Comforting Chicken & Noodles Crock Pot Recipe

Comforting Chicken & Noodles Crock Pot Recipe That Warms The Soul

My grandma’s legendary chicken and noodles crock pot recipe warms hearts faster than memories melt.

Hearty comfort arrives through slow-cooked magic that fills kitchens with irresistible aromas.

Tender chicken threads through soft noodles, creating a meal that hugs you from the inside.

Busy people rejoice because this simple dish requires minimal effort and delivers maximum satisfaction.

Ingredients blend seamlessly, promising a meal that feels like a warm embrace on chilly days.

Home cooks can effortlessly craft this soul-satisfying classic with just a few pantry staples.

One spoonful transports you to childhood Sunday dinners, guaranteeing smiles around the table.

Cozy Additions for Chicken & Noodles Crock Pot

  • Pair with Crisp Salad: Toss a light mixed green salad with tangy vinaigrette to cut through the richness of the creamy chicken and provide fresh contrast.
  • Complement with Buttery Garlic Bread: Serve warm, toasted garlic bread slices that soak up the delicious broth and add a crunchy texture to the meal.
  • Match with Chardonnay: Select a chilled, slightly oaked Chardonnay that balances the creamy dish with its subtle buttery notes and smooth finish.
  • Serve with Roasted Vegetables: Add roasted seasonal vegetables like carrots, Brussels sprouts, or asparagus to introduce additional nutrition and a caramelized flavor profile.

Crock Pot Chicken Noodles Variations

  • Gluten-Free Option: Replace cream of chicken soup with homemade gluten-free cream sauce and use gluten-free egg noodles or rice noodles for those with wheat sensitivities.
  • Dairy-Free Adaptation: Substitute butter with olive oil or dairy-free margarine and use coconut milk-based cream of chicken soup for lactose-intolerant individuals.
  • Vegetarian Swap: Replace chicken with firm tofu or plant-based chicken alternatives, using vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for a meat-free version.
  • Low-Sodium Version: Select low-sodium chicken broth and a reduced-sodium cream of chicken soup to decrease overall salt content while maintaining rich flavor.

FAQs

  • Can I use frozen chicken breasts instead of fresh ones?

Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts. Just ensure they are completely thawed before cooking to prevent uneven cooking and potential food safety issues.

  • Do I need to season the chicken before placing it in the crockpot?

While the recipe doesn’t call for seasoning, you can add salt, pepper, garlic powder, or dried herbs like thyme or rosemary for extra flavor. A light sprinkle will enhance the taste of the dish.

  • What type of noodles work best for this recipe?

Egg noodles are the traditional choice for this comforting dish. They hold up well during slow cooking and have a soft, tender texture that complements the creamy chicken base.

  • Is it possible to make this recipe dairy-free?

You can substitute the butter and cream of chicken soup with dairy-free alternatives like olive oil and a dairy-free cream of chicken soup. Many grocery stores now offer lactose-free or plant-based options.

Why Comforting Chicken & Noodles Crock Pot Is Always a Good Idea

  • Slow-Cooker Magic: Effortless Meal Preparation makes this recipe a game-changer for busy home cooks who want delicious comfort food without spending hours in the kitchen.
  • Family-Friendly Comfort transforms classic chicken and noodles into a crowd-pleasing dish that appeals to all ages, creating warm memories around the dinner table.
  • Minimal Ingredient Requirement means you'll need just a few simple pantry staples to create a hearty, satisfying meal that doesn't break the bank or demand complex cooking skills.
  • Time-Saving Convenience lets you toss ingredients into the crockpot in the morning and return to a fully prepared, mouth-watering dinner with minimal hands-on cooking time.

Comforting Chicken & Noodles Crock Pot – What to Prepare

Main Protein:
  • Chicken Breasts: Tender meat that forms the base of the dish, best when boneless and skinless for easy shredding.
Liquid Base:
  • Chicken Broth, Cream of Chicken Soup: Create a rich, creamy sauce that keeps the chicken moist and adds deep flavor, low-sodium options work well for controlling salt content.
Enhancing Ingredients:
  • Butter, Frozen Noodles: Butter adds richness and helps create a smooth texture, frozen noodles provide convenient and quick starch component that absorbs the delicious cooking liquid.

Crockpot Method for Chicken & Noodles That Comfort

Step 1: Arrange Chicken Foundations

Place chicken breasts snugly at the bottom of your slow cooker, creating a solid base for this hearty meal.

Ensure the chicken is spread evenly across the cooking surface.

Step 2: Create Flavorful Liquid Layer

Pour chicken broth and cream of chicken soup directly over the chicken, allowing the liquids to gently cascade and surround the meat.

These ingredients will infuse incredible moisture and rich taste throughout the dish.

Step 3: Add Creamy Butter Goodness

Drop a full butter stick on top of the liquid mixture, which will melt and create an extra luxurious texture and depth of flavor during cooking.

Step 4: Begin Slow Cooking Process

Cover the crockpot and set to low temperature, letting everything simmer beautifully for 6-7 hours.

This slow cooking method transforms ordinary ingredients into a mouthwatering comfort meal.

Step 5: Shred Tender Chicken

Once cooking time completes, carefully remove chicken and use two forks to pull apart into delicate, succulent shreds.

The meat should fall apart effortlessly.

Step 6: Reintroduce Chicken and Add Noodles

Return shredded chicken back into the crockpot and gently introduce frozen noodles.

Stir to distribute ingredients evenly throughout the liquid.

Step 7: Final Cooking and Perfecting

Continue cooking on low for 2 additional hours, stirring every half hour.

This ensures noodles become perfectly tender and absorb all the delicious surrounding flavors.

When noodles reach desired softness, your comforting meal is ready to serve.

Slow Cooker Tricks for Chicken & Noodles Comfort

  • Place chicken breasts in a single layer and avoid overcrowding to ensure even cooking and retain moisture.
  • Use homemade chicken broth or low-sodium store-bought broth for a richer, more complex taste profile.
  • Adjust noodle cooking time based on package instructions and desired tenderness, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
  • Substitute cream of chicken soup with Greek yogurt or a lighter cream alternative to reduce calories and increase protein.
  • Replace traditional egg noodles with gluten-free noodles and use gluten-free cream of chicken soup for a celiac-friendly version.

Reheat Comforting Chicken & Noodles Crock Pot

  • Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking to maintain freshness and prevent bacterial growth.
  • Let the dish cool completely before transferring to storage containers to preserve texture and flavor.
  • Freeze in sealed freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months, ensuring minimal air exposure to prevent freezer burn.
  • Warm gently in microwave or stovetop, adding a splash of chicken broth to restore moisture and prevent drying out.
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Comforting Chicken & Noodles Crock Pot Recipe

Comforting Chicken & Noodles Crock Pot Recipe


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4.5 from 39 reviews

  • Total Time: 8 hours 5 minutes
  • Yield: 6 1x

Description

Hearty “Comforting Chicken & Noodles Crock Pot” brings homestyle warmth to your dinner table with minimal effort. Simple ingredients and slow cooking create a soul-satisfying meal you’ll crave again and again.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 1 lb chicken breasts (fresh or frozen)
  • 1 package (24 ounces / 680 grams) frozen egg noodles (Reames recommended)

Liquid Ingredients:

  • 2 cans (10.5 ounces / 298 grams each) cream of chicken soup
  • 2 cans (15 ounces / 425 grams each) chicken broth

Cooking Ingredients:

  • 1 stick (1/2 cup / 113 grams) butter or margarine

Instructions

  1. Arrange whole chicken breasts in a single layer at the base of the slow cooker, ensuring they are evenly distributed.
  2. Gently cascade chicken broth and cream of chicken soup over the chicken, creating a smooth, uniform liquid layer.
  3. Position a full butter stick atop the liquid mixture, allowing it to slowly melt and infuse rich flavor throughout the dish.
  4. Secure the slow cooker lid and program the appliance to low temperature setting for 6-7 hours, allowing chicken to become tender and fully cooked.
  5. Once cooking time concludes, carefully extract chicken breasts using tongs and transfer to a separate cutting board.
  6. Methodically shred the chicken using two forks, pulling meat apart into delicate, uniform strands.
  7. Reintroduce shredded chicken into the slow cooker’s liquid base, maintaining the existing warm temperature.
  8. Carefully integrate frozen noodles into the chicken mixture, ensuring they are evenly distributed and submerged.
  9. Continue cooking on low temperature for an additional 2 hours, pausing every 30 minutes to gently stir and prevent noodles from sticking.
  10. Verify noodle tenderness by sampling a few strands, ensuring they are soft and fully cooked before serving.

Notes

  • Ensure chicken breasts are fresh and uniformly sized for even cooking throughout the dish.
  • Use low-sodium chicken broth to control salt content and prevent overseasoning.
  • Experiment with homemade cream of chicken soup for a healthier, preservative-free alternative.
  • For gluten-free adaptation, swap regular noodles with certified gluten-free egg noodles or zucchini noodles.
  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 8 hours
  • Category: Dinner, Lunch
  • Method: Slow Cooking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 6
  • Calories: 500
  • Sugar: 2g
  • Sodium: 1300mg
  • Fat: 28g
  • Saturated Fat: 17g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 8g
  • Trans Fat: 1g
  • Carbohydrates: 44g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Protein: 22g
  • Cholesterol: 100mg
James Walker

James Walker

Lead Recipe Developer & Culinary Educator

Expertise

Southern Cuisine & Farm-to-Table Cooking, Recipe Development & Testing, Culinary Education & Instruction​

Education

School: Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts

Program: Diploma in Culinary Arts and Operations

Focus: Comprehensive training in classical and modern culinary techniques, kitchen operations, and farm-to-table practices. ​


James didn’t learn cooking from a TV show, he learned it from busy kitchens, family gatherings, and long afternoons spent testing recipes the hard way.
After training at the Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts, he brought his love for real, down-to-earth food to every dish he makes.
At Dining At Home, James loves building recipes that feel familiar but still have something special, like adding a twist to a classic or making a slow Sunday dinner feel brand new.
When he’s not in the kitchen, you’ll probably find him swapping garden tips at the farmers’ market or teaching his daughter how to flip pancakes without a mess (almost).

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