Crock Pot Chicken and Noodles Recipe

Hands down, Chicken and Noodles is one of my favorite comfort food meals, and it couldn’t be easier to make because the Crock Pot does all the work for you! Soft and tender noodles and bits of chicken coated in a slightly creamy sauce.

However, it’s not a soup, nor is it a casserole. Instead, it sits somewhere in between — more filling than soup but without the heaviness of a traditional casserole.

Best of all, it is versatile and can be served as a main dish or a side dish. In fact, my favorite way to eat it is over a pile of mashed potatoes. Yes, I know it is carb upon carb, but once you take a bite you will understand how delicious the combination is!

It’s a popular dish in the Midwest when a warm, hearty, comfort food meal is a must during the cold winter months. However, it is also a popular dish that is also shared at potlucks and holiday gatherings.

And it couldn’t be easier to make! Of course, that is with the help of your slow cooker.

What Type of Chicken to Use

When making Crock Pot Chicken and Noodles, the choice of chicken is important for both flavor and texture. This recipe works best with boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, which makes it easy to cut or shred after cooking.

Chicken thighs are a great option if you want a richer flavor. Thighs tend to stay moist during the slow cooking process, making them less likely to dry out compared to chicken breasts.

On the other hand, chicken breasts are leaner and have a slightly milder flavor. Both options work well in this recipe, and the choice depends on your preference.

You can even make this recipe using frozen chicken, just make sure to allow extra cooking time for it to fully cook through. This can extend the overall cook time by an hour or more, depending on your slow cooker.

Cream of Chicken Soup

Cream of chicken soup plays a key role in this dish. It provides the creamy base that coats the chicken and noodles, giving it a light gravy-like taste.

The soup also acts as a thickener, keeping the dish from becoming too watery while still ensuring the noodles are coated with a velvety sauce.

Just be sure to use low-sodium or salt-free soup. This helps control the salt content in the final dish, which can sometimes be overwhelming with store-bought canned soups.

What Type of Noodles to Use

When it comes to what type of noodles to use you have a few choices. Egg noodles are the classic choice for Crock Pot Chicken and Noodles.

These noodles are wide and flat, allowing them to soak up the sauce and become tender without turning mushy. You can find both dried and frozen egg noodles at the store, and both work well in this recipe.

However, dried egg noodles tend to be more reliable for slow cooker recipes. Frozen egg noodles are thicker, which means they take longer to cook and sometimes don’t soften as well in the slow cooker. Dried egg noodles, on the other hand, absorb the flavors better and cook more evenly.

If you’re looking for alternatives, other pasta types like fettuccine or pappardelle can be used. These wider noodles mimic the texture of egg noodles and are good substitutes.

Regardless of the noodle type you choose, be sure to stir the noodles occasionally during the cooking process to keep them from clumping together.

How to Serve Crock Pot Chicken and Noodles

As mentioned above, Crock Pot Chicken and Noodles is a versatile dish that can be served in a variety of ways. As a main course, it can be served on its own or over mashed potatoes.

If you prefer to serve it as a side dish, it pairs well with just about any main dish. From Sloppy Joes, Pulled Pork, or even a Grilled Hamburger, the soft and creamy noodles go well with just about anything.

Another way to serve this meal is with a simple side of dinner rolls or crusty bread. The bread helps soak up that delicious sauce that will be left at the bottom of your dish.

Why It’s a Great Potluck Dish

Crock Pot Chicken and Noodles is perfect for potlucks because it’s easy to transport, and it keeps well in a slow cooker. If you’re taking it to a party or event, simply leave it in the slow cooker and set it to “Keep Warm” until it’s time to serve. The slow cooker will maintain the temperature, ensuring that the noodles stay tender and the chicken remains juicy.

For larger gatherings, consider doubling the recipe to make sure there’s enough to go around. Crock Pot Chicken and Noodles tend to be a crowd-pleaser, so it’s not unusual to run out if you’re feeding a big group.

Leftovers and Storage

If you do have any leftovers (which is rare with a dish this popular), Crock Pot Chicken and Noodles stores well in the refrigerator. Simply transfer the leftovers to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to three days.

When you’re ready to reheat, you can either microwave individual portions or reheat the entire dish in a pot over medium heat on the stove. However because the noodles will absorb the sauce as it sits, you may need to add a little chicken broth or water to the leftovers to thin it out a little.

Unfortunately, the leftovers will not freeze well due to the pasta.

Crock Pot Chicken and Noodles Recipe

*Specific measurements and complete recipe instructions are located in a printable recipe card at the bottom of this article. However, be sure to continue to read the tips and tricks to making this recipe below.

INGREDIENTS

• 1 1/2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
• 2 (10.5 ounce) cans of cream of chicken soup, low sodium
• 1/2 tsp Kosher salt
• 1/2 tsp ground black pepper
• 1/2 tsp poultry seasoning
• 2 tsp dried parsley
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper, optional
• 4 TBSP butter, sliced
• 3 1/2 cups chicken broth
• 8 oz. egg noodles, uncooked

INSTRUCTIONS

Place chicken breasts in the bottom of the crockpot. Then top with the soup (no water added) and sprinkle with the spices.

Add butter slices to the top, and pour in the chicken broth.

Cover and cook on low heat for 5-6 hours, or high heat for 3-4 hours.

Remove the chicken from the pot and shred with two forks or cut the chicken into small, bite-size pieces. Add the chicken back to the pot along with the dry egg noodles and stir.

Cook on HIGH for 30-45 minutes, or until noodles are tender.

Crock Pot Chicken and Noodles is a classic comfort food that’s easy to prepare and perfect for feeding a crowd. Whether you’re serving it at a family dinner, bringing it to a potluck, or simply looking for a warm meal on a cold night, this recipe will soon become a favorite!

Enjoy! Mary

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