be surprised if tomorrow’s lunch tastes even better!
Freezing
If you’d like to have a cozy dinner ready in the freezer, you can freeze portions of this dish in individual containers. The noodles may soften more upon reheating, but the comfort factor stays strong — just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
To reheat, pop individual portions in the microwave for a couple of minutes, stirring once or twice to ensure even warmth. Or, reheat gently over low heat on the stovetop with a splash of broth or milk to restore that creamy texture.
FAQs
Can I use rotisserie chicken instead of raw chicken?
Absolutely! Using rotisserie chicken is a great time-saver. Just add the shredded chicken to the crock pot with the noodles when they’re ready to go in, rather than at the beginning. This prevents the chicken from drying out and keeps the process extra easy.
Will gluten-free noodles work in this recipe?
Yes, you can substitute gluten-free egg noodles to make this meal gluten-friendly. Just keep an eye on them as some gluten-free noodles cook a bit quicker and you want them to stay tender, not mushy.
Can I add vegetables to Comforting Chicken & Noodles Crock Pot?
Definitely! Feel free to add frozen peas, carrots, or even diced potatoes during the last hour of cooking. They’ll blend right into the creamy sauce and add pops of color and nutrition.
How do I keep the noodles from overcooking in the slow cooker?
Be sure to add the uncooked noodles only at the end, along with the milk and butter. Check them around the 25-minute mark and stir; they should be perfectly soft but not falling apart.
What’s the best way to double this recipe for a crowd?
You can easily double Comforting Chicken & Noodles Crock Pot as long as your slow cooker is large enough (at least 6 to 7 quarts). Keep in mind cooking time may increase a bit, so check that the chicken and noodles are cooked through before serving.
Final Thoughts
If you’re in need of a meal that truly comforts from the inside out, Comforting Chicken & Noodles Crock Pot is a must-try. It’s the kind of recipe that brings everyone to the table, warms even the chilliest day, and disappears fast. Gather your ingredients, set your slow cooker, and get ready for pure, creamy satisfaction—every single spoonful.
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 epitome of a cozy meal. Tender chicken, creamy soup, and perfectly cooked noodles come together in this easy slow cooker dish, making it a family favorite.
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 1.5 to 2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
For the Sauce:
- 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of celery soup
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 cup milk
Additional:
- 12 ounces egg noodles (uncooked)
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- Optional: chopped fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Place the chicken breasts in the crock pot with onion and garlic.
- Make the Sauce: Whisk together broth, soups, parsley, pepper, salt, onion powder, and garlic powder; pour over chicken.
- Cook: Cook on low for 6 to 7 hours or high for 3 to 4 hours until chicken is tender.
- Shred and Add Noodles: Shred chicken, return to pot, add milk, noodles, and butter; cook for an additional 25 to 35 minutes.
- Serve: Stir well and garnish with parsley before serving.
Notes
- You can use rotisserie chicken for a time-saving option.
- Add frozen peas or carrots for extra vegetables.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 1/2 cups
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 780mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 105mg
