Crockpot Chicken and Noodles

Ingredients

• 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
• 1 medium yellow onion, diced
• 3 carrots, peeled and sliced into ½-inch rounds
• 2 celery stalks, sliced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 teaspoons dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
• 1 bay leaf
• 2 teaspoons salt, or to taste
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 4 cups chicken broth (low sodium preferred)
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 chicken bouillon cube or 1 teaspoon bouillon powder (optional, for enhanced flavor)
• 12 ounces egg noodles (wide or extra-wide)
• ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
• ½ cup heavy cream or half-and-half (optional, for creamier consistency)
• 1 cup frozen peas (optional, add during last 30 minutes)

Directions

Morning Prep:

1. Place diced onion, sliced carrots, and celery in the bottom of the slow cooker.
2. Add minced garlic, dried thyme, rosemary, bay leaf, salt, and pepper.
3. Place chicken breasts or thighs on top of the vegetables.
4. Pour chicken broth over everything, then add butter and bouillon (if using).
5. Cover and cook on LOW for 6-7 hours or on HIGH for 3-4 hours, until chicken is tender and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.

Final Preparation (30-40 minutes before serving):

1. Remove chicken from the slow cooker and place on a cutting board.
2. Shred chicken using two forks, then return it to the slow cooker.
3. Add the egg noodles to the slow cooker and stir gently to submerge.
4. If adding peas, add them now.
5. If the mixture seems too thick, add up to 1 cup of additional broth or water.
6. Cover and cook on HIGH for an additional 20-30 minutes, until noodles are tender.
7. If using cream, stir it in during the last 5 minutes of cooking.
8. Remove bay leaf before serving.
9. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
10. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving, if desired.

Additional Tips or Variations

• Vegetable Boost: Add mushrooms, green beans, or corn
• Herb Garden Version: Use fresh herbs instead of dried (triple the amount)
• Lemon Brightness: Add 1 tablespoon lemon juice and 1 teaspoon zest before serving
• Garlic Lover’s: Double the garlic and add 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• Creamy Version: Use cream of chicken soup instead of some of the broth
• Whole Chicken Option: Use a 3-4 pound whole chicken (remove skin first) and increase cooking time by 1-2 hours
• Gluten-Free Adaptation: Use gluten-free pasta, cooking separately and adding just before serving
• Spicy Kick: Add red pepper flakes or hot sauce to taste
• Dairy-Free Option: Use dairy-free butter and coconut cream instead of heavy cream

Nutritional Highlights (Per Serving)

Based on 6 servings

• Calories: Approximately 420
• Protein: 38g
• Carbohydrates: 32g
• Fat: 15g
• Fiber: 3g
• Sodium: 860mg
• Potassium: 620mg
• Vitamin A: 70% Daily Value
• Iron: 15% Daily Value

Note: Nutritional values are estimates and will vary based on specific ingredients used and exact portion sizes.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can I use frozen chicken? A: Yes, frozen chicken works, but increase cooking time by 1-2 hours and always verify the internal temperature reaches 165°F before shredding. For food safety reasons, it’s best to thaw chicken before slow cooking when possible.

Q: My noodles got mushy. What went wrong? A: Noodles likely cooked too long. Only add them 20-30 minutes before serving time, or consider cooking them separately and adding just before serving if you need to keep the dish warm for an extended period.

Q: Can I use a different type of pasta? A: Yes! Any medium pasta shape works well. Cooking times may vary slightly – check for doneness after 15 minutes. Egg noodles are traditional and hold up well in this dish.

Q: How can I make this dish thicker? A: For a thicker consistency, mix 2 tablespoons of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water, then stir this slurry into the hot liquid about 30 minutes before serving. Alternatively, remove 1 cup of broth, whisk in 3 tablespoons of flour until smooth, then return to the pot.

Q: Can I cook this on high to save time? A: Yes, cook on HIGH for 3-4 hours instead of LOW for 6-7 hours. However, cooking on LOW generally yields more tender chicken and better flavor development.

Conclusion

Crockpot Chicken and Noodles represents slow cooker cooking at its finest – transforming simple, humble ingredients into a meal that nourishes both body and soul. The beauty of this dish lies not just in its comforting flavors but in how it simplifies your life, giving you back precious time while still allowing you to put a homemade meal on the table.

What makes this recipe truly special is its ability to connect us to cooking traditions of the past while accommodating our busy modern lifestyles. The slow simmer develops deep flavors reminiscent of grandma’s kitchen, yet the hands-off nature of crockpot cooking means you don’t need to spend hours watching over a pot on the stove.

This dish also shows us that comfort food doesn’t need to be complicated or unhealthy to be satisfying. By focusing on quality ingredients and proper cooking techniques, we create a meal that’s nourishing and hearty without excessive fat or complicated steps. The combination of lean protein, vegetables, and carbohydrates creates a balanced one-pot meal that satisfies hunger while providing essential nutrients.

Whether you’re feeding a family on a busy weeknight, looking for meal prep solutions, or simply craving something warm and comforting, this Crockpot Chicken and Noodles recipe delivers on all fronts. Its familiar flavors and textures make it a reliable favorite that will earn a permanent place in your recipe collection, ready to provide comfort whenever you need it most.