Slow Cooker Chicken and Noodles – The Ultimate Comfort Dinner

Slow Cooker Chicken and Noodles is the ultimate comfort food for busy days when you just want dinner to cook itself. There’s something so nostalgic about tender shredded chicken, creamy broth, and soft egg noodles all tangled together in one cozy bowl. The best part? This Slow Cooker Chicken and Noodles recipe takes only 10 minutes to prep—then your crockpot does all the heavy lifting while you go about your day.

Whether you’re juggling work, kids, or just craving something that feels like a warm hug, this dish delivers every time. Plus, it’s made with pantry staples, so no emergency grocery run needed. Seriously, it’s one of those meals that will make you feel like you spent hours in the kitchen when, in reality, you barely lifted a finger.

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What is Slow Cooker Chicken and Noodles?

Slow Cooker Chicken and Noodles is an old-fashioned American comfort dish made modern with the help of a crockpot. It’s all about simplicity and heartwarming flavor: juicy chicken breasts slowly simmer in a creamy, seasoned broth until they practically fall apart. Then, you stir in uncooked egg noodles that soak up all that goodness.

The end result? A thick, cozy, stick-to-your-ribs meal that feels like something Grandma used to make—without the mess or fuss. If you love recipes like Classic Crock Pot Marry Me Chicken or Fall Chicken and Pumpkin Stew, this one is right up your alley. It’s hearty, family-friendly, and absolutely foolproof.

Reasons to Try Slow Cooker Chicken and Noodles

First off, it’s practically effortless. You toss everything into your slow cooker in the morning and come home to a dinner that’s hot, creamy, and ready to serve. No babysitting, no stress. Second, it’s versatile—swap in chicken thighs, tweak the seasoning, or even use cream of celery soup for a twist. Third, it’s the kind of meal that satisfies everyone.

Picky eaters? They’ll love it. Need leftovers for lunch? Even better the next day. Plus, the aroma that fills your kitchen while it cooks—let’s just say your family will start hovering hours before dinner’s ready. If you’re into feel-good meals that bring everyone to the table, Slow Cooker Chicken and Noodles is the real deal.

Ingredients Needed to Make Slow Cooker Chicken and Noodles

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 2 (10.5-ounce) cans cream of chicken soup (with herbs)
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon pepper
• ½ teaspoon poultry seasoning
• 1 ½ teaspoons garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• ¼ cup (½ stick) salted butter, sliced
• 3 ½ cups chicken broth
• 8 ounces medium egg noodles, uncooked
• 1–2 teaspoons dried parsley, for serving

Instructions to Make Slow Cooker Chicken and Noodles

Ready to make the coziest comfort meal ever? Let’s walk through it step by step so you can have Slow Cooker Chicken and Noodles that’s creamy, flavorful, and melt-in-your-mouth tender. Don’t worry—this process is as easy as it gets, and by the end, your kitchen will smell heavenly.

Step 1: Layer and Season with Intention

To start this step-by-step process, place four boneless, skinless chicken breasts into the bottom of your 5–6 quart slow cooker. This is your base layer, so make sure the chicken is spread evenly—no need to cut it up yet. Spoon both cans of cream of chicken soup right over the top. It might look thick now, but trust the process—once everything simmers together, it becomes irresistibly creamy.

Now it’s time for flavor magic. Sprinkle in salt, pepper, poultry seasoning, garlic powder, and onion powder. These everyday pantry spices create that “home-cooked” aroma that instantly makes everyone hungry. Want to add even more depth? Try swapping one can of cream of chicken for cream of celery or mushroom—just like in our Classic Crock Pot Marry Me Chicken, where the sauce gets its signature savory twist from simple swaps.

Step 2: Add Liquid and Butter for Richness

Next up in this step-by-step Slow Cooker Chicken and Noodles recipe—add those butter slices right on top of the soup layer. As the butter melts, it infuses every bite with a touch of richness that ties everything together. Pour in the chicken broth slowly, allowing it to seep down through the layers of seasoning and soup.

This is where the slow cooker earns its title as the weeknight hero. You don’t need to stir; the ingredients will mingle on their own as they cook. Set the slow cooker on low for 5–6 hours or high for 3–4 hours, depending on how much time you have. During that time, your kitchen will fill with the comforting smell of simmering chicken—one that’ll make you wish dinner came sooner. If you love these easy dump-and-go meals, check out our Hearty Meatball Stew for another cozy option that practically cooks itself.

Step 3: Shred Like a Pro

When the chicken is tender enough to pull apart with a fork, it’s time for the next step-by-step magic moment—shredding. Use two forks to gently tear the chicken into hearty, rustic chunks right on a cutting board or inside the pot. Don’t drain the liquid; that flavorful base is the soul of this dish. Once shredded, return the chicken to the slow cooker and give it a good stir so that every piece is coated in that silky, seasoned broth.

This part always feels satisfying—watching everything come together into something that looks straight out of a Sunday family dinner. And if you’re cooking for a crowd, this is the perfect moment to sneak a little taste (just for “quality control,” of course).

Step 4: Add Noodles and Simmer to Perfection

Now comes the finishing step by step move: adding the noodles. Pour the uncooked egg noodles right into the pot and stir to coat them evenly. This ensures they soak up all that flavor as they cook. Cover the slow cooker again and let it simmer for 30–45 minutes more, or until the noodles are tender and the mixture thickens into creamy, comfort-food perfection.

If the dish starts looking a little too thick, don’t panic. Add a splash of chicken broth or milk to loosen it up—it’s all about getting that perfect, velvety consistency. For an extra boost of flavor and color, sprinkle a little dried parsley over the top just before serving.

Love creamy, comforting dishes like this? You might also enjoy our Easy Chicken and Rice Soup, which uses a similar slow-cooking method to deliver deep, homey flavors with minimal effort.

Step 5: Serve and Savor

This is the step by step you’ve been waiting for—serving time! Spoon the Slow Cooker Chicken and Noodles into bowls and watch as that creamy, savory goodness takes center stage. Pair it with a slice of crusty bread or even some Maple Dijon Roasted Carrots on the side for a well-rounded meal.

Every bite is rich, satisfying, and full of cozy, nostalgic flavor. The noodles are soft, the chicken tender, and the sauce just thick enough to cling to every bite. It’s one of those meals that tastes like it took all day to make—but only took a few simple step-by-step moves.

What to Serve with Slow Cooker Chicken and Noodles

This meal stands beautifully on its own, but if you’re feeling extra cozy, serve it with sides that complement its creamy richness. A crisp green salad with tangy vinaigrette cuts through the creaminess nicely. Homemade biscuits or crusty garlic bread are perfect for soaking up that savory sauce. For something heartier, pair it with Maple Dijon Roasted Carrots or Roasted Winter Vegetable Soup. And if you’re cooking for a crowd, a side of Cranberry Glazed Chicken adds a sweet and tangy contrast that’s sure to impress.

Key Tips for Making Slow Cooker Chicken and Noodles

1. Use chicken thighs for extra flavor—they stay juicy and tender.
2. If your chicken breasts are large, use three instead of four.
3. Add noodles only at the end; cooking them too long can make them mushy.
4. Want a thicker sauce? Leave the lid off for the last 10 minutes.
5. Mix and match soups—cream of celery or mushroom both work great.
6. For a lighter version, use reduced-fat soup and skip the butter.

Storage and Reheating Tips for Slow Cooker Chicken and Noodles

Leftovers? Lucky you. Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. When reheating, add a splash of broth or milk to loosen the sauce before microwaving or warming on the stove. It also freezes surprisingly well—just make sure to cool it first and store it in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat slowly. This dish tastes just as good (if not better) the next day, so don’t be shy about doubling the batch.

FAQs

Can I use frozen chicken?
Yes, but it’s best to thaw first for even cooking.

Can I make this gluten-free?
Use gluten-free noodles and soup, and you’re set.

Can I cook on high instead of low?
Absolutely. Three to four hours on high will do the trick.

What if I don’t have cream of chicken soup?
Try Homemade Cream of Chicken Substitute for a quick DIY option.

Final Thoughts

Slow Cooker Chicken and Noodles is comfort food magic at its simplest. It’s the kind of recipe you’ll keep coming back to when life feels hectic or you just need something warm and familiar on your plate. It’s easy, affordable, and deeply satisfying—the kind of meal that feels like a hug from the inside out. If you love this dish, try other cozy comfort favorites like Hearty Meatball Stew or Easy Chicken and Rice Soup. Because honestly, who couldn’t use a little more comfort in their week?

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