Comforting Chicken & Noodles Crockpot

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Crock pot chicken and noodles is a warm, comforting one-pot meal that’s easy to make and perfect for busy weeknights. This classic dish combines tender, fall-off-the-bone chicken thighs or breasts with noodles or dumplings cooked right in the savory broth.

Making chicken and noodles in the slow cooker takes advantage of the moist, gentle heat to deliver meat that’s super tender. Meanwhile, the noodles cook to al dente perfection right in the same pot. An array of aromatic vegetables and herbs add layers of flavor.

This satisfying meal comes together with minimal hands-on time thanks to the magic of the crockpot. Once you add the simple ingredients to the slow cooker in the morning or afternoon, it cooks away on its own for 6-8 hours. At dinner time, you’re left with a hearty, homemade comfort food meal ready to enjoy.

Crockpot chicken and noodles makes for a budget-friendly, filling dinner the whole family will love. The dish is also highly customizable – switch up the noodles, vegetables, and seasonings to suit your tastes. Read on for the simple recipe, helpful tips, and creative ways to enjoy slow cooker chicken noodle perfection.

Ingredients You’ll Need for Crock Pot Chicken and Noodles

Crockpot chicken and noodles comes together with a simple collection of supermarket ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need:

• Chicken – Boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs. Can also use bone-in for more flavor.
• Chicken broth – Low sodium broth works well. Can also use stock.
• Egg noodles – Wide egg noodles are perfect, but any small pasta works.
• Onion and garlic – Aromatic foundation for flavor.
• Carrots and celery – Common soup vegetables that add flavor.
• Herbs & seasonings – Thyme, sage, salt, pepper, bay leaves.
• Butter or olive oil – Adds richness and flavor.
• Flour – To thicken the broth for gravy (optional).
• Milk or cream – For extra richness (optional).

That covers the core ingredient list, but the possibilities don’t stop there. Let’s look at some tasty additions and substitutions.

Customize Your Crockpot Chicken Noodles

One of the best parts about this recipe is how customizable it is to your tastes and what you have on hand:

• Use bone-in chicken thighs for deeper flavor that the bones impart.
• Swap the noodles for pasta shells, dumplings, spaetzle or gnocchi.
• Mix in frozen veggies like peas, green beans or corn during last 30 mins.
• Add spinach or other greens in the last 10-15 mins until wilted.
• Change up the herbs and spices. Italian seasoning, paprika, cumin all work.
• Stir in a spoonful of sour cream or cream cheese right before serving.
• Garnish with fresh parsley, dill, or green onions.

Now let’s get into the simple hands-off method for making this classic meal.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Crock Pot Chicken and Noodles

1. Add aromatics like onion, garlic, celery, and carrots to crockpot. Add herbs, spices, salt, and pepper.
2. Place chicken breasts or thighs on top of the vegetables. Pour in enough broth to just cover the chicken.
3. Cook on LOW heat for 6-8 hours until chicken is very tender. Check after 6 hours.
4. Remove chicken and shred using two forks. Discard bones if using bone-in chicken.
5. Add noodles and continue cooking 30 mins until noodles are tender. Add more broth if too dry.
6. Make a simple gravy by whisking flour into the pan drippings (optional). Cook 2 mins.
7. Add shredded chicken back to the crockpot and mix with noodles. Season with salt and pepper.
8. Serve chicken and noodles warm, garnished with any extra toppings. Enjoy!

It doesn’t get much easier than dump-and-start crockpot cooking. But there are some tips that guarantee tender chicken and perfect noodles every time.

Handy Tips for Crock Pot Chicken and Noodle Perfection

Follow these tips when making your chicken and noodles:

• Cut vegetables and chicken to similar sizes for even cooking.
• Use enough broth to fully submerge the chicken. Top off with more if needed.
• Cook on LOW. The gentle heat perfectly tenderizes the chicken over time.
• Check noodles during last 30 mins so they don’t get overcooked.
• Let pressure release before removing lid to avoid dangerous steam.
• Garnish bowls with fresh herbs like parsley or chopped green onion.
• For a thicker broth, whisk a few tbsps flour into the hot liquid.
• Use wide, sturdy noodles that won’t overcook. Avoid spaghetti.

Let your slow cooker work its magic for the perfect chicken and noodles every time. Now let’s go over some tasty ways to serve this comforting meal.

Serving Suggestions for Your Crock Pot Chicken and Noodles

Crock pot chicken and noodles is delicious on its own in a bowl but also pairs well with a variety of sides:

• Steam up some veggies like green beans, broccoli or carrots as a lighter side.
• Make some buttery dinner rolls or biscuits to soak up the savory broth.
• Warm cornbread muffins or jalapeno corn bread for delicious contrast in texture.
• Go for comfort with mashed or roasted potatoes or potato salad.
• Add a fresh green salad or crunchy coleslaw for brightness.
• Saute up sugar snap peas or zucchini for extra veggies.

However you enjoy it, crockpot chicken and noodles makes for a hearty, comforting meal everyone will love.

Now that we’ve covered the recipe and serving ideas, let’s discuss just how nutritious this classic dish can be.

The Nutrition Benefits of Chicken and Noodles

When made with high quality ingredients, crockpot chicken and noodles packs some solid nutrition perks:

• Lean protein from the chicken to support muscles and satisfy hunger.
• Complex carbs from the noodles provide energy and fiber.
• Vitamins and minerals from fresh vegetables and herbs.
• Low in fat and calories when made with skinless chicken and reduced sodium broth.
• Budget-friendly ingredients like chicken thighs, carrots, onions.
• Can accommodate dietary needs – easily make gluten free or dairy free.
• Comforting, homestyle meal great for cooler weather.

Chicken noodle soup is a feel-good classic loaded with protein, carbs and veggies – the perfect triple threat after a long day.

Let’s wrap up with a final summary of why this tasty slow cooker meal is a winner any night of the week.

Crock pot chicken and noodles delivers a comforting, hearty dinner with minimal hands-on time required. Simply add the inexpensive ingredients to the slow cooker in the morning, and it cooks away on its own for 6-8 hours, no monitoring needed.

Customize the dish to your taste by experimenting with different noodles, vegetables, herbs and seasonings. Serve the chicken and noodles on their own or with sides like biscuits or roasted veggies.

This classic, protein-packed dinner takes advantage of the moist heat of the slow cooker to turn out super tender chicken and perfectly cooked noodles or dumplings. Make this budget-friendly recipe on busy weeknights for a fuss-free dinner the whole family will enjoy.