There’s nothing quite like a warm, hearty bowl of chicken noodles to soothe the soul and satisfy the stomach. This slow cooker recipe for Chicken Noodles is not only delicious but also incredibly easy to prepare. With minimal effort, you can enjoy a meal that’s packed with flavor and perfect for any day of the week. This dish is particularly great for busy days when you want to come home to a ready-made, comforting dinner. Here’s a detailed guide on how to make this delightful dish, along with tips and variations to make it your own.
Ingredients
To make Chicken Noodles in the Slow Cooker, you will need the following ingredients:
- 4 chicken breasts
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 stick butter, sliced
- 2 cans cream of chicken soup
- 1 1/2 carrots, chopped
- 1/2 sweet onion, chopped
- Pepper to taste
- Frozen noodles
- Optional: 1 celery stalk, chopped
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients
Begin by gathering all your ingredients. Chop the carrots, sweet onion, and celery stalk (if using). Having all your ingredients prepped and ready will make the cooking process smoother and more efficient.
Step 2: Assemble the Slow Cooker
In your slow cooker, combine the chicken broth and cream of chicken soup. Stir well to ensure the soup is fully incorporated into the broth. This mixture will form the base of your dish, providing a rich and creamy texture.
Step 3: Add the Main Ingredients
Add the chopped carrots, sweet onion, and celery (if using) into the slow cooker. Place the chicken breasts on top of the vegetables. Distribute the sliced butter evenly over the chicken. Season with pepper to taste. The butter adds a wonderful richness to the dish, and the pepper provides a subtle kick of flavor.
Step 4: Slow Cook the Chicken
Place the lid on the slow cooker and set it to cook on low for 6 hours. During this time, the chicken will cook through, becoming tender and infusing the broth with its flavors. The vegetables will soften, adding their own depth to the dish.
Step 5: Shred the Chicken
After 6 hours, remove the chicken breasts from the slow cooker and place them on a cutting board. Using two forks, shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces. Shredding the chicken allows it to absorb even more of the flavorful broth when added back into the slow cooker.
Step 6: Add Noodles and Finish Cooking
Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker. Add the frozen noodles to the pot and stir to combine. Make sure the noodles are submerged in the broth so they cook evenly. Continue cooking on low for an additional 2 hours. During this time, the noodles will cook through, absorbing the flavors of the broth and becoming tender.
Step 7: Serve and Enjoy
Once the noodles are cooked, your Chicken Noodles dish is ready to serve. It will be thick and delicious, perfect for a hearty meal. For an extra comforting touch, serve the chicken noodles over a bed of mashed potatoes. This combination might sound unusual, but it adds an extra layer of creamy comfort that’s simply irresistible.
Tips and Variations
While the basic recipe for Chicken Noodles in the Slow Cooker is incredibly satisfying, there are several tips and variations you can try to customize it to your taste:
Tips
- Use High-Quality Chicken: For the best flavor, use high-quality, organic chicken breasts. The better the quality of the chicken, the more flavorful your dish will be.
- Season to Taste: Feel free to adjust the seasoning according to your preference. You can add other herbs and spices, such as thyme, rosemary, or garlic powder, to enhance the flavor.
- Avoid Overcooking Noodles: Keep an eye on the noodles during the final 2 hours of cooking. Depending on the type and brand of frozen noodles you use, the cooking time may vary slightly.
Variations
- Herb-Infused Chicken Noodles: Add fresh or dried herbs such as thyme, rosemary, or parsley to the slow cooker along with the vegetables for an added layer of flavor.
- Creamy Chicken Noodles: For an even creamier dish, stir in a splash of heavy cream or half-and-half during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
- Vegetable-Packed Chicken Noodles: Increase the nutritional value by adding more vegetables such as peas, green beans, or mushrooms. These can be added during the initial cooking stage or towards the end if you prefer them crisper.
- Spicy Chicken Noodles: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a few dashes of hot sauce to the broth for a spicy kick.
- Lemon Chicken Noodles: Add the juice of one lemon and some lemon zest to the slow cooker for a bright, tangy flavor.
The Comfort of Slow Cooker Meals
Slow cooker meals are a lifesaver for busy households. They require minimal preparation and allow you to set the ingredients and forget about them until it’s time to eat. The slow, gentle cooking process helps to develop deep, rich flavors that are hard to achieve with other cooking methods. Plus, there’s something incredibly comforting about coming home to the aroma of a delicious meal ready to be served.
Serving Suggestions
While Chicken Noodles in the Slow Cooker is a complete meal on its own, you can enhance your dining experience with a few simple sides:
- Green Salad: A fresh green salad with a light vinaigrette provides a nice contrast to the rich and creamy chicken noodles.
- Crusty Bread: Serve with a side of crusty bread to soak up the delicious broth.
- Roasted Vegetables: Complement the dish with a side of roasted vegetables such as Brussels sprouts, carrots, or broccoli for added nutrition.
Storing and Reheating
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, simply warm the dish in a pot on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth if needed to restore its creamy consistency. The dish can also be frozen for up to three months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Conclusion
Chicken Noodles in the Slow Cooker is a comforting, hearty dish that’s perfect for any time of the year. Its rich, creamy flavor and tender chicken make it a favorite for both adults and children. By following this simple recipe and incorporating some of the tips and variations, you can create a dish that’s uniquely yours and perfect for your family’s taste. So gather your ingredients, set up your slow cooker, and enjoy the comforting goodness of homemade chicken noodles.
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Chicken Noodles in Slow Cooker: A Comforting One-Pot Meal
- Total Time: 6-8 hours 15 minutes (low) or 3-4 hours 15 minutes (high)
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
Chicken Noodles in Slow Cooker is a comforting and hearty meal that combines tender chicken, flavorful broth, and perfectly cooked noodles. This easy-to-make dish is perfect for busy days, offering a warm and satisfying dinner that the whole family will love.
Ingredients
4 chicken breasts
4 C chicken broth
1 stick butter, sliced
2 cans cream of chicken soup
1 1/2 carrots, chopped
1/2 sweet onion, chopped
Pepper to taste
Frozen Noodles
Opt: Celery stalk chopped
Instructions
Add broth and soup into Crockpot, add veggies, chicken, and butter. Cook on low for 6 hours.
Take chicken out and shred using two forks. Add shredded chicken back to Crockpot and add noodles and pepper. Cook on low for 2 hours. Will be thick and delicious!
I serve over mashed potatoes…. don’t judge! 🙂
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6-8 hours (low) or 3-4 hours (high)
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 750mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 110mg