Crockpot Chicken and Noodles: The Ultimate Cozy Family Dinner

Crockpot Chicken and Noodles is that cozy, comforting meal you dream of coming home to after a long day. It’s the ultimate “set it and forget it” dinner that turns a few simple ingredients—chicken, noodles, and a creamy broth—into a family-favorite masterpiece.

Picture this: tender chicken slowly simmered in a savory sauce with carrots and garlic, soaking up all that goodness while you go about your day. Then, you toss in egg noodles at the end, and suddenly your kitchen smells like a warm hug. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just need leftovers that actually taste better the next day, this Crockpot Chicken and Noodles recipe has you covered.

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What is Crockpot Chicken and Noodles?

Crockpot Chicken and Noodles is basically comfort food at its finest—creamy, savory, and ridiculously easy to make. Imagine a cross between chicken noodle soup and a rich chicken stew. It’s got that same heartwarming flavor but with thicker noodles and a luscious sauce instead of broth.

The magic happens in your slow cooker: boneless chicken breasts simmer in a mix of cream of chicken soup, broth, carrots, and spices until they’re so tender you can shred them with a fork. Then you add noodles right into the crockpot, and they soak up every drop of that golden, velvety sauce. It’s the kind of meal that feels homemade (because it is), but with minimal effort.

Reasons to Try Crockpot Chicken and Noodles

There are about a dozen reasons why this Crockpot Chicken and Noodles recipe should be your new weeknight staple, but here are the top three:
First, it’s crazy easy. We’re talking 10 minutes of prep time—then your crockpot does all the heavy lifting. Second, it’s family-friendly. Even picky eaters who “don’t like vegetables” won’t complain about the carrots hiding in all that creamy goodness.

Third, it’s budget-friendly. You don’t need fancy ingredients—just pantry staples that somehow transform into pure comfort food. Plus, it reheats like a dream, making it perfect for meal prep. It’s one of those recipes that feels like cheating because it tastes like you worked on it all day, but really, you just let your slow cooker do the magic.

Ingredients Needed to Make Crockpot Chicken and Noodles

• 1 ½ pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts
• 21 ounces condensed cream of chicken soup (store-bought or homemade)
• 3 cups low-sodium chicken broth
• 2 medium carrots, peeled and diced
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 teaspoons onion powder
• 1–1½ teaspoons kosher salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• 8 ounces dry egg noodles
• 1 cup frozen green peas
• Fresh parsley for topping

Instructions to Make Crockpot Chicken and Noodles – Step by Step

If you’ve ever wished dinner could cook itself while you’re busy living your life, this Crockpot Chicken and Noodles Step by Step guide will make you very happy. We’re breaking down every stage so you know exactly what to do, when to do it, and how to make sure it comes out creamy, flavorful, and family-approved.

Step 1: Gather and Prep Your Ingredients

Before you even plug in that slow cooker, take a few minutes to lay out everything you need. It may sound simple, but this small prep step makes the cooking process so much smoother. You’ll need chicken breasts, cream of chicken soup, chicken broth, diced carrots, garlic, onion powder, salt, and pepper. You can also grab your noodles, peas, and parsley for later.

If you’re all about using wholesome ingredients, try making your own cream of chicken soup instead of using the canned version — it’s surprisingly easy, and I share a homemade method in Crockpot Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Soup. Lining up your ingredients before you start is a small but mighty time-saver — trust me, you’ll thank yourself later.

Step 2: Layer the Base in Your Crockpot

Now it’s time to assemble your masterpiece. Add your whole chicken breasts (no need to chop or dice), cream of chicken soup, chicken broth, carrots, garlic, onion powder, salt, and pepper straight into the crockpot. Give it a gentle stir just to distribute the seasonings and soup evenly throughout the broth.

This mix will create the base of that velvety sauce that makes Crockpot Chicken and Noodles so irresistible. If you’re looking for an extra boost of flavor, you can sprinkle in a pinch of dried thyme or poultry seasoning. Once everything’s combined, pop the lid on and cook on low for 3–4 hours or high for 2–3 hours. During this time, your house will smell like a cozy country kitchen — warm, savory, and downright inviting.

Step 3: Shred the Chicken to Perfection

Once the chicken is cooked through and tender, remove it from the crockpot. Use two forks to shred it — it should come apart easily and soak up all those delicious juices. Don’t rush this step; the more shredded the chicken, the better it blends with the noodles later.

If you love that tender, fall-apart chicken texture, check out Crockpot Ranch Chicken — it’s another recipe that gives you that same juicy, fork-tender bite every time. Once shredded, add the chicken back into your crockpot and give it a quick stir to mix everything back together.

Step 4: Add the Egg Noodles (Timing is Everything!)

Now we’re getting to the part where it all comes together — and this step requires just a little patience. Pour your dry egg noodles right into the crockpot and stir them gently into the creamy chicken mixture. The noodles will absorb some of that rich broth as they cook, thickening everything into a luscious, stew-like consistency.

Switch your crockpot to high and cook for about 25 minutes, stirring once or twice to make sure the noodles cook evenly and don’t clump together. Keep an eye on the texture — you want them soft but not mushy.

If you’d prefer a more soup-like consistency, add an extra half cup of chicken broth. For a thicker dish that clings to your spoon, leave it as is. You’re in full control here, and that’s the beauty of slow cooking.

Step 5: Stir in the Peas and Finish with Freshness

When the noodles are just about perfect, it’s time to toss in the frozen green peas. You don’t need to thaw them first; the heat of the slow cooker will take care of that in a couple of minutes. This step not only adds a lovely pop of color but also a touch of natural sweetness that balances the creamy, savory flavors.

For extra freshness, top it off with a handful of chopped fresh parsley or even a sprinkle of dill if you’re feeling fancy. Those green flecks make the dish feel bright and homey — exactly what you want in comfort food.

Step 6: Taste, Adjust, and Serve Warm

Give your Crockpot Chicken and Noodles a good stir and grab a spoonful for a taste test. This is the perfect time to adjust your seasoning — maybe a pinch more salt or a dash of pepper if you like a little extra kick. The sauce should be thick, silky, and beautifully coating every strand of noodle.

Now, all that’s left is to serve it up and dig in. Spoon generous portions into bowls and enjoy it just as it is, or pair it with warm, crusty bread or a crisp side salad. If you’re looking for the perfect side dish to complement this creamy meal, try my Easy Greek Lemon Rice or something equally cozy like One Pot Green Enchiladas Soup.

Step 7: Bonus Step – Make It Your Own

The best part about this Crockpot Chicken and Noodles Step by Step recipe is how flexible it is. You can swap in chicken thighs for more flavor, use gluten-free noodles, or sneak in extra veggies like corn or mushrooms. Want a touch of creaminess without dairy? Add a splash of coconut milk instead. For a little kick, try a pinch of paprika or crushed red pepper flakes.

This dish is forgiving, adaptable, and always delicious — which makes it perfect for busy weeknights or lazy Sunday dinners. If you fall in love with this recipe (and you will), check out Slow Cooker Ramen Noodles for another comforting noodle-based dinner that basically cooks itself.

What to Serve with Crockpot Chicken and Noodles

This dish is hearty on its own, but if you want to stretch it into a full meal, try pairing it with something fresh and simple. A crisp green salad or roasted vegetables add balance to the creamy texture. If you’re going all-in on comfort, serve it with buttery garlic bread or homemade dinner rolls to mop up every last bit of sauce. For another cozy pairing idea, check out Crockpot Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Soup—it’s another slow cooker favorite that pairs perfectly on a cold evening.

Key Tips for Making Crockpot Chicken and Noodles

• Don’t overcook the noodles: Once they’re added, keep an eye on them. They cook fast in the hot broth and can go mushy if left too long.
• Use homemade cream of chicken soup if you want a cleaner version. It’s easy to whip up and gives you control over the sodium and flavor.
• Add more broth if you prefer a soupier consistency.
• Fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary can add a nice twist if you want to mix things up.
• If you love this one, you’ll probably enjoy Crockpot Ranch Chicken—another creamy, easy dinner that’s full of flavor.

Storage and Reheating Tips for Crockpot Chicken and Noodles

Let leftovers cool before storing them in an airtight container. They’ll keep in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or in the freezer for up to 2 months. When reheating, add a splash of chicken broth or milk to bring back that creamy texture. Microwave it in short bursts, stirring occasionally, or warm it on the stovetop over medium heat. The noodles might soak up some of the sauce as it sits, so that extra liquid helps bring it back to life.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts? Absolutely. Thighs add even more flavor and stay super tender in the crockpot.
Can I use different noodles? Sure—just adjust the cooking time. Egg noodles are classic, but wide pasta or even rotini works.
Can I make it dairy-free? Yes! Try using a dairy-free cream of chicken soup substitute or a creamy oat-based soup alternative.

Final Thoughts

Crockpot Chicken and Noodles is one of those recipes that proves dinner doesn’t have to be complicated to be amazing. With minimal effort and a handful of ingredients, you get a dish that’s comforting, filling, and full of flavor. Whether you’re feeding your family on a busy weeknight or craving a cozy weekend meal, this one’s a keeper. For more simple, wholesome comfort meals, check out Easy Crock Pot Chicken Pot Pie or Slow Cooker Parmesan Garlic Chicken Potatoes. Because honestly, we all need more “dump and go” dinners that taste this good.

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