Slow Cooker Chicken and Noodles
Highlighted under: Hearty & Delicious Comfort Food
Slow Cooker Chicken and Noodles is a comforting and hearty dish that's perfect for busy weeknights. With tender chicken and flavorful noodles cooked to perfection, this recipe will quickly become a family favorite.
This Slow Cooker Chicken and Noodles recipe is not only easy to prepare but also results in a deliciously satisfying meal that everyone will love. Imagine coming home to the warm, savory aroma of chicken and noodles after a long day!
Why You Will Love This Recipe
- Tender chicken cooked to perfection in a flavorful broth
- Comforting noodles that soak up all the delicious flavors
- Easy to prepare and perfect for busy weeknights
A Hearty Family Meal
Slow Cooker Chicken and Noodles is more than just a meal; it’s a warm embrace on a chilly evening. This dish brings together simple ingredients in a way that makes them shine. The tender chicken, simmered with fresh vegetables, creates a rich and flavorful broth that will have your family running to the dinner table.
Perfect for busy weeknights, this recipe allows you to set it and forget it. With minimal prep time, you can go about your day knowing a delicious dinner is waiting for you. The slow cooker does all the heavy lifting, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully while you focus on other things.
Versatile and Customizable
One of the best aspects of this dish is its versatility. While the classic recipe calls for chicken, noodles, and a selection of vegetables, you can easily adapt it to suit your family's preferences. Feel free to swap in your favorite veggies or even add some frozen peas for a pop of color and nutrition.
You can also adjust the seasoning to your liking. If you enjoy a bit of heat, consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes. For those who love herbs, fresh thyme or rosemary can elevate the dish further. The possibilities are endless, making this recipe a go-to for any occasion.
Meal Prep and Storage Tips
This dish is perfect for meal prep. You can make a large batch on the weekend and portion it out for easy lunches or dinners throughout the week. Store the chicken and noodles in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to four days, making it a convenient option for busy schedules.
If you have leftovers, they can be frozen as well. Just make sure to cool the dish completely before transferring it to freezer-safe containers. When you're ready to enjoy it again, simply thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat on the stove or in the microwave for a quick and satisfying meal.
Ingredients
Gather the following ingredients to create this delicious meal:
Ingredients
- 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup carrots, sliced
- 1 cup celery, sliced
- 1 onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 8 ounces egg noodles
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Make sure you have all these ingredients ready before starting the cooking process.
Instructions
Follow these steps to create your Slow Cooker Chicken and Noodles:
Prepare the Chicken
Place the chicken breasts at the bottom of the slow cooker.
Add Vegetables and Seasoning
Layer the carrots, celery, onion, and garlic over the chicken. Sprinkle with thyme, pepper, and salt.
Pour in the Broth
Add the chicken broth to the slow cooker, ensuring the chicken and vegetables are covered.
Cook
Cover and cook on low for 6 hours or until the chicken is tender.
Shred the Chicken
Once cooked, remove the chicken and shred it with two forks. Return it to the slow cooker.
Add Noodles and Cream
Stir in the egg noodles and heavy cream. Cover and cook for an additional 30 minutes on low, or until the noodles are tender.
Serve
Garnish with fresh parsley and serve warm.
Enjoy your deliciously comforting meal!
Tips for Perfect Chicken and Noodles
To ensure your chicken turns out perfectly tender, consider using bone-in chicken breasts or thighs. These cuts will add more flavor and moisture to your dish. If using boneless, skinless chicken, make sure to keep an eye on the cooking time to prevent it from drying out.
For an extra depth of flavor, sauté the onions and garlic in a bit of oil before adding them to the slow cooker. This simple step can enhance the overall taste of your dish, giving it a wonderful aromatic base.
Serving Suggestions
Serve your Slow Cooker Chicken and Noodles with warm crusty bread or a side salad for a complete meal. The bread is perfect for soaking up the delicious broth, while the salad adds a refreshing contrast to the rich flavors of the main dish.
For a heartier experience, consider adding a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese on top before serving. The cheese melts beautifully into the hot noodles, adding creaminess and an extra layer of flavor that your family will love.
Questions About Recipes
→ Can I use frozen chicken?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts. Just increase the cooking time by 1-2 hours.
→ Can I add other vegetables?
Absolutely! Feel free to add peas, green beans, or any other vegetables you enjoy.
→ Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, you can substitute the egg noodles with gluten-free noodles.
→ How do I store leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Slow Cooker Chicken and Noodles
Slow Cooker Chicken and Noodles is a comforting and hearty dish that's perfect for busy weeknights. With tender chicken and flavorful noodles cooked to perfection, this recipe will quickly become a family favorite.
Created by: Emily
Recipe Type: Hearty & Delicious Comfort Food
Skill Level: Easy
Final Quantity: 6 servings
What You'll Need
Ingredients
- 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup carrots, sliced
- 1 cup celery, sliced
- 1 onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 8 ounces egg noodles
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
How-To Steps
Place the chicken breasts at the bottom of the slow cooker.
Layer the carrots, celery, onion, and garlic over the chicken. Sprinkle with thyme, pepper, and salt.
Add the chicken broth to the slow cooker, ensuring the chicken and vegetables are covered.
Cover and cook on low for 6 hours or until the chicken is tender.
Once cooked, remove the chicken and shred it with two forks. Return it to the slow cooker.
Stir in the egg noodles and heavy cream. Cover and cook for an additional 30 minutes on low, or until the noodles are tender.
Garnish with fresh parsley and serve warm.
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Total Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
- Sodium: 750mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 30g
- Dietary Fiber: 2g
- Sugars: 3g
- Protein: 25g