There is something incredibly comforting and soul-satisfying about a warm bowl of tender chicken, perfectly cooked noodles, and hearty vegetables simmered together slowly. This Crockpot Chicken Noodles Recipe brings all those cozy vibes to your table with minimal effort and maximum flavor. It’s a dish that effortlessly combines simple ingredients into a luscious, homey meal that tastes like it took all day to prepare, when really, it’s mostly hands-off cooking. Whether you’re craving a wholesome lunch or an easy weeknight dinner, this recipe wraps you in warmth and good feelings with every spoonful.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The charm of this Crockpot Chicken Noodles Recipe lies in its simplicity. Each ingredient plays a crucial role: the chicken provides hearty protein; the vegetables infuse earthy sweetness and texture; and the egg noodles soak up all the delicious broth for that perfect bite. Let’s take a closer look at what you’ll need to bring this wholesome dish to life.
- 2 chicken breasts: Choose boneless, skinless for easy shredding and lean protein.
- 4 cups chicken broth: The backbone of flavor and the cozy base of the soup.
- 1 cup egg noodles: Adds that satisfying chewiness that turns this into a real meal.
- 1 cup carrots, sliced: Adds natural sweetness and a lovely pop of color.
- 1 cup celery, chopped: Provides a subtle earthy crunch and aromatic freshness.
- 1 onion, diced: Builds a savory depth that melds all the flavors together.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Brings a fragrant warmth that enlivens the dish.
- 1 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors without overpowering.
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper: Adds a gentle, peppery kick to balance the savory notes.
- 1 teaspoon thyme: Infuses a subtle herbal fragrance that complements the chicken perfectly.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Used to gently sauté the garlic and onion for richer flavor.
How to Make Crockpot Chicken Noodles Recipe
Step 1: Sauté Aromatics
Start by heating the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Toss in the minced garlic and diced onion, cooking them gently until they turn translucent and fragrant. This simple step unlocks their sweetness and builds a beautiful flavor base that transforms the whole dish.
Step 2: Add Chicken to Crockpot
Place the chicken breasts directly into your crockpot. These will slowly cook to tender perfection, soaking up all the lovely seasonings and broth as the dish simmers.
Step 3: Add Vegetables and Seasonings
Scatter the sautéed garlic and onion over the chicken, then add the sliced carrots and chopped celery. Sprinkle the salt, black pepper, and thyme on top to season everything evenly. These ingredients combine to create that classic chicken noodle soup profile everyone loves.
Step 4: Pour in Chicken Broth
Gently pour the chicken broth over all the ingredients, just enough to cover them and create that comforting soup base. This broth will meld the flavors together as it cooks low and slow.
Step 5: Slow Cook Until Tender
Cover your crockpot and set it to cook on low for 6 to 7 hours, or if you’re short on time, use the high setting for 3 to 4 hours. This slow cooking allows the chicken to become wonderfully tender and infuses the vegetables with richness.
Step 6: Shred the Chicken
Before serving, carefully remove the chicken breasts from the crockpot and shred them using two forks. Return the shredded chicken back into the pot and stir it in. This shredding step makes every bite more tender and ensures even distribution of chicken throughout the dish.
Step 7: Finish with Egg Noodles
Add the egg noodles right into the crockpot and cook on high for an additional 30 minutes. This last step allows the noodles to cook perfectly in the broth, soaking up all that savory goodness for a truly satisfying meal.
How to Serve Crockpot Chicken Noodles Recipe
Garnishes
Brighten up your bowl with a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or a few basil leaves. A dash of grated Parmesan cheese can add a delightful salty finish. These garnishes not only enhance the flavor but add a splash of color to your comforting bowl of noodles.
Side Dishes
This dish stands well on its own but pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad or some garlic bread to mop up the savory broth. For a heartier meal, roasted vegetables or steamed greens work perfectly alongside the Crockpot Chicken Noodles Recipe.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving this in rustic bread bowls for a fun, cozy presentation that makes for a wonderful casual dinner. You can also portion it into individual ramekins for a charming, personalized touch at a dinner party or family gathering.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Make sure the soup has cooled completely before refrigerating to maintain freshness and flavor integrity.
Freezing
This Crockpot Chicken Noodles Recipe freezes well, though the noodles may get softer upon thawing. For best results, freeze the soup without the noodles and cook fresh noodles when reheating.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently on the stove over medium heat, stirring occasionally. If frozen, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating. Adding a splash of broth or water can help refresh the soup’s texture.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs are a great alternative if you prefer a richer flavor and juicier texture. Just adjust cooking time slightly to ensure they’re fully tender.
Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, simply swap the egg noodles with gluten-free pasta or noodles made from rice or legumes to keep it friendly for gluten-sensitive eaters.
Can I add other vegetables?
Definitely! Feel free to mix it up with peas, corn, or even spinach towards the end of cooking for extra color and nutrition.
How thick is the broth supposed to be?
The broth in this Crockpot Chicken Noodles Recipe is meant to be hearty but still soup-like—not thick like a stew. If you want a thicker texture, try adding a small amount of cornstarch slurry at the end.
Can I prepare this in advance for meal prep?
Yes, prepping this ahead can save you time on busy days. Just assemble the ingredients in the crockpot and refrigerate overnight, then cook as instructed the next day.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a cozy, fuss-free meal that feels like a warm hug in a bowl, you really should give this Crockpot Chicken Noodles Recipe a try. It’s effortless to make, packed with wholesome goodness, and perfect for any day when you want a little extra comfort. Trust me, once you try it, it’ll become one of your favorites to serve again and again.
Print
Crockpot Chicken Noodles Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours 30 minutes
- Total Time: 6 hours 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 to 4.4 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Halal
Description
This comforting Crockpot Chicken Noodles recipe features tender chicken breasts slow-cooked with vegetables and herbs in a flavorful chicken broth, finished with tender egg noodles. Perfect for a cozy meal, this dish comes together effortlessly with minimal prep and long, slow cooking in a crockpot to maximize flavor and tenderness.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 chicken breasts
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup egg noodles
- 1 cup carrots, sliced
- 1 cup celery, chopped
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon thyme
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Instructions
- Sauté Aromatics: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat and sauté minced garlic and diced onion until they become translucent and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes. This step enhances their flavor before adding them to the crockpot.
- Prepare Crockpot Base: Place the raw chicken breasts directly into the crockpot as the protein base for the dish.
- Add Vegetables and Seasonings: Add the sautéed garlic and onion, sliced carrots, chopped celery, salt, black pepper, and thyme to the crockpot, layering the flavors evenly around the chicken.
- Pour Broth: Pour 4 cups of chicken broth over all the ingredients in the crockpot to create the cooking liquid and base for the noodle soup.
- Slow Cook: Cover the crockpot and cook on low for 6-7 hours, or alternatively on high for 3-4 hours, until the chicken is fully cooked and vegetables are tender.
- Shred Chicken: Before serving, remove the cooked chicken breasts from the crockpot, shred them with two forks, and return the shredded chicken back into the pot for even distribution.
- Add Egg Noodles and Finish Cooking: Stir in 1 cup of egg noodles and cook on high for an additional 30 minutes, or until the noodles are tender and have absorbed some of the broth’s flavor.
Notes
- For a thicker broth, you can mix a tablespoon of cornstarch with water and add it to the crockpot before adding the noodles.
- Feel free to substitute egg noodles with other pasta shapes or gluten-free noodles if desired.
- Adding fresh parsley or a squeeze of lemon juice at the end brightens the flavor.
- Leftovers store well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and can be reheated on the stovetop or microwave.
- If you prefer, use chicken thighs instead of breasts for a richer flavor.
