If you are craving a heartwarming meal that wraps you in a cozy hug, this Comforting Creamy Chicken and Noodles Crock Pot Recipe is just what you need. It’s the kind of dish that takes simple pantry staples and transforms them into a velvety, satisfying bowl of comfort food that tastes like it’s been slow-cooked with love all day long. This recipe is hands-off but delivers big on creamy texture, tender chicken, and perfectly cooked noodles, making it a go-to for busy weekdays or lazy weekends alike.
Ingredients You’ll Need
When it comes to this recipe, the magic lies in a few simple, trusted ingredients. Each one plays a vital role in building that rich, comforting flavor and luscious texture, turning humble grocery finds into a soul-soothing dinner.
- Cream of chicken soup: Adds creamy richness and a deep, savory base that ensures this dish never feels dry.
- Chicken broth (2 cans, 15 oz each): Enhances flavor complexity and provides the perfect cooking liquid to keep everything tender.
- Butter (1 stick): Brings smooth, buttery notes and a silky mouthfeel that rounds out the dish beautifully.
- Chicken breasts (1 lb, fresh or frozen): The hearty protein star of the show, which turns tender and shreddable after slow-cooking.
- Frozen egg noodles (24 oz): These noodles soak up all the creamy goodness, becoming fluffy and satisfying in every bite.
How to Make Comforting Creamy Chicken and Noodles Crock Pot Recipe
Step 1: Layer the Chicken
Start by placing your chicken breasts right at the bottom of your crock pot. This positioning allows the chicken to cook evenly and soak up all the wonderful flavors from the ingredients you’ll add next, setting the foundation for the entire dish.
Step 2: Pour in the Liquids and Butter
Now, pour the chicken broth and cream of chicken soup directly over the chicken breasts. Next, add the stick of butter on top. The butter slowly melts into the soup, enriching the sauce while the broth keeps everything moist and flavorful during the long cook time.
Step 3: Slow Cook on Low
Cover the crock pot with its lid and let it cook on low for 6 to 7 hours. This slow cooking method is perfect for breaking down the chicken, making it incredibly tender and infused with savory goodness.
Step 4: Shred the Chicken
Once cooked, carefully remove the chicken breasts and shred them using two forks. Return all that tender shredded chicken back to the crock pot so it can mingle with the creamy sauce and prepare for the next stage.
Step 5: Add the Frozen Egg Noodles
Add the entire package of frozen egg noodles to your crock pot. Cook for another 2 hours, stirring every 30 minutes to prevent the noodles from sticking together and to ensure even cooking. The noodles will absorb that luscious sauce and become tender without losing their shape.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
Your Comforting Creamy Chicken and Noodles Crock Pot Recipe is now ready to serve! Dish it up warm, and get ready to enjoy a bowl of creamy, hearty goodness that tastes like a home-cooked hug in every bite.
How to Serve Comforting Creamy Chicken and Noodles Crock Pot Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate this classic comfort dish, sprinkle some fresh herbs like chopped parsley or thyme on top. A little cracked black pepper or a dash of paprika can add a lovely color contrast and an extra hint of flavor, making your presentation as inviting as the taste.
Side Dishes
This creamy chicken and noodles go beautifully with light, fresh sides like a crisp garden salad or steamed green beans. These add a refreshing balance to the richness of the meal and help round out your dinner plate with color and crunch.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve this dish in individual bowls garnished with a parsley sprig and a wedge of lemon on the side to add a zesty brightness that cuts through the creamy texture. For a crowd, try serving it in a big, rustic casserole dish straight from the crock pot—comfort food communal style is always a winner!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After enjoying your meal, promptly store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This creamy chicken and noodle dish will keep well for up to 3 days as the flavors meld even further overnight.
Freezing
If you want to keep this dish longer, freezing works great! Portion out individual servings into freezer-safe containers or bags, leaving some room for noodles to expand. When frozen, it can stay delicious up to 2 months, making it perfect for future quick dinners.
Reheating
To reheat, thaw in the fridge overnight if frozen. Warm gently over low heat on the stove or in the microwave until heated through. Stir occasionally to maintain silky creaminess and avoid noodles sticking to the sides—just like freshly made!
FAQs
Can I use frozen chicken breasts for this recipe?
Yes, using frozen chicken breasts works perfectly. The long slow cook time ensures they fully thaw and become tender without compromising the texture or flavor of the dish.
Do I need to thaw the frozen egg noodles before adding?
No need to thaw! The frozen egg noodles cook perfectly in the crock pot during the last two hours. Just remember to stir every 30 minutes for even cooking and to prevent clumping.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Absolutely! Use a dairy-free margarine or butter substitute and choose cream of chicken soup that is dairy-free. This still yields a creamy, comforting result with a slightly different but delicious twist.
Is it possible to add vegetables to the recipe?
Definitely! Adding chopped carrots, celery, or peas in the last two hours enhances the nutrition and texture. Just add them with the noodles so they cook together perfectly.
How thick is the sauce in this recipe?
The sauce is luxuriously creamy yet not overly thick. It’s rich enough to coat the noodles and chicken evenly, creating a silky consistency that feels indulgent but comforting at the same time.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a recipe that wraps you up with warmth and delivers heaps of cozy comfort without any fuss, the Comforting Creamy Chicken and Noodles Crock Pot Recipe is an absolute must-try. It’s reliably delicious, simple to prepare, and perfect for nourishing yourself or your loved ones with a bowl full of homey goodness. Give it a whirl—you deserve that kind of comfort at the end of any day!
Print
Comforting Creamy Chicken and Noodles Crock Pot Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 8-9 hours
- Total Time: 8 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Comforting Chicken & Noodles Crock Pot recipe delivers tender, shredded chicken and creamy egg noodles cooked slowly for rich flavors and easy, hands-off preparation. Perfect for a warm, satisfying dinner with minimal effort.
Ingredients
Chicken & Broth Base
- 1 lb chicken breasts (fresh or frozen)
- 2 cans cream of chicken soup (10.5 oz each)
- 2 cans chicken broth (15 oz each)
- 1 stick butter or margarine (8 tablespoons)
Pasta
- 1 package frozen egg noodles (24 oz), like Reames
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Place the chicken breasts at the bottom of your crock pot to create the base layer for cooking.
- Add Liquids and Butter: Pour the chicken broth and cream of chicken soup evenly over the chicken breasts, then add the stick of butter on top to melt during cooking.
- Cook on Low: Cover the crock pot and cook on low heat for 6 to 7 hours, allowing the chicken to become tender and infused with the creamy broth flavors.
- Shred the Chicken: Remove the cooked chicken breasts carefully from the crock pot, shred them using two forks, and return the shredded chicken to the crock pot.
- Add Egg Noodles: Add the frozen egg noodles to the crock pot with the shredded chicken, stirring gently, and cook on low for an additional 2 hours. Stir every 30 minutes to prevent noodles from sticking.
- Serve and Enjoy: Once the noodles are cooked through and tender, serve the comforting chicken and noodles warm for a hearty meal.
Notes
- Use fresh or frozen chicken breasts according to preference; cooking time remains the same.
- Stirring noodles every 30 minutes helps prevent clumping and uneven cooking.
- For a thicker sauce, you can add a bit of cornstarch slurry before adding noodles.
- Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper to taste if desired, as canned soup and broth may already contain salt.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated gently.
