Comforting Chicken & Noodles Crock Pot Recipe

Comforting Chicken & Noodles Crock Pot Recipe: Simmered Bliss

Chicken and noodles dance gracefully through this incredible crock pot comfort meal that promises warmth on chilly evenings.

Slow cooking transforms simple ingredients into a luxurious symphony of flavors.

Tender meat falls apart with minimal effort, creating a hearty dish perfect for relaxed weeknight dinners.

Rich broth infuses each strand of pasta with deep, satisfying notes.

Minimal preparation means maximum enjoyment – just toss ingredients and walk away.

Delicate seasonings whisper subtle complexity into every single bite.

Let this recipe become your go-to solution for instant kitchen happiness.

Why Comforting Chicken & Noodles Crock Pot Hits The Spot

  • Hands-Off Cooking Magic: Create a delicious meal with minimal active preparation, letting the slow cooker do most of the work while you focus on other tasks.
  • Crowd-Pleasing Comfort: Deliver a hearty, satisfying dish that appeals to both kids and adults, making it perfect for family dinners or gatherings with friends.
  • Nutritious One-Pot Wonder: Pack multiple food groups into a single pot, combining protein, vegetables, and noodles for a well-balanced meal that doesn't compromise on flavor or nutrition.
  • Stress-Free Meal Prep: Simplify your cooking process with a recipe that requires just a few minutes of initial preparation and delivers maximum taste with minimal effort.

Ingredients For Comforting Chicken & Noodles Crock Pot

For the Protein:
  • Chicken Breasts, Chicken Thighs: Tender meat that provides the main protein base for this comforting slow cooker dish.
For the Aromatic Vegetables:
  • Onion, Carrots, Celery, Garlic: Fresh vegetables that add depth, sweetness, and aromatic complexity to the chicken dish.
For the Seasonings:
  • Dried Thyme, Parsley, Salt, Black Pepper: Classic herbs and spices that enhance the overall flavor profile of the chicken and vegetables.
For the Liquid Base:
  • Chicken Broth, Water: Flavorful liquids that create a rich cooking environment and help tenderize the chicken.
For the Thickening Agents:
  • Cornstarch, Heavy Cream: Smooth ingredients that create a creamy, luxurious sauce with a perfect consistency.
For the Pasta:
  • Wide Egg Noodles: Soft, classic pasta that absorbs the delicious cooking liquid and adds hearty texture to the dish.
For the Finishing Touches:
  • Butter, Fresh Parsley: Rich butter for a silky finish and fresh parsley for a bright, herbal garnish.

Simple Instructions For Comforting Chicken & Noodles Crock Pot

Step 1: Arrange Protein in Slow Cooker

Place chicken breasts and thighs evenly across the bottom of the crock pot, ensuring complete coverage and maximum flavor potential.

Step 2: Prepare Aromatic Vegetable Base

Chop these fresh ingredients:
  • Onion
  • Carrots
  • Celery
  • Garlic

Scatter the chopped vegetables around and over the chicken pieces to create a flavor-packed foundation.

Step 3: Season the Protein and Vegetables

Sprinkle these herbs and spices directly onto the chicken and vegetables:
  • Dried thyme
  • Parsley
  • Salt
  • Black pepper

This layering technique ensures deep, balanced flavor throughout the dish.

Step 4: Add Liquid Foundation

Pour chicken broth and water over the ingredients, making sure to completely cover the chicken and vegetables for optimal moisture and tenderness.

Step 5: Slow Cook to Perfection

Cover the crock pot and set to low heat. Allow the mixture to simmer and tenderize for 6-7 hours until chicken becomes incredibly soft and easy to shred.

Step 6: Shred the Chicken

Carefully remove chicken from the liquid. Using two forks, shred the meat into bite-sized pieces. Return the shredded chicken back to the slow cooker.

Step 7: Create Creamy Thickening Agent

In a small bowl, whisk cornstarch with heavy cream until completely smooth. Gently stir this mixture into the crock pot to create a luxurious, velvety sauce.

Step 8: Cook Egg Noodles

Add wide egg noodles to the crock pot. Stir thoroughly to ensure noodles are well-coated with liquid. Cook for an additional 20-25 minutes until noodles reach perfect tenderness.

Step 9: Finish with Richness

Stir in butter during the final moments of cooking. This adds a decadent, silky finish that elevates the entire dish.

Step 10: Garnish and Serve

Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the top. Serve this comforting, hearty meal directly from the crock pot, creating an inviting and rustic dining experience.

Pro Tips For Comforting Chicken & Noodles Crock Pot

  • Shred Chicken with Ease: Use two forks to pull apart the cooked chicken, making it perfectly tender and evenly distributed throughout the dish.
  • Boost Flavor Depth: Toast dried thyme and parsley in a dry pan before adding to intensify their aromatic qualities and release more complex flavor notes.
  • Prevent Noodle Clumping: Stir egg noodles gently and frequently to ensure they cook evenly and don't stick together in the slow cooker.
  • Thicken Sauce Smoothly: Whisk cornstarch and heavy cream thoroughly to eliminate lumps, creating a silky, consistent sauce texture.
  • Enhance Richness Subtly: Add cold butter at the end of cooking for a luxurious, glossy finish that elevates the overall dish's creaminess.

Tasty Variations For Comforting Chicken & Noodles Crock Pot

  • Vegetarian Chicken Swap: Replace chicken with firm tofu or seitan, using vegetable broth for a plant-based protein alternative that maintains similar texture and flavor profile.
  • Gluten-Free Noodle Option: Substitute wide egg noodles with gluten-free rice noodles or cauliflower rice to accommodate wheat-sensitive diets while keeping the creamy sauce intact.
  • Spicy Southwest Remix: Add diced green chiles, ground cumin, and smoked paprika to transform the classic recipe into a zesty southwestern-inspired slow cooker meal with a kick of heat.
  • Low-Carb Cauliflower Base: Skip traditional noodles and use riced cauliflower or spiralized zucchini as a lighter, lower-carbohydrate alternative that still soaks up the rich, creamy sauce.

What To Serve With Comforting Chicken & Noodles Crock Pot

  • Boost Wine Pairing: Select a crisp Chardonnay with light oak notes to complement the creamy chicken and balance the dish's richness.
  • Craft Beer Match: Choose a smooth wheat beer or light amber ale that enhances the savory flavors without overpowering the delicate chicken texture.
  • Perfect Side Companion: Serve a simple mixed green salad with tangy vinaigrette to cut through the dish's creaminess and provide fresh contrast.
  • Herbal Drink Option: Brew a warm chamomile tea with hint of honey to soothe and round out the meal's hearty comfort profile.

Storage Help For Comforting Chicken & Noodles Crock Pot

  • Store leftovers in airtight containers within 2 hours of cooking, keeping them fresh in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.
  • Transfer cooled chicken and noodles to freezer-safe containers, removing excess air to prevent freezer burn, and store for up to 3 months.
  • Place portion in microwave-safe dish, sprinkle few tablespoons of chicken broth to prevent drying, cover with damp paper towel, and heat in 30-second intervals until warmed through.
  • Warm leftovers in skillet over medium-low heat, adding splash of broth to maintain moisture, stirring gently to prevent noodles from breaking apart, until heated completely.

FAQs About Comforting Chicken & Noodles Crock Pot

  • Is this a gluten-free recipe?

No, the recipe contains egg noodles which have wheat. To make it gluten-free, substitute with gluten-free noodles or rice.

  • Can I use chicken breasts only?

Yes, you can use all chicken breasts. Using a mix of breasts and thighs provides more flavor and tenderness, but all breasts work fine.

  • Do I need to brown the chicken first?

No, this slow cooker recipe allows you to add raw chicken directly into the crock pot. The long cooking process ensures the chicken becomes tender and fully cooked.

  • How do I prevent the chicken from drying out?

The slow cooking method and using both chicken breasts and thighs with broth helps keep the meat moist. Avoid overcooking and follow the recommended 6-7 hour cooking time on low heat.

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Comforting Chicken & Noodles Crock Pot Recipe

Comforting Chicken & Noodles Crock Pot Recipe


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.8 from 8 reviews

  • Total Time: 6–7 hours 15 minutes
  • Yield: 6 1x

Description

Hearty “Comforting Chicken & Noodles Crock Pot” delivers pure home-style goodness straight from midwest kitchens. Slow-simmered tender chicken nestles among silky noodles, promising warmth and satisfaction in every delightful spoonful you savor.


Ingredients

Scale

Protein:

  • 2 lbs chicken breasts
  • 1 lb chicken thighs

Noodles and Base:

  • 16 oz wide egg noodles
  • 4 cups chicken broth
  • 1 cup water

Vegetables and Seasonings:

  • 1 large onion
  • 2 carrots
  • 2 celery stalks
  • 2 cloves garlic
  • 2 tbsp butter
  • 1 tsp dried thyme
  • 1 tsp dried parsley
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper

Additional Ingredients:

  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 2 tbsp cornstarch
  • 1/4 cup fresh parsley (chopped, for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the protein by placing chicken breasts and thighs into the crock pot, ensuring they are evenly distributed across the bottom of the slow cooker.
  2. Chop onion, carrots, celery, and mince garlic, then scatter these aromatic vegetables around and over the chicken pieces.
  3. Sprinkle dried thyme, parsley, salt, and black pepper directly onto the chicken and vegetables to infuse deep flavor throughout the dish.
  4. Pour chicken broth and water over the ingredients, covering the chicken and vegetables completely.
  5. Cover the crock pot and set to low heat, allowing the mixture to simmer and tenderize for 6-7 hours until chicken is fall-apart tender.
  6. Carefully remove chicken from the liquid, shred using two forks, and return the meat back to the slow cooker.
  7. In a separate small bowl, whisk cornstarch with heavy cream until smooth, then gently stir this mixture into the crock pot to thicken the sauce.
  8. Add wide egg noodles to the crock pot, stirring to ensure they are well-coated with the liquid, and cook for an additional 20-25 minutes until noodles are perfectly tender.
  9. Stir in butter during the final moments of cooking to add a rich, silky finish to the dish.
  10. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley before serving this comforting, hearty meal directly from the crock pot.

Notes

  • Swap chicken breasts with chicken thighs for more tender, flavorful meat that stays moist during long slow cooking.
  • Use gluten-free egg noodles or zucchini noodles to make this recipe friendly for gluten-sensitive diners.
  • Cut vegetables into uniform sizes to ensure even cooking and consistent texture throughout the dish.
  • Add a splash of white wine or splash of sherry for extra depth and complexity of flavor during the initial cooking stage.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 6–7 hours
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner
  • Method: Slow Cooking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 6
  • Calories: 430
  • Sugar: 3 g
  • Sodium: 750 mg
  • Fat: 16 g
  • Saturated Fat: 8 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 50 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 30 g
  • Cholesterol: 120 mg
Truc Tran (Kris)

Truc Tran (Kris)

Senior Food Editor

Expertise

Home Cooking, Meal Planning, Recipe Development, Baking and Pastry, Food Editor, Cooking-video Maker, Vietnamese Food Evaluation Expert

Education

  • Hospitality (Commercial Cookery) at TasTAFE
  • Culinary Arts at Kendall College (Australia Branch in Sydney)
  • Vietnamese Cuisine Head Chef at HNAAu School (Vietnam, International Joint Training Program)

Truc Tran (Kris), an experienced food writer and editor, is great at exploring and describing global cuisines, from simple street food to fancy dining. In her writing, she skillfully mixes different flavors, cooking methods, and culinary traditions, showing the unique character of various cultures through their food and drinks. On azcuisines.com, Kris highlights her knowledge, especially in Asian cuisine and worldwide traditional dishes.

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